RULES FOR RESUME CONTENT AND WRITING

Sample of regular resume
Sample of e-resume

A resume is used to get you to see potential employers and to organize the important facts about you in a written document. It should contain brief but sufficient information to tell a prospective employer:

1. What you can do

2. What is your level of education

3. What have you done

4. What you know

5. What kind of job you want

6. What type of person/employee you are

You may mail it when applying for a job in the paper, or personally give it to friends or family members who may know of people or a company that may be looking for someone just like you.

Your resume should accomplish several objectives:

1. It will serve as your introduction
   

2. It will save time for both the employer and applicant. (screening device)

3. It will serve as a focus for, and improve, your personal interview. When you have outlined your outstanding qualities, you will find it easier to discuss them at an interview.
   
   Write short, concise sentences. State your accomplishments in as few words as possible.
   

RESUME RULES

1. Be honest

2. Proofread it carefully. Have someone proofread your final copy for spelling errors. Using the spell checker on a word-processing program can also help avoid the embarrassment of a misspelled word.

3. It should be no longer than one page (you may include references on page 2 if necessary. Fit your resume on one 8-1/2 x ll inch page. Employers receive many resumes each week and often spend as little as 15 seconds on each.
   

4. If you use a second page use a page heading in case the pages become detached.

5. Use italics, bold, underline, capital letters or change font sizes to attract attention or highlight certain areas.

6. Type the resume in a clear, clean typeface. Use a word processor to customize each copy. The resume should look professional and highly readable. Balance the white space on your resume. Retain sufficient white space, leaving at least one-inch margins, and double space between paragraphs.
   
   
7. Use a letter quality printer. Use off-white, beige, or light gray paper for both your cover letter and resume. Use business sized envelopes that match the stationary.
   
   
8. Use double underline or heavy bold line to separate headings from the rest of the resume.
   
   
9. Use action verbs to begin each sentence or phrase. Action verbs include: Select, lead, coordinate, organized, motivated, presented, repaired.
   
   
10. Use the vocabulary or "jargon" of your field, but do not use overly technical language.
    
    
11. List specific accomplishments and results. Use the numbers when possible.
    * increased profits by 25%
    * devised fund raiser that netted $1,500 for class treasury.
    
    
12. Convey one selling point at a time. Do not confuse your accomplishments by grouping too many ideas together.
    
    
13. Focus on the concerns of your potential employer. Show what you can do for the company.
    
    
14. List only personal details that relate to your objective- that show you are a well rounded person. Do not include your picture in your resume.
    
    
15. Use TAB's or indent, NOT spacebar if more than 2 spaces.
    
    You should have three references. These people should be people that would speak highly of you.
    a) personal (friend, or friend of the family, no peers)
    b) work related (past employer or supervisor)
    c) school (counselor, teacher)

Your resume is a presentation of yourself. It makes the first and last impression of who you are.