Top Ten Resume Writing Tips

By: Cal U of PA's Career Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your resume is your personal marketing tool. It allows you to establish contact with an employer; and, if effective, will help you in obtaining an interview and possibly a job. Here are some tips to think about when you are writing or reading over your resume.

 

1. Target your resume.

 

• Make the resume focus on what the employer is looking for. Make certain that all of your relevant experience and education is included in your resume. Try to avoid including too much irrelevant information.

 

 

2. Prioritize your accomplishments.

 

• Things that show off your achievements should be placed before others that are less important. Remember, the employer will be reading from the top of your resume to the bottom.

 

 

3. Keep it short.

 

• The average resume is skimmed over by employers for 8-15 seconds. In those 8-15 seconds they will decide if your resume is worth reading entirely. Try to keep your resume to one page if possible.

 

 

4. Use action words.

 

• Action words catch the employer’s eye. It shows what you have done. Try starting off bulleted sentences with words like developed, implemented, or coordinated. A full list of effective action words is available in the Red Book, which is accessible at www.calu.edu/careers

 

 

5. Avoid using a template.

 

• Make your resume look original. Research examples of resumes and pull together different aspects of each to create your own format.

 

 

6. Make it neat and professional.

 

• Employers will notice a resume if it is organized neatly and professionally. Try to make sure there is ample white space by avoiding long, drawn out sentences.

 

 

7. Avoid misspellings.

 

• Employers view the misspelling of words on your resume as careless and sloppy. It will imply how you will do your job for them if you are hired.

 

 

8. Use buzzwords.

 

• If there are words that will show off your knowledge in a certain field, use them within your resume. 

 

 

9. Use one universal font.

 

• Keep your resume uniform. Use the same font for the entire resume. Using a universal font such as Arial, Tahoma, or Times New Roman, will ensure that employers will be able to read your resume correctly if you are e-mailing your resume.

 

 

10. Have someone read over your resume.

 

• Others will pick out the errors and misspellings in your resume quicker than you. Make sure it is proofread and perfect before you submit it to a any potential employers. Bring your resume into Career & Professional Development Center to be reviewed and corrected if necessary. Stop by Career & Professional Development Center or call to make an appointment today!

 

 

Be sure to upload your resume on Hire CALYou (A free, online, one-stop career portal for CALU students, alumni and employers)