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Career Information

What is a Resume?
A resume is a French word for “summary.” It lets a potential employer know all about you in this one-page summary. It serves as a screening device to help employers select the best applicants.

Tips for a Successful Resume

  • Make sure you complete the resume worksheets before you begin formatting your resume on the computer. The instructions given in the worksheets will assist you in making sure you have the appropriate information for your resume and also in properly setting up your resume.
  • Proofread and spell check carefully. Grammar and spelling must be perfect. Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.
  • Be consistent by choosing a pattern of spacing, an order of information presentation or a format of highlighting. Be consistent throughout.
  • Look over the list of possible “Resume Content Areas.” You may combine content areas. Example: Skills/Qualities of Skills/Courses or Awards/Activities. You must determine what categories describe you yet still have a resume that fits on one page.
  • The resume should be balanced. Center the resume vertically as well as horizontally.
  • List the most important information in the top one-third of your resume.
  • Use active language when describing each task in the “Work History” content area. Begin each task with an action word. Skills and abilities should be action-oriented short statements beginning with a verb. Use short statements. Omit personal pronouns (I, we, etc.) and the use of sentences.
  • Present information with the most recent information first.
  • Resume must be neat and visually appealing. Choose high quality paper in white or other conservative colors. (NO pictures, NO graphics, and NO brightly-colored paper.)
  • Your resume must be factual. You will need three references. Ask your selected people before you use their names in the actual resume. Do not use family or your peers as references.
  • Do not copy someone else’s resume.

 

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