• Resume Tips
• Chronological Resume Format
• Interview Tips
• Accomplishment Statements

Resume Tips

There are three main resume formats: Chronological, functional and combination. The chronological format highlights career advancement and growth. The functional format focuses on particular skills rather than employment history. The combination format combines both. The chronological format is the most common used, the easiest to read, and the one usually preferred by hiring officials.

•  If possible, limit the resume to two pages.  Do not use small type.
  
  
•  Use 8 1/2” x 11” bond paper.  Avoid unorthodox shades of paper.  White or buff are easier to copy and/or fax.
  
  
• Before including information, ask yourself, “Will it benefit me to put this in my resume?”  If not, leave it out!
  
  
• Avoid the use of personal pronouns, abbreviations, or industry jargon.
  
  
• Avoid the use of an “objective.”  Most “objectives” limit flexibility for the types of jobs for which you may be considered. Address your specific employment objective in the cover letter.
  
  
• Do not include references.  Reference requests are made when there is actual hiring interest.
  
  
• Present your skills accurately and positively. Do not exaggerate.
  
  
• Do not include salary requirements or salary history on your resume.
  
  
• Place your education information at the end, unless you are a recent graduate with little work experience.
  
  
• Use strong action words to begin each statement. Concise, bulleted phrases are better than complete sentences in a resume.
  
  
• A “Summary of Qualifications” section can highlight your skills at the top of the first page.
  
  
• When listing work experience, note accomplishments rather than duties.  Describe the situation or problem, note your action(s) to solve the problem and quantify the results or benefits of your action(s).
  
  
• Note volunteer experience only if it will compliment your qualifications.
  
  
• If changing careers, learn the jargon of the new industry.  Highlight skills that would transfer to the new area.
  
  
• Use percentages and numbers.
  
  
• Do not overuse capitals, bold type, italics or underlined phrases.  Make the resume attractive to the eye and easy to read with an appropriate amount of graphic emphasis techniques.
  
  
• Have two other people proofread your resume.  Ensure it is error free.  

Before the Interview

• Be prepared.  Research the company and think of questions you can ask about the duties, responsibilities, and future of the position for which you are applying.
  
  
• Gather any important materials: Additional copies of your resume, reference list, etc.
  
  
• Reassure yourself.  Remember, you got the interview because of your potential!
  
  
• Expect different personality styles and interview techniques.  Be prepared to complete applications or forms as required.
  
  
• Organize your thoughts.
  
  
• Dress professionally; a dark, conservative business suit is always a safe bet, regardless of the position for which you are interviewing.
  
  
• Make sure you have good directions to the interview.  Arriving five minutes early is ideal.
  
  
• Be punctual.

• Be confident and pleasant.  Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and smile.
  
  
• Show interest and enthusiasm.
  
  
• Listen carefully and answer questions completely.  Don’t be afraid to admit if you do not know something.
  
  
• Be positive.  Avoid discussing negative experiences, and do not complain about previous employers or their practices.
  
  
• Sell your qualifications and abilities.  Know what you have to offer a potential employer, and be prepared to tell them.
  
  
• Avoid discussing salary and benefits.  The interview purpose is to determine if you are the right person for the job and if the job duties interest you.  Save questions about salary and benefits until you are offered the job.
  
  
• Ask when you can expect to hear back from the company.
  
  
• Ask for the job.  “I want this position and I am available to start on _______.”

• Send a thank you note to everyone with whom you interviewed.
  
  
• If you have not heard from the company after the set time, phone or write to ask if the job has been filled.
  
  
• If you do not get the job, do not be discouraged--keep looking!
  
  
• If you receive a job offer, consider all the points before deciding.

Accomplishment Statements

Accomplishment statements generally have five things in common:

1. They state what action you took to improve a situation.
   
   
2. They express how that action benefited the organization in one of three ways:
   
   
   1. Cost savings (actual dollars or percentage of dollars saved).
   2. Improved efficiencies (time saved, better procedures, reduction in staff).
   3. Increased revenues (new business generated, increased sales or profits).
      
      
3. They state the result of your action in numerical or percentage terms whenever possible.
   
   
4. They begin with an action verb.
   
   
5. They are not longer than one sentence.

1. Increased profits
   
   
2. Increased sales
   
   
3. Reduced costs
   
   
4. Enlarged market or share

CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME FORMAT

 

YOUR NAME

Your Street Address

City, State, Zip

(Area Code) Phone Number

 

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Number of years of work experience at positions relevant to the desired position.
  
  
• Credentials or education or training, relevant to the desired position.
  
  
• A key accomplishment which shows that you are a top candidate for the desired position.
  
  
• A strength or characteristic that is important to you and relevant to the desired position.
  
  
• Other items the employer should know, i.e. skills, traits, and accomplishments.

 

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

 

19XX-present       COMPANY NAME

                                Job Title

A two-line overview of the scope of your responsibilities in this company, including the type of products or services with which you dealt. Use present tense if currently employed.

• List an accomplishment from this job, illustrating skills needed for the NEW job
  
  
• Continue list of accomplishments…

 

19XX-19XX           COMPANY NAME

                                Job Title

A two-line overview of the scope of your responsibilities in this company, including the type of products or services with which you dealt. Use past tense.

• List an accomplishment from this job, illustrating skills needed for the NEW job
  
  
• Continue list of accomplishments…

 

Continue to list work experience, however you do not need to go back more than ten years.

 

EDUCATION        University of [                        ]

City, State

                                Degree (i.e., AA, BA, BS, MS, MBA), Major Date Degree Completed