Your Resume
Create your resume
Your resume is a selling tool that summarizes your skills, accomplishments, experiences, and education in order to secure an interview. It is the first representation of you and your work seen by a prospective employer.
The most effective resumes are clearly focused on your job objective.
There are two primary types of resumes: chronological and functional. Use the chronological resume if you easily meet the advertised skill, experience, and education requirements. Use the functional resume if you are a new graduate or are changing fields or industries.
Chronological Resume
This format is best suited for single-industry or single-function careers, when there are no gaps in employment history.
Functional Resume
This format is best suited for multi-industry or multi-function careers (different industries and functions/skills), when there are no gaps in employment history.
Either format should abide by the following principles and should include the following basic elements: Length Limit resumes to one page if possible. Extensive work experience, technical skills, or education may need a two-page resume. If a resume is longer than one page, make sure to list key skills and selling points on the first page.
- Contact Information
Your name, address, telephone number, and email address should appear at top of the page. Type your name in capital letters, or set in bold type, or a larger font. - Objective
Start your resume with a statement of your employment objective in one sentence. Make sure that your objective is not too narrow or too broad. Name the position you want along with two or three of your top skills. - Titles & Dates
Identify company name, position title, and the dates of your previous positions. If a company has changed its name due to reorganization, use only the current name. Make sure dates line up and are easy to follow. If you have had several job changes, be sure to state the reason for leaving. - Content
Emphasize results and achievements, not job duties. Indicate how well you performed, and incorporate numbers wherever possible. Bullet points work best for listing job-based achievements. - Salary
Never list past, current, or expected earnings. You may be rejected because you make too much money (appearing overqualified), or you may be offered too little money based on past earnings (appearing underqualified).
