Basic Elements of a Résumé

 

The Reverse Chronological resume will be used by 95% of job seekers. This will present information from the most recent to oldest.

  1. Education
  2. Work experience

Other options include Functional (skills oriented) and Accomplishment/achievement (high-lighting approach).

 

Construction of your résumé :

            Contact information

  • Name, address information, phone, and e-mail

            Objective

  • Should be job specific

            Education

  • Degree(s), major, date graduated (anticipated), dates of attendance, related coursework, GPA (if above 3.0)

            Experience

  • Job title
  • Job description
  • Name and place of employment
  • Dates of employment

Other

  • Summary of qualifications
  • Languages (fluent or conversational)
  • Computer/Technical skills (MS Office, MS Word, MS Excel, QuickBooks, Adobe, Dreamweaver, etc.)
  • Activities, honors (Deans list, volunteer work, sports, etc)


Helpful Hints :

DO

  • Use 11 to 14 pt. font; 12 is standard
  • Provide an e-mail address that sounds professional
  • Review your gathered background facts and select the facts that describe you best.
  • Organize the information to present yourself in the best possible manner.
  • Avoid spelling and grammar errors
  • Use consistent punctuation (avoid exclamation marks)

 

DON'T

  •  Include race, religion, sex, age, or marital status
  • Use personal pronouns (e.g., I, me, my)
  • State historical wage/salary information
  • Give reasons for leaving previous jobs
  • Use too many different fonts or excessive emphasis features (e.g. underline, bold, italics)

 
Last Updated: 8/28/2012 9:48 AM