Resume Resume BasicsBasics

Learning to create, format, and build your own resume.

What is a resume?What is a resume?• “A personal advertisement that shows off your job

skills and their value to a future employer”1

1. Parker, Yana. (2002) The Damn Good Resume Guide. California: Ten Speed Press.

• Purpose: To help you get a job interview

• Two types of resumes: • Chronological – by date• Functional – by skill

…but the resume alone is not enough

Tips, Tips, Tips!Tips, Tips, Tips!• No more than one to two pages length• EDIT, EDIT, EDIT: Proofread like it’s your job!• Appearance: typed and printed on clean paper• Use short sentences• Stress your accomplishments• Highlight Results• Emphasize Skills• Don’t be humble…• But don’t lie or exaggerate either!

Resume StructureResume Structure

• Personal Information

• Job Objective

• Relevant Skills and Experience

• Work History

• Education and Training

Personal InfoPersonal Info

• Full Name

• Phone (with voicemail)

• Address

• * Email *

What to include: What NOT to include:

• Gender

• Age

• Photo

• Race/Ethnicity

Skills & Skills & AccomplishmentsAccomplishments

• Feature skills that are key to your target job success

• Be able to back up each skill with example of when

you used it

• Recognize accomplishments - the PAR approach

• …and don’t be afraid to brag a little!

• Use language of embellishment – action words

Tips, Tips, Tips!Tips, Tips, Tips!• Include work and education that is relevant • Rearrange accordingly!• Omit earlier jobs and education (eg. high school)

if worried about age discrimination• Include self-employment!• Currently unemployed? Include volunteering,

training, or parenting• Gaps in your work history or odd jobs – try a

functional resume instead of chronological

Design Design • Consistency• Clean• Proofread• DO use dark blue or black ink, good quality paper• DO use a clear font in a readable size• DON’T mix typefaces • DO allow for some white space• DO use bold type and bullets for emphasis• DON’T use multiple colors