General Considerations

Keep it Brief

Your resume is an overview of your qualifications-- not your life story. It's a "preview of coming attractions" which creates the desire to see the rest of the show. One to two pages is the standard for a resume read by the human eye, and up to three pages for a scannable resume. If your resume is more than one page, the first page must capture the reader's attention. If it fails to do so, the remaining pages won't be read.

Focus

Don't try to be everything to everyone. Target your job search and your resume to your specific occupational goals.

Prepare Multiple Resumes

Generally, you should concentrate first on one well-written resume that targets your immediate job search. Make sure this resume represents you well to a wide range of employers and is suitable for scanning. If you've more than one objective, additional resumes may be required. For example, if you're planning to pursue two distinct occupations such as realtor and bookkeeper, you'd need two resumes. If you only use the targeted resume approach, you'd also write a unique resume to each employer.

Provide a Visual Impact

A piece of sales literature has only about two seconds to attract the reader's attention. Similarly, the resume must attract the employer even before it's read. Many advertising techniques apply, including the use of white space, bullets, indentation and varied type style. Professional printing produces a high quality product, but can be expensive. Laser quality printing is an excellent alternative. Never handwrite your resume! Make sure there are no typographical, grammatical or spelling errors. Ask someone to proofread your resume to help eliminate errors.

Ensure Integrity

Your resume is specifically designed to paint the best picture possible of you. Place the emphasis on the positive, not the negative. It should be an honest statement of your best qualities. Your resume should hold up under scrutiny. Facts and numbers must be believable. The content of the resume should be in harmony. Dates should be consistent while experience and related activities should support your qualifications.

Target Your Resume

If you consistently hear that you're overqualified or are concerned that you will be perceived as such, then you haven't effectively targeted your resume. When writing your resume, target it to the level of employment and to the occupation or employer. If you're pursuing more than one distinct level of employment, then consider a separate resume for each. Present the information that you believe is important. You don't have to tell everything. If you have an advanced degree in a field unrelated to your goal, leave it off.

Resume Content

Name Block

Use your full first name. Avoid using nicknames. If you have a preference to be called by a shortened version of your full name, it's acceptable to put this name in parentheses or quotes (Elizabeth-- prefer to be called "Betty"). Your address shouldn't contain abbreviations. Your phone number should include the area code. Provide a phone number where you can be reached at all times, either by an answering machine or an alternate message number. Don't put your name and address on one line for a scannable resume, as the computer may be confused by this format. Type your name in bold and/or all capitals to make it stand out.

Summary Statements

The summary or qualification statement documents your work experience, achievement and skills. This statement is a summary of the experience and qualifications that are the most pertinent to the job for which you're applying. This is recommended for all job seekers as a way to get the employer's attention. The summary should be three or four lines or a series of phrases that may be used in place of the employment objective or just following it.

To be effective, the summary or qualification statement must indicate that you're qualified for the position you're seeking. It's often read first, and if it catches the reader's attention, chances are, the rest of the resume will be read. A summary example-- Resourceful Planner/Coordinator with extensive knowledge of inventory control and online inventory systems. Recognized by management for innovation and initiative in implementing JIT techniques, as well as interdepartmental communications and supervisory skills.

Employment History

List your most recent employment first. A general standard is to list the last three jobs, or the last ten years, whichever comes first. Focus on recent jobs and those that are most appropriate to your goals. If you have large gaps in employment or have

changed jobs frequently, consider using a functional resume. How you use your resume and the make-up of your experience will determine the amount of information to include. Many job seekers and employers use the resume as a substitute application (this is very useful if the application works against your qualifications). As a substitute application, the resume should include employer contact information. Many resumes list employer name, city and state. Contact information is provided through an employment application or reference sheet. One advantage in limiting this information is to keep the resume focused on your qualifications. Also, some people may not want a prospective employer to be able to easily reach a previous employer. The choice is yours. There is no one standard that fits all situations.

Memberships

List organizational memberships related to your job goal. Avoid using non-employer-related or controversial organizations. Avoid mentioning specific religious or political affiliations, or other potentially controversial groups unless they directly relate to the job you want.

Education

If your skills and experience come from employment, list employment first and education last. List education first if the emphasis is on education (a recent graduate). If you're a college graduate, state the name of the institution, location (city and state), degree earned and field of study.

ELIZABETH "BETTY" APPLICANT
1443 Hire Me Lane
Employability, Minnesota 55555
(555) 555-5555

Employment or Career Objective

Include an objective when you're pursuing a specific job goal or when you know the exact title of the position you're applying for. The objective targets your resume, but also limits its use to those jobs that match your goal. Objectives may be considered optional on your resume. You can also use a short summary of your skills and qualifications. If your objective isn't included in your resume, state it in your cover letter.

Additional Points to Consider Regarding Education

• Carefully consider listing the dates you graduated from school. List recent education dates because it increases its value. Older educational experiences may not be valued by the reader and may be used in age discrimination.
• Don't list high school graduation if you've completed a college degree. If you've taken post-high school classes but didn't achieve a degree, list your high school.
• When listing recent education, target specific skills and academic accomplishments.
• A GED can be listed as a high school graduate. If the GED was achieved through a local school, list the name of that school. Otherwise, leave off the name of the school. You may choose to list the last school attended or the school district name.
• Don't include an education section if you dropped out of high school and had no formal training either in school or from an employer.
• Include relevant employer-sponsored training. Be sure that the training is targeted to your job goal. Summarize extensive employer training by type and only include training that's relevant to a new job.
• If you've conducted a thorough independent study into a job-related topic, you may summarize it as part of your education.
• If you're currently taking classes or pursuing a degree related to your job goal, include that information. List the skills acquired, academic accomplishments and the projected date of completion.

Military Experience

Include military experience that fills gaps in employment or supports your job goal as part of your work history. "Civilianize" your military language so your skills and experience match the employer's needs. For example, change a truck vehicle mechanic to light diesel mechanic, logistics to warehouse or material inventory control, war college to advanced training, chief petty officer to supervisor or lead worker, or NCOIC to supervisor.

Hobbies/Personal Interests

Include hobbies and personal interests if they're employment-related, not controversial and show skills and experience.

References

Don't include references on the resume. Don't use "References available upon request." It's assumed by employers that you will provide this information. Once an employer requests references, be prepared to give them three to five references who can speak about your work habits and professional employment qualifications. Always seek permission before using someone as a reference.

Awards/Recognition

Let the employer know of any awards or recognition you've received (employee of the month, etc.), if it's timely and appropriate.

Make it Scannable

Many employers and employment agencies are using electronic resume scanning systems to screen resumes, a trend that will increase in the future. When writing any resume, consider its scannability. Generally, there is little difference between a good scannable resume and one that's effective for the human eye. Ultimately, a person will look at all resumes so your resume must work for both.

Tips for Scannable and Readable Resumes

• Give priority to the skills on your resume. (Employers want to know what you can do, not just where you've been.) This is why scannable resume systems are set up to read skills. Place the important skills at the beginning of the resume where employers can see them first. Also, scannable database systems store a fixed number of skills so that those that come later may not be included in the database. Insure that your skills and occupation-specific keywords match your objective.
• Place your name, address and phone number with area code in a block format below the top margin. This key information helps interested employers reach you and is the preferred format for scannable systems. Put your name on each page.
• Use generous margins and plenty of white space. One-inch margins enhance the readability of your resume. Balance the body of the resume so the content isn't compressed. For multiple pages, make sure information is balanced on the pages. The final resume should be a high-contrast image-- dark ink on white or light-colored paper.
• Use vertical and horizontal lines sparingly and include a quarter-inch of space around them. (Scanning systems can confuse lines and characters.)
• Avoid graphics and shading. Shading reduces the contrast, making text hard to read. Graphics may catch the human eye but don't make sense to scanning systems.
• Use a font size between 10 and 14 points. Don't use script, italic or underlining. Highlight information using bold or CAPITAL letters.
• Avoid stapling or folding which diminishes the visual appearance of the resume and affects scannability. Avoid fasteners and consider sending your resume flat in a large white envelope.
• Be sure your resume is high quality and professional. Laser print your final copy. Remember, this is your advertisement to employers.
• Choose a typeface (font) that's easily readable rather than decorative. Times, AGaramond, Optima, Caslon Book or Slimbach are readable.

Resume Preparation

Quality Paper

Now that you've invested time in writing the perfect resume, what remains is to produce a high-quality final product. Quality paper is a final touch that will leave a favorable impression with a prospective employer. It's appealing to the eye and prints better, maintaining a clear, sharp image. As for color, white is still considered the first choice. Off-white, cream or gray is acceptable-- avoid using colored paper. Paper size should be the standard letter size, 8 1/2" x 11."

Quality paper should be between 16 and 25 lbs. One hundred percent cotton fiber (rag content) is the best.

Personal preference should be your guide. Examples include-- linen, pebble finish and vellum. Avoid glossy or high-shine finishes.

Production

When creating your original or master, it should be produced using a common word processing or desktop publishing program. Typing your resume on a standard typewriter should be avoided since its print is usually not high quality. Editing and modifying will also be difficult. If all you have is a standard typewriter, consider taking your final draft to someone for word processing.

Reproduction

When making copies for distribution, laser printing is preferred. Due to the poor quality, never print your resume on a dot matrix printer. You may also choose to have a print shop print your resume. If you reproduce your resume on a photocopier, be sure that the copies are clear, clean and sharp.

Computer Resources

Computers have become an important job search tool for most job seekers. There are many places where use of a computer costs very little or is free. For example--

• Minnesota WorkForce Centers
• Friends and family
• Schools
• Social organizations
• Community agencies
• Print shops
• Religious organizations
• Private placement agencies
• Libraries

General Resume Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Lead with your strongest statements that are related to the job or goal.
• Emphasize your skills.
• Keep it brief (1-2 pages).
• Use 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
• Correct all typographical, grammatical and spelling errors.
• Include your employment-related accomplishments.
• Target your qualifications.
• Clearly communicate your purpose and value to employers.
• Maintain eye-appealing visual appearance.
• Use the best format to showcase your skills.
• Appear neat, well-organized and professional.
• Be creative and make your resume relevant to the job.
• Always include a cover letter when mailing your resume.
• To enhance your qualifications, use measurable outcomes, values and percentages.

Don'ts

• Don't use abbreviations (exceptions include middle initial and directions such as N for North).
• Don't use personal pronouns such as "I" to refer to yourself.
• Don't mention salary expectations or wage history.
• Don't print on a dot matrix printer.
• Don't use fancy typeset, binders or exotic paper.
• Don't send a photograph of yourself.
• Don't make statements that you cannot prove.
• Don't include personal information (age, height, weight, family status, picture, religious or political affiliation) unless you're applying for a job with one of these organizations.
• Don't change the tense of verbs or use the passive voice.
• Don't use the title "resume."
• Don't include references on the resume. (Make a separate reference sheet.)
• Don't include hobbies or social interests unless they contribute to your objective.
• Don't staple or fold your resume.
• Don't use repetitious statements.

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