Top 5 Resume Writing Tips

The tips below offer a strategic approach to leveraging your experience and avoiding classic resume faux pas.

1. The layout and format is important. Select a traditional font that is easy to read and use black type against white paper.

2. You have 15-20 seconds to shine. Highlight your key accomplishments and most relevant skills within the top half of your resume, preferably using bullets.

3. List your experience in reverse chronological format. List your present or most recent job first, working backwards unless you have a lapse in employment. In that case, re-arrange your employment history to reflect work relevancy instead.

4. Customize your resume to each position. In your summary statement, immediately state the position to which you are applying for and tailor your resume to reflect your experience for the position accordingly.

5. Quantify your accomplishments. Identify appropriate metrics and include professional achievements that are value-added and specific to each role.

Good Resumes:

• Are one or two full pages in length (not one and a half) 

• Are easy to read 

• Use lists instead of paragraphs 

• Make good use of white space - by having 3/4" - 1" margins 

• Use size 11-12 point font 

• Are written in Arial or Times New Roman  

• Use bullets, underline, bold and italics conservatively 

• Contain no errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation 

• Are printed on high-quality bond paper

• Use action verbs - all using the same tense