Resume' Tips

* It should be one page, and at no time should it exceed two pages

* It should be typed neatly on an 8 1/2 x 11 white or off-white sheet of heavy paper. Imperfect typing and misspellings are not acceptable.

* Make sure the resume has wide margins and several spaces between sections.

* Use underlining and capital letters to greatly enhance the visual impact of your resume, but always remember that too much can be just as bad as not enough.

* Have good quality copies made of your original. NEVER send copies.

* Avoid abbreviations - except for degrees and titles - and do not use contractions.

* Use incomplete sentences that begin with action verbs. If you do use complete sentences, you must be consistent and use them throughout the resume.

* If possible, do not use a major word more than twice in a sentence or in a paragraph.

* Do not use unusual type styles such as Venice or Old English. These are hard to read and make the resume look like an indecipherable ancient text rather than an inventive approach. Also, do not alternate letter sizes and styles within the resume; it only makes for a more cluttered look. (Section headings are an exception when it comes to increased letter size).

* Try to let action verbs serve as the descriptive parts of the resume rather than overusing adjectives or being too wordy.

* Be sure to proofread (actually read it word for word don't just spell check and assume it is correct) - without it, all that work can go down the drain.

TWO MAJOR RESUME STYLES:

FUNCTIONAL STYLE

- also called a skills resume
- presents your work experience in terms of expertise and job skills
- is used if you have worked at several different kinds of jobs, have had a long break in your work experience, or have done mostly volunteer work.
- allows you to be more creative and flexible with your presentation.

CHRONOLOGICAL STYLE

- considered best for recent graduates.
- give a record of work experiences with job descriptions listed in reverse chronological order.
- best for those with a steady work history (both jobs and/or schooling), i.e., people who have stayed with jobs and have no gaps in employment periods.
- better for students because it emphasizes education and job experience rather than specific skills requiring years to learn.

RESUME FORMATS:

1. Symmetric - all of the text and headings are centered. This type is more formal.
2. Asymmetric - The headings are on the left third of the page with the text taking up the two-thirds on the right. This style is less formal.
3. Traditional - the headings are on top of each section as in the symmetric form, except everything is aligned to the left margin.

-be sure not to squeeze too much information into your resume since the result becomes slim margins and a crowded look.
-also, do not scatter your information all over the page in an attempt to separate small details and be inventive in your format. The result is often an unorganized look. Your information should be in blocks of text so that similar things are together and the employer does not have to search for certain headings.
-DO NOT MISS ANYTHING: GATHERING THE RAW MATERIAL:
The best way to plan something like a resume is by gathering all your material first.

1. Take a blank sheet of paper for each section of your resume and put down anything that pertains.

2. Organize skills that fit together or apply

3. Rewrite these so that like skills are together.

4. Don't use "I" and keep phrases short and to the point

5. Put finished sections together to make rough draft

BASIC PARTS OF A GOOD RESUME:

Heading: be sure to include your name, address and phone number

Job Objective: serves as a statement of what you want to do, where you want to do it. i.e., Objective: Entry Level Position with Established CPA Firm or Objective: Nursing Home Administrator

Education: The "Experience" section usually follows, but if you are still in school you probably have limited job experience. In this case put education ahead of your job experience. College graduates should not use high school information. Use latest, most pertinent educational facts. Always present information in reverse chronological order. List school's name, location, major, degree obtained, and year of graduation. List any honors, courses you' ve had relevant to job applying for, activities indicative of your leadership or other capabilities, internships served (where and when) and professional affiliations that may apply. List your GPA when it is better than average.

Experience: This is the most important part of the resume and most lengthy. Describe your actual responsibilities in particular positions, make positive assets known, express duties in terms of your accomplishments, use action words. Stress benefits that previous employer derived from your contributions. Stress strong points in positive terms. Most importantly if your experience has only been part time or limited summer jobs or volunteer work, don't short change yourself! Think about the positive aspects of what you have accomplished thus far, and the personal qualities that would make you appeal to an employer.

Don't leave time gaps in your resume. List all work experience. List any special skills you have such as typing speed, shorthand and/or operation of any kind of machinery. Volunteer and community work always looks good.
If you had several jobs that lasted less than six months, combine them into one, i.e., 1982-1983 Short order and fast food cook with Katie's, McDonald's, Route 6 Diner.

THE LAST REQUIRED PART OF THE RESUME:

References Upon Request statement. Never send names of references with the resume., but do have them lined up ahead of time. Usually three are enough and be sure you have obtained permission from those you plan to use. Relatives should not be used!

OPTIONAL INFORMATION:

Add any of these before the reference section if space permits:

* Brief Personal History - use only if something in your background that might add to your desirability for the job

* Interest/hobbies: info to round out picture of you

* Personal Information: birth date, marital status, health status, BUT use only if they work to your advantage.

* Willingness to travel or relocate.

DO NOT BLOW IT - THINGS NEVER TO INCLUDE:

* Never give the names of your spouse or children

* Never give names and addresses of references - only upon request

* Never submit photographs unless required

* Never give reasons for leaving your last job

* Never give salary requirements or past salaries

* Never refer to former employers or employees in any way other than a strictly professional tone.

* Never exaggerate your qualifications

* Never use nicknames, junior or senior after your full name, no abbreviations or contractions

REMEMBER TO REVISE, USE SPELLCHECK AND PROOFREAD

NOTE: Be careful of internet scams on jobs and ways to make lots of money!!!!

The economy is hitting hard times, but that doesn't mean your job search has to. Demonstrate your value on your resume with the above tips.