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Formatting Resumes

Formatting Resumes. Business Writing Employment Portfolio. What is a resume?. Your resume is your primary marketing tool Purpose = to get you an interview If you do not get the interview, your resume is not doing its job

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Formatting Resumes

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  1. Formatting Resumes Business Writing Employment Portfolio

  2. What is a resume? • Your resume is your primary marketing tool • Purpose = to get you an interview • If you do not get the interview, your resume is not doing its job • Employers use resumes to prescreen job candidates for required skills, experience, and abilities

  3. Do I need a resume? • Yes. • Moving on.

  4. Resume Dos • Do include your name, address, phone number, & email address • Do make sure your resume is error free • Do list your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments • Do select an appropriate format that includes a clean, professional experience and an easy-to-read font • Do make sure your resume is brief, well-organized, and focused on the position for which you are applying

  5. Resume Do Nots • Do not include a date (that goes on your cover letter) • Do not include personal pronouns • Do not include abbreviations in the body of your resume • Do not include personal information • Height, weight, SSN, race, religion, martial status, political affiliation, family • Do not include miscellaneous details • Salary requirements, hobbies, professional weaknesses, career aspirations

  6. 1 page vs. 2 page • Most fields ask for a 1 page resume • There are some excepts which allow 2 pages • Education • Science • Healthcare • Technology • If you are doing two pages, must commit to at least ¾ of the page

  7. Paper • Standard 8 ½ X 11-inch paper • Use a shade of white or cream • Bond paper, not printer paper • Use a matching envelope when mailing resume

  8. Typeface • Typeface should be easy to read • Avoid fancy, script-like fonts • Margins may be slightly smaller than one inch

  9. Acceptable Fonts • Times New Roman • Arial • Tahoma • Century Old Style • Verdana • Courier New • Cambria • Calibri • Another font that is easy to read and professional?

  10. Typeface cont. • Use black ink • Font-size should be 10-12 points • Highlight section headers with boldface type

  11. Spacing • Use section headings with boldface type • Single spacing for individual statements • Double spacing between sections

  12. Writing sentences • It is best to write in complete sentences • Subject is implied • Ex: “Worked as a barista at Starbucks for 20 years.” • You may use short action phrases to list your accomplishments if selecting a list format • Avoid repeating the same action verbs

  13. Tense • Use present tense when describing a current position • Use present tense when describing all skills • Use future tense when describing anticipated graduations and certifications • Use past tense when describing a past employment or academic experience

  14. Personal Pronouns • Do not use “I,” “me,” or “we.” • Subject is implied – avoid most pronouns altogether.

  15. Keep it simple • Do not use unfamiliar vocabulary • Select words that apply to the job and duties • Use bullet points with short phrases • Be sure job titles, awards, and activities are easily understood by reader

  16. Sections • Contact Info • Education • Experience/Work history • Honors and Activities • Skills • Certifications

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