A clean, well organized and nicely laid out resume will make a better first impression. Your skills get you the job!

IN GENERAL

Make sure your resume is as up-to-date as possible.  Include all contact information (name, address, phone, cell, voice and e-mail).  If you e-mail a resume, name the document after yourself (i.e. frank-frost-resume.doc, not myresume.doc).  Include information on your specific type of degree Major, Minor, GPA, Honors & Awards.  Proofread at least three times, then show it to others to proofread.  With typos, one is enough to land your resume in the garbage.  Two or more and your chances are gone.

LAYOUT

Add interest and clarity by using bullets, indents and varying font styles (bold and italics).  Avoid using unconventional fonts or graphics.

LENGTH (General Rule):

One page for early-career (entry level to 5-years).  Two pages for mid-career candidate.

JOB DATA

Provide the reader with relevant detail about your past and present employers.

MEASURABLE PERFORMANCE

Quantify your job duties.  Report relationships & achievements.

DATES

Make sure the dates are clear and without gaps.  If you're a mid-to-late-career candidate, you can save space by lumping early-career jobs together.

CREDENTIALS

Be accurate and honest.  Misrepresenting your degree is unethical, and could result in consequences that are embarrassing-or worse.