- Do not use full sentences in a resumé. Phrases using key action verbs are the most effective when explanations are necessary.
- Single-space the information in your resumé, but skip a line between major headings. Your resumé will be more visually attractive with “white space” so leave ample spacing at margins.
- Make good use of margins, underlining and capital letters. This will insure that important points “stand out” on the page.
- Creativity of expression is advisable, but only within a neat business format. Gaudy letterheads are not recommended. Great expressions of creativity are encouraged for positions of artistic nature.
- Use a standard-size, 8 ½” X 11” paper. White, ivory, gray and beige are good color choices. Be prepared to use your paper choice for your cover letters and envelopes.
- Your resumé should not have any typos, misspellings or identifiable corrections. You should proofread your resumé at least three times and have at least two other people proofread it also.
- The type should be crisp and clean. Typesetting is not necessary. Copies should be clean and easy to read.
- Spell out nearly every word, including job titles. College degrees may be abbreviated; words like “Incorporated” may also be shortened to “Inc.”, especially if the company uses the abbreviation. Do not use abbreviations, however, in the text.
- Whenever possible, quantify your explanation. For example, use the exact number of times you had articles published.
- Much has been written concerning the length of resumé. Whether your resumé is one or two pages long depends upon your background and the position desired. Resumes for entry-level jobs are usually given only a few seconds of a reader’s time. Therefore, you must present yourself and your accomplishments in a very succinct and organized manner.
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