Format
- Organize your résumé clearly.
- Use a standard font such as Times New Roman.
- Use a standard font size like 10 point for the main “text” of your résumé .
- When your résumé is written in a standard font and font size, it makes your it easy to read, scan, and photocopy.
- Use different font sizes, bold, italic, and underline options for the headings.
- When you use these options for your headings, it will be easy to identify different sections of your résumé.
- Use bullets to highlight details.
- Avoid abbreviations. As a rule, always spell out names of organizations and other acronyms.
- Less punctuation is better than more.
- Using less punctuation will unclutter your résumé which makes it easier to read. Places to eliminate punctuation include the end of bullet lists (no periods needed) and after headings (no colons needed). Look over your résumé and determine where the punctuation is not necessary.
- Be creative.
- Even though you should be creative, do so conservatively. For example, you can be creative with small items such as font options, spaces, or layout. Remember, a résumé that is too fancy or gimmicky does not impress employers.
- Your name, address, e-mail address, and phone number should be at the top of the résumé.
- If your résumé is longer than one page, list the page number and your name on each additional page.
- Proofread your résumé several times to avoid any mistakes.
- Use white or another light-colored paper and a laser printer.
Organization
- Organize your experience in reverse chronological order.
- Choose the résumé style which highlights your experience relevant for each particular job.
Résumé Don'ts
- Lie or exaggerate about your accomplishments.
- Include a photograph.
- Forget to proofread. A messy résumé is not impressive.
- Use too much jargon.
- Add needless information such as your age, sex, height, weight, social security number, health, or irrelevant hobbies.
More Writing Help
The Kathleen Jones White Writing Center provides tutoring services, workshops, and writing resources.
Tutoring
- In-Person: 203 Stabley Library
- Online Tutoring: Use the online writing center.
Workshops
- Instructors: Request a workshop for your class.
- Students: Attend a Wednesday-night workshop.
- Online Workshops: APA Documentation, MLA Documentation.