Introduction to Resumes

The most important thing to know about your resume is that it should be tailored to the specific position for which you are applying. This means that you likely will need multiple versions of your resume, depending upon the nature of your job search. Keep track of these different versions by saving each with a description that will be easy for you to remember.

Most resumes should be limited to one or two pages. If you feel strongly that you need more, please speak with your counselor. It is likely that many of the supporting details that you want to include could be better placed in an addendum or separate document (a deal sheet, representative matters list, list of publications and speaking engagements, etc.). If your resume is too long, you run the risk of burying the most important high-level information.

THE THREE golden RULES:

1.  Make it easy to read.

In terms of layout, keep it simple! Here are some guidelines:

  • Font. Use a professional-looking font (Arial, Perpetua, Cambria, Verdana, Tahoma, etc.), between 10 and 12 points.

  • Form. Make sure that the document contains ample “white space” (margins, headers, footers) so that the reader can easily read it without becoming overwhelmed.

  • Use bullets. Bullets are a good way to make the reader focus on substance without having to wade through dense narratives. Generally, people won't read 3-4 lines of narrative, so if you have more to say, it's helpful to break it apart.

  • Clean formatting. Avoid “widows and orphans” (where the title or part of one entry is on one page while the body or the rest of the entry spills onto the next page). If you use a two-page resume, make sure you include your name in a header on the second page with a notation (e.g., “Jane Doe, Resume Page 2”).

  • No frills. While it is fine to use bold-face, underlining, italics and capitalization to emphasize certain points or to delineate subheadings, try to avoid having a mish-mash of these which can look sloppy and visually chaotic. Choose one style and stick with it.

  • Make sure it's current. Include your contact information (your mobile phone number and personal email address) in your heading. Also, make sure that your email address reflects that you are technologically current. For example, do not use an AOL or Earthlink email address; Gmail is better.

  • Use personal contact information only. Do not list your work email address or phone number, as you do not want to give the impression that you are using the firm’s time and resources to conduct a job search.

2. Make it perfect. 

Proofread, proofread, and then have a friend proofread! Preferably, review it in hard copy. It is much easier to miss mistakes when reading on the computer, and typos can cost you the job.

3. Make it accurate.

If you use any online links in your resume (e.g., to the video of a presentation you gave, to an article you authored), confirm that the links are spotless and live. You do not want to alienate or frustrate the reader by making him or her jump through hoops. Dead links suggest that your resume is stale and that you are not keeping your information up-to-date.

RESOURCES

 

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