Resume Tips

Resume Cover Letter Tips

• Every résumé you send, fax, or e-mail needs its own cover letter.

• Every cover letter should fit on one page.

• Send your letter to a specific person rather than to an office whenever possible.

• The first few sentences tell which job you are applying for.

• Briefly explain your qualifications without simply repeating your resume.

Resume Writing Tips

• Good résumés show how your qualifications fit the requirements of the jobs you apply for.

• Most occupations require abilities like reliability, teamwork, and communication.

• Good resume objectives focus on the employer's needs.

• Nonwork activities add experience to your résumé.

• Tailor your resume for each occupation or job of interest.

• Use action phrases -- not complete sentences.

• Highlight specific achievements.

• Include quantifiable results where possible.

• Identify increases in responsibility.

• Mention special work related skills.

• Identify coursework relating to the employer's needs.

Resume Formatting Tips

• Chronological resumes organize your experience around the jobs you have held.

• Functional resumes emphasize skills rather than employment history.

• Sprinkle your résumé with language found in the position description.

• Use a laser printer and keep the font size at 10 points or above.

• Avoid mistakes by having several people proofread for you.

Online Resume Tips

• Résumés can be formatted for scanning, e-mailing, or posting to Internet sites.

• Digital resumes use simple, technologically friendly formatting.

• Digital resumes emphasize keywords.

• Plain text resumes should not exceed 65 characters per line.

• E-mail a plain text résumé to yourself and to a friend to test the way it transmits.