Transition Career Preparation Center
Résumé
How to Write a Successful Résumé
By: Jeffery Guillermo
A résumé is a document that communicates your qualifications and work experience to a potential employer. It is your first impression to the employer, and will often decide if you will be called for an interview. The best résumés will get your foot in the door, which is exactly where you want to be. But first, here are the basics:
- Write no more than two pages, although a one-page résumé is standard.
- The résumé must always have these items: Name, Address, Education and Experience.
- There are two basic types of résumés, chronological and functional. Chronological résumés are arranged in time order and functional résumés are organized according to skills and work experience.
- Looks are important. Print your résumé on high quality, neutral colored paper with density between 16 and 25 lbs. Use clear, business-like fonts, and use no more than two. Use color sparingly, and keep to neutral colors like black and midnight blue.
- If you have interesting or relevant skills, interests or activities, state them. They can be, but don’t have to be limited to, skills that pertain directly to the job you are applying for (computer skills, language abilities, etc.).
- Words should be clear and concise. Use action verbs.
- Avoid using the same verbiage. Change up the way you write about yourself and your job experience.
- Be sure to include white space in your résumé. Tight line spacing, crammed text, and tight margins will make your document hard to read, and hurt the eyes of your reader.
- Look up résumé samples online. There are many different styles, so pick the ones that fit your needs best.