Resume Do's and Don'ts
“Your resume is the first resource you have to make an impression on a recruiter.” (Dupont)Resume do's
- Do help the reader get to know you and what you have to offer
- 1 page (1-2 pages for graduate students)
- Professional in appearance
- White or off-white paper
- 10-12 pt. font
- ¾-1” margins
- Clear, concise, honest, well-organized
- Prioritize categories (after "Objective" and "Education")
- Focus on accomplishments, skills, interests
- Draw from all parts of your life - academics, work, community, projects, interests
- Include significant experiences from H.S. (they are not off limits)
- Convey personal characteristics: energy and enthusiasm, flexibility and adaptability, capacity for teamwork, leadership potential, honesty and integrity
- Error free – read aloud to check for errors
- Deal with your GPA.
- Have your resume reviewed
- Upload into ePACK
- Customize for individual readers (when advantageous)
- Update each semester
Resume don’ts
- Don't leave the employer guessing what you have to offer
- Resume templates
- Photos attached
- Personal info (date of birth, height, weight)
- <10 pt. font
- Poor organization
- Typos or grammatical errors
- Use an objective that does not fit the position
- List every course (choose selectively)
- Underestimate your experiences or activities (paid or unpaid)
- Assume interests and hobbies don't matter
- Use personal pronouns – I, my, me
- Emphasize skills you do not wish to use
- Pay a resume service (the UCC is free!)