INTRODUCTION
One of the most common elements of a job search is the need for an effective résumé. This document will guide you through the process of creating your résumé.
WHAT IS A RÉSUMÉ?
A résumé is a document that summarizes your qualifications, experience, and education relevant to a job. You use it to apply for job openings and get an interview.
Standard résumé guidelines include:
• The Thumb Rule: List the most important information on the first half of the first page.
• The “I” Rule: Do not use “I” in the résumé because each statement should imply this.
• Length: One page is the general recommendation, but two is acceptable.
• One-line: Use one-liners to keep information concise, specific, and easy to review.
• Full Words: Do not use contractions or abbreviations (ex: administrator not admin).
• White Space: Leave plenty of white space so the résumé is easy to read.
• Bullets: Use bullet points to itemize skills, tasks, accomplishments, etc.
• Fonts: Use the following font settings to maintain formatting and consistency.
Standard Fonts Standard Font Sizes
• Arial • 10
• Calibri • 11
• Times New Roman • 12
RÉSUMÉ SECTIONS
HEADER
Your name, street address (optional), city and state, phone number (with voice mail), and email should appear at the top of a résumé. Be sure to have a professional:
• Voicemail message
• Ring back tone
• Email address
PROFILE/SUMMARY (OPTIONAL)
The profile or summary section is a two to three-line summary that matches your specific job skills to the posted requirements of the job announcement.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
The qualifications or skills section is a bulleted list of your knowledge, skills, and abilities that relate to the job announcement. Do not confuse qualifications/skills with job tasks and duties. Job tasks and duties relate to activities done on a job, but qualifications/skills are the result of experience and/or education that indicate your knowledge and abilities.
Examples of qualifications:
• Possess 5 years’ English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Highly knowledgeable in Plant Operations and OSHA safety
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, both written and verbal
EXPERIENCE
The experience section establishes past employers, the kind of work you did, and your job stability. Information should include:
• Job title, company, city, and state
• Non-paid experience, if it relates to the job
• Month and year of employment in number format (10/2019 or 10/19)
• Bulleted list of job duties and outstanding accomplishments or contributions
Some other important notes about listing job duties include:
• Begin each statement with active verbs to describe tasks
Example: Established a vibrant art community
• Maintain same tense through history
Example: Manage (Present), Managed (Past), Managing (Active)
• Be specific in the description
Example: Led monthly experiential education trips of 12-15 students to IL and WI
• List significant contributions and/or proven result figures
Example: MDE COVID-19 Emergency Online Lead for all Learning Instructional Staffers
EDUCATION
The education section should include:
• Highest level of school attended
• High School or GED if no college or technical degree was earned