Resume and Cover Letter Writing Tips

Resume Best Practices

 

Resume

  • One page
  • Heading should include contact information
  • Include Summary, Objective, Personal Statement
    • Summary can include skills and whatever else is posted in job posting
    • Objective: no experience, little experience
  • Education
    • No High school unless technical/vocational or applicable
    • GPA, debatable: some use as a filler, 3.5 or higher
    • Institution vs degree (first/second)
    • Dates are recommended unless choosing not to because of age discrimination
  • Skills
    • Can be included in summary
    • Don’t list “soft” skills in a skills section
    • Skill needs to be measurable in order to include it
    • Include things that you are proficient in such as a language
    • Fillers: Social Media, Microsoft Suite
  • Experience
    • Include dates, job title, city and state
    • Include accomplishments, what did you do (employer of the month)
    • Use action verb and result
  • DO:
    • LinkedIn 
  • DON’T:
    • Personal pictures
  • Interests:
    • Include if relevant, don’t include anything too personal


Resume Samples:

1.  Resume with No Related Experience
2.  Resume with Experience
3.  Resume with Related Experience BA

Resume Guide
Resume Template 
Transferable Skills Guide 
Cover Letter Guide 

Last Modified: 3/26/24