Tips on Resumes

Remember the purpose of the resume (and the cover letter as well) is to get you an Interview, not a job

• Keep it short - two pages at most.
• Customize every resume (and cover letter) to the position and company.
• Make it simple, clear and to the point.
• Make reading it easy. Keep it neat and well spaced out.
• Use plain white good quality paper.
• No computer graphics (unless it's your field.).
• No fancy typeface.
• No folding.
• Use active words.
• Decide on a chronological, functional or combination resume (a chronological resume is preferred in most cases).
• Place the most important information up front.
• Match qualifications and experience to the requirements (find out from the advertisement or your network).
• Do not merely state duties and responsibilities. Stress accomplishments - be specific and quantify where possible.
• Give a summary at the beginning of the resume.
• Leave your personal life out of it; though if there is space, insert extra-curricular activities.
• Make it e-mail, fax and scanning-friendly.
• Get it edited (by a friend or a professional).