Résumé Tips

What is the purpose of a résumé?

• Most people believe that a résumé is going to land you a job.  However, a résumé is going to land you an interview, an interview will land you a job.

Should I use pronouns in my résumé?

• No.  Using pronouns is redundant; your name at the top of the résumé should be enough.

What are the absolute, unbreakable rules of résumé writing?

• No typos or misspellings
• Do not lie

How long should my résumé be?

• There is no specified length for a résumé.  You may have heard that résumés should fit on one page, which is sometimes nearly impossible.  It can be two pages long.  But what recruiting or hiring managers look for is whether or not it’s easy to read and if it gives key information about you.  If you are in doubt of how long it should be, follow the general rule of thumb: Less than 5 years experience probably only requires one page and more than that may need two.

What should be included on a résumé?
Résumé Musts

• Name
• Address(es)
• Phone Numbers
• Email address
• Education
• Professional Experience (internships, student teaching, etc.)

Résumé Optionals

• Objective Statement
• Licenses/Certifications
• Honors/Activities
• Employment/Military
• References

Résumé “Do-Nots”

• Height, weight, age, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, sex, race, health, etc.
• Reason for leaving previous job
• Picture of yourself
• Salary information
• The title “Résumé”
• Religion, church affiliations

View a sample résumé.

For more helpful tips for college students and graduates, visit the following websites: