Resume Writing

Helpful Hints

  • A resume is a marketing and sales tool as well as a record of your experience. You want it to stand out and to immediately impress the reader. It should look professional and should provide an accurate "snapshot" of you. DO NOT limit it to one page; however, try not to exceed three to five pages. This will depend on your years of experience, accomplishments, number of publications, presentations, poster presentations, research projects, etc.

  • A resume must contain factual, detailed information describing the size/type/level of the organization, scope of your responsibility, reporting relationship, budget and FTE's.

  • Educational level should be listed first, followed by experience. Honors and certifications/re-certifications are also important and should be listed immediately following experience. Do not list licenses and numbers. It is assumed that you will obtain a license in the state and someone can misuse your license number.

  • List accomplishments. Quantify whenever possible. Make sure the list represents the depth and breadth of your experience. Include unique Committee/Task Force appointments and their outcomes. Use action oriented/results and outcome oriented words to describe your accomplishments (such as: established, created, implemented, designed).

  • DO NOT include a job objective. This limits the use of the resume and is often meaningless. If you want to state an objective, put it in the cover letter that accompanies your resume.

  • Make it reader friendly. Space it appropriately - not cramped; both right and left justify your paragraphs; print it on white, good bond stationary; use a laser printer.

  • Be accurate with employment history dates. Include month and year so that the number of years and months employed can be calculated. 1993-1995 can mean 14 months or 35 months. January 1993 to December 1995 is unmistakable.

  • DO NOT include personal data such as: your social security number, hobbies, marital status, date of birth, children, church or non-professional activities, etc. DO indicate all elected or appointed leadership roles in professional organizations.

  • Do a spell check and check tenses (past vs. present) and punctuation prior to finalizing.

  • Provide reference information only upon request.

Candidates