Resume Writing Dos and Don’ts

Everyone looking for a job wants to have an impressive résumé. It is probably the most important job-seeking tool as it introduces you to your prospective employer and is often what determines whether or not you’re chosen for an interview. If there’s no interview, chances are you won’t get that job.

A résumé should be concise, well formatted and free of grammatical error. Appearance is important -- your résumé should be neat and professional -- but remember the content is the real star. If it does not tell the interviewer what he or she needs to know, it's worthless.

Here are some tips that Team GC has rounded up to help you design that perfect resume:

Do make it easy to read
Employers have so many applicants for the available jobs that they often only read the resumes that are organized, legible and brief. Avoid using more than two fonts and don’t make the size too big. Plus, forget the colored ink, it just looks like childish. Remember the goal of your résumé is readability. When deciding what features to use, ask yourself: "Will this make my résumé easier to read?" If not, don't use it. If it can't be read easily, it won't be read at all.

Don’t make it too long
Try to keep it to one page; you can give all the details at the interview. Generally, entry-level candidates don’t have the experience necessary to need more than that anyway. To fit everything, play with your margins and font size, as long as it’s still readable. You can leave off the list of references and put the standard “References available upon request,” to save some space.

Do give important details
Tailor your résumé to each position you apply for. Leave out your summer job if it’s not relevant, and don’t go on and on about singing in the church choir unless the job you’re seeking is to lead a church choir. Elaborate on the things that will show the employer that you can do the job you’re applying for, and be specific about the amount of work you did on specific projects: “Coordinated alumni association dinner-dance catering to 200 guests for the past three years.”

Don’t keep unnecessary stats
Grades matter in schools and could indicate that you’re a hard worker, but they don’t mean too much to many employers unless you’ve never had a job before.

Do list relevant information first
When writing up descriptions of past jobs you’ve held, list experience directly related to the position you’re applying for first, even if it wasn’t the biggest part of that specific job. Also, make sure to list your titles (if you’ve had more than one at the same place) with your most recent at the top.

Don’t forget to let your experience (and personality) show
The emphasis of your résumé must be on content, not packaging, but if you have space try to show you’re more than just a good worker. Employers receive résumés from numerous qualified applicants, but meeting basic requirements isn’t always enough. Include extracurriculars and hobbies unique to you that show you’re well-rounded. Make sure they’re appropriate and keep descriptions short so there’s still enough to talk about in the interview.

Do list your education last
Going to a prestigious school is fantastic, but it means almost nothing if you don’t have the experience or qualification the employer is looking for. Put it close to last (after experience, but before activities) unless you haven’t graduated yet or are only a few months out of school.

Remember that the purpose of your résumé is to communicate your experiences and accomplishments as they relate to an open position and to obtain a job interview. Your resume should work for you, not against you, so stick to the basics and keep the focus where it should be. Happy job-hunting!

Team GC