When applying for a job, pay close attention to your resume presentation. A well-constructed resume can be the difference between being interviewed for a position and being passed over in favor of other candidates. Your resume must be accurate and informative and represent you in the best possible light.

Here are some tips for preparing an effective resume:

How long should my resume be?

Keep it short – one or two pages.

Should the education section go first?

If you are a recent college grad, it should go first. Once you gain experience, academic degrees and honors can be listed toward the end of your resume.

Should I include my GPA on my resume?

Yes, on a 4.0 scale.

What can I put on my resume if I don't have much experience?

For starters, do not overlook or ignore the skills you have gained from jobs you held simply to get through school. You may have also gained valuable experience from:

• Foreign-language study or fluency in multiple languages

• Alternative learning experiences, such as international studies or conducting research

• Previous internships

• Computer skills and experience

• Experience with a family business

• Volunteer activities

• Extracurricular activities (Be sure to include only activities that are relevant to your career goals.)

Should my resume include only paid experience?

Employers are interested in your skills, even if you were not paid to learn them; don’t hesitate to highlight non-paying work and volunteer experiences if they provided new skills.

Should I include pre-college information on my resume?

Generally, no. However, if you won a national award in high school or accomplished something noteworthy, then you should highlight it, especially if it’s connected to your chosen field.​