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.