Resumes and cover letter create the first impression an employer has of you. Having a dynamic résumé and cover letter is vital to the employment process. They are the most important marketing piece in your job search. Developing a well- organized résumé and cover letter will also help you prepare for interviews and enable you to communicate with the employer how your skills, accomplishments, and abilities fit their position. The format of résumés can be different for each individual. This could differ because of your education, experience and where you are in your career life. Technology has also impacted the way we write and submit résumés. Online application and résumé submissions are the most common way to find new employment opportunities. We can no longer be certain the human eye sees our résumé, once submitted. Many employers are now using the technique of scanning résumés into a database. The computer “reads” each résumé, identifies keywords, and based on those keywords, places it in the appropriate database file. When a job opening occurs, an employer tells the tracking system the keywords associated with the position and instructs it to pull in the résumés that incorporate the matching keywords. An interview is the first goal and with a dynamic résumé and cover letter, you can easily achieve it. The second goal is to get the job! Being well prepared for the interview will give you an advantage and help you get the position. The interview is the deciding factor on being hired. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge and preparation for the company and position. You don’t have to follow any particular résumé model exactly. Many résumés are a mixture of more than one style, but you should follow these guidelines.

Resume Dos

• Do try to keep your résumé 1-2 pages in length. (someone who has prior experience in the professional world may
• have a longer one)
• Do start with a first draft. Expect to do several revisions.
• Do make it crisp, well-balanced and pleasing to the eye. Use clear fonts (Arial or Times New Roman)
• Do use your complete legal name (no nicknames), address and phone number should be at the top of each page. (leave a # where you can be reached between 8 a.m and 5 p.m or where someone can leave a message that will be promptly
• returned)
• Do tailor each résumé and application to each new position
• Do write brief phrases – not full sentences. (but be clear and specific)
• Do use phrases, action verbs (initiated, organized, developed) and the results (see example below) Example- Initiate and organize a variety of advertisements in the community which result in xyz new clientele per
• year
• Do make sure to use the correct tense. If it was a past job (developed, organized, initiated), if it is a current job
• (initiate, organize, maintain)
• Do support all activities and responsibilities with results and accomplishments. Include all post-secondary education
• and training that supports the position you are applying for.
• Do describe your specific responsibilities from past and current positions, and use bullet points to list them.
• Do cite any community activities and awards (if they enhance your other experiences by demonstrating leadership,
• organization, etc.)
• Do have complete and accurate reference lists available
• Do proofread final product for correct spelling, punctuation, grammatical, and typographical errors. Have an independent, “critical” person proofread for errors you may have missed.
• Do use high-quality paper to print your résumé on (water bond, cotton, etc. in white or eggshell; 8.5x11
• Do make sure it has absolutely no typos or misspellings

Resume Do Nots

• Do not use abbreviations - only use professional and technical information when it is relevant
• Do not use odd-sized, bordered, or colored paper – anything that may be considered eccentric
• Do not list references on the body of the résumé
• Do not include personal data, marital status, number of children or “excellent health”
• Do not devote more space to earlier jobs than to more recent employment
• Do not list grade point average or college honors unless you are a recent graduate and it is above a 3.0/4.0.
• Do not use language that may cause the employer to stereotype or anything that might be perceived as negative 
• Do not use phrases like “responsibilities” or “duties included”
• Do not italicize anything
• Do not use “cute” stuff, such as non-standard fonts and pictures
• Do not use excessive detail in job experience section
• Do not use language that may cause employers to stereotype you in a specific occupation
• Do not repeat words and phrases- instead highlight how those accomplishments cover multiple related areas
• Do not photocopy a résumé The next several pages are samples of résumés for common occupations. They will give you a good idea of what employers are expecting to see.