RESUME WRITING GUIDELINES

DO'S:

• Include dates of employment, position titles, and any computer skills.
• Include your name, address, and phone number(s).
• Use action words and brief statements to summarize your duties and responsibilities.
• List active membership in professional organizations.
• If you have the space, list special awards/recognitions related to your career.
• List college(s) attended and degree(s) awarded or pursuing.

DON'TS:

• Exclude your current position because it isn't "in the field".
• Exclude volunteer work.
• Include anything that references race, age, or religion.
• Include personal data such as health and/or marital status.

TIPS:

• If you've had several positions in and out of your career field, consider separating them into two categories, such as Relevant Experience and Employment History.   Summarize duties and responsibilities of career-related positions under Relevant Experience.   Under Employment History, list all employers, positions held, and dates of employment only.   This allows you to accurately reflect your employment record, while giving you the space to highlight your professional skills.
• Try to avoid listing years only, such as 1995 - 1997 or 2.5 years, for your dates of employment.   If you don't remember your specific employment dates, list in month/year format (i.e., June 1995 - November 1997).
• Try to keep your resume to two pages, not including references.  Most employers don't have time to read through more than two pages of someone's resume.