Resume Do's and Don'ts
“Your resume is the first resource you have to make an impression on a recruiter.” (Dupont)Resume do's
- 1 page for internships and jobs. (1-2 for graduate students)
- Professional in appearance
- Original - create your own format
- White or off-white paper
- 10-12 pt. font
- ¾-1” margins
- Clear, concise, honest, well-organized
- Focus on accomplishments, skills, interests
- Prioritize categories (Objective, Education ... then prioritize)
- Deal with your GPA.
- Draw from all parts of your life - academics, work, community, projects
- Can include significant experiences from H.S.
- Customize for the reader (when possible)
- Convey personal characteristics through words and descriptions: energy and enthusiasm, flexibility and adaptability, capacity for teamwork, leadership potential, honesty and integrity
- Error free – read aloud to check for errors
- Have your resume reviewed
- Update each semester
- Upload into ePACK
- Do help the reader get to know you and what you have to offer
Resume don’ts
- Use a resume template
- Use colorful paper
- Attach a photo
- Include personal info (date of birth, height, weight)
- <10 pt. font
- Poor organization
- Typos or grammatical errors
- Use an objective that does not fit the position
- List every course (choose selectively)
- Underestimate your experiences (paid or unpaid)
- Use personal pronouns – I, my, me
- Emphasize skills you do not wish to use
- Assume interests and hobbies don't matter
- Pay a resume service (the UCC is free!)
- Don't leave the employer guessing who you are and what you can contribute