The process used in writing a resume is similar to the one used in successfully marketing a product ...the key is to know your product, and in this case, it‘s you.

• Use standard business font of Times New Roman, 12 point
• Use bold, 14-16 size font for your name
• Maximum of one page (reduce margins if necessary)
• No cartoons, stick figures, or excessive italics and bolding - professional and businesslike is best
• A resume should represent the most professional and accurate reflection of your potential - proof for spelling or grammatical errors

An employer will average between 20-30 seconds scanning your resume. Maximize this time by tailoring your resume to the specific position you‘re seeking.

• write in an organized, concise and logical manner; eliminate unnecessary phrases or words
• separate distinct job duties or knowledge using bullets; related duties with semi-colons
• write short, descriptive paraphrases beginning with action verbs that best describe the activity; be specific
  Broad statement... ... ‘wrote articles for campus newspaper‘
  Specific statement... ... ‘composed and edited monthly human interest and student activity articles for the campus publication, the Sun- Times

A company may receive many resumes a day - an objective quickly identifies what you are interested in and assists in making the appropriate referral. It also tells the employer where your interests and goals lie. Don‘t be so specific that someone assumes you are not interested in related positions or so broad that your objective is unclear. An objective need not relate to a specific career or job but your skills and abilities as well.

List your undergraduate education, including GPA if at least a 3.0. If you have this GPA in your major, but not in overall, go ahead and state it, providing that you indicate it is in your major. Also, state your expected graduation date. Next tack on honors, such as Dean‘s or President‘s List, Scholastic Awards.

Today‘s employers expect candidates to possess computer skills, particularly in MS Office. If you are seeking work that relies on proficient computer skills or if you possess technical or specialized areas of knowledge or skills, list this section next. Again, be specific in what you know or can do.

This section is not limited to only work for which you were paid. Include internships, cooperative education experience, volunteer work or special projects.

• List most recent work experience first and work backwards; state the employer first, job title next, dates of employment and duties
• Use 3 to 4 bullets to identify duties for each position
• Try to show how your work contributed to the company if possible
• When listing experience directly related to your major, be as specific as possible.

If your work experience is not related to your major, another option is to reference only the employer, title, and dates. See the resume samples for examples.

List relevant activities, memberships, and organizations. Expand on duties and responsibilities if you held an office.

Courses are normally listed on a resume when a student has limited or no work experience. List only those that relate to the type of work for which you are applying.

It is not necessary to state that you have references available on request. It is assumed you can produce them if requested. Be prepared to offer references at an interview if requested.