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Writing a résumé can be intimidating for anyone. Think about it: Résumés are the first thing that employers consider, and the 20 or so seconds that they spend scanning each document could seriously affect your future as an applicant. Here are some tips on how to write an attention-grabbing résumé:
FORMAT: It is important to remember that the format of a résumé depends entirely on the job that a person is applying for. Applicants should not get caught in the trap of writing the same résumé for every employer. Recruiters like to see that an applicant has put the time and effort into personalizing his or her résumé — they know a carbon copy when they see one.
HEADER AND DESIGN: The number one way to make a résumé stand out is avoiding word processor templates, like the ones found in Microsoft Word. If you use them, your résumé will look boring and unoriginal, since everyone relies on these pre-made designs. Instead, play around with the “shapes” tool in Word to make your own creative header that includes your name, address and phone number. Type the rest of your sections into different text boxes — working within the actual body copy makes placing text a hassle. Also, if you have the extra money, use color. And always print your résumés on résumé paper; it’s slightly heavier than normal printing paper, which makes your résumé look more professional.
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT AND SECTION ORDER: For the objective statement, mention the company by name and how you would benefit them as an employee. For the rest of your résumé, prioritize the sections. If you’re a biology major who is applying for a research internship but have very little lab experience, your strongest qualifier is your biology degree. Therefore, your Education section should be near the top of the document. However, if you have an excellent background in lab science, then Previous Experience should supersede Education.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Mention previous experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Don’t overlook any retail or food-service positions you might have had — customer service experience is valuable to every trade. Write the name of your previous employer, the location of your job and the time span that you worked there (exact dates are not necessary). Use bullet points and start each sentence with a verb. Be sure to include how you positively contributed to the company instead of just reciting your job description.
SKILLS: If you don’t have much job experience (or even if you do), a list of professional skills can also qualify you for a job. Computer and language skills are looked upon very favorably. Even personality traits like “excellent team builder” or “outgoing” are worth mentioning.
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Only describe exemplary accomplishments. Nobody cares about how you won the slam-dunk contest at your senior pep rally.
THE TWO-PAGE OPTION: While it is preferred to keep your résumé to one page, two-page résumés are usually OK. Having another page leaves you room for a References section, which can impress employers because it shows that you’re accountable. Make sure you have permission from your references before you write down their contact information, such as their addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses, all of which should be included.
For a sample résumé template, click here.
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