Resume Tips

• Select the best format and style - three common styles are chronological, functional and combination. 
• Include: Name, address, phone number; objective; education and training; dates of employment; employer names; job titles; work experience; volunteer work; military service; skills; professional memberships; summary or highlights of qualifications; references (personal, past supervisors, college instructors). 
• Arrange information on the resume in order of importance. 
• Emphasize the skills you have that are the same as the skills required to do the work 
• Use the terminology of the occupation for which you are applying.
• Use short statements, not full sentences. 
• Always use action verbs to begin your descriptive phrases. 
• Use margins, good spacing, bold, underlining appropriately without making your resume look “cluttered.” 
• Avoid unnecessary words such as: a, as, the 
• Appearance is very important.  Use resume quality paper. 
• Use the same “easy to read” type face throughout your document. 
• If you want to create a “different” look, experiment with the font size.
• Be sure your name stands out.  It should be in all capital letters, bold face, and at least one point size larger than everything else on the page. 
• Complete a rough draft.
• Proofread or have someone else proofread for neatness, spelling and clarity of thought. 
• Be brief and concise: 1-2 pages.  Be consistent in grammar and format
• Be accurate, truthful and complete regarding your education, experience and skills
• Gather all information pertinent to your experience and education including past job descriptions.
• Schedule an informational interview with the person making the hiring decisions.  This will give you a chance to clarify the qualifications the employer is looking for and introduce yourself, often increasing your chances of employment.
• Use volunteer work as work experience when it shows you have skills or interests that pertain to the job you are seeking.
• Contact your reference people to ask permission before you use them.  Best references are employed people who know your skills and interests or are customers who have received your service.  Do not use relatives.

When answering the question “Reason for Leaving” do not use words that raise suspicions such as: fired, personality conflict, dissatisfied, poor management.  Use positive ways to explain the situation such as temporary position, seeking other opportunities, returned to school, job ended.  Be prepared to discuss it in the interview.

For more information about Job Placement, contact us by phone 503.399.5026, fax 503.399.7483 or by e-mail at jobplacement@chemeketa.edu. Visit us on the main floor in Bldg. 2, Rm 115.

Updated June 2007 by the College Advancement Department.