How to Create a Résumé

Résumé Layout

• Bullets and section breaks are more effective than bold and italics.
• Label all parts of the résumé clearly.
• Shorter is better. No section should be more than seven lines long.
• Use top-quality 8.5" × 11" paper that is at least 25% cotton fiber. White, off-white, and ivory are the only acceptable colors for a résumé.
• Print only with a high-quality laser or inkjet printer. Dot-matrix printing is not acceptable.
• If you’re sending the same résumé to more than one potential employer, print multiple originals rather than make photocopies.

Résumé Language

• Use fragments that begin with a verb, leaving out “I.” For example, rather than write “I redesigned the format of multiple publications,” write “Redesigned the format of multiple publications” or “Redesigned format of multiple publications.”
• Use short sentences that clearly describe the individual components of a job.
• Make sure that all information (dates, titles) on your résumé is correct and accurate.
• Double-check spelling and grammar. A simple mistake can ruin your application.
• Rather than simply repeat the verbs “to be” and “to do” over and over—“I am,” “I was,” “I did,” etc.—use strong, concrete action verbs such as those in the following table.

Résumé Action Verbs

Résumé Pitfalls to Avoid

• Lies or gross exaggerations
• Attempts at humor or sarcasm
• Potentially negative information
• Apologies for lack of experience
• Bad-mouthing of former employers or employees
• Your reasons for leaving your current or previous jobs
• Errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation
• More than one set of contact information unless absolutely necessary (e.g., you are a college student about to return home for the summer)
• Any potentially eyebrow-raising hobbies or memberships in social organizations
• Any potentially embarrassing filenames or email addresses (e.g., bigstud77@quamut.com, krazy4u@quamut.com)
• The phrase “References available upon request” (this is better placed in a cover letter)
• The label ”résumé” on your résumé