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General Resume Guidelines
- Abbreviations and Pronouns: Avoid using abbreviations and personal pronouns
(I, me, etc.).
- Enhancements: Use indention, bolding, underlining and bullets to enhance
important information. Avoid using italics because some resume scanners have difficulty
interpreting this information.
- Envelopes: Purchase large manila or white envelopes that allow you to mail
your resume and cover letter without folding them.
- Font Type, Font Size and Font Color: Try to use one type, avoid using more
than two font types. Suggested fonts are the Times New Roman, Arial or Verdana.
Font size should be no larger than 12 point and no smaller than 10 point. Font color
must be black always. Do not use colored font.
- Honesty: Make sure that your resume is an honest and accurate account of
your qualifications.
- Layout : You should avoid centering subheadings. Try different formats to
determine which one best highlights your skills and qualifications.
- Length: One page only, unless you have significant previous experience.
- Margins: Your margins should be at least one half inch. You really don't
need more than one inch.
- Paper: Print your resume on quality bond paper. 8x11 inches. White or off-white
paper is preferable. Avoid parchment-style, flecked or dark papers because they
do not photocopy or scan well.
- Information to avoid: Do not include personal information such as age, height,
weight, health status, marital status, number of children, military classification,
photographs, etc. unless it is required for the specific position.
- White Space: Use white (blank) space effectively to make your resume look
professional and easier to read. Avoid filling every blank space with information.
- Summary on the top: List three or four major skills. GPA listed if over 3.0.
- Job objective: Descriptive job titles. Do not put actual job titles.
- Grammar: Spell check and grammar check your resume. Let other people your
resume for your mistakes.
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Resume Writing Guides, Techniques and Tips
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