Résumé Basics

First impressions are important, so take care when formatting your résumé. Top quality résumés are easy to read and have NO spelling or grammar errors! Potential employers may toss your résumé if you don’t care enough to thoroughly proofread your documents.

Appearance

Your résumé should have a crisp clean look which is visually appealing to the reader. By carefully using (not overusing) capitalization, underlining, spacing, bold and italic letters, you will highlight your assets in a subtle but effective manner. However you decide to design your résumé, remember to be consistent within each section.

Always use high quality bond paper of at least 20 pound weight. Generally speaking, employers prefer résumés in neutral colors (white or ivory). Regardless of the content of your résumé, your choice of résumé paper, color, and style will give employers non-verbal clues to direct them in the screening process.

Length

One page résumés are recommended; however, you may use a second page if you have enough quality information to fill the entire second page.

Note: If you have a two page résumé, always number the second page and include your name on the top (i.e., Joe Student, Page 2 of 2).

Proofread

Again, nothing leaves a worse impression than a résumé with typographical and spelling errors. Always proofread the master copy carefully before it is printed, and ask others to proofread it for you. Career Development staff are happy to provide a résumé critique. Make an appointment, stop in during walk-in hours, or email us.