Resume Preparation Guide

Tips for Writing Resumes

Be honest.
A skillful interviewer is able to spot any exaggeration or false information.

Keep it brief.
Most job seekers should be able to limit their resume to one or two pages.

Write your own resume.
You know yourself better than anyone else.

Emphasize the positive.
Sell your strengths. Focus on the positive contributions you have made to your employers, your school and your community.

Start with an action verb whenever possible (see page 9).
Verbs such as supervised, organized, planned, developed, created, etc., tell precisely what you have accomplished.

Avoid wordiness.
Consider the following examples:

Poor: “Staged an extensive campaign to cut costs and increase overall profits from fund-raisers by 10% in the course of one-year’s time.”

Good: “Increased profits from fund-raisers by 10% in one year.”

Now that you have constructed and copied your resume, it is time to start distribution to employers as part of your job search. The Career Development Center will help you through its Resume Referral Service. Simply complete a form and submit a resume. It is filed into the specific career field folders you select. Then, when employers call to request resumes, those in the appropriate folder are forwarded to the potential employer.

USING A COMPUTER TO OPEN DOORS

• List your computer skills on your resume, even if you are not looking for a high-tech job.
• Include your e-mail address on your resume, and check for messages often.
• Don’t expect companies to open your e-mail attachments. Always send another copy of your resume and cover letter as a text message in a fax or via postal mail.
• Before going to an interview, visit the employer’s web site. Know what is on it.
• The best place to start an on-line job search is the web page of the JCC Counseling and Career Center: www.sunyjcc.edu/college-wide/career-plan.html
• Check often. Job listings change frequently and the site is expanding to meet your job search needs.