Resumes - What Not To Do

Tip 1 Resume Tip 2

Name:   James Edward Harold Bright Tip 3

Address:3 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam, Sydney, Telephone:    01926532408, 019264532144 

Age: 21 years, 4months, 3 days

Marital Status: Single, never married

Sex: Male

Current pay: $21,000, Full Drivers licence 7 pts

Education Tip 4

1985-1985 Electrical Engineering, dropped out at Christmas 1986-1989 BA (Hons). Psychology 3rd class

Subjects include: Aspects of Quackery 2b, Rat cognition 1, 2 & 3. Decision Making in sheep 3d, Forensic rat psychology 2c, Hypnotising feet 2, greyhound racing 2s, Cross-cultural cat bashing 2. Research project: Psychological Characterisitcs of High Achieving Haddock with special consideration of generational effects.

Career Objective Tip 5

To develop a career that fully utiluses my unique gift. Where I can work in peace and harnony and where we can work as one, to forfil my dream of equality, fraternity, and love. I have always wanted to work in Exotic Ice Cream. I feel my skills and the ease with which I communicate more than moake up for my lack of experience in selling Lychee Ripple and Fig and prune surprise.

Job History Tip 6

1982 1 day, Burger Park Leamington Spa, Serving burgers. Left beacuse of grease.

1985-1986 Ran a pub for Grilfriends Parents after dropping out of University

1989 Management Consultant for friend's Company. Left due to argument with boss

1989-1993 Worked as a tutor at the University. Left after a student complaint (not upheld)

1994-1994 Trazy Cars. Sales rep for Car dealership. Left misunderstanding over money.

1995 Was going to travel but friend got a job

Reasons for wanting to leave Tip 7

The current working conditons are too arduous and I do not like the boss checking up on my appearance and whether I am in (or on time). I prefer a more slack approach to these management issues, something that your company has gained a well-earned reputation for.

What they say about me Tip 8

Jim Bright is indeed an extraordinary employee, Jim's dedication never ceases to amaze me, once this can harnessed to job-relevant behaviours there will be promise

Hobbies and Interests Tip 9

I like reading, going to the cinema, going to the theatre, music, restaurants, sports, keeping fit, relaxing. I spend most evenings in the pub.

Membership of Professional Organisations Tip 10

Member of the Pink Falcon Club (Kings Cross)

Memebr of the Australian Extreme Ring Wing Party (from birth)

Eligible for registration as a Psychologist in NSW once outstanding fines are paid and record cleared.

Resumes & InterviewsYour Guide to Resume WritingHow to Prepare an Effective Resume

1. Resume Essentials

Before you write, take time to do a self-assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and extracurricular activities. This will make it easier to prepare a thorough resume.

2. The Content of Your Resume

Name, address, telephone, e-mail address, web site address

All your contact information should go at the top of your resume.

Avoid nicknames.

Use a permanent address. Use your parents' address, a friend's address, or the address you plan to use after graduation.

Use a permanent telephone number and include the area code. If you have an answering machine, record a neutral greeting.

Add your e-mail address. Many employers will find it useful. (Note: Choose an e-mail address that sounds professional.)

Include your web site address only if the web page reflects your professional ambitions.

Objective or Summary

An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do.

Be specific about the job you want. For example: To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.

Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek.

Education

New graduates without a lot of work experience should list their educational information first. Alumni can list it after the work experience section.

Your most recent educational information is listed first.

Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., etc.), major, institution attended, minor/concentration.

Add your grade point average (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0.

Mention academic honors.

Work Experience

Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order—that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include:

Title of position,

Name of organization

Location of work (town, state)

Dates of employment

Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.

Other information

A staff member at your career services office can advise you on other information to add to your resume. You may want to add:

Key or special skills or competencies,

Leadership experience in volunteer organizations,

Participation in sports.

References

Ask people if they are willing to serve as references before you give their names to a potential employer.

Do not include your reference information on your resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume: "References furnished on request."

3. Resume Checkup

You've written your resume. It's time to have it reviewed and critiqued by a career counselor. You can also take the following steps to ensure quality:

Content:

Run a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your resume.

Get a friend (an English major would do nicely) to do a grammar review.

Ask another friend to proofread. The more people who see your resume, the more likely that misspelled words and awkward phrases will be seen (and corrected).

Design:

These tips will make your resume easier to read and/or scan into an employer's data base.

Use white or off-white paper.

Use 8-1/2- x 11-inch paper.

Print on one side of the paper.

Use a font size of 10 to 14 points.

Use nondecorative typefaces.

Choose one typeface and stick to it.

Avoid italics, script, and underlined words.

Do not use horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading.

Do not fold or staple your resume.

If you must mail your resume, put it in a large envelope

Do not use line or borders Do not use bold print, italics, or underlining Use Large and clear typestyle Leave large margins all the way around the resume Do not use any color paper other than white or very light ivory. Be sure to center your name, address and phone at the top.

Your Guide to Resume WritingAction Words

Use action words to describe your experience and accomplishments. Here are some actions words to use:

achieved

acquired

adapted

addressed

administered

analyzed

anticipated

assembled

assisted

audited

budgeted

calculated

centralized

changed

collaborated

composed

condensed

conducted

constructed

contracted

converted

coordinated

drafted

edited

eliminated

enforced

established

evaluated

expanded

explained

forecasted

formed

founded

generated

guided

hired

implemented

improved

informed

insured

interpreted

interviewed

launched

maintained

originated

oversaw

performed

planned

prevented

produced

programmed

promoted

provided

publicized

published

recruited

reorganized

reported

researched

resolved

reviewed

selected

separated

set up

simplified

solved

created

cultivated

demonstrated

designed

developed

devised

discovered

doubled

managed

marketed

minimized

motivated

negotiated

obtained

operated

organized

surveyed

staffed

supervise

taught

tested

trained

used

Resumes & InterviewsWhat Employers Want

Employers say they are impressed by job candidates who have excellent communication skills, good grooming habits, and relevant work experience. Employers say they want trustworthy new hires who can move right in, get along with their co-workers, and get the job done without having to be babied at each step.

Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek

1. Communication skills (verbal and written)

2. Honesty/integrity

3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)

4. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)

5. Motivation/initiative

6. Strong work ethic

7. Analytical skills

8. Flexibility/adaptability

9. Computer skills

10. Organizational skills

Employers Rate the Importance of Experience

Relevant work experience ..................................... 4.0

Internship experience ............................................ 3.9

Any work experience ............................................. 3.6

Co-op experience ..................................................

3.2

(5-point scale: 5=Extremely important; 1=Not important)

Don't Get Personal: Protecting Your Privacy During an Internet Job Search

By Pattie Giordani Don't become a victim of identity theftYou posted your resume on a job board web site and hoped the ideal employer would read it and offer you that one-in-a-million position. Now, it's weeks later you haven't heard a word. Worse yet, suddenly, it seems your credit cards are maxed out, and it has been months since you charged anything. You've become a victim of one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States—identity theft. And you can thank your resume for winning you the latest job at hand-getting your identify back.

Identity theft results in millions of lost dollars every year. In 1997, MasterCard reported that 96 percent of its losses were from fraud-totaling $407,000,000. The same year, the U.S. Secret Service made 9,5000 ID theft arrests involving losses of $745,000,000. ID theft is a felony, and the country's top consumer fraud complaint, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Many ID thieves obtain personal information from stealing wallets containing credit cards and other personal information. Some rummage through trash and/or steal mail from home mailboxes. However, the newest ID thief doesn't even have to leave home to pick your pocket-he can do it using his computer.

A recent article online on MSNBC tells the story of "Jim," who responded to a job posting on a large Internet job board. He received an e-mail from someone he though was a human resources director who said that his company was interested, but Jim would have to submit to a background check and requested some very personal information. Jim promptly sent his age, height, weight, Social Security number, bank account numbers, even his mother's maiden name.

After sending the information and not hearing from the HR director, Jim phoned the director, leaving a voice-mail message. When he didn't receive a return phone call, Jim called again—and this time found the phone line had been disconnected and the job listing on the job board had been withdrawn. He called the company's headquarters and was told the man he thought was the HR director did not work there, and that the job posting was a fraud.

"Job seekers have to understand that once their information is on the Internet, it's out to the world," says Mark Mehler, coauthor of CareerXroads, a reference guide to job and resume web sites. "Once you place your resume on a job site, anyone can view it—and use the information."

Online resume data bases are able to use and sell personal information in ways never imagined by applicants, says Pam Dixon of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC). "In the information economy, job seekers' names, e-mail addresses, and resumes have

economic value, and this data often comprises a significant source of profit for job-search sites and related businesses," Dixon says. Job seekers should find the businesses-from resume writing services to online job sites—that are genuinely interested in helping job seekers. Avoid those sites focused on making a profit from resumes and contact information data, she advises.

According to the PRC, resume files have been downloaded, used, and/or sold, without the consent of thousands of job seekers. The job board Jim used recently sent an e-mail to millions of its registered job seekers, warning them of the potential abuse of their personal information. The board also posted a warning on its site, advising users that fake job listings have been used to gather and steal personal information.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't use these web sites in your job search, just be careful. The FTC says it's important to find out what happens to the personal information you provide—find out how it will be used and if it will be shared by others.

"We encourage students to use web sites that let them respond to job listings rather than registering with their resume, and having no idea who might have access to their information," Dixon says. "We have featured articles on data base security issues, and cautions students should follow on our web site. And one of our staff members is developing a tutorial for evaluating Internet career resources."

"When posting a resume on job sites, read the privacy statement to see what the rules are," Mehler advises. "On some sites, you can put in some skills and jobs are mailed to you. This way the job seekers are in control-then they can send out a resume to companies of interest."

Internet Job-Searching Dos and Don'ts:

Do read correspondence carefully and look for red flags. The e-mail Jim received was fairly well written, but several sentences were missing words, the company's name was misspelled, and the phony recruiter gave a private e-mail address.

Do use the Internet to find the company's web site and verify the address, phone number, and other information. Check the career page to see if the job opening is listed.

Do use an e-mail address you can cancel if you start getting spam e-mail. Yahoo!, Hotmail, Juno, and Netzero all offer free e-mail accounts. Don't use your name in the e-mail address.

Don't give out your Social Security number, credit card numbers, or bank account numbers, and don't make any monetary transactions.

Don't give out any personal non-work related information, such as height, weight, or marital status.

Cover Letters The preliminary application for a professional position generally consists of two documents: a cover letter and a resume.  This handout describes the cover letter; the resume is described in a separate Writing Center handout.  While the resume is a somewhat generic advertisement for yourself, the cover letter allows you to tailor your application to each specific job.  Although the thrust of your various letters may remain the same, with the assorted text-processing options available at RPI—options that include find-and-replace and merging capabilities—there is really no reason to have a single, generic cover letter.

Purpose Your cover letter and resume usually provide all the information which a prospective employer will use to decide whether or not you will reach the next phase in the application process: the interview. 

While your goal is an interview and, ultimately, a job offer, the more immediate purpose of your cover letter in some cases may simply be to gain an attentive audience for your resume.

Audience A cover letter provides, in a very real sense, an opportunity to let your prospective employer hear your voice. It reflects your personality, your attention to detail, your communication skills, your enthusiasm, your intellect, and your specific interest in the company to which you are sending the letter. 

Therefore, c over letters should be tailored to each specific company you are applying to. You should conduct enough research to know the interests, needs, values, and goals of each company, and your letters should reflect that knowledge.

Content A cover letter should be addressed to the specific company and the specific individual who will process your application. You can usually find this through research or simply by calling the company to find out who you should address your letter to.

The letter should name the position for which you are applying and also make specific references to the company. Indicate your knowledge of and interest in the work the company is currently doing, and your qualification for the position. You want the reader to know:

why you want to work at that specific company, 

why you fit with that company

how you qualify for the position to which you applying.

In addition to tailoring your application to a specific job with a specific company , the cover letter should also

highlight the most important and relevant accomplishments, skills, and experience listed in your resume

point to the resume in some way (as detailed in the enclosed resume")

request specific follow up, such as an interview.

Format A cover letter should be in paragraph form (save bulleted lists for your resume) with a conversational, though formal, tone.

The first paragraph should be brief, perhaps two or three sentences, stating

what job you are applying for and how you learned about it 

any personal contacts you have in or with the company 

your general qualifications for the job. 

The body of your letter should consist of one to three longer paragraphs in which you expand upon your qualifications for the position. Pick out the most relevant qualifications listed in your resume and discuss them in detail, demonstrating how your background and experience qualify you for the job. Be as specific as possible, and refer the reader to your resume for additional details.

The concluding paragraph of your letter should request an interview (or some other response, as appropriate). State where and when you can be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview or supply further information. Close by thanking your reader for his or her time and consideration.  

General Guidelines and Suggestions For Preparing Cover Letters

1. Show what you can do for the reader, not what you want the reader to do for you; keep the focus on your qualifications as they relate to the position you are seeking. 2. Write clearly and simply; avoid jargon and overly complex or lengthy sentences; say what you have to say directly and succinctly. 3. Business letters are formal rather than informal communications; see sample letters for examples of acceptable business style and format. 4. Keep it brief; a one-page letter of 3 - 4 paragraphs is sufficient; your cover letter should never be more than one page long. 5. Mention one or two specific accomplishments or strengths that demonstrate your expertise or proficiency and make the reader want to know more, then refer the reader to your resume for more information. 6. Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person; if you don't have a name but do know the company, call their human resources department or main switchboard and ask for the name of the human resources manager, the name of the person handling the opening, or the person in charge of the area where the position is most likely located.   If you absolutely can't find a name, address your letter to a title (e.g., "Dear Human Resources Representative" or Dear Marketing Manager"). Never use a generic salutation like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern."

7. Always keep the reader in mind; make your letters easy to read and keep to the point; demonstrate that you understand and can use sound business writing principles in your communications. 8. Produce high quality, error-free copy; follow the guidelines used in preparing your resume and be sure to proofread carefully; use the same font and pitch used in your resume, and make your letter look as much like your resume as possible. 9. Use high quality stationery and envelopes; the best strategy is to use the same paper as your resume and purchase matching envelopes. 10. Be honest; always be able to back up what you say with evidence and specific examples from your experience.

11. Close by stating what action you will be taking as a follow-up to your letter, wherever possible; this takes the burden off the reader and also gives you more control over the process. 12. Be positive in tone, choice of words and expectations; convey your self confidence, enthusiasm and professionalism. 13. Be sure to sign your letter using your full name as typed.  Use a high quality pen with black ink--and be sure your signature is legible!

PREPARING OTHER CORRESPONDENCE DURING YOUR JOB SEARCH

There are several other types of letters you may use during the course of your job search.  Each has its particular purpose and should be prepared with the same care as your cover letters and resume.  The most commonly used letters are described below and a sample of each is included in this document.  Be sure to follow the guidelines and tips used in preparing your resume and cover letters, and always remember to sign all letters.  You should also keep copies of all correspondence for your own records. Thank You Letter: used following a meeting or interview to express your appreciation and to strengthen your position as a highly qualified candidate; also send thank you letters to those individuals you may have interviewed as part of your job search research (information interviews); it's also a nice, professional touch to send letters of appreciation to people who served as references for you.

The thank you letter is probably one of the most important but least used tools in the job search process. Your use of this tool can set you apart and above other candidates, so be sure you send a thank you letter within 1-2 days after every interview.  Make it brief, warm and more personal than your cover letter, but maintain a professional, business-like style.  In addition to expressing your appreciation for the interview and reaffirming your interest in the position, this is your opportunity to reemphasize your strengths or mention some aspect of your background or experience that wasn't covered during the interview.Withdrawal Letter: used to inform the employer of your decision to withdraw your application from consideration during the selection process; you should express your appreciation for the employer's time and courtesy and give a brief explanation for your decision--you might say that you accepted a position with another organization, but never say that you accepted a better job. Rejection Letter: used to inform the employer that you are declining an employment offer; whatever the reason for your decision, word your letter carefully so that it conveys your sincere appreciation and careful consideration of the offer; provide a brief explanation for your decision, but again, never say that you accepted a better job. Acceptance Letter: used to convey your decision to accept a job offer and to confirm the terms of your employment; as a general rule, you will already have accepted the offer via personal meeting or telephone call, but don't neglect to confirm your acceptance in writing;

this is a good way to ensure that there are no misunderstandings when you actually begin your employment.

GENERAL OUTLINE AND BASIC ELEMENTS OF THE COVER LETTER

Your Name Your Address

City, State Zipcode Your Phone Number

Date of Letter

Reader's Name Reader's Title Name of Company Company Address

Salutation: Use Title and Last Name if available (e.g., Dear Dr. Smith: or Dear Ms. Jones:); don't use a first name unless you know the individual well and are sure this is acceptable; if you do not have a name, use the title (e.g., Dear Employment Manager:).  If you have the name but aren't sure whether the individual is a male or female, use the full name with no title (e.g., Dear Terry Jones). Opening Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position or type of work for which you are applying and mention how you heard of the opening or organization. Middle Paragraph(s): Here you want to describe your major strengths as they relate to the position you are seeking.  If possible, mention one or two recent accomplishments that illustrate your proficiency and effectiveness.  The idea is to create interest and show how your skills and qualifications can be of value to the organization.--to make the reader want to know more.  Don't reiterate everything that's in your resume, but refer the reader to your enclosed resume for more detail on your qualifications and experience. Closing Paragraph: Restate your strong interest in the position or organization and your desire for a face-to-face meeting.  Pave the way for the interview by indicating the action or steps you will take to initiate a meeting.  If this is not appropriate, simply state that you look forward to hearing from the reader soon.  Finally, express your appreciation for the reader's time and consideration. Sincerely,    

Your full name

Enclosure

Finding References That Sing Your Praises By DEBRA WILLIAMS

"References available upon request."

Those four little words, usually printed on the bottom of a resume, have cost job seekers many opportunities.

Offering references in itself poses no danger. The risk arises when a hiring manager calls them. A former supervisor may not be with the company anymore. Your last boss may sound hesitant when asked to talk about your experience. A former co-worker may not even remember who you are. These replies are more common than you might think, and they can kill a job offer.

"References hurt job seekers more than they know," says Carolyn Sink, human-resources director of a large law firm headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C. She's checked hundreds of references and is surprised at the number of job seekers who fail to use them as a job-search tool.

References are one part of your job search over which you have complete control. The following steps may help you develop an enthusiastic panel of supporters.

Assume your references will be checked. "It's a misconception that employers aren't going to call references. That's taking a substantial risk," says Ms. Sink. Most companies check references during the hiring process.

Ask permission before listing a reference. "Too many job seekers don't even make references aware that they're being listed," says Werner Weitzel, director of client services in the Portland, Ore., office of Bernard Haldane Associates, a New York-based career counseling firm.

In addition to being standard courtesy, asking permission eliminates many of the problems references cause job seekers. Your contact usually will tell you if he or she doesn't want to serve as a reference. You also eliminate references who don't remember you.

Seeking permission is critical in today's lawsuit-fearing workplace. Many companies prohibit employees from providing any information other than job titles and dates of employment. While this may be standard company policy, it can raise a red flag with potential employers. By asking permission, you'll know which references are able and willing to vouch for you.

Make sure your references are comfortable speaking on your behalf. "It's not just what they say, but how they say it," Ms. Sink says. "I know instantly if someone isn't pleased to be giving the reference."

If you sense a reference may be hesitant, offer a polite out. Ms. Sink suggests asking if the person would prefer providing a letter of reference. While you may never need or use the letter, at least you'll know a hesitant reference isn't on your list.

Verify your information. Make sure the phone numbers, job titles, company names and addresses for your advocates are correct.

Ms. Sink says her worst reference-checking experience began when a candidate turned in a long list of references. "I called everyone on the list and didn't talk to anyone," she says. "People had left the companies or phone numbers had changed. It was very frustrating."

After you've verified the information, present it in a professional manner. Your list should be typed on letterhead-quality paper that matches your resume. Always have the list ready to present at an interview or when applying for a job.

Coach your references. Mr. Weitzel suggests spending 10 to 15 minutes talking to each person you ask to serve as a reference. Discuss your job goals, outline the qualities and skills you're emphasizing in your job search and give each a copy of your resume. Some employers may ask your references for names of others to contact, so consider suggesting a mutual contact.

"If you hand me a list of references, chances are that you're going to list only people who will say good things," Mr. Weitzel says. "Employers often will ask, ‘Do you know someone else I can talk to?' " Follow these same steps when coaching back-up references.

Keep your references informed. They should be at the center of your network. Update them regularly on how your search is progressing.

"Call and let them know when you've had a great interview with a company," says J. Damian Birkel, who lost his job in corporate downsizings twice in 10 years. His unemployment experience led him to form Professionals in Transition, a support group, and write "Career Bounce-Back!" (1997, AMACOM). He's now working as a product marketing manager for the Chicago-based Sara Lee Corp. in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Mr. Birkel recommends telling references about the requirements of each job and refreshing their memories of your qualifications and instances when you demonstrated the skills the employer desires.

Remember that references are active in the corporate work force and can provide job leads and encouragement during your search.

Choose references based on job requirements. A resume designed to promote your marketing skills isn't likely to land you a human-resources position. You'd have to write a second resume, offering a different slant on your skills and experience.

The same is true for references. Someone who can vouch for your technical savvy may not to be the best person to speak about your management skills.

List every potential reference, including two or three from each job you've held. Under each name, jot down the job skills and work characteristics each one knows best. Then rotate your references, choosing them based on the skills you want to spotlight for a particular position.

If you're conducting a very active job search, rotate your references as a courtesy. It will save two or three people from being contacted by every employer who checks your references.

Choose your references based on what they can say about you, not name recognition. Many job seekers are tempted to name drop, using the president of the company instead of a direct supervisor, or listing a golf buddy who's a well-known business leader. Rely on these contacts for job leads and introductions, but list only references who are well acquainted with your work and feel comfortable talking about you.

"Anyone who doesn't directly know about your job performance and your reputation isn't the right one," Ms. Sink says. The core of your reference list, she says, should be former supervisors. If your new job will be a supervisory position, include a former subordinate.

Consider a reference check a good sign. "An employer only will call references if the candidate is viable," Mr. Weitzel says. It's often one of the last steps before a job offer is extended.

-- Ms. Williams is a free-lance writer in Morristown, Tenn.

USING REFERENCES EFFECTIVELY IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

"References available upon request"Does this look like a familiar phrase on your resume? Have you put any thought into who you will ask for a reference? How many references do you need to have? Can you use family and friends?  After all, they know you the best and can let a potential employer know that you are a very hard worker.  The following tips and suggestions will answer these and other questions you might have concerning the use of references in your job search.  A Sample Reference Sheet in also included to help you in formating and preparing your List of References. TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS Most employers will eventually request your references before extending a job offer. The strongest references come from previous employers who can vouch for your knowledge and skills, your integrity, and your enthusiasm toward work. Your best bet is to get a reference from an immediate supervisor, manager, or co-worker. The higher the title, the better. Your reference should know who you are and what you did. Of course, you should always ask for their permission beforehand and inform them of your job objective. You might also give them a copy of your resume, so they have something to refer to when contacted by an employer.   Request references only of those people who think positively of you. If you know that your current or previous boss won't give you a decent recommendation, provide the name of someone else in the chain-of-command who will. Maybe your boss's boss, another manager, or a supervisor who is familiar with your work. Don't use family members or friends unless they can truly speak to your work-related skills and qualifications. Generally speaking, you should only use business references unless the employer asks for personal or character references. Other potential references may include your professors, leaders of organizations or clubs, clients, customers, or others familiar with your work. They should all be professional contacts.   Never include your references on your resume. Instead, prepare a separate sheet with the heading, "Professional References" or something similar. (See Sample Reference Sheet). You should list 3 to 5 references under that heading. Be sure to include your name, address, etc., at the top of the page - just as it appears on your resume. Unless otherwise requested, use work addresses and phone numbers. For each reference list the name, title, company or organization, company address, and work phone number. If the person's title or company does not indicate your relationship, include in parenthesis after name (e.g., former supervisor).   Your Professional References should not be sent in the mail/fax/email with your cover letter and resume unless the employer specifically asks for them at that time. Employers typically ask for references after an interview, so be sure to take a copy of your reference sheet with you to your interviews. It should be on the same paper as your resume - and as with any other job search correspondence, take the time to make sure your reference sheet is of the highest quality.

What your resume should never include:a. A Resume Title  It should be obvious what it is.

b. Availability

Apparently you are available; you are looking for work. It decreases the life span of your resume and your efficiency if you do not get a job by the specified date.

c. Salary

If your request is too high, you are eliminated immediately. If it's too low, they may still trash your resume, or worse. They may pay you what you asked, which is thousands less than you are worth.

d. Mention of Age, Race, Religion, Sex, or National Origin

It's just not good business sense. Discrimination does happen to everyone, still.

e. Photographs

Unnecessary, unless applying for a modeling or acting career. Then, a portfolio is recommended.

f. Charts and Graphs

Nobody's resume should have that much void space. If so, fix it. You can do better.

g. Weaknesses

It is counter-productive. The purpose of the resume is to accentuate the positives.

h. Reason for Leaving

 It is inappropriate for the resume. If the employer wants to know, he or she will ask you.

d. References

Do not list references because it is unprofessional. State instead "References are available upon request." at the very end of your resume.  

Resume checklist :

Trained specialists in Career Services will critique your resume with you. Although drop-ins are welcome, it is usually to your advantage to make an appointment in advance.  (994-4353, or lbennett@montana.edu).  Before having your resume critiqued, please complete this checklist

Did you remember to…?Name & address:

   put your name at the top?   Is it larger than all other information?  Is it bolded?

   use a current address where you can be reached or where someone will know your current

  address?  If you included two addresses (school/college and permanent) did you includes dates when you can be reached at each?

   include(a) phone number(s) where a message can be left or someone will generally be available to  answer the phone?

   include a fax number, if you have one?  

   include your e-mail address?  (If it is through the MSU server, be sure to check/indicate the expiration date.

Objective:

   is your objective clear?  Concise? Does it list a position? Include skills, setting, or long-range goals?

Body:

     Did you include only information showing your qualifications for this position?

     Are sections prioritized by relevance or importance to the type of position you want?

Education:

   list your degree or year in school first?  Including Major?

   Name your college or university after naming your major?  (unless your major is not relevant for your objective).

   list the city & state of your college or university next?

   Have you included the month and/or year of completion of your degree?

   do you have GPA information next?

   if applicable, did you show percent of schooling for which you paid (or assumed responsibility)?

   if you’ve included “specialized” or “relevant” courses, does your list include only electives or those courses relevant for your objective but outside your major?

Experience:

   did you list your position title first?  Followed by employer, city and state, and dates of experience, preferably in that order?

   did you use bullets (or asterisks if this resume might be scanned) to make important points? 

   Did you begin each phrase with a powerful action verb describing your accomplishments?

   Have you included only skills important in the type of position you seek?

Honors/Awards/Activities: 

   Have you included those that demonstrate important abilities or characteristics in the workforce? 

   did you remember to prioritize (by dates or by relevance)? 

   is this section current and recent? 

   have you included leadership positions? 

Formatting and Finalizing: 

   did you leave at least 3/4-inch (1 inch is preferred) margins on all four sides? 

   do you have lots of white space?  Does important information (section headings, for example) stand out?

   are all section headings treated the same?

   have you used only one font?  and is it easily read?

   have you used a spell checker?

   did you look for consistency in punctuation?  

Have you omitted personal data that may be used against you? (including age, height, weight, marital status, nationality or ethnicity, photograph).

Did you know? …

In a 1997 survey conducted by Dr. Ralph Brigham with on-campus recruiters, the following skills and personal characteristics were ranked as being the most important in today's workplace.  To be most effective, your resume should address these skills and characteristics:

1. ability to solve problems. 14. ability to cope with change (tie)

2. ability to be self-motivated. 14. ability to handle stress (tie)

3. oral communication skills. 16. ability to acquire and evaluate information. (tie)

4. ability to know how to learn. 16.  possessing appropriate technical skills. (tie)

5. showing integrity/honesty. 16. working to satisfy customer expectation (tie)

6. having a sense of responsibility. 19. ability to cope with pressure.  

7. being dependable. 20. ability to be cooperative.

8. listening skills. 21. ability to be a creative thinker.

9. possessing initiative.  22. written communication skills.

10. ability to plan and organize. 23.  showing enthusiasm on the job.

11.  ability to be a team player. 24. showing flexibility.

12.  ability to make a decision. 25.  ability to organize and maintain info.

13.  ability to be a logical thinker.For other tips and guidelines, check out our tips on resume writing, interview skills, and job-hunting techniques.  Check the action verb site!Please fill out and return this form with your resume when you come to have your resume critiqued.