No matter how terrific a person you are or how much experience you have, a resume for a new college graduate would not exceed one page. A person should only use two pages if the work experience is sufficient to qualify for a management position.
Resume Essentials 101
Usually your first contact with a company is the resume. It has to be good or you may never gain an interview. Every statement should show how you are qualified for the position you are applying for. The resume is basically a sales device selling your most important product--you.
People usually skim resumes. Too many numbers, too much verbiage, poor spacing, and unclear headings all make a resume difficult to skim. Make sure your resume is clear and strongest positive points are made first.
No matter how terrific a person you are or how much experience you have, a resume for a new college graduate would not exceed one page. A person should only use two pages if the work experience is sufficient to qualify for a management position.
Unnecessary items, such as hobbies, age, race, and marital status, should not be included on a resume. You should stick to the facts and save philosophy for the interview, if asked for it.
Eliminate unnecessary words such as "I," "he," or "she." Resumes are usually written in phrases, beginning with action words, such as "initiated," "supervised," or "developed." In addition, a resume should be focused toward results and accomplishments rather than duties.
The resume should be free of spelling and grammatical errors and laser printed (not photo copied) on white or ivory paper. No fancy typefaces should be used.
References and supervisors' names, as well as pictures, should be excluded.
An individually addressed cover letter should be used each time you send out a resume to a prospective employer. The letter should be addressed to a specific person whenever possible. In it, you should introduce yourself, explain your reason for writing, describe your qualifications which meet those of the position, how you can make a positive contribution to the company, and request an interview.
Functional Resumes
This type of resume is organized around functional or topical headings which stress competencies. Such headings as "Research" and "Marketing" enable you to include coursework, special projects, and work experience in your resume. These headlines should be geared to the type of position you're seeking. Actual work experience is included at the bottom of the resume. Both functional and chronological resumes can be used for broad career objectives.
Targeted Resume
Since jobs have become more specific and highly defined than they used to be, the targeted resume is now more widely used. In this format, the job target is clearly stated along with specific areas of expertise related to the applicants ability to do the job.
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