Resume & Cover Letter
A business resume should be a marketing tool to represent the unique skills and value you would bring to an employer. Recruiters scan resumes in seconds, and having a well written, effectively organized resume can determine how far you get in the application process.
Sections in a Resume
Resume Formatting
Chronological
- Lists, describes, and provides dates for each job and educational experience separately and in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
- Most employers prefer this style
- Works best for those who have progressed in titles and have a good work history
Functional
- Highlights your skills and how they qualify you for the desired position while de-emphasizing non-related employment and dates
- Works well for those with limited education, significant employment gaps, lack of work experience, or experience in a different field; this format can be used both by recent grads and career changers.
Formatting Tips
- Unless you have 15+ years of experience, limit your resume to one page only.
- One-inch margins (all the way around) are standard, but may be adjusted to accommodate more information; some white space is essential.
- Use bullet points, not paragraphs. Choose a font that is easy to read such as Arial or Times Roman; size 10-12 point.
- Be consistent with your format throughout the document, including abbreviations, fonts, spacing, etc.
- Don’t use templates or resume programs to create your resume, as it shows lack of interest and initiative.
- A resume is NOT a list of everything you’ve ever done. Let the job description guide what to include and what to leave out.
- There is no excuse for errors—spelling, grammar and typos can eliminate you from consideration.
- Avoid italics and underlining since optical scanners can misread them; use all caps instead (sparingly) and bold to make your important work and phrases stand out.
- There’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” resume. Customize and tailor your resume to audience.
- Have your business career counselor or career ambassador review your resume. Upload your revised resume to Handshake.