02/29/2012
Career Services
Resume Writing Guidelines
A resume is a summary of your experiences and skills relevant to the field of work you are considering. After reviewing your
accomplishments, a recruiter should have a sense that you are qualified for the job and should be compelled to learn more by scheduling
an interview with you. The following guide will help you create this essential branding tool.
Topics covered:
• Resume Content
• Resume Format
• Resume Template
• Sample Resume Formats
• References Outline
• Resume Action Verbs
• Resume Proofreading Tips
Resume Content
Name and Contact Information
• Start with your name at the top of the resume and use a slightly larger font size, caps and/or bold formatting.
• Under your name, include your address, phone number with area code, and e-mail address.
• Make sure your e-mail address is professional and remove the hyperlink by right-clicking on it.
• Do not include salary history or your sex, age, race, marital status or other similar personal information.
• Include your name and page number on the top of additional resume pages.
Objective
• Your objective should inform the employer of your immediate employment goal and may include relevant skills.
• Keep it brief and specific.
• Avoid generic, vague expressions like “a progressive organization with opportunities for growth and development.”
• If you are seeking several different kinds of positions, create an objective for each one. You may also consider changing your
objective for each position you apply for, in which case it is very important to proofread each resume and keep records of which
resume you submit to which employer.
Education
• If you are a current student or recent graduate, education should follow the objective.
• For each degree pursued or received, include the full name of the school, city and state, degree, and date (or anticipated date) of
graduation. Do not include high school.
• List degrees in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent degree.
• Include GPA if it is at least a 3.0. You may also include the GPA within your major.
Throughout this guide, you’ll find special
notations in call-out boxes. Don’t miss
these important tips and reminders.
This special notation recognizes the
work of Erin R. Lowery, formerly with
the University Career Center. Erin’s efforts
continue to benefit VCU students, as it was
her original work that formed the basis of
this document. Ongoing thanks, Erin!