Writing Effective Rsums

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Writing Effective Résumés

• Dr. Janice R. Walker
• Dept. of Writing and Linguistics
• jwalker_at_GeorgiaSouthern.edu

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10 Suggestions for Effective Résumés
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1. There is no universal résumé format

• Résumés come in a variety of flavors
• Chronological
• Functional
• Scannable
• Online

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2. Customize your objective.

• The statement of your job objective should be
  specific to the job for which you are applying.
• If the objective is boiler plate, then omit it!

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Résumés will rarely get you a job

• The purpose of a résumé is to get you an
  interview, not a job.
• Thus, your résumé should be a concise, factual,
  and positive listing of your education,
  employment history, and accomplishments.

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Make sure your résumé is relevant

• The information you include should clearly
  support your argument that you are qualified for
  the job.
• The information you include should be targeted to
  the specific job requirements.

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5. Avoid inconsistencies!

• Check the dates on your résumé. Be prepared to
  explain any gaps.
• If you have had many short-term jobs or attended
  many schools without obtaining a degree, be
  prepared to explain.

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6. Choose your words carefully

• Use action verbs (Provided customer service
  instead of Responsible for waiting on
  customers)
• Use concrete nouns and positive modifiers
  (ability, actively, vigorous, resourceful, etc.)
• Use concise phrases and clauses rather than
  complete sentences. (If you can eliminate the
  word the, do so! Omit the personal pronoun
  I.)

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7. Give your résumé a test drive

• Try your résumé out on someone who knows you and
  who will offer you objective advice.
• If your résumé isnt working (that is, if youre
  not getting any interviews), revise it!
• Remember, one size does NOT fit all target your
  résumé to the specific job for which you are
  applying.

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Keep a separate list of references

• The last heading on your résumé should usually
  read References available on request.
• Be prepared for the request! Prepare a typed
  list of references, including name, title,
  company, address, phone number, and email
  address. Make sure YOUR contact information is
  on the top of the list as well (formatted
  similarly to your résumé).
• Get permission from your references to list them,
  and provide them with a copy of your résumé.

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9. Always send a cover letter

• Prepare a cover letter on matching paper that
• Names the job for which you are applying.
• Points to details in your résumé that qualify you
  for the job.
• Provides additional information relevant to the
  specific job.
• Asks for what you want an interview!

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10. Remember your purpose

• The purpose of the résumé is to get an interview,
  not a job.
• Hence, do NOT attempt to include everything there
  is to know about you.
• DO remember that you are making an argument.
• Organize information with your most persuasive
  argument first.