writersctr@ewu.edu
509.359.2779
Cheney Campus
JFK Library Learning Commons
Spokane Academic Campus
Eastern Washington University Center Room 257
Have you seen the EWU Career Services' information about resumes? They have a fantastic and thorough packet of resume tips, tricks, and samples on their website.
If you still want to read more, check out the info below.
THE 30-SECOND TEST
On average, employers spend 30 seconds looking at a resume (Forbes reports 6.25 seconds—yikes!). Make yours easy to scan.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Be concise and direct; don't pack your resume with unneeded information to make yourself look experienced.
Keep your fonts clean (Cambria=good, Comic Sans=not so much).
Avoid color, graphics, and photos.
Exception: If you’re going into a creative field, your resume better show off your design skills. The default Calibri (size 11) will not fly.
WHAT ABOUT PAGE COUNT?
The canned answer for recent grads is you should fill a page, but no more. However, length can vary depending on your experience, and some jobs (like government jobs) want to know the nitty gritty.
LEAVE OUT MENTION OF REFERENCES
This should be a separate document. No need to waste precious resume space with the line, “References Available Upon Request.” Employers already know that.
AVOID TEMPLATES AT ALL COST
They're easy, but resist this temptation. You won't stand out looking like everyone else.
YOUR RESUME IS EVER EVOLVING
Every time you apply for a job, you need to tweak your resume to highlight what that employer wants. Play up the skills and past jobs that are relevant. Always keep your resume up-to-date with your new experience and skills.
PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, AND THEN PROOFREAD AGAIN
This should be obvious, but you don’t want to lose out on your dream gig because the employer was turned off by a silly typo or your misplaced commas.
Click HERE for some proofreading strategies.
1. Your Contact Information
This is your “letterhead” that will be used at the top of your resume, cover letter, and references. You want to be contacted, so make sure to Include:
o Your name
o Mailing address
o Phone number (make sure your voicemail message is professional)
o Email address (If you don't have a professional sounding email, create a new one. luvsbeer@gmail.com is a red flag)
2. Career Objective (optional)
3. Skills List (optional)
4. Education
5. Work Experience
You might also include sections such as Memberships, Volunteer Experience, and Awards/Honors. But remember, it's important to keep the resume simple and relevant.