TEN TIPS FOR WRITING AN EFFECTIVE RESUME
save as pdf

1. Always include a cover letter that is approximately one page in length and specific to the position for which you are applying.  The cover letter should address the reasons for your application, highlighting two or three skills you would bring to the position.

2. Organize your resume in chronological order with your most recent employment experience first.  Do not organize your resume by your skill set or your accomplishments, leaving the reader to figure out which accomplishments match which position.

3. Quantify your positions as much as possible indicating the number of employees you supervise, the size of the budget you administered, and the size and population of the communities you’ve served.

4. Quantify your accomplishments.  Instead of simply writing “Implemented customer service improvements,” indicate what the improvements were and what they accomplished.  Other examples might be the amount of federal and/or state grants you secured, the amount of budget reductions you implemented, or the size of the capital improvement program you coordinated. Use action verbs as much as possible.

5. Do include community activities you are involved in such as coaching or not for profit organizations – this demonstrates an interest in community life, which will resonate with future employers.

6. Consider using bullet points and indentations, avoiding long paragraphs that are hard to follow.

7. Do include professional association affiliations, noting leadership positions you have held.

8. If you are in the midst of obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree, indicate your expected date of graduation.

9. Avoid colored paper or anything that does not photocopy well.  Your resume will be copied many times and it should be as clear as possible.

 Your resume can exceed two pages if it is easy to follow and filled with information relevant to the position.