Washington College

Use good quality (at least 20 lb. bond) paper no larger than 81/2 x 11. Color: neutral, white or off-white Use the same color paper for your résumé, cover letter and envelope.

Type on a word processor or a modern electric or electronic typewriter to produce clear, sharp type which will reproduce well. Photocopy only on the highest quality copier using 20 lb. bond paper or use offset printing. Use a laser printer if typed on a word processor.

Avoid errors in spelling or grammar. Present all statements in the same person and voice. Use "I" sparingly or not at all.

Use italics, underlining, "bullets" or bold type selectively to emphasize important points.

The layout should lead the eye to the most powerful parts. Use crisp, clean lines and margins (one-inch margin minimum. Use plenty of white space.

PRESENT MOST IMPORTANT CREDENTIALS FIRST.

Make sure you have your name, address, city and state, and a telephone number at the top of the page. Include your email address and/or web page if you choose. (Make your telephone voice mail professional and appropriate for prospective employers to hear.) Do Not include social security number, religion, race, salary, age, weight, state of health, height, marital status, references' names and other extraneous data.

Since most positions are not clearly targeted it is generally preferred that you include information about your areas of interest within an organization and provide a profile which will be a brief synopsis of your qualifications. If you are applying for a specific position indicate that in your cover letter and highlight your unique qualifications for the position. Include specific information on your education and work experience that support your job interest. Internships and volunteer work count as experience and should be included if related to the career field.

Mention these in ways which reflect your energy, versatility, or other exceptional qualities.

ELIMINATE CONTROVERSIAL ACTIVITIES OR ASSOCIATIONS WHICH MIGHT TEND TO ROUSE PREJUDICED REACTIONS.

USE ACTION VERBS TO BEGIN MOST OF THE SENTENCES.

• Trained three new employees. *Did some training.
• Decreased errors by 15% saving over $4000 in one year. *Helped reduce errors.
• Learned new procedures in a record two weeks. *Was a fast learner.

• Completed... *Was in charge of completion of...
• Used resources effectively. *Made utilization of the following resources...
• Was responsible for... *Had the responsibility for...

• Assisted customers with... *Handled complaints from...
• Improved product potential... *Avoided loss of market share...
• Made a career move to... *Was laid off from...

• Was promoted and received two merit increases. *Worked there three years.
• Completed all projects on schedule. *Handled odd jobs.
• Successfully handled supervisory responsibilities. *Filled in for the assistant manager.

This statement can be included but is typically omitted since employers assume you will provide references when requested to do so. You can create a separate list of names, addresses and phone numbers to send employers when they request your references. Remember to include your references professional title. Always ask your references for permission before you list them.