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Writing a Winning Resume
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Short Description: 4) A resume is a summary of your experience and should. be kept to two pages. 5) Make points that are concise and have impact (do not. use paragraphs). ...
Content Inside: www.careers.ubc.caWriting a Winning ResumePurpose of a ResumeThe primary objective of a resume is to win an interview. AWhile your resume is a vital step in the job search process,great resume--one that is concise, powerful, persuasive andit is important to keep in mind that it is only one part of awell-written--does not only tell the employer what you havepackage. Self-knowledge, interview preparation, networkingdone, but also convinces the employer that you have what itand follow-up are also essential to your job search success.takes to be successful in the position. Your resume shouldBefore you start building your resume, be sure that youstimulate enough interest so that it inspires the employer tohave done a lot of self-exploration. Know who you are, whatpick up the phone and set up an interview with you.you want, and what you have to offer.General Guidelines 1) The first impression of your resume is the most5) Make points that are concise and have impact (do notimportant. Have someone else read over your resumeuse paragraphs). Use bullets to focus on points.to check for grammatical and spelling errors. AlthoughRemember, constantly ask yourself "How will addingformat and style do count, it is the actual content andthis piece of information get me an interview?" If theyour ability to create interest that encourages theanswer is "it doesn't," then leave it out.employer to interview you. It doesn't matter how fancy6) Always list the most important points first whenyour resume is if the quality of the content is missing.organizing your headings and content.2) Each resume should be tailored to the employers'7) Always include a cover letter when you present aneeds as much as possible. Look at the requirementsresume to an employer.of the job, and highlight only the relevant qualifications8) When faxing your resume to an employer, alwayson the resume. If you have a lot of work experience,follow-up by sending an original.a rule of thumb is to list three or four of your9) Print your resume on good bond paper (typicallyprevious jobs.with crème or white), and only one side of the page.3) Focus on your skills, personal qualities, achievementsYour cover letter should be printed on the sameand quantifiable accomplishments using past tensetype of paper.verbs (eg. created, lead, initiated). See the insert for10) Be honest. You should make the most of yourpowerful action verbs to describe your activities.experience and achievements, but do not mislead the4) A resume is a summary of your experience and shouldemployer or give information you are not able to justifybe kept to two pages.in an interview.Layout & Style When creating your resume, keep in mind the following techniques (from Robin Williams' The Non-Designer's Design Book): Contrast: Make your headings, degree and job titles stand out from the regular text. Use bold letters or underlining. Anemployer should not have to decipher headings or sections compared to text.Repetition: Repeat visual elements of the design throughout the resume. If you choose to make a heading bold with capitalletters and underlined, then be consistent.Alignment: Nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. For example, one alignment for headings (flush left) and onealignment for other text. Elements should have a visual connection to each other.Proximity: Items that are related to one another should be grouped close together. One visual unit helps to organizeinformation and reduces clutter.Brock Hall 2307 - 1874 East Mall tel: 604.822.4011 fax: 604.822.4013 career.services@ubc.ca www.careers.ubc.ca
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