Resume

Do's and Don'ts of Resume Writing

1) First rule when it comes to Resumes: Never lie on your resume.

I don't care how many people got ahead and succeeded by deception. I don't care how much experience the employer demands for minimum wage. Let not deception be your legacy just to pay your rent. The ends don't justify the means.

2) Second rule: Never include your address on your resume. Only include your name, e-mail, and phone number.

3) Make sure your e-mail is professional and does not include too many numbers.

An example of an unprofessional e-mail is: jsmith1234@gmail.com. Include your middle initial and just 1 or 2 numbers if necessary if you have a common name.

4) Never include an image of yourself on your resume unless the specific job requires it.

Have your resume only be 1 page in length, unless the job requires it to be longer.

5) If you are lacking experience to fill up the real estate on your resume, then consider volunteering at a Food Pantry, Non-Profit, or other organization in the short term to give you some more lines to fill in. Even just working on assignment allows you to put it on your resume, and you can say you are still actively involved in volunteering for that organization in the meantime. This gives you another talking point to encompass all of your unique experiences when it comes to the working world.

Volunteering can also give you an opportunity to get a Letter of Recommendation in a time where one has to provide not just one letter, but three letters to employers and Universities alike for a position.

How to Start Creating a Resume

People are using AI, namely ChatGPT, to build and fix up their resumes.

If you don't want to go down the AI route, then consider using Canva to find free resume templates.

Feel free to use the templates I linked below gathered from Canva.

If you'd prefer the files be in Word format, or if you lack the software to modify PDF files, then use Libre Office to modify the files directly or easily convert the files to a Microsoft Word document.

Libre Office can be downloaded here: https://www.libreoffice.org/

If you need assistance with using specific "key phrases" for your resume when it comes to job duties, check out these resources to find the right word:

https://www.colorado.edu/career/job-searching/resumes-and-cover-letters/resumes/action-verbs-use-your-resume

https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resume-awesome

Resume Templates