Beginners guide to creating a resume

Your resume is an expression of yourself. On average an employer looks at your resume for six seconds. That’s not a lot of time to make a good first impression. So how do you accomplish standing out from the mix in such a short time? These tips are sure to help you create a resume that will grab an employer’s attention.

Make your heading standout

First, it is necessary to include your name in a large, easy-to-read font at the top of the page. Next, include contact information such as your phone number and email address. It is important that these pieces of information are up-to-date, so employers know how to contact you.

Optional items to include are your home address and LinkedIn URL. If you choose to include a link to your LinkedIn, customize the link so it is specific to you. You should order this information by:

• Name*
• Phone number*
• Email address*
• Home address
• LinkedIn URL

Create a visually appealing format

Although it is tempting to use a template to create your resume, refrain from doing so. Instead, look for one you like and recreate it. This will allow you to personalize it as you see fit.

Stay consistent.
• Use proper capitalization and punctuation
• Use bullet points
• Utilize bold, italics, and spacing to make it visually appealing
• Choose an easy-to-read font

The information shown on your resume should be relevant. Your resume can be two pages at the maximum, but one page is preferred. Also, make sure to list the most important sections first because it should flow from top to bottom.

List your experience

When it comes to the experience section, use reverse chronological order, listing the most recent experience first. If applicable, separate your experience into “Relevant” and “Additional Experience” sections.

Types of experience you should include:
• Previous jobs
• Internships
• Activities
• Volunteer work

Highlight how your skills fulfill the needs of the job description. Use numbers to justify your work when possible to show how you have performed in the past. For example, “Lead a team of 20 employees.” This provides quantitative information to the employers about your qualifications.

Davenport University offers career coaches that can assist you throughout the entire process of applying for a job. From reviewing resumes to practicing interview skills, they have your back. Check out Davenport’s career services page to learn more.