For students seeking their dream jobs, writing an effective résumé can mean the difference between being hired and being shown the door.
Karen Hayes, director of Career and Employment Services at The University of Memphis, said there are several factors involved in writing an effective résumé.
“Usually, the most important information goes towards the top,” Hayes said. “Résumés should have a person’s education or skills they offer, because education and experience are the most important qualifications.” However, Hayes added that writing an effective résumé requires much more than simply listing educational accomplishments. A person should know what information not to include in a résumé — which can be just as important as the information that is actually pertinent to the job qualifications.
Personal information, such as marital status, photos, weight or race, should always be omitted from a résumé. In addition, résumés should be limited to one sheet of paper, this will make an effective résumé. Hayes said the main purpose of a résumé is to act as an advertisement for a potential employee, as well as a summary of an individual’s skills and experience.
“The purpose of a résumé is to present relevant information about a person’s experience and qualifications in the most effective and concise manner,” Hayes said. “I always felt that a résumé acts as an advertisement — so you need to mention things that make you stand out.”
Hayes added many employers quickly scan a résumé, taking no more than 60 seconds to review an applicant’s entire professional existence.
Hayes said a person should choose at least five credible and professional references, such as former employers or collegiate advisors.
Hayes said student job-seekers should avoid using friends and family members.
There are three main styles of résumés. One style is the chronological résumé, which lists the most recent achievements closest to the top.
The second most popular résumé is the functional résumé. A functional résumé, according to Hayes, is most appropriate for those who have little experience in their given field, but have a number of skills related to the desired position. The third type of résumé is a combination résumé, which mixes both the chronological and functional styles.
“Chronological résumés are what most students use,” Hayes said. One website with advice on writing an effective résumé, www.job-sources.com, lists 12 important steps to keep in mind when writing a résumé.
The site encourages students to avoid jargon, acronyms or abbreviations. It also includes some helpful tips for a résumé’s appearance, discouraging the use of “flashy color and unusual paper.”
Hayes concurred. “When typing out your résumé, remember to use conservative colors,” she said. “You should stick with colors such as grays and whites.”
