When you're trying to write your
first resume, you'll have to deal with simple questions that typically are
overlooked by resume books because they deal with middle-management jobs,
and not entry-level positions.Well, were here to help...
Should My Resume Be One Page or Two?
If you read enough books or talk
to enough people who "know" about resumes, you'll come across a
rule stating your resume should be only one page long. It's time to let
this myth go, along with the resume handcuffing it spawns.
It's great if you can do this. But
if you end up leaving out so much good material that you destroy your
interview chances, what good have you done?
Remember: A human will read your
resume. Some readers demand your resume be one page. Others will read a
two-pager without hesitation. You don't know who's who, but the point still
remains - a one-page rule simply doesn't exist.
Should the Education Section Go First or Last?
In most cases, it makes sense to
put the Education section at the beginning of your resume, since you're a
college student or recent grad. But if you've got a lot of great
internship, co-op or work experience closely related to your chosen field,
position your Experience section ahead of Education.
Here's another resume area where
there's no rule: Put it where it makes the most sense for you and your
particular skills and experiences.
Should I Include My GPA on My Resume?
Yes -- if it's above a 3.0 (on a
4.0 scale). If not, try to make it look better by highlighting your major
GPA instead of your cumulative one or calculating your GPA for the last
three or four semesters, for example.
Should I List My School Address, Permanent Address or
Both?
If in doubt, list both -- as long
as you can actually be reached at both. If not, use the address where an
employer will actually be able to reach you for the next few months.
What Can I Put on My Resume If I Don't Have Much
Experience?
For starters, don't overlook or
ignore the skills you've gained from jobs you've taken simply to get
through school. You've also gained valuable experience from:
* Your foreign-language study.
* Alternative learning experiences, like studying abroad or
conducting research.
* Your computer and Internet use.
* Extracurricular activities.
Should My Resume Include Only Paid Experience?
Employers are interested in your
skills, not whether or not you've been paid to learn them. So don't
hesitate to highlight nonpaying work and volunteer experiences if they've
given you bragging rights.
Resources For Resumes
Should I Include Pre-college Information on My Resume?
Generally, no -- employers aren't
likely to care about it much. There are exceptions, of course. Suppose you
won a national award in high school, or you accomplished something
extraordinary. Then you should highlight it, especially if it's connected
to your chosen field.
Remember: Resume writing is much
more art than science, so just as you would with an art project, express
yourself the way that works best for you and the information you're trying
to portray.
Please note that all materials on ShakeShock.com, a
subsidiary of Tucci Enterprises, is under strict copyright and all violations
of copyright infringement and electronic piracy will be prosecuted to the
fullest extent of the law.
Check Fried Requests 
Sign In | Sign
Up