Resume Format

Keep it simple, logical and organized.

It’s important to make your resume easy for reviewers to read. Simple formatting is generally the best route to take when laying out your document. Here are some tips to consider:

• Most people center their name, address, phone numbers and e-mail addresses at the top of the resume.
• It's great if your resume is one page long. If you have several years of experience or have had several jobs, two pages probably will be necessary. However, try to avoid listing anything on the second page that you want to make sure is noticed, because many people don't read the second page very carefully.
• Keep sentences and paragraphs short. Use bullet point statements, not paragraphs, to describe your job duties and accomplishments. Bullet points are easier to read.
• When listing dates, the preferred level of detail is months and years. Right- or left-justify all dates on your resume such as: dates of employment, dates of each position held and dates of education, as this creates a clearer timeline for the reader and is a better use of space. If you have held only one position within a company, list the dates on the company line only. If you have had two or more positions within a company, list the dates on both the company line and each line where you list a title. Omitting dates suggests that you are trying to hide something.
• Don't use "I," the first person pronoun, in any part of the resume.
• Use white or ivory bond paper, and black ink. While colored paper may stand out, it scans poorly.