Job Seeking Resources
& Helpful Tips

Resume Tips
 

• How OLD is your old resume? It may be outdated if you haven’t been on a job hunt for many years. Thoroughly review your resume and delete information not relevant to your current career strategy. Part-time college jobs or the mention of an obsolete computer application from years past may no longer be necessary to fill in your “tenured” resume.
   
• Your “form” is very important. A “reader friendly” resume allows the viewer to quickly skim and hone in on pertinent information. Today’s standard resume follows reverse chronological order, listing contributions/accomplishments as well as responsibilities. Detailing how your efforts have increased “the bottom line” tout your capabilities in your area of expertise. With the constant streamlining to reduce expenses and increase efficiencies, any significant effort that impacts the profitability is worth referencing.
   
  
• Say it with impact! Simply stating “managed a budget of $200,000 annually for training and development” is not nearly as powerful as “reduced training and development costs by 20 percent, while maintaining the quality of training provided to employees.”
   
  
• Tailor your resume to each potential employer. Utilize position titles that are easily recognized industry-wide. Emphasize the skills and attributes that an employer is seeking. Effective use of white space and bullet points help information “stand out”.
   
  
• If your resume has frequent or large gaps in employment history, a combination resume emphasizes skills and accomplishments while downplaying previous positions and dates of employment. Instead of having your employment section as the bulk of the resume, sub-section details such as “Management Skills” or “Computer Skills” and place towards the end of the document.
   
  
• If you are submitting an electronic resume, use a standard program such as Microsoft Word to insure that it can be opened. The majority of resumes today include an email address. Use a conventional email address, such as your name, i.e. kookybear@hotmail.com is NOT conventional or acceptable in today’s job market.
   
  
• Use a cover letter to your best advantage. Today’s job seekers may have extended gaps due to current economic conditions or staying at home for family purposes. The cover letter helps you address any concerns an employer may have with the gaps on your resume. Explain how you’ve kept your skills current, whether it may be through volunteer or organization work, consulting or temporary activities, or professional development curriculum.
   
  
• Today’s resumes do NOT disclose irrelevant personal information. Your health or height is “TMI”—too much information! Stick with interests valid to the position, such as community and volunteer efforts and organizations.
   
  
• Check and recheck your resume and cover letter for errors! One typographical or grammatical error is too many. Mistakes can cost you being in contention for a position. Errors immediately signal a lack of attention to detail and professionalism. Have a fresh pair of “eyes” review your information.

Sample Resume

John J. Smith
100 Main St.
Omaha, Nebraska 68100
(H) 402-555-1212 (W) 402-555-2323

EXPERIENCE:
(Always list current or last employment first, then prior employment, in order)

EDUCATION:
MBA, Finance - University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska (May 1980)
BS, Finance - Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska (May 1978)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
(List work-related training, also any licenses or certifications you have)
Graduate School of Banking, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois (1983)
A.I.B. Courses in: (list courses)

MISCELLANEOUS: (Optional)
Homeowner; Hobbies include softball, volunteer work, and camping.
Member of: Rotary Club
Omaha Chamber of Commerce
American Red Cross
United Way

REFERENCES: Available upon request.