Whether you are just starting college, in your final semester, or graduated in the 90’s, resume writing is a valuable skill that is essential for beginning or improving your career. The Maricopa Community Colleges are committed to serving our community, and that includes helping you write your best resume with the following tips.
A resume should immediately grab the attention of the person reviewing it. Experts say there are only 5 seconds to impress the job application reviewer. The key to getting a resume read is to keep it simple and effective, using words that are to the point and reflect skills that are needed for the job.
Types of Resumes
There are 4 main types of resumes. Taking the time to choose the best type of resume for your situation is well worth the effort. Most people use one or a combination of these.
- Chronological - Lists work history by dates. Use this for a stable work history, without frequent job changes.
- Functional -The resume concentrates on skills and responsibilities. Use this format for multiple and often changed jobs.
- Prioritized - Places the most relevant experience (to the position seeking) first on the resume.
- Qualification - This type of resume highlights skill without listing dates. Use this resume when there are gaps in work history or the dates can give specific information, for example, age.
When you are writing a resume keep these tips in mind.
- Resumes should be typed and one page if possible. If there is a lot of information, go to 2 pages. In some positions, more than 2 pages will be necessary. For example, a faculty position will need to list information relevant to the teaching experience and may be quite long.
- Must be easy to read and understand.
- Keep it consistent formatting throughout. For example, if you use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements at one position, be sure to use bullet points in all other positions as well. Be consistent with font, font size, and style (such as the use of bold and italics).
- Be truthful and stay focused. It's important not to include extraneous information. Your resume should focus on the skills and attributes that qualify you for the job.
- Use action words to get the most out of a few words. Report writing, for instance, could be written as: "Prepare weekly sales reports." Prepare is an action word. Find more action words here.
- A job objective is not necessary; a summary of skills or qualifications is! A job objective must be specific if used and identifies the specific job.
- Do not list a salary range unless it is specifically requested by an employer.
- Employers want people who are efficient-minded, able to follow procedures, and problem solve. These need to display in the resume.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread! This cannot be stressed enough. Spelling and grammar errors can make an applicant seem inattentive to details.
Maricopa Community Colleges Career Services provides resources for students and alumni. They will work with you to identify your job skills, create a professional resume, start a job search, and prepare for an interview. You might even want to consider the possibility of an internship to enhance your work experience in your field of interest.
Contact your college’s Career Services below:
Chandler-Gilbert
Phone: 480.857.5211
Email: Career.Advisor@cgc.edu
Estrella Mountain
Phone: 623-935-8740
GateWay
Phone: (602) 286-8500
Email: careercenter@gatewaycc.edu
Glendale
Phone: (623) 845-3623
Email: career.services@gccaz.edu
Mesa
Phone: 480-461-7592
Email: career@mesacc.edu
Paradise Valley
Phone: 602-787-7073
Email: career.services@paradisevalley.edu
Phoenix
Phone: (602) 285-7420
Email: pc-career-services@phoenixcollege.edu
Rio Salado
Phone: 480-517-8785
Scottsdale
Phone: (480) 423-6539
South Mountain
Phone: 602.243.8330
Email: advise@southmountaincc.edu