resume

1. Misspelling and grammatical errors

• Proofread everything

• Ask 2-3 friends to check it for you

2. Outdated information

• Update your résumé and keep it relevant

3. Multiple pages

• Résumé should be one page only

4. Lack of accomplishments

• Show what you accomplished in jobs, volunteer work, & school activities

5. Non-specific résumé

• You should send a different résumé to each employer with a focus on that job

6. Using paragraphs and whole sentences

• Résumé should use bullet points

7. No action verbs

• Résumé should use action verbs

8. Repetitive verbs

• Don’t use the same action verbs in every bullet point description

9. Leaving off important information

• Don’t forget part-time jobs, volunteer work, etc. that show your skills

10. Incorrect contact information

• Check to be sure your address, email, and phone numbers are correct

11. Inconsistent layout

• Be sure the dates and locations line up correctly on the same side of the page

12. Forgetting GPA

• A recently-graduated student should include the grade point average (GPA) if it is above 3.0

13. Listing references on the résumé

• Submit references on a separate piece of paper, but only when requested

14. Leaving out dates

• Show dates for jobs, volunteer work, and graduation

15. No numerical statistics

• Whenever you can give specific numbers about your accomplishments, do so

16. “Fancy” paper, ink, font, etc.

• Use good quality white or cream-colored paper and a basic font style

• Avoid graphics (pictures, clip art, etc.)