Need career-related advice, but don’t have time for an appointment? Check out resources we’ve developed with your professional success in mind to get you started on your career readiness journey.
Resumé Formatting
Start in a blank Microsoft word document just like you would to type an essay. Resumé templates are not advised as most employment websites pull content from your resumé and have difficulty reading template formatting. The Career Planning Office has a variety of resumé styles you can use as examples.
Length
- One page is standard length for an entry-level resumé.
- Two pages may be acceptable with additional experience/education.
Margins
Top and bottom and left and right margins should be consistent, and should be no less than .05″ and no more than 1.0.”
Font and Size
- Use 11 to 12 point size.
- Use a professional font such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Garamond.
Header
- Your name should be larger than the overall document font, but no larger than 16 to 18 point.
- Include your first and last name, email address, and phone number.
- Your physical address is not required, but may be added in when it may make a difference in applying for a local position (i.e., a teaching job).
- Be sure to answer your listed phone number professionally when you are in the process of applying for jobs.
- Choose a professional-sounding email address – leave missbutterfly123 and chevydude for personal use.
Content
- Divide your resumé into sections using clear headings with left alignment.
- Section headings should be in bold. Recommended headings include Education, Professional Experience, Certifications, Professional Memberships, Community Involvement. Provide relevant details for each, such as city and state, start and end dates, titles, etc.
- Content within each section should be bulleted. Avoid using dashes, arrows, and checkboxes.
- Each bullet should start with an action verb and show the specific results of your work and/or what you did.
- Be consistent – use parallel structure throughout, such as 1/20/24 or January 2024, NY or New York, Sept.-Oct. or Sept. to Oct., etc.
Sending
Before uploading your resumé via a company’s application portal, save it as a PDF to preserve your formatting.
Hard Copies
If you print copies of your resumé to take to an interview, choose white 8.5 x 11 inch paper.
Sample Documents
- Sample Chronological Resume
- Sample Skills Based Resume
- Sample Cover Letter
- Sample Reference List
- Resume Basics
- Resume Formatting Basics
- Interview Tips
Cover Letter Formatting and Sample
With the increased use of website application portals, fewer job postings request a cover letter. However, you should have a standard letter prepared that you can use and update for opportunities that request one. You can use the same cover letter for each job, making minor edits to tailor the letter to the specific posting. Don’t stress about writing a new letter from scratch every time!
- Open with a salutation – it can be specific if a contact name is included in the job posting (Dear Ms. Shaw) or generic (Dear Sir or Madam).
- Indicate what position the letter is in reference to and where you saw the posting.
- Respond to the requirements outlined in the job posting. Demonstrate that your qualifications fit the position.
- Read the position description and decide on one or more themes – education, experience, interests – that highlight why you’re the best candidate for the opening. Use these as concrete examples of your past performance and experience.
- Close with an action plan such as requesting an interview, or indicating that you will follow up to discuss the opportunity.
- Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
