Resume Central
Answers to Resume Questions and Concerns
Should there be any order to the job responsibilities listed?
Job responsibilities should be listed in order of significance. For example, if your job required you to file, answer phones and run errands, train people on PeopleSoft, and create fliers for events, you may want to present it as follows:
- Train employees to use PeopleSoft
- Create publicity materials to promote departmental events
- Assist in office responsibilities, answering phones, filing and running errands.
Should all responsibilities be listed?
This depends. If you have a lot of room, the answer would be yes. If space is limited, list only 2 or 3 of the most significant responsibilities.
How far back should I go on my resume?
Again, this depends. If you have no current experience you should go back as far as needed and develop a plan for gaining some current experience.
How do I create “bullets” or “job descriptions”?
Try writing a paragraph or so on what you do on a typical day at your job. Then include any special projects or activities you perform. Break the paragraph down into sentences and then create the bullets. A second hint, look through the newspaper or the binders in career services to see if there are any jobs that are similar to yours. See what responsibilities and skills are listed and incorporate them into your resume. (This works really well if you have the actual job description for the job.)
How do I present promotions/transfers on my resume?
Here are two ways of presenting promotions:
7/97-present Macy*s, Brooklyn, NY
Manager (promoted 8/99)
Assistant Manager (promoted 8/98)
Salesperson
*List responsibilities
7/97-present Macy*s, Brooklyn, NY
Manager (promoted 8/99)
*List manager responsibilities
Assistant Manager (promoted 8/98)
*List Assistant Manager responsibilities
Salesperson
*List salesperson responsibilities
Here is a way to indicate a transfer:
Polytechnic Institute of NYU, Brooklyn, New York
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, expected May 2002
GPA 4.0
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Completed 50 Credits towards Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Transferred June 1999
GPA 4.0
Is there one way to format your resume?
The format of your resume can vary. However, no matter what format you choose you want to ensue that it is easy to read and professional in appearance. When formatting, think about the industry you are applying to. Is it a formal structured industry, then go more traditional. If not, you can be a little more creative.
Should I include references on my resume?
References should not be listed directly on your resume. If you have room, you can indicate that references are available upon request.
References Available Upon Request
If you do not have room, leave it off. You should prepare a separate reference page. Include the names, titles, company information, address, and phone number. References should be provided when requested by the employer.
References
Michele Galella
Cooperative Education Coordinator
Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education
Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Jacobs Building 359
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 260-3650
Note: Do not list anyone as a reference without asking him or her first. In general you will be asked for three or more references. At least two should be employers or professors who are familiar with your work.
I am worried about making grammatical errors on my resume.
The Office of Career Services offers free resume critiquing. Even if you believe your resume is error free, take advantage of this service. It never hurts to have someone take another look.
I have no experience, or my experience is not related to my major.
You are college students; as such it is expected that you won’t have too much experience. Put any experience you have on your resume and focus on transferable skills such as communication, leadership and organizational skills. Be sure to include any activities and volunteer experience. If you truly have nothing to put on your resume start making plans on how you can add experience. Perhaps join a club, find a part-time position and/or volunteer to work for an organization.
I am not sure if I should include my high school on my resume.
You should include your high school if you have room. If you do include your high school, it is appropriate to include honors and activities from high school as well.
How should I note babysitting, tutoring, fixing up computers on my resume?
You could list these types of experiences as self-employment.
What font should I use?
A 10pt, 11 or 12 pt. font is appropriate. Use the best font to fill the page. Section Headings and your address can be a slightly bigger font than the rest of your resume.
If you have any more questions that you would like to add to this FAQ, send them to careerservices@poly.edu and they will be answered within 48 hours.
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