Getting Started: Resume Tips and Writing Guide
San Juan College Career Center - Room 1715, Phone: 566-3423
10 Tips for Writing your Resume
1) Use an easy-to-read, font such as Times New Roman or Arial font in
size 11 or 12 in Black print. Adjust margins between 1” to 0.5”.
2) Utilize tabs to create uniform headings and indentations.
3) Include your name (in Bold) and all important contact information at
the top of the page. Make sure you have a professional e-mail
address and add your LinkedIn URL if you have one.
4) Do not use pronouns such as “me”, “I” and “my.” Hint: Do this by
starting your sentence with and action verb: “Managed 5-star
condominium timeshare.”
5) Insert 3-5 ‘Key Words’ or a title on top of the resume to tell
employers what you do. Example: “Entry Level Manager.”
6) Always include the degree you are working on with expected
completion date under your ‘Education’ heading.
7) Use bullet points for ease of reading and keep sentences concise.
8) Keep it to 1 or 2 whole pages. If you have little experience in your
field, 1 page is strongly recommended.
9) Stick with a traditional format. Resume writing is one instance
where extreme creativity is frowned upon by employers and
recruiters.
10) Focus more on achievements, accomplishments and outcomes that
you can quantify, rather than job duties.
Things to Never Put on a Resume
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Low G.P.A (only list 3.2 or higher)
Your Photograph or other pictures and clipart
Social Security Number
Criminal Records
Personal Info: Age, Health Conditions, Religion and Political
Identity
Lies or exaggerations in regards to education or work history
A Resume Style that Is Right For You
We highly recommend a Combined Resume – It is hybrid style that uses both a chronological and functional format,
focusing on skills and education, as well as job history. This format is most preferred by employers and a safe bet,
especially for students that are finishing up their degree and have some related job experience. Typical order is:
1) Name/Contact Info
2) Key Words or Target Title
3) Profile Statement
4) Work Experience
5) Education
6) Skills and/or Computer Skills
7) Honors / Awards
Writing Examples for Past Jobs, Internships or Volunteer Experience
Employers are looking for outcome-based achievements, not a long list of duties. They also want you to quantify
your work so they will have a better understanding of what you were doing. Remember, don’t use the word ‘I’;
start with an action verb instead. See examples:
BAD:
Administrative Assistant
• I answered phones and sent calls to my boss when needed
• I helped out with filing and keeping the office tidy and did what the manager told me to do
GOOD:
Administrative Assistant
• Managed switchboard and customer service desk for local internet company with 5,000 customers
• Assisted customers with billing inquiries, with an average of 60+ inquiries a day
• Wrote a 25-page training manual for sales team
Profile Statement
This is the most important segment of your resume! A profile statement is a compelling and concise narrative
that tells the employer why you are qualified for the job and what you have to offer THEM (not what you expect
to get out of the job as the Objective statement does). Start by listing 3-5 key words. Do not write an ‘Objective
Statement’ as they are obsolete. See example of Key Words and Profile Statement:
Business Assistant | Office Support | Customer Service
Recent graduate with Associates degree in Business Administration. Over 3 years’ experience performing
administrative duties in fast-paced office environment. Skilled at database management and creation, as well
as account payable and receivable. Strong ability to resolve customer complaints.
Fluff vs. Hard Skills
Avoid these ambiguous and overused terms: friendly, hard-working, responsible, punctual, outgoing, motivated etc.
Focus heavily on ‘hard’ skills: Desktop Publishing, Auto Maintenance, Vital Signs, Business Writing, Event Planning etc.
Proof, Proof, Proof
Remember that proofreading your resume is a critical part of writing your resume. Also remember, you can
always stop in or make an appointment with the Career Center in room 1715 or by calling 566-3423. We are
waiting to assist you.