2.  A resume is a personal summary of your professional history and qualifications.  It includes information about your career goals, education, work experience, activities, honors, and any special skills you might have.

3.  Length: ◦ It is best to limit an entry-level resume to one typed page. ◦ Be as concise as possible in stating information in each section of your resume.  Font: ◦ Avoid fonts smaller than 10 point and larger than 12 point  Paper: ◦ Use 8½ x 11” paper. Print your resume with a high quality printer. Avoid flashy paper!

4.  Full name  Local address  Phone number  Professional/School address  WATCH this one!!!!  Your name can be a larger font size than the rest of your information so that it stands out from the rest!

5.  In one short sentence explain the type of work you are looking for…  “To obtain a secondary level teaching position in the area of Family and Consumer Science”  “To obtain a teaching position that integrates my educational background with a challenging environment that allows me to develop and utilize my skills for my future in education”  “To obtain a Family and Consumer Science teaching position at the secondary level; eager to coach or sponsor extracurricular activities”

6.  Start with your most recent education…FHS SchoolLocation Expected Graduation Date GPA Weighted GPA  You do NOT have to put your GPA on your resume…however, if you don’t your employers might think it’s lower than it really is.  DO NOT ROUND YOUR GPA…A 3.66 is a 3.66 NOT a 3.67  List your school’s GPA Scale 3.66/4.00  At this point it is okay to list your junior high IF there is supporting evidence that you excelled there!

7.  List courses that… ◦ Helped you stand out from the crowd ◦ Have provided you w/specific skills or knowledge  Consider putting this information under the Education heading  EX ◦ Spanish (3 years) ◦ Computer Science ◦ Business Law ◦ Business Writing ◦ Child Development ◦ Preschool Lab

8.  Choose only those that would add value to your resume ◦ Dean’s list (Honor Roll) ◦ Perfect Attendance ◦ Student of the Month ◦ Viking Pride ◦ Any volunteer awards you have received

9.  Start with the most recent job experience and work your way backwards  List the name of the company, dates worked, and a few specifics about your job  If you are a frequent job quitter…don’t list ending dates!  If you baby-sit on a consistent basis for the same family feel free to list them.

10.  Describe tasks and responsibilities using descriptive phrases  Start each phrase with an action verb  Avoid pronouns (I, the, a, an)  Resumes are written in fragments, not complete sentences

11.  If you have NEVER worked a day in your life that’s fine…but don’t leave this portion blank!  It’s okay not to include it! What if I volunteer? (VIKES anyone???)  Volunteer work can be included in its own section!

12.  List all clubs, athletics, etc.  If you held a leadership role in these organizations make sure you list it as well!

13.  Include all skills that make you unique ◦ Computer skills ◦ Language abilities ◦ Military skills  DO NOT EXAGGERATE!!!  BE SPECIFIC!!!

14.  In general, do not include the names and addresses of your references on your resume  It is enough to state that references are available upon request  Choose professional references rather than character references

15. Dr. Nina Collins Bradley Hall, 203 Bradley University Peoria, IL 61606 (360)852-3634 Dr. Collins was my academic advisor in FCS and my evaluating teacher.  Include the names, addresses, and phone number of your references  Always ask permission before you include any information on your reference sheet  Consider giving your references a copy of your resume so they will be prepared to talk to employers

16.  Organize your resume to highlight your unique skills and strengths  Use whatever combination of organizational styles you think best highlight your individual qualifications  The most common resume styles are:  Reverse chronological  Functional  Skills  Imaginative  DO NOT USE A FORMAT already designed

17.  Keep it Simply Stated  1 page (until you are older and have more to include)  No paragraphs  Simple sentences  Specific...give examples  Be positive and energetic  Be honest; don’t exaggerate!!!