Resume Writing Tips from Farnsworth Group

Finding a job that you like can be a lifelong quest for even the most qualified candidates. Once you factor in resume review and interview preparation, the whole process can seem incredibly daunting. In order to help ease the stress of the job search, Farnsworth Group has put together a list of helpful resume writing tips. 

A quick tip before you even begin writing your resume is to identify the position you are seeking and go from there. Ensure your resume highlights the experiences you have acquired that best relates to the desired position, including any internships or co-op opportunities. Don’t get hung up on coming off as a braggart; highlight your accomplishments, i.e. President of the Structural Engineers Club 2007, Cum Laude. Be sure to check your dates. Your resume is your story, and an employer will review your work history and education, putting the pieces of the story together. Be honest. Employers have methods of confirming the information listed on your resume, and it could cost you a position in the end. 

Your objective should be brief, highlighting your desired position, should you choose to have an objective. 

When listing your education, indicate the school you attended, or are currently attending, along with your major and/or minor. If you haven’t yet graduated, indicate your expected degree and graduation date. If you have graduated, indicate the degree received and date. 

If you’re still in college or a recent college grad, make sure to highlight significant projects that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, while outlining the project and the outcome. If it’s not directly relevant to the position you’re applying for, it can still showcase your teamwork skills, ability to meet deadlines, time management, etc. 

When it comes to listing your work history, make sure to list them in chronological order. At a minimum, indicate the month and year worked at each employer, i.e., Jan 2005 – Feb 2007. As mentioned earlier, list all positions held, including summer jobs, internships, co-ops, etc. All work experience tells a story about your work ethic. Detail your experiences at each job, highlighting the areas you enjoyed the most. If you have more than one of the same type of position, detail the experiences or reference the experiences in the previous role and highlight the additional or different responsibilities. 

Highlight computer software packages, especially specialty software like CAD software, Adobe Creative Suite, etc., that you are familiar with when listing your skills. 

Extra-curricular activities show that you are not only a good worker, but you go above and beyond. Highlight these activities including sports, clubs and organizations. This shows that you are well-rounded and can relate with others.

Although thinking outside the box can be an appreciated attribute, the use of photographs, cartoons, quotes, etc., should not be used in your resume. Save “creative” for samples to use in an interview. Unless you believe adding special style to your resume will help it stand out in a positive way, stay away from using a style that is outside the norm. "If in doubt, don't do it."