Do's

• One page (two or more for graduate students)
• Professional in appearance
• Original – no templates
• White or off-white paper
• 10-12 pt. font
• ¾-1” margins
• Clear, concise, honest, well-organized
• Up-to-date
• Customized for the reader
• Prioritized categories and text
• Accomplishment and skills-oriented
• Personal characteristic are conveyed: energy and enthusiasm, flexibility and adaptability, capacity for teamwork, leadership potential, honesty and integrity
• Error free – read aloud or have it reviewed
• Format double-checked when sent electronically

Don'ts

• Too long or too short
• Templates
• Colorful or dark paper
• <10 pt. font
• Personal stats (date of birth, height/weight)
• Photos
• Poor organization
• Typos or grammatical errors
• Objective that does not fit the position
• List every course (choose selectively)
• Leave off career-related projects
• Include every job you have ever had
• Personal pronouns – I, my, me
• Emphasize skills you do not wish to continue to use
• Leave off relevant interests and hobbies
• Pay a service to write your resume