Resume Basics
Sections of a Resume
Do’s and Don’ts
Power Words
Formatting & Style
100

This is a document that summarizes your education, experience, and skills.

What is a resume?

100

This section lists where you’ve gone to school.

What is the education section?

100

DO use this type of language to describe tasks and achievements.

What is action-oriented language?

100

These strong verbs help describe your accomplishments.

What are action verbs?

100

This standard font is recommended for resumes.

What is Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri?

200

The main purpose of a resume is to do this.

What is get an interview?

200

This section highlights what you've done at past jobs.

What is the experience section?

200

DON’T use this type of email address on a resume.

What is an unprofessional email address (e.g., partydude99@email.com)?

200

Instead of “did,” use this stronger verb.

What is “completed” or “executed”?

200

Your resume margins should typically be no smaller than this.

What is 0.5 inches?

300

A resume should typically be no longer than this for high school students.

What is one page?

300

A list of talents like teamwork, leadership, or time management would go here.

What is the skills section?

300

DO list experiences in this order, starting with the most recent.

What is reverse chronological order?

300

Instead of “helped,” use a word like this that shows leadership.

What is “assisted,” “collaborated,” or “coordinated”?

300

This layout style is most common for beginner resumes.

What is chronological format?

400

This section at the top should include your name, phone number, and email.

What is the contact information?

400

You include this when you've done volunteer work or extracurricular activities.

What is the activities or volunteer section?

400

DON’T use this type of font that looks decorative.

What is a fancy or hard-to-read font?

400

This kind of word describes the result of your action (e.g., "increased," "improved").

What is a result-oriented word?

400

You should save your resume with this file type when emailing.

What is PDF?

500

The ideal resume is tailored to this.

What is the job or internship you're applying for?

500

This optional section at the top summarizes your qualifications in 1–2 sentences.

What is the objective or summary statement?

500

DO proofread to avoid these. Even one can make a bad impression.

What are spelling or grammar mistakes?

500

Instead of saying "responsible for," you should start with this type of word.

What is a power verb (e.g., led, organized, managed)?

500

Resumes should use this kind of tone—professional but not this.

What is too casual or overly personal?

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