Resume Basics
What is the main purpose of a resume?
To showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications for a job.
What type of hobbies should not be included on a resume?
Unrelated or irrelevant hobbies
What does ATS stand for?
Applicant Tracking System
What’s one reason a resume might be discarded immediately?
Spelling or grammar mistakes, bad formatting
What kind of language should you use instead of vague buzzwords?
Clear, specific action verbs
Name one of the three main resume formats.
Chronological, Functional, or Combination
Name a font that SHOULD be used on a resume
Times New Roman, Cambria, Arial, Calibri, etc.
Why should you avoid graphics and pictures on your resume?
ATS can’t read them properly
What’s the problem with using fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus?
They look unprofessional
What’s a good way to demonstrate soft skills like leadership or teamwork?
Use specific accomplishments or examples
How long should your resume be if you have under 10 years of experience?
One page
What should you never copy directly from when listing your skills on your resume?
Job description
What is one way to make your resume easier to scan quickly?
Use bullet points and white space
What’s the issue with listing only job responsibilities instead of accomplishments?
It doesn’t show what you achieved and what you're capable of
Why include numbers or data in your experience bullets?
They show measurable achievements
What section includes your email, phone number, and city?
Contact Information
What file format should you save your resume in to preserve formatting?
Name one reason a resume might be rejected by ATS software.
Unreadable formatting, graphics, or missing keywords
What’s wrong with making your resume too long?
Hiring managers won’t read it all
What kind of resume section could include volunteer or club experiences?
Experience
What type of paragraph can be placed at the top of a resume to explain your skills or experience?
Objective/Summary
Why should you avoid using clichés like “hard-working” or “team player”?
They're overused and not specific
Where should dates be aligned?
To the left
Why is exaggerating or lying on your resume dangerous?
You could be caught and lose the job or damage your reputation
What’s a good strategy to ensure your resume is appropriate to use for an application?
Use your checklist and peer-review!