There can be no "cookbook" approach to writing great resumes, but here are some general guidelines:

• Place your name, address, and telephone number(s) at the top of the page. Bold and enlarge it. Be sure to list a phone number (or numbers) where you can be reached during the day or at least where an employer can leave a message for you.
• A short statement describing the position you're seeking should come next. There are few exceptions to this rule. You may call this section "Objective", or you may choose to break it into two parts: "Seeking" and "Offering".
• What follows will vary from person to person. A key rule is to list your most important qualification(s) first. It is likely that the next section will be "Education", but for people with the appropriate background it may be "Work Experience" or "Research".
• A section such as "Work Experience" doesn't have to be labeled as such on your resume. You may wish to substitute "Relevant Experience, "Experience ", "Pertinent Skills", "Capabilities", or some other title. Make the form fit you, not vice versa.
• Complete the Enclosed Skills Exercise so that you have all the "raw materials" you need relating to your strengths and accomplishments.
• When listing educational background, start with your most recent degree. If you transferred from another college or university, it is often unnecessary to list the institution. You would, however, if doing so would enhance your qualifications or if your resume reflects courses or activities from the transfer school.
• Advanced-degree people often list thesis title and description in the "Education" section.
• A variety of other sections are possible; e.g.,"Publications", "Honors and Awards", "Campus Activities", "Languages", "Personal", and "References". Create sections that will enable you to present your strengths most clearly and effectively. Focus content on your strengths in relations to the employer's needs.
• If you list personal information, it isn't necessary to provide facts such as height, weight or Social Security number. Don't list your age or marital status if you feel such information may hurt rather than help you.
• Many resumes end with a section labeled "References" or "Credentials". There are two options for handling this one:

• The best references are people who can evaluate you as a worker or researcher, particularly those in your field. Be sure they have a copy of your resume.
• Don't be afraid to say good things about yourself and your accomplishments - this may be an obnoxious practice at a party, but it isn't on a resume!
• Your language must be concise, crisp, and clear: instead of writing "responsibilities included researching options", write "researched options." See the list of "Action Verbs" included in this packet.

• Be sure to double-check for grammatical, spelling, and typing errors. Have at least one other person read it.
• If you 're looking for more than one type of position, you will need more than one resume.
• A resume must be attractive. Be fussy about symmetry and neatness. Ask us for advice.
• Demonstrate as much consistency as you can between your qualifications and the employer's requirements. Try to make each section relevant to the field or position in which you are interested.
• Your resume must be concise. When in doubt as to whether to include an item, ask yourself, "Does it support my objective?"
• Stress positive factors and omit negative ones; e.g., if you 're an undergraduate and have made the Dean's List, be sure to record that fact. If you were a "C" student, however, you may not want to mention grades.
• Have your resume reproduced on quality paper. Laser print, don't use a copy machine.
• Colored paper is OK for most resumes (e.g., ivory, light gray, light blue). White should be used for a conservative field or organization or if you know your resume will be reproduced by photocopying, faxing, or optical scanning.
• Save old copies for future reference.