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Creative Job Search: General Resume Guidelines

Source: Idaho Department of Labor
Topics: Teen Years (13-19), Preparing the Resume
Do's
Don'ts
  • Lead with your strongest statements
  • Emphasize your skills
  • Keep it brief (1 - 2 pages)
  • Use 8 1/2" x 11" paper
  • Correct all typographical, grammatical and spelling errors
  • Include employment related accomplishments
  • Target your qualifications
  • Clearly communicate your purpose and value to employers
  • Maintain eye appealing visual appearance
  • Use the best format to showcase your skills
  • Appear neat, well organized and professional
  • Be creative
  • Always include a cover letter when mailing your resume
  • Use quantifiable measures, values, percentages, measurable outcomes, to enhance your qualifications
  • Do not use abbreviations (exceptions include middle initial and directions such as N for North)
  • Do not use "I" to refer to yourself
  • Avoid any mention of salary expectations or wage history
  • Do not print on a Dot Matrix printer
  • Do not use fancy typeset, binders or exotic paper
  • Do not send a photograph of yourself
  • Avoid statements that you cannot document
  • Do not include personal information (age, height, weight or family status)
  • Do not change the tense of verbs or use the passive voice
  • It is not necessary to use the title "resume"
  • Do not include references on the resume
  • Do not include hobbies or social interests unless they contribute to your objective
  • Do not staple or fold your resume

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