Resume Basics Essay

Resume Basics for Chemistry Majors

General:
1. The average reader will probably spend < 1 minute looking at your resume.   Make sure that it contains only information relevant to the job you’re applying for.   Your resume should be simple, well-organized, and accurate. Think of it as a advertisement for yourself, not as your autobiography.   Its purpose is to get you an interview, not a job.
2. Limit your resume to one page.   Put it on high-quality white (not off-white) paper.   If possible, use a laser printer.   Do not use any colors other than black.   Your resume may be photocopied many times, and you want it to look good no matter how often it's duplicated.
3. Use either Arial or Times New Roman, 10-12 point, as the font.   Pick one style and use it throughout.   Only use bolding and italics, not underlining, for emphasis. Many companies scan resumes and store the information in a database, and text conversion software can be confused by unusual fonts and/or formatting.
4. Whenever possible, tailor your resume to the job you are applying for.   This is usually more effective than a “one-size-fits-all” resume.
5. Proofread, proofread, proofread, then have a friend proofread for you!

Contact Information:
1. Put your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address at the top.   If you live at school, include both your campus and permanent addresses so that you can be reached at any time.  
2. Make sure that your answering-machine message and your email name sound professional!

Objective:
1. Make your objective focus on what you can contribute to the company, not on what you want.
A poor objective:   To obtain a high-paying job that will provide me with constant challenges and unlimited opportunities for advancement.
A better objective: To obtain an entry-level position that will utilize my skills in organic synthesis for the development of new pharmaceutical products.
2. If you have relevant experience beyond your basic undergraduate courses...