Resume Writing FAQ
What is a resume?
A resume is a marketing tool designed to showcase your most relevant qualifications with the sole purpose of landing an interview for the position you seek.
What is the optimal format for a resume?
For job seekers who are seeking a position while currently enrolled in school (as a student nurse) or upon degree completion as a full-time professional, the resume format preferred most by hiring managers and recruiters is a reverse chronological resume – where the most current information (degrees, position/role) is listed first.
Can my resume be longer than a page?
Yes, resumes can be up to two pages, but never more than two. A one-page resume is optimal for job seekers who have limited experience and are pursuing their first degree. A two-page resume is required for job seekers who are pursuing an advanced degree, or who are career changers - those with more education and experience to market.
How long will an employer review my resume?
Employers will spend on average 5-7 seconds scanning a resume at first pass. Your job is to organize, prioritize the most relevant aspects of your education, skills, and experience so the reader can quickly (and easily!) learn about your qualifications.
Are resumes and CVs the same thing?
No, resumes and CVs are distinct documents used for very different purposes. Resumes are limited to two pages in length and are used for job seekers who seek a position as a professional in a specific industry. (Nurses would target positions in a healthcare setting, for example.) A Curriculum Vitae (CV), Latin for “Course of Life”, is a comprehensive, multi-page document which details the breadth of an individual’s academic and professional accomplishments that is primarily in academic and research settings.
Are resume templates recommended?
No. Most resume templates do not follow the standard resume writing guidelines recommended by most career professionals and they are to be avoided for this reason.
Is there anything that should be omitted on a resume?
As a rule of thumb, pronouns (I, we, my, etc.), subjective skills (team player, hardworking, punctual, etc.) and articles (i.e. “the”, “an”) should be omitted.
Where do professional references go on a resume?
Professional references are to be listed on a separate document and are not a part of a resume. Generally, employers will request you provide three (3) references. Employers typically do not ask for references until you are being considered for the position for which you are being interviewed.
Tips for formatting a Stand-Out Resume
When constructing a polished resume, the rule of thumb is “less is more”. For a clean look, consider the following:
- Margins - .50”
- Font Size – 11 pt. (preferred), may reduce to 10.5 pt., or 10 pt., if needed
- Font Color: Black
- Font type: select a plain (non-fancy) font such as Times New Roman, Calibri, Ariel.
- Consistent font – keep to same font type/style throughout for a clean, professional look
- Line spacing – single line space, with 0 added space before/after each line to maximize the use of the page
- Formatting – The rule of thumb is “less is more”. Best to limit formatting for optimal readability
What should I include in my resume?
Resumes should reflect one’s education, accomplishments, and contributions, and provide an overview of the most relevant qualifications and “transferable skills” in an easy-to-read format. Resumes detail the most recent (relevant) experience acquired over the last five to ten years, but they can include additional experience well beyond ten years.
To showcase your qualifications and experience, it is recommended to organize and prioritize content into specific sections/headings according to relevancy and importance.