Gannon University

1. If the resume is in response to a a specific advertisement, state the job title you seek in your "Objective."
2. Keep your "Objective" short - express it in the fewest possible words.  If conducting a general job search with no specific objective, it is acceptable to not have an objective on the resume, and to use the cover letter to describe which position or fields you are looking for.

JOB TITLES

1. Use the exact job title of your previous positions (eg. "Caseworker III" or "Junior Accountant").  If you are unsure of the exact job title or perhaps held several positions, it is best to consult with a career counselor so you can accurately portray the job held.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prioritize your list of responsibilities and accomplishments as they relate to your job objective, and be sure to use tangible terns wherever possible.
2. Prose is deadly boring.  If possible, reduce each responsibility/achievement to a single sentence.  Pack a lot of specific information into a short space.  Quantify your statements with facts, numbers, and percentages.
3. Use strong action verbs, and vary sentence structure.  Avoid the phrase "Responsibilities included..."

IN GENERAL

1. Do not list reasons for leaving previously held positions.
2. List the names of references on a separate reference page.
3. Leave out all reference to salary.  If requested, salary information can be included in a cover letter or a "Salary History" page.
4. Do not mention your age, race, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, or personal interests on your resume.
5. Have a CDES counselor review your resume for clarity and content; you can email your resume to cdes@gannon.edu .  Have at least two people proof your resume for errors.

For more information on resume writing, cover letters, interviewing, and salary and relocation information, visit our Job Search Resources page.