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« Students & Alumni « Resumes and Cover Letters

In general, a resume should:

  • Be flawless, contain no typos or grammatical errors, and be visually attractive with headings highlighted and appropriate spacing.
  • Serve as a formal business document, so abbreviations should be avoided.
  • Include specifics whenever possible. (Examples: numbers, dollars, percentages, etc.)
  • Contain words that denote action or accomplishment to enhance the overall effect of the resume.
  • Contain accurate and honest information. (Example: A 2.9 GPA listed as a 3.0 is not acceptable.)
  • Always be accompanied by a cover letter when mailed or emailed.
  • Be printed on conservative colored paper (ivory, beige, tan, gray). Stay away from trendy colors such as mauve, marble, etc. White is best for scanning.
  • Be free of personal pronouns and complete sentences. Use action verbs and phrases to describe each task/responsibility.
  • Be free of personal information such as age, marital status, height/weight, photos etc., which could be used to discriminate.
  • Not be stapled if two pages in length. Place your name and 'Page two' on the second page.
  • Indicate numbers 10 and over as numerical, and nine and under as written words.
Of course, there are some exceptions to these guidelines, depending on the career field and position. Be sure to speak with a Career Counselor if you have questions.