Resume Dos and Don'ts

Do

  • Limit to one page
  • List your GPA if it is 3.5 above; optional to list if your GPA is 3.0 - 3.4
  • Create a master resume to keep all of your experiences in one document from which you can write a targeted resumes by copying and pasting sections applicable to your current job search
  • Use numbers to quantify results, team size, reach of company, project time frames
  • Highlight your most relevant experiences
  • Demonstrate via your accomplishment statements (i.e., bullet points) the top skills employers are looking for: leadership, teamwork, written and verbal communication, and problem solving
  • Put experiences in reverse chronological order
  • Put current experiences in present tense, previous experiences in past tense
  • Proofread and have a friend/CSC proofread
  • Read sample resumes on the CSC website and LinkedIn

Don't

  • Use a resume template or wizard. They are difficult to edit and do not allow you to present information in the most effective format
  • Include an Objective unless specifically requested to do so by an employer; if you include an Objective, make it brief and specific to a particular job/field/role
  • List all the colleges/universities you’ve attended; list only institutions you have or will receive a degree from
  • Use more than two lines per bullet
  • Use personal pronouns (I, my, me)
  • Include a photo or other personal details (height, marital status etc.)
  • Include an unprofessional email address
  • Lie or claim a skill you don’t have. Instead, use LinkedIn Learning for free (found on myusf.usfca.edu) to acquire technical and other skills
  • List your jobs duties (focus on accomplishments instead)
  • Use more than one font and one size. Use 10 to 12 pt font except for your name, which can be 14 pt
  • Undersell yourself! Include part-time jobs, student organizations, relevant class projects, family or personal (i.e. Etsy) business
  • Include references unless specifically requested