Introduction
You can download a pre-formatted resume template from F&MConnect that will allow you to focus on customizing your resume content to a specific position rather than on formatting the document. Follow the instructions below and type over the text in the template with your own information. Also, use the sample resumes in F&MConnect to help you craft your own.
Don’t panic if after following these instructions and looking at the sample resumes in F&MConnect you feel you haven’t created the perfect resume. In fact, there can’t be a “perfect” resume – it’s a “living” document that you’ll revise to take into account advice you’ve received and also to reflect new accomplishments.
Once you finish your resume you can start improving it right away by getting a friend to review it. Have them go beyond proofreading by asking them to guess what opportunity you’re pursuing. Also, Career Services offers resume critiques and can help you take yours to the next level.
General Guidelines
As noted in the previous section, most Franklin & Marshall students should use the template in F&MConnect.
Preserve the format characteristics:
Length 1 page.
Margins 1” on all sides.
Font Arial (Times New Roman and other “plain” fonts are also acceptable).
Font Size No smaller than 10 point for content and no larger than 16 point for header.
Order Of Sections Header (Name and Address), “Education”, “Experience”, “Additional.”
When entering your information, keep the following points in mind:
Dates: All dates should be in reverse chronological order (from most recent to oldest) within any section. Include both the full month and year of all dates.
Content: Be honest and accurate.
Stay focused on what’s most relevant to your target opportunity.
Spell-check and proofread your resume to ensure that there are no mistakes.
Don’t include private information, such as pictures of yourself, your marital status, religion, age, etc.
Focus on your accomplishments, but don’t use the words “I,” “me,” or “my”.
File Name Save your resume using the following name format:
LastName, FirstName – F&M Resume.doc
Example: Smith, Pat – F&M Resume.doc
Presentation Print on a laser printer using high quality white or off-white resume paper. Don’t photocopy your resume and avoid using inkjet printers.
The Header
• Your name should be the largest text on your resume (16 point), in capital letters and bolded.
• Career Services recommends that you use the address format in the resume template and include only your current address. However, if you feel that your resume isn’t long enough to fill a page, you can include both your campus and permanent addresses using the format shown on the functional resume example (see the resume template and examples in F&MConnect).
• Include only one, professional-sounding e-mail address (i.e., pat.smith@fandm.edu, not party_animal@hotmail.com).
• Write out address information without abbreviations (e.g. use “Avenue” instead of “Ave.,” etc.) with the exception of the state name (use the standard two letter abbreviations).
• Remember to keep this information up-to-date – you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity because a recruiter can’t contact you!
Education
• Franklin & Marshall should be the first institution you list, but also include study abroad and any additional post-secondary institutions you’ve attended.
• If you don’t yet know your major, write “Bachelor of Arts Candidate”
• Include scholarships, awards or memberships in academic honor societies.
• Only include your GPA if it’s above 3.0 on the 4.0 point scale.
• Selectively include coursework as it relates to your target opportunities.
