JOB SEARCH TOOLKIT

BUILD AN EFFECTIVE RESUME

Learn about the role of a resume – it's different than you may think!

Highlights from our Resume Guide show you how to make your resume shine.

Download Resume Guide

RESUME BUILDING 101 TUTORIAL

Check out our in-depth coverage of everything you need to know to build your resume in this five-module video series.

Module 1 Introduction

Have you shaped your resume for the actual reader? Learn about the role of the resume in the County’s employment process in this module.

Module 2 Common Resume Styles

Have you selected the best style to make your qualifications really stand out? In this module, learn about the three most common resume styles and how to choose the best one for you.

Have you included appropriate sections based on your career stage? Learn about the sections to choose and the content to include in this module.

Module 3 Common Resume Sections

Module 4 Describing Work Experience

Have you provided enough detail about your accomplishments? Learn an amazing technique for describing them in this module.

Have you polished your resume to its “camera-ready” finest? In this module, learn about the finishing touches that help to put it all together.

Module 5 Design & Finalization

ITEMS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR RESUME

Work Experience

Military Service

Community and Volunteer Activities

Certifications & Licenses

Qualifications Summary

Educational Details

Completed Training

Relevant Skills

Languages

Technical Summary

Name and Contact Information

Career Objective

Presentations and Publications

Professional Affiliations

Awards and Honors

... AND WHAT TO LEAVE OFF

Hobbies and Interests

While it can personalize your resume, this information isn't relevant to demonstrating that you are qualified for the job.

Personal Details

Information such as age, ethnicity, religion, etc. should not be included. Stick with what is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Photograph

Application materials for the County should not include a photo unless it is part of a license that is required for the position.

References

A list of 3-5 professional associates who can serve as references should be listed on a document SEPARATE from your resume.

PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER

Feature Important Info

Make sure your most relevant qualifications are prominently displayed and easy to find.

Leave Some White Space

Resist the urge to fill every empty space with information. White space can help your resume look professional and uncluttered.

Call Out Section Headings

Section headings should be visually distinguished from the other parts of your resume. Try bold type or horizontal lines.

Use Proper Line Spacing

Bulleted statements and paragraphs should be single-spaced. Include extra space between sections.