Your resume is an important tool to represent and highlight your achievements, skills and strengths. You can use your resume to apply for jobs, discuss your background during interviews and share before informational interview calls to provide a snapshot of your professional background.
You may have more than one resume depending on the different types of jobs that interest you. Employers look for candidates who closely match the job description, so be sure to tailor your resume to the job you are applying for.
Expand AllWhen deciding on your format, follow the guidelines and standards for your field. For most fields, CDL recommends a standard, reverse chronological format. We also recommend that you create your resume from a blank document and not use a template. Also, avoid using tables or images, as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) cannot read these properly. Most employers prefer resumes that are neat, easy to read and tailored to the job description. The length of your resume will depend on the number of years and the field in which you have worked. Most employers prefer a one-page resume for candidates with fewer than ten years of experience and two pages for candidates with more. Nonprofit and government employers are more flexible and will accept two pages from less-experienced candidates.