KASFAA Oz-Sociated Press, Spring, 2002
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Tips help students create attention-getting resumes Submitted by: Larry Viterna, USA Funds Services 866-497-USAF (866-497-8723), ext. 0077 As the Class of 2002 prepares to enter today's tight job market, tips from Life Skills®, a training program aimed at preventing education-loan default, can help them create resumes that shine. According to Life Skills, students should view resumes as a tool that helps them get an interview with a prospective employer, keeping in mind that most employers spend only about 15-20 seconds reviewing each resume. The course offers students the following guidelines for making the most of a resume: Target your resume to the type of job you are seeking. Keep your resume to one page. The information you provide should be clear and concise. Proofread your resume carefully. Typos and grammatical errors usually are the first thing an employer notices and can keep you from getting a job. Formatting is important. White space is good; resumes should not look too busy or crowded. Do not misrepresent your credentials or work experience. Despite what you may have heard, most employers are well aware of strategies for resume "padding" (e.g., referring to your job as a server in a restaurant as a "customer-relations specialist"). When it comes to resumes, creativity is NOT a good thing. Follow standard guidelines for format. More information about creating resumes - as well as information about financial aid, completing school on time, succeeding in school and after graduation, and repaying education loans - is available through Life Skills. Contact Carol Buchli, toll-free at 866-497-USAF (866-497-8723), ext. 7877, or by e-mail at cbuchli@usafunds.org.

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