To develop professionally, individuals must promote themselves. Resumes are generally the first point of entry into an organization or company. For this reason, a considerable amount of detail and care should be taken.

One of the biggest mistakes individuals make is either including too much information or being too vague. It is not necessary, or advisable, to include every responsibility or task every completed in a position. Rather, resumes should include highlights, accomplishments and knowledge areas. On the other hand, general statements and summaries will not suffice. Be specific: include names, numbers, and details. There is a limited amount of space to capture skills and promote oneself; be wise and strategic.

Do your research

Depending on the industry or position, resumes can be constructed in different formats. It is also important to constantly update a resume regardless of whether or not an individual is job searching. Regularly updating your resume will save the time and effort of remembering what tasks and projects were done in the past. It can also serve as a tool to evaluate individual progress and professional goals. It may be obvious, but proofread, proofread, and proofread. Another common mistake is having different fonts and spacing throughout the document. For clarity and organization, these elements should be consistent. Errors on resumes are a huge red flag and can suggest lack of interest or care.

Ask for help

Did you know that Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion facilitates resume and interview skills workshops that may help you improve your skills? The workshops are free and open to the public, and are led by David Clarence Scott, Director of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.

Shavontae Frida, a hospital clinical assistant in Ambulatory Services at Roswell Park, said she always had her heart set on obtaining a job at Roswell Park, but knew she needed to enhance her interviewing and resume writing skills. She attended a resume-writing workshop co-hosted by the Fruit Belt Coalition and RPCI’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion.

“After attending the workshop, I edited my resume and had it reviewed by David,” explained Frida. “I truly believe the skills I learned in the workshop and edits to my resume helped me to obtain an interview with Roswell Park. Before the interview, David invited me to come in for a mock interview to prepare for it. It proved to be very helpful because I was offered the position at Roswell Park thanks to the help I received!”

Bertina Ferguson, an Information Technology Service Desk Analyst at Roswell Park, attended a WNY Diversity Job Fair hosted by the Buffalo Employment and Training Center where she met a representative from Roswell Park and expressed her desire to work for the Institute.

“I explained that I applied for several IT positions in the past without any luck. The Roswell Park representative suggested that I have my resume reviewed or attend one of the resume writing workshops that Roswell Park offers,” she said. “I utilized their services and then applied for the IT Help Desk position. I am proud to say I obtained an interview and got the job!”

Interested in learning more?

RPCI’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion resume workshops are held from 1-2:30 p.m. and the interview skills workshops are held from 3-4:30 p.m. both on the first or second Tuesday of every month at the UB Gateway Center, 77 Goodell St. If you or someone you know may want to participate in a workshop, please reserve your seat now by contacting Maria Rivera: 716-845-4567 or Maria.Rivera@RoswellPark.org.

Remember, a well-written resume is not the only factor to landing a job, but it can help you get your foot in the door.