Laurie Karns of Iowa State Career Services said people should make certain information stand out on their resumes because employers skim resumes in about 20 seconds.

Karns, assistant director for ISU Career Services for the Colleges of Business and Liberal Arts and Sciences, spoke at an Ames-YWCA program on Wednesday at noon in the Gold Room of the Memorial Union.

The program was titled, “Resumes Resumes Resumes: Make Your Resume Speak For You.”

In order to make something stand out, Karns said students should put the most important information about themselves towards the top of each category on the resume.

Karns said everyone has a different style for a resume, however, whatever the style it is important to keep it professional.

There are many colors of paper to choose from, but Karns said students should use light colors, like whites and grays, because resumes are often photocopied or faxed after they reach their destinations.

A resume should remain about a page long, with a two-page maximum. Karns said it’s acceptable to add a page “for every 10 years work experience.”

Karns presented several components that should be included on a resume. “Identifying information” should be at the top, such as the person’s name and address, both current and permanent.

If a work phone number is included, it’s important to find out from the employer if it’s OK to receive calls from perspective employers.

An “objective” should also be listed. “Education” or “work experience” can be listed next, depending on which category the individual thinks is more important.

Employers still want to know if a perspective employee held a job in a fast food restaurant during college because it shows responsibility — even if it does not seem relevant.

People should list internships or volunteer work too. “Just because you didn’t get paid for something doesn’t mean it is not relevant,” Karns said.

Karns also said some employers may assume that if a grade point average is not included on a resume, it is a bad one. She said even if a person’s grade point average is below a 3.0, they should consider including it.

Some people list “skills” if they have many computer skills in different programs or speak more than one language, for example.

There should also be a category called “honors” or “activities,” where people can list academic scholarships and leadership positions.

“Every time you mail your resume, you should have a letter accompanying it,” Karns said.

Karns said rather than addressing a letter, “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “To Whom it May Concern,” students should leave off the salutation if they don’t have a contact person’s name.

She also said people should request an interview in the last paragraph of the letter and “always follow up your letter and resume” — even if it is with just a phone call.

Uche Nnadi, a junior in economics and women’s studies, said, “It was a very useful presentation. It’s a very good idea to start building on your resume once you first get here. It’s a bad idea to wait until you’re graduating.”

If students need more information, Karns said resume workshop videos are available in Room 2 of Parks Library.