2009 MBA Resume Guide - FINAL - PDF

8/3/2019 2009 MBA Resume Guide - FINAL - PDF

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MBAResume Guide

MBA Career DevelopmentRevised June 2009


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Centre for Business Career Development 1MBA Career DevelopmentResume Guide - 2009

MBARESUME GUIDE2009EDITION

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 2

SIX EASY STEPS TO CREATING YOUR BRAND WITH A MARKET READYRESUME ...................... 3

STEP 1REVIEW YOUR CURRENT RESUME......................................................................................... 3

STEP 2BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND BY CREATING A SKILLS INVENTORY........................................ 4

STEP 3DEFINE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ........................................................................................ 5

STEP 4RESUME SECTIONS/HEADINGS ............................................................................................. 6

STEP 5YOUR FIVE PS CHECKLISTEASY TO READ AND ERROR-FREE ............................................. 8

STEP 6GETTING YOUR RESUME MARKETREADY............................................................................ 10

APPENDIX A -STARWORKSHEET TEMPLATE..................................................................................... 12

APPENDIX B- ACTION ORIENTED WORDS AND PHRASES ..................................................................... 13

APPENDIX C-ONLINE RESOURCES FOR MORE RESUME TIPS .............................................................. 21

APPENDIX D-FINANCE RESUME GUIDELINES...................................................................................... 22

APPENDIX E -SAMPLE RESUMES AND FORMATS ................................................................................. 23


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INTRODUCTION

Whether you are competing for a full-time, Co-op or summer employment opportunity, havinga professionally prepared resume and cover letter can make the difference between gettingyour first interview or not. It is estimated that employers spend 30 seconds reading aresume/cover letter on the first review. Your resume must speak directly to the employer'sneeds and clearly demonstrate the value that you will bring to the organization. To maximizethe impact of your resume, it must be:

Accomplishments-oriented

Easy to read

Error-free

Unique You, Inc.

Ask yourself these questions:

Does my resume demonstrate my unique skills, abilities and experience? What key competencies are currently highlighted on my resume?

How does my resume differentiate me from the competition?

Does it create interest, describe accomplishments and validate results withquantifiable evidence?

Is my resume easy to read and does it flow logically?

While there is no one right way to craft a resume, this guide will help you present and marketyour experience and qualifications in the style and format that is well-received by employers.

We recommend that you start by reviewing your Self-Assessment Activity results (SPECS

checklist) in your You, Inc. @DeGroote Portfolio and create a Skills Inventory (next page) toremind you of your key successes so that you can incorporate the results of your experiencesinto your resume.

Other Resources:

1. Resume Critiquing

2. One-on-One Consultations with CBCD Relationship Manager

3. You, Inc. @DeGroote Career Development Series

4. Online Resources (refer to page 20)


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SIX EASY STEPS TO CREATING YOUR BRAND WITH A MARKETREADYRESUME

Writing a resume and preparing for interviews can be hard and frustrating.

For a resume to be effective, it must show how the skills and accomplishments you have nowwill translate into what you can do in the future. Think of your resume as a personal marketingtool you must create your personal brand by highlighting your experiences andaccomplishments as they relate to the position for which you are applying. As you acquirenew skills and experience (Co-op work terms or summer employment), your resume shouldcontinue to evolve and showcase your personal brand.

This guide presents a 6-step methodology to resume preparation. Follow each step and yourresume will be market ready for your ideal position. Additional resource materials areavailable through the Centre for Business Career Development and online.

STEP 1REVIEW YOUR CURRENT RESUME

Ask yourself these questions:

Does it reflect your strongest and most relevant strengths?

Are the bullets on your resume achievement-oriented and quantifiable? Do they incorporatethe STAR (Skill, Time, Action, Results) method, as explained on page 5?

Do the skills highlighted in your resume match the employment opportunity and competencieslisted by the employer?

Now that you have reviewed your current resume, lets review the next five steps to create amarket ready resume reflecting your personal brand.


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STEP 2BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND BY CREATING A SKILLS INVENTORY

To effectively market yourself, you need to have a solid understanding of the product you arepromoting YOU. Do not worry if you have not had significant business experience. Byevaluating your past activities (what you have done and/or contributed in school, work andother activities) you will discover aspects of your life that make you unique and valuable. This

is what we refer to as a Skills Inventory what experiences make you distinctive andinteresting to an employer?

Look at your Education, Employment, and Other Activities (travel, sports, community activities- anything outside school/work) and ask yourself:

What are my buying motivators (What can I bring to an employer?)Details of my past experience and achievements, what did I do?Where was I and who else was there?What activities were required in my jobs/experiences?With whom did I interact? How? (Did you train others?)

What are my supporting qualifications (What other skills do I have to offer?)What new things have I learned? About myself and other people?What are my credentials and areas of expertise?Skills, equipment and techniques used and developedIdeas, concepts, knowledge

What added value do I bring (How do I bring more to the job than expected?)What did I contribute? Unique offerings?Skills, knowledgePersonal traits, styleIdeas, new approaches and options

What did I find rewarding and enjoyable?

For what did others commend me? What did others say I did especially well?If you returned to a previous employer, or were promoted, what were the reasons for thisrecognition?

What did I accomplish, produce, succeed at or improve? What were the results?Did you meet or exceed expectations?


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STEP 3DEFINE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Typically found in your Work Experienceor Employmentsection of your resume, STARstatements show achievements, accomplishments and results. By highlighting your skills,attributes and experiences, it will allow employers to see not only what you did, but how wellyou did it.

Reflect on your experiences using the STAR method:

S T A RSkill Time Action Results

Which skill wasused?

When did you usethis skill?

What was yourrole?

What impact/outcome was

achieved?

When creating your STAR statements, remember to: Use action verbs that add power and movement to your accomplishments. Avoid

passive words such as assisted, aided, and helped; as these are weak descriptors anddo not say what you did.

Avoid being subjective. Provideevidence of how and whereyou demonstrated a skill. Be specific and brieflyexplain the complete story, including the scope and impact of

your role, who you partnered with, how, why, or for whom your work was used andyour overall contributions.

Quantify results complete your story with the results of your work what value didyou bring to the team and/or company?

Here is a sample STAR worksheet to create your accomplishment-based STARstories:

TARGET MARKET /POSIT ION :

SKILL T IME ACTION RESULT Pro jec t

management Expense

management

January2008

In t roduced/ rev isedexpense po l i c ies

Cont ro l procedures

Annua lsav ings o f$275K

Modi f iedpo l i c ies

ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENT :

Introduced and modified expense management policies to more effectively control spending inboth the stores and head office, including a tender type process change resulting in a $275Kannual savings.

For more practice in confidently describing your achievements, more STAR worksheets andlists of action-oriented verbs and phrases are included at the end of this guide. (Appendix Aand B)


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CREATE A DATABASE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS

As you create these unique accomplishment statements for your resume, it is stronglyrecommended that you create a database or compilation of this information. As newemployment opportunities arise, you can refer to these statements to create a targeted resumefor a specific role.

STEP 4RESUME SECTIONS/HEADINGS

Your resume is more than just a summary of your past experiences. It should accuratelyreflect who you are and what you have to offer an employer. Use these ResumeSections/Headings to further emphasize your value and present you as an essentialcomponent to an organizations success.

EDUCATIONVariations EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Best Practices

Represents the top 1/3 of your resume Include dates (e.g. Expected Completion: 2010) Coursework/Special Projects include in cover letter if relevant, under

a separate heading on page 2, or create separate document to attachto resume if projects are significant (i.e. publications)

Do not include references to High School Scholarship and Awards include recognition awards only (Deans

Honour List)

WORK EXPERIENCEVariations

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (use only if exposure is business relatedand extensive)

EMPLOYMENT RELATED EXPERIENCE

Best Practices Place after Education Heading STAR stories: accomplishment-oriented bullet points Include up to five (5) achievements (bullets) per work experience Vary the action-oriented verbs used to describe achievements


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SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONSVariations SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS CAREER RELATED SKILLS

ACHIEVEMENTS AND SKILLS

Best Practices

List skills or words directly related to personal brand, past experience,position, organization and/or industry

Avoid subjective claimsensure skills listed are supportedthroughout the rest of the resume

Include computer related skills Include language skills (state level of proficiency and differentiate

between oral/written skill)

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIESVariations VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Best Practices Typically found on second page as a separate section

Include as part of work experience only if activity directly related tooverall career strategy and personal brand Ensure there is a link to competencies and overall personal brand (Use

STAR)

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTSVariations EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Best Practices Include if relevant to brand and career objective Be specific, not just travel or music why, what type etc.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTVariations PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING(i.e. Wall Street Prep, Toastmasters)

Best Practices Normally included as part of EDUCATION section if relevant (i.e.CFA

Level 1 Candidate) Include professional membership, affiliations and general courses or

training on page 2


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STEP 5YOUR FIVE PS CHECKLISTEASY TO READ AND ERROR-FREE

Remember - a resume cannot guarantee you a job, but it can eliminate you from getting aninterview. Before submitting your resume, use this checklist to help you critically review yourresume to ensure that it is easy to readand error-free.

YOUR FIVE PS CHECKLIST (PACKAGING,POSITIONING,POWER INFORMATION,PERSONALITY,PROFESSIONALISM)

PPPAAACCCKKKAAAGGGIIINNNGGGPaper White or light coloured paper

Font Utilize a readable, professional looking font, 10 -11 pt (Tahoma, Arial, Times Roman), using no

more than two different fonts per resume Ensure consistency of font size throughout resume (exception: make headings 1 pt larger) Name no larger than 16 pt Use small, round bullets

Formatting Do not use templates, create your own Word document Single spacing within each section Make visually pleasing - margins should be no less than 0.5 and no greater than 1" (0.7" or

0.8" generally look good), and even on both left and right sides For 1-page resumes, ensure your name, contact information and page # are also on page 2 Use the same heading format for your resume and cover letter Dont continue position description/bullets onto next page keep text on same page Single spacing within each paragraph

Focus on content, not colour Do not use graphics or colour

POSITIONING

Reverse Chronological Order Your resume is about YOU, not the school, company or date, so your degree(s) and position(s)

are on line one, while the school, organizations and dates are on line two EDUCATION: Degree, major/specialization on first line, in bold

- University name, location, and date (positioned at right margin)on second line, not bold EMPLOYMENT: Position/title and department (if relevant) should appear on first line, in bold

- Company name, location, and date (at right margin)on second line,not in bold Highlight most recent information first Write months out in full - no abbreviations

First Impressions

First page of resume must be the strongest - visually and in content

POWER INFORMATION

Achievement Orientation Make use of STAR stories to demonstrate what, why, how, when, and the result or

achievement Work experience must include results/outcomes (quantify where possible) and not simply a list

of your duties or tasks Reduce information relating to responsibilities or references to Responsible for


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Action Verbs Use past tense, even if currently in role Avoid vague descriptors and subjective claims (many, entire, various, responsible for, assisted) Use different descriptors and verbs throughout document limit word and phrase repetition

Bullet Points Utilize bullet points (3 - 5 points per work experience) One sentence only per bullet point Most significant and/or relevant aspects of role should be in first bullet, then inserted in bullets

in descending order of importance Ensure consistent use of periods throughout resume (all or none)

Objectivity I / my has no place in resumes, minimize use of personal pronouns

Non-Traditional Experiences Include transferable skills from non-traditional experiences (outside business environments)

Omissions Do not include references to High School Do not include dollar value of scholarships unless over $8K Do not include references (it is assumed you will provide, if requested)

PPPEEERRRSSSOOONNNAAALLLIIITTTYYY

Activities and Interests Utilize this section to demonstrate your well-roundedness as a candidate by promoting your

extracurricular involvement (community/volunteer activities, sports) Dont underestimate the value of any experience (i.e. summer employment, family business) Create an interesting read, i.e. Music (Do you play an instrument? Go to concerts? Favorites?

Which type of music Jazz? Classical? Teach?) Include interests that demonstrate your uniqueness (such as photography, art, film/cinema, car

rallies, food and wine, skiing, etc).

Concise and Varied Reduce your word count (to vs. in order to)

Avoid word repetition (same verbs to describe all accomplishments) Minimize use of semicolons

PPPRRROOOFFFEEESSSSSSIIIOOONNNAAALLLIIISSSMMM

Error-free Ensure no spelling or grammar mistakes

Using Numbers Spell out numbers, one to ten, use numbers for 11 and above Avoid adding the word dollar after $200 (symbol identifies this as a dollar amount) To maximize space, use $100Kinstead of $100,000

Abbreviations/ Acronyms Spell out months and university degrees completely, avoid using abbreviations, except for

Provinces and States (ON, AB, NY) If using acronyms, spell out completely the first time, followed by acronym in brackets;

acronym can then be used for rest of document


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STEP 6GETTING YOUR RESUME MARKETREADY

Almost there! Your resume now includes:

Accomplishments that are unique to you

A personal brand message

An easy to read format using the 5 Ps Checklist

As the final step in your preparation, you must ensure that your resume is market ready doesit meet the requirements as stated in the employers job description? Review your updatedresume and ask yourself:

Does my resume reflect the brand I want to represent and is it effectively communicating thisbrand to employers?

To ensure that your resume is market ready use the following exercise to determine if yourresume is effectively demonstrating the skills required of your target market and position.

List the key competencies you have identified as essential in your target market orposition.

Does your resume effectively highlight these competencies? Are there any gaps? (Look at all sections of your resume: Work Experience, Skills,

Volunteer Activities, Interests, etc.)

Only make significant revisions to your resume when you are seeking employment in two verydifferent sectors (i.e. Finance and Marketing); otherwise your resume will not require majorchanges for each job to which you apply.

Depending on the role that you are applying for, your resume should change to reflect the

skills and qualifications required by the employer. For example, a finance resume will highlightmore analytical and quantitative skills versus a consulting resume which should demonstratemore decision making and leadership skills. Tailor your resume effectively to represent yourbrand to each employer.


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Using the template below, highlight the key competencies sought by an employer and assessyour competency profile.

COMPETENCY:

I have demonstrated this competency:

This represents a competency gap:

Explain how my experience demonstratesthis competency:

Describe how I can positively close thegap:

COMPETENCY:





COMPETENCY:






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APPENDIX A-STARWORKSHEET TEMPLATE


SKILL T I ME ACTION RESULT









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APPENDIX BACTION ORIENTED WORDS AND PHRASES

The following lists may help you confidently describe your activities. Do not directly copythese phrases only use them as guides to get you started.

LLEEAADDEERRSSHHIIPPSSKKIILLLLSS able to move into totally new situations on my own able to take initiative in developing relationships continually searching for more responsibility excellent at organizing my time/time of others works without supervision/self-directed unwilling to automatically accept status quo keen perception of the potential of things rather than accepting status quo acts as agent of change/promote major changes plans, initiates, affects change sees a problem and acts immediately to solve it deals well with the unexpected or critical issues able to act decisively in emergencies adept at confronting others with difficult personal matters no fear of taking manageable/educated risks adept at policy making able to terminate projects/people/processes when necessary inspiring, motivating, and leading organized groups skilled at chairing meetings leads others/impresses others with charisma and enthusiasm

AABBIILLIITTYY TTOOPPEERRFFOORRMM

confidently participates in group settings poised in public appearances exceptional speaking ability articulates/stimulates people and generates enthusiasm

understands value of the ridiculous in illuminating reality

conducting and directing public affairs and ceremonies

develops strong, artistic (visual) presentationsNNUUMMEERRIICCAALL//AACCCCOOUUNNTTIINNGG//FFIINNAANNCCIIAALLSSKKIILLLLSS

high accuracy in computing financial planning and management/maintain financial records

conducts economic research and analysis performs cost analyses, estimates, projections, comparisons

develops a budget/budget planning, preparation, justification, administration, review

skilled at allocating scarce financial resources

prepares financial reports uses numbers as reasoning tool/sophisticated mathematical abilities

effective at solving statistical problems


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IINNFFLLUUEENNTTIIAALL//PPEERRSSUUAASSIIOONNSSKKIILLLLSS establishes rapport quickly

inspires trust in minds of others expert in reasoning persuasively/developing a thought

influences the attitudes, ideas of others

promotes ideas, products effectively without tearing down competing ideas or products sells program or course of action to decision-makers

develops markets for ideas/products

motivates others and stimulate them to action gets diverse groups to work together, adept at conflict management

mediates between contending parties or groups

negotiates to joint decisions

crisis intervention

DDEETTAAIILL AANNDDRREESSUULLTTSSOORRIIEENNTTAATTIIOONN

follows detailed instructions

expert at getting things done by deadlines, within budget skilled at making arrangements for events, processes

adept at finding ways to speed up a job able to handle a variety of tasks and responsibilities simultaneously and efficiently

works well under stress and can still improvise

keen and accurate memory for detail

excels at systematic ordering and manipulating of data collates data accurately and compares with previous data

CCOOMMMMUUNNIICCAATTIIOONNSSKKIILLLLSS//AABBIILLIITTYY TTOOCCOONNVVEEYYIIDDEEAASS

expresses self clearly, effectively; make a point and intelligently express a position thinks quickly on your feet

able to explain difficult or complex ideas, concepts, problems

verbal/linguistic skills in foreign language(s) adept at translating jargon into meaningful terms

explicit and concise writing skills

flair for writing reports and speeches (technical or otherwise) creates imaginative advertising and publicity programs

relates well in dealing with the public

excels at customer relations, services

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONNSSKKIILLLLSS//AABBIILLIITTYY TTOOLLEEAARRNN highly observant of people, data, things

skilled listener committed to personal growth and learning

learns from example of others

assesses and identifies potential in others

assesses situations quickly and accurately instinctively understands political realities


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IINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNAALL//EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONNAALLSSKKIILLLLSS

fosters a stimulating learning environment adept at using visual communications

advises/aids people in making decisions ability to hear and answer questions perceptively

keen ability to help others express their views facilitates personal growth and development of others

clarifies goals, values of others designs educational events/organizes and administers in-house training programs

trains one in something/group facilitating/provides leadership to groups, encouragesdiscussion

HHUUMMAANNRREELLAATTIIOONNSS//HHEELLPPIINNGG//SSEERRVVIICCEESSKKIILLLLSS

sensitive to others needs

keen ability to relate to people

listens intently and accurately/conveys awareness expertise in interpersonal contact

tactful, diplomatic, discrete

effective in dealing with different kinds of people works well as part of a team/collaborates with colleagues skillfully

motivates others

readily willing to share credit with others and express appreciation works well in hostile environment/handles difficult customers/employees tactfully and

effectively able to ignore undesirable qualities in others

thorough understanding of human motivations

adept at helping people with life/work adjustmentsOORRGGAANNIIZZAATTIIOONN AANNDDPPLLAANNNNIINNGG AANNDDMMAANNAAGGEEMMEENNTTSSKKIILLLLSS

approaches goal-setting systematically

establishes effective priorities among competing requirements policy formation and interpretation

excels at program development, planning

skilled at planning well-run meetings, seminars

adept at bringing order to chaotic environment brings people together in cooperative efforts

able to call in experts/helpers as required

recognizes and utilizes skills of others creates and maintains on-time work schedules

coordinates operations and details

assesses the effectiveness of other people property, plant, facilities management

makes decisions about others and supervises them in their work/managing the output ofothers


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RREESSEEAARRCCHH//AANNAALLYYSSIISS//EEVVAALLUUAATTIIOONNSSKKIILLLLSS

anticipates situations before they become problems

recognizes the need for more information to make an intelligent decision skilled at clarifying problems or situations

adept at gathering information

analyzes community needs, values, resources perceives and defines cause and effect relationships

ability to trace problems to their source

organizes material, information in a systematic manner excels at problem-solving, trouble-shooting

reviewing and evaluating proposals by measurable or subjective criteria

high level of decision-making skills, not afraid to re-evaluate programs, decisions, ideas

Using action words when describing your past experience helps to convey the impressionthat you have taken action and achieved results in the past. Action words also help to

demonstrate and describe your uniqueness. To help simplify the resume writing process andto demonstrate consistency throughout your resume, we suggest that you keep all of yourverbs in the past tense.

WORDS DESCRIBING PERSONAL QUALITIES

activeadaptableaggressivealert

ambitiousanalyticalaptitude forartisticassertivecalmcompetitiveconscientiousconstructivecreativecustomer focused

decision makerdependabledetermineddiligentdiplomaticdisciplineddiscreet

dynamicefficientenergeticenthusiastic

excellent work habitsfastidiousflexibleforcefulhard workerhelpfulhumorousimaginativeindustriousinnovativeinsightful

integrityleaderlogicalloyalmethodicalobjectiveorganized

originalpatientperceptiveperformance-oriented

persistentpersuasivepoisedpracticalpriority-orientedprobing mindproblem solverproductiveprofessionalproficientpunctual

quick thinkerrealisticreliableresourcefulrespectedresponsibleresults oriented

rigorousself-confidentself-disciplinedself-motivated

self-reliantsensitivesinceresophisticatedstrategicsuccess-orientedsuccessfulsupportivesystematictactfultalented

take pride inteam memberthoroughtroubleshooterversatilewell-groundedwell-organized


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GENERAL VERBS AND DESCRIPTORS

acceleratedacceptedachieved

actedadaptedadministeredapprovedassistedautomatedcollectedcompletedcomposedcomprehendconceived

concentrated onconductedconferredcopiedcreateddebateddelegateddelivereddemonstrateddesigneddeveloped

directeddisplayeddistributededitedeffected

eliminatedencouragedenjoyed

establishedevaluatedexaminedexcelledexpandedexpeditedfacilitatedfollowed throughfoundgeneratedguided

handledheavily involved inhelpedidentifiedimprovedincreasedinfluencedinterpretedinvestigatedlaunchedled

maintainedmanipulatedmediatedmodifiedmonitored

motivatedobservedobtained

organizedparticipatedperformedpersuadedpinpointedplannedpracticedpredictedpreparedpresentedprioritized

producedprogrammedproposedprovidedpurchasedrecommendedrecordedreducedreinforcedreorganizedreported

representedresearchedrevampedreviewedrevised

scheduledservedset priorities

set upshapedsignificantlysimplifiedsolvedsparkedstrategizestreamlinedstrengthenedstructuredstudied

successfullysuppliedsynthesizedtaughttendedtestedtied togethertranslatedtrimmedtutoredupgraded

utilizedwrote

WORDS STRESSING ABILITY TO HANDLE DETAILS

accurate

adept with figurescarefuldetail-minded

excellent memory

fastidiousfollowed throughlike detail work

meet all due dates

met deadlinesmethodicalorderly

organized

pay attention to detailperfectionistprecise


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WORDS RELATED TO ABILITIES AND SKILLS

ability toadept atanalyzed

appraisedaptitude forartistically presentedassembledbuiltcapable ofcommunicatedcomposedconceivedconstructed

counseledcreateddelegated

developedassistedimplementedincreased productivityincreased profitinitiatedinnovatedinstalledinstructedinterviewed

lecturedmasteredoperated

performedplannedpracticedproficient inrecruitedreduced expensesrepairedscheduledsolved problemssound overview of

sportsstrength instrong dedication to

supervisedtaughttechnical competence inthorough understanding

oftrainedunderstoodwell versed inworked well with otherswrote

WORDS STRESSING ABILITY TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY

acceleratedaccepted responsibilityalertedautomatedconcentrated oncontrolledcoordinateddrove

guided

guided corporate policieshandledhandled stressheavily involved inidentifiedimplementedimprovedincreased efficiency

independent

operatedplannedprime emphasis onprioritizedprocessedproducedrevampedscheduled

shaped and directed

solid foundation insound overview ofsparkedstreamlinedstrong dedication towell versed inworked well under

pressure

WORDS AND PHRASES WHICH INDICATE DESIRE TO GET AHEAD

accepted responsibilityaction-orientedadaptedcompulsive drive

enormous capacityentrepreneurial viewpointhigh-energy personimproved

inventedlaunchedmet deadlinesresults-oriented

self-motivatedstrategicsuccess-oriented


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WORDS AND PHRASES TO INDICATE MANAGEMENT ABILITY

ability to make practical decisionsability to inspire othersability to see the overall picture

administeredadvisedaptitude forauthority overbuiltcapable of formulating and directingcapacity forclosely supervisedcommand respectconductedconstructed

controlledcoordinateddecision makerdelegateddirecteddroveeffective inestablishedexpandedfoundedguided

headedhigh-level supervisory skillshiredin charge ofincreased productivity

initiatedinspired confidenceinstituted

ledleadership abilitylike to make things happenmanagedmasteredmotivatednegotiatedoperatedorganizedoversawpeople-handling skills

promotedrecommendedrecruitedreorganizedset upshapedspearheadedstrict control ofstrong leadersuccessful with peoplesupervised

took charge oftrainedwant to get involvedwell-groundedwilling to take the initiative

WORDS REFERRING TO COMPETENCE WITH DATA

analyzed

automatedcalculatedcomparedcompiled

completed

computedcoordinatedcopiedestimated

evaluated

filedformulatedgood memorymemorized

numerical ability

solvedsummarizedsynthesized


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WORDS AND PHRASES TO SHOW PROFIT-ORIENTATION

ability to trim costs and increase efficiencyability to identify and solve problemsacross the board economy measures

bookkeepingbudgetedcontrolled spiraling costscost-orientedcurtailed spendingcutdrastically cut without reduced salesefficienteliminated bottlenecksexpense-mindedgenerated cost savings

increased profitproblem solverprofit-conscious

profit-mindedraised fundsreduced excessive costsresults-orientedset prioritiesshortcut tosimplified proceduressoldstreamlinedstrict control oftough on

WORDS AND PHRASES WHICH STRESS COMPETENCE

ability todemonstratedknowledgeableconfident in

energetic aboutenthusiastic aboutexpertly trainedpassionate about

perform well underpressure

persistentresults-orientedself-motivated

skillfulstrength inthoroughly trained in

WORDS REFERRING TO COMPETENCE WITH OTHERS

advisedcommunicatedcooperatedcrises interventiondeveloped support/trustdiverted

encouragedget along well withgood listenerhelpedinstructedmentored

negotiatedparticipatedpartnered withpersuadedresolvedrespected

servedsignaledspoke tosupervisedteam playerunderstood

WORDS OR PHRASES THAT REFLECT INTELLIGENCE

able to think analyticallycommon sensecreative

fast-thinkinggood memoryideas person

inquisitivelogical thinkermental capacity

numerical abilityperceptiveprobing mind

Adapted from: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Resume Manual, H.A. Bezanson,Fleetwood Communications, 1985


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APPENDIX C-ONLINE RESOURCES FOR MORE RESUME TIPS

www.vault.com

The Vault Guide to Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviewing delivers all the information you need toprepare you for your job search. From developing professional resumes and developing tailoredcover letters to effective interview preparation, this popular site is a comprehensive job searchsource.

www.wetfeet.com

Several resume building articles are available on this website including:

Basic Resume Dos and Donts

Looking Good on Paper

Debunking Common Resume Myths

Deliver a Perfect e-Resume

Solving Common Resume Problems

www.quintcareers.com - Quintessential CareersThis online resource is full of ideas and tips to create an effective resume, unique cover letter andtechniques for presenting a professional image in an interview.

www.jobweb.com

This online resource provides some good alternatives of resume formats. Review these samples todetermine what best reflects your style.

www.accent-resume-writing.com

Sample resumes with tips and critiquing to support the development of an effective and professionalresume.


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APPENDIX DFINANCE RESUME GUIDELINES

Packaging - Finance resumes should be no longer than one page in length and it is recommendedthat strengths and key qualifications be summarized within the top half of the resume. NOTE: A twopage resume highlighting transferable skills is recommended until fairly strong finance skills andexperiences are obtained through employment (Co-op, summer, full-time prior to the MBA program)

Recommended font size is Arial 10, not Times New Roman. Students contact information should beno larger than size 14 font and 0.5 to 0.75 margins should be utilized to eliminate excess whitespace.

Emphasize your Accomplishments Show quantifiableresults of your work this is critical whenwriting finance resumes. For example,

Successfully consolidated outstanding accounts receivable resulting in savings of $40K.

Keyword Phrases Finance recruiters will scan through resumes to identify key terms listedbelow are examples to include throughout the resume:

Fixed asset accountingBusiness process re-engineeringRisk managementValue added analysisFinancial projectionsGeneral ledgerTrial balanceBudget managementForecastingBusiness valuations

Financial statementsExpense analysisTax reportingTax planningFinancial and strategic planningP&L managementAuditing and complianceOperating and working capitalMergers and acquisitionsCash flow management

Additional Resources

www.vault.com

Killer Investment Banking Resumes (www.wetfeet.com) Resumes for Banking and Financial Careers VGM Career Books, 2001

www.efinancialcareers-canada.com


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APPENDIX E-SAMPLE RESUMES AND FORMATS

JANE DOE

121 King Street West, Hamilton, ON L1L 1L1 (333) 222-1111 [email protected]

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration, Co-opDeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Expected completion: December 2009

Bachelor of Arts, Political ScienceYork University, Toronto, ON 2006

Graduated Deans Honour List Completed 1

st and 2nd year, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

Professional Development The Marquee Group, Financial Modeling in Excel

2008WORK EXPERIENCE

Marketing and Web AssociateAcme Door Security Solutions, Oakville, ON September - December 2008

Implemented nine highly successful CRM databases used to track website visitor trends and buyingpatterns, increasing business growth and profit by nearly 15 percent in first year of implementation.

Generated high levels of consumer awareness through targeted ad campaigns, including print andweb, resulting in further increases in sales and doubling web traffic within two months.

Designed sales tracking and market research training program for all product line sales in Canada;revised current vendor contracts to include national sourcing and purchasing of products.

Led functional development of inventory tracking database for Yates-Durbin product line consisting of

125 distinct products; partnered with IT manager to determine technical specifications and launchedsystem within six months.

Information AnalystCorporate Express, Mississauga, ON January - April 2008

Managed desktop infrastructure redesign byadministering, operating and managing multiple desktopsystems and application server platforms across a five-province region for 2K clients.

Developed new customer service level agreements and operating procedures for internationalpurchasing division designed to reinforce brand awareness and ensure process efficiency.

Consolidated up to 16 help desks into one centralized support system; improvements led to a 25percent increase in customer call efficiency and further developed staff product knowledge.

Incorporated analytical techniques such as flow charts, surveys and process mapping to eliminateduplication, facilitate workflow, and assure optimum utilization of staff and equipment.

Customer Service ManagerCambridge Telecommunications, Cambridge, ON August 2006 September 2007

Managed recruitment and training of customer service representatives, expanded department fromfour to nine representatives and initiated formal reward system to recognize staff achievements.

Achieved high revenue commercial account retention record of 98 percent through relationshipmanagement, contract review and regular follow-up.

Conducted market research surveys amongst client base to seek feedback on sales techniques,follow-up methods and quality of after sales service used for continual improvement initiatives.


25/27


JANE DOE page 2 [email protected]

Director of Marketing, Recruitment and LeadershipCanada Israel Experience Center, Toronto, ON September 2002 August2003

Developed and implemented nation-wide university recruitment program involving campus visits and

class presentations resulting in a 20 percent increase in student applications. Created print and web marketing vehicles for distribution to all post-secondary institutions accounting

for a 14 percent increase in participant enrollment for summer and full year programs. Conducted staff seminars focusing on development of communication, facilitation and leadership skills

needed for successful tour leaders. Promoted to Director upon completion of first Israel trip for demonstrating outstanding leadership.

Customer Service Representative (CSR)Signal Bank and Trust, Toronto, ON March 2001 September2002

Responded to inbound calls in support of customer requests for product information including GICs,RSPs and term deposits, fielding an average of 50 customer calls daily.

Conveyed step-by-step GIC application instructions to clients in a reassuring manner, to resolve

issues; reviewed and issued audits on account information resulting in decreased application errors. Performed queries and created monthly reports analyzing customer data such as completed

applications and call-related errors; presented findings to management for monthly status meetings. Provided input into user interface design of new customer relationship management tracking system to

be launched and delivered to all CSRs and management across all branches.

CAREER RELATED SKILLS

Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator and HTML

Fluent in French, both oral and written communication

VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

MBA Bound 2008 Events Coordinator, McMaster University September2008

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Marketing Research, DeGroote School of Business 2008 2009

Member, Case Competition Team, MBA Games, Montreal, QC November 2008

Volunteer, York University Campus Walk Safe program 2004 - 2006

Established academic peer tutoring program, University of Western Ontario 2003 - 2004


Backpacked through Europe, Israel and Egypt to research and chronicle historic landmarks2001

Certified Level 1 and 2 Tennis Instructor 2000 Coach junior level basketball and touch football teams every summer, active in tennis and skiing


26/27


JANE DOE 121 King Street WestHamilton, ON L1L 1L1

(333) [email protected]

EDUCATIONMaster of Business Administration, Co-opDeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Expected completion: December 2009

Bachelor of Arts, Political ScienceYork University, Toronto, ON 2006 Graduated Deans Honour List Completed 1st and 2nd year, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

WORK EXPERIENCE

Marketing and Web Associate

Acme Door Security Solutions, Oakville, ON September - December 2008 Implemented nine highly successful CRM databases used to track website visitor trends and buying

patterns, gaining nearly 30 percent in business growth and profit in first year of implementation. Generated high levels of consumer awareness through targeted ad campaigns including print and web,

resulting in further increases in sales and doubling web traffic within two months. Designed sales tracking and market research training program for all product line sales in Canada; revised

current vendor contracts to include national sourcing and purchasing of products. Led the functional development of an inventory tracking database for Yates-Durbin product line, consisting

of 125 distinct products; partnered with IT manager to determine technical specifications and launchedsystem within six months.

Information AnalystCorporate Express, Mississauga, ON January - April 2008 Managed desktop infrastructure redesign by administering, operating and managing multiple desktop

systems and application server platforms across a five-province region for 2K clients. Developed new customer service level agreements and operating procedures for international purchasing

division designed to reinforce brand awareness and ensure process efficiency. Consolidated 16 help desks into one centralized support system; improvements led to a 25 percent

increase in customer call efficiency and further developed staff product knowledge. Incorporated analytical techniques such as flow charts, surveys and process mapping to eliminate

duplication, facilitate workflow, and assure optimum utilization of staff and equipment.

Customer Service ManagerCambridge Telecommunications, Cambridge, ON August 2006 September 2007 Managed recruitment and training of customer service representatives, expanded department from four to

nine members and initiated formal reward system to recognize staff achievements. Achieved high revenue commercial account retention record of 98 percent through relationship

management, contract review and regular follow-up. Conducted market research surveys amongst client base to seek feedback on sales techniques, follow-up

methods and quality of after-sales service used for continual improvement initiatives. Improved customer service satisfaction rating by 30 percent by incorporating client feedback into

development of new policies and procedures. Handled all public relations issues maintaining positive corporate image and company position.


27/27

Jane Doe, Page 2 [email protected]

Director of Marketing, Recruitment and LeadershipCanada Israel Experience Centre, Toronto, ON September 2002 August 2003 Developed and implemented nation-wide university recruitment program including campus visits and class

presentations resulting in a 20 percent increase in student applications. Created print and web marketing vehicles for distribution to all post-secondary institutions accounting forincrease of 14 percent in participant enrollment for summer and full year programs.

Conducted staff seminars focusing on development of communication, facilitation and leadership skillsneeded for successful tour leaders.

Promoted to Director upon completion of first Israel trip for demonstrating outstanding leadership.

Customer Service RepresentativeSignal Bank and Trust, Toronto, ON March 2001 September 2002 Responded to inbound calls in support of customer requests for product information including GICs, RSPs

and term deposits, fielding an average of 50 client calls daily. Conveyed step-by-step GIC application instructions to clients in a reassuring manner, to alleviate any

problems; reviewed and issued audits on account information to decrease application errors. Performed queries and created monthly reports analyzing customer data such as of completed

applications and call-related errors; presented findings to management for monthly status meetings. Provided input into user interface design of new customer relationship management tracking system to be

launched and delivered to all CSRs and management across all branches.

CAREER RELATED SKILLS

Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator and HTML

Fluent in French, both oral and written communication

VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

McMaster University, MBA Bound 2008 Events Coordinator September 2008

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Marketing Research, DeGroote School of Business 2008 2009

Member, Case Competition Team, MBA Games, Montreal, QC November 2008

Volunteer, York University Campus Walk Safe program 2004 - 2006

Established academic peer tutoring program, Western University 2003 - 2004


Backpacked through Europe, Israel and Egypt to research and chronicle historic landmarks 2001

Certified Level 1 and 2 Tennis Instructor 2000

Coached summer junior level basketball and touch football teams

Active in tennis and skiing

Documents

2009 MBA Resume Guide - FINAL - PDF