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Résumé Writing Guide
Marian UniversityCareer Services
Mobile Unit West(920) 923-7161
[email protected]/careerservices
Click to "Like" us on FacebookRev. 2/2015
Résumé and Career WritingRésumé Guidelines
Your résumé should be a concise summary of the high points of your education, work experience, and other qualifications relevant to your audience’s needs and to your employment interests, not a complete history of your life. It communicates your professional qualification to employers, to interest them in interviewing you, and it creates their first impression of you. It is a marketing tool and an introduction to you and your experiences. Research the employer and the field to decide which messages are most important to your audience, and communicate these messages succinctly and clearly in a visually appealing format. Here are some guidelines to help you do this:
Presentation Checklist Do not use a Microsoft Word résumé
template. Templates do not scan well. Use a laser printer. Use a conservative font, such as Arial or
Times New Roman. Font size should be 11-12 pt for text, 14 pt
for headings, and 16 pt for your name. Use 8 ½” x 11’ paper, printed on one side
only. Use quality résumé paper.
Format Stick to one or two pages; use two pages if
possess related or extensive experience. Make the page easy to scan and graphically
pleasing: leave sufficient white space. Select a format that suits your qualifications.
Do not automatically follow someone else’s, which may not suit what you have to say.
Avoid underlining and use bullets to emphasize job duties or credentials only.
Use bold face sparingly for headings and employer information.
Content Put name, address, phone number and email
at the top of the page. If you have a second page, repeat your name at the top.
Choose topic headings that invite your readers’ interest, e.g., ‘Experience’, ‘Leadership’, ‘Service, ‘Activities/ Honors’ rather than “employment” or “other.”
Include marketable and/or relevant data only; for example, include classes or a project most relevant to the type of work you seek; do not provide an extensive list of courses.
Highlight skills, accomplishments, capabilities, and work experience. Give evidence of your personal impact; show not only that you completed tasks but that you contributed to organization goals.
Cite numbers to convey size and/or scale of project, budget, and staff supervised.
Give examples that demonstrate desirable personality traits such as leadership, interpersonal skills, team work, and initiative.
Minimize personal information and omit age, marital and health status, and information that is implicit (e.g., high school graduation for a college graduate). If you are a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa, include this if readers might have reason to think otherwise.
Exclude data relevant to salary expectation, religious or political affiliations, and geographic descriptions.
References are omitted. Employers assume that “references are available upon request,” so leave this phrase off.
Style Proofread to eliminate all spelling,
punctuation, and grammatical errors. Use action verbs and strong adjectives. (See
“Action Verbs” section. Avoid repeating words or phrases. Do not use first person ‘I’ or any pronouns. Be honest and accurate, but not overly
modest. Be consistent and use the same grammatical
style throughout.
Suggested Resume Headings
Most individuals are surprised to learn that there are many different ways to organize the information you include on a resume. Ideally, your resume should be organized to highlight areas of relevancy to the type of job or career to which you are applying, emphasizing the skills, experience and personal attributes sought by the employer.
Objective: Objective Job Objective Career Objective Professional Objective
Qualification &Accomplishments:
Areas of Knowledge Areas of Expertise Computer Skills Language Skills Background Highlights Career Highlights Professional Skills Personal Skills Summary of Qualifications Experience Summary Experience Highlights Achievements Career Achievements Part Time and Summer and Employment Special Skills Special Talents
Education: Education Educational Background Educational Preparation Academic Background Academic Training Special Training Certification Credentials Areas of Knowledge Educational Highlights Course Highlights International Study Senior Research Project Scholarships
Relevant Experience: Experience Professional Background Employment History Work History Employment Additional Experience Related Experience Internships Work Experience Volunteer Activities Leadership Military Experience Travel Abroad Areas of Experience
Other Related Experience: International Study Related Activities Leadership Travel Abroad Travel Language Competencies Presentations Publications Areas of Experience Conferences Attended
Activities & Memberships: Civic Activities Professional Activities Community Activities College Activities Membership Professional Organizations Professional Memberships Professional Affiliations
Awards & Honors: Activities Special Honors College Distinctions Honors & Distinctions Honors/Awards
John Doe
000 Your Street, City, WI 00000 (000) 000-0000 • [email protected]
Objective:To obtain position as Critical Care/ICU or Registered Nurse at Agnesian Healthcare at Fond du Lac location.
Education:Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI December 2016Bachelor of Science in Nursing (anticipated)Minor: PsychologyGPA: 3.8/4.0, Dean’s List
Certification:Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN), expires 2016
Clinicals:Sloan Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI January 2015 – February 2015Behavior Health Unit
Dispensed medications under supervision. Provided patient care to individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Jones Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI October 2014 - December 2014Surgical/Pediatric Unit
Performed wound care. Observed patients at Dialysis Center.
Midwest Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI August 2014 – October 2014Intensive Care Unit
Interacted and observed a variety of patients in acute care setting. Observed therapeutic sessions with patient.
Work Experience:East Regional Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI March 2014 – PresentCertified Nursing Assistant
Coordinate care for adult patients. Perform activities of daily living for patients, including dietary and bathing needs. Float between Medical/Surgical, ICU, OB, and DOC units. Assess patient status and report any changes to supervisor.
BioLife Plasma Services, Fond du Lac, WI January 2013 – March 2014Phlebotomist
Obtained blood samples from patients and correctly cataloged for lab analysis. Assured sterilization of collection instruments.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Marian University Student Nurses Association, Member, 2014 – Present Marian University Relay for Life Fundraiser, Participant, 2013 Red Cross Disaster Relief, Volunteer, 2012-2013
Jane C. Doe000 Your Drive, City, WI 00000
(920)111-1111 • [email protected]/in/janedoe
Summary of Qualifications: Understanding of digital, print and social marketing strategies. Proven speaking, public relations, communication, and interpersonal skills. Resourceful problem solver capable of implementing solutions to complex problems. Ability to establish rapport and build relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Education:Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI May 2016 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (expected)Major: Marketing Minor: CommunicationGPA: 3.75/4.00, Dean’s List
Internship:ABC Marketing, Milwaukee, WI August 2014 – December 2014Marketing Intern
Assisted with print and digital advertising of promotional projects. Coordinated company sponsored events. Managed company social media sites and analyzed customer usage.
Work Experience:Kohl’s Department Store, Fond du Lac, WI May 2014 – PresentSales Associate
Create floor displays of new products and determine optimal product positioning. Train new employees on corporate marketing programs and customer incentives.
Family R Restaurant, Fond du Lac, WI July 2011 – May 2014Assistant Manager
Trained 15 new employees in restaurant procedures and customer service. Developed print and digital materials and promotional events increasing customer base by 40%. Communicated and worked effectively with diverse staff and customer base.
Campus Activities:Marian University Student Business Club, 2012-Present
President, 2014 Vice President, 2013
Marian Communication Association, Member, 2012-Present
Service Involvement: Fond du Lac Habitat for Humanity Build, Volunteer, 2013 Fond du Lac Human Society, Volunteer, 2012-2013 Special Olympics, Volunteer, 2011
Resume Rubric
Resume should effectively land you an interview.
Resume could land you an interview (borderline
case).
Resume is average, needs improvement to rise to the "top of the
stack."
Resume needs significant
improvement and would be discarded
during screening
Format
This resume fills the page but is not overcrowded. There are no grammar or spelling errors. It can be easily scanned.
This resume almost fills the page, but has some uneven white space. There may be a single spelling or grammar error.
The font and spacing of this resume are not appealing and cannot be easily scanned. There are spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.
This resume is either one-half page or two to three pages long. The font is too big or may be hard to read. There is more white space than words on the page. There are multiple spelling and/or grammar errors.
Education Section
This section is organized, clear, and well defined. It highlights the most pertinent information and includes: institution and its location, graduation date, major, degree, GPA, study abroad (as appropriate), and any relevant course work.
This section is well organized and easy to read. It includes institution and its location, graduation date, major, and degree. GPA and “extra” information, such as study abroad and course work are missing.
Information such as institution and its location, graduation date, and major are included, but degree and GPA are not listed. This section is not well organized and there is no order to how information is formatted.
This section is missing the most crucial information. Institution is listed, but not its location and graduation date is missing. The major is included, but not degree. No GPA is stated.
Experience Section
This section is well defined, and information relates to the intended career field. Places of work, location, titles, and dates are included for each position. Descriptions are clear and formatted as bullets beginning with action verbs. (This section could be split into related and other experience.)
Places of work, location, titles, and dates are included for each position. Descriptions are formatted as bullets betinning with action verbs, but are not detailed enough to help the reader understand the experience. Information does not relate 100 percent to the intended career field.
Descriptions are not presented in bulleted lists that begin with action verbs. Instead, complete sentences in paragraph form are used to describe positions. Places of work are included for each position, but not locations, dates, and titles.
There is no order to the descriptions of each position. Descriptions are not detailed and don't illustrate the experience. No locations and dates of employment are listed.
Honors/ Activities
This section is well organized and easy to understand. Activities and honors are listed, and descriptions include skills gained and leadership roles held. Dates of involvement are listed.
This section includes all necessary information, but is difficult to follow. Leadership roles within organizations are listed, but skills are not defined. Dates of involvement are listed.
This section is missing key information such as leaderships positions held or dates of involvement. Organizations are listed; the organization, not individual involvement in each, are described.
This section is missing—or contains very little—information. Organization titles or dates of involvement are not included, and there are no descriptions.
by Amy Diepenbrock. Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder. www.naceweb.org.
Cover Letters
You will have to write a number of letters to employers while looking for a job. One type of letter is the cover letter, which you send with your resume when you are requesting a job interview. Other letters
are those you write following job interviews, arranging company site visits, and accepting or rejecting job offers. Here are some tips:
State clearly in your opening sentence the purpose for the letter. Then use the rest of the letter to support your candidacy.
Be sure that each cover letter is specifically tailored to the company to which you are writing. Research the company to help you determine your approach. Check the company’s website and other resources on the Internet.
If you are seeking a position that is a departure from or an unexpected application of your academic training – for example, you are an economist who wants to use his/her quantitative skills in a finance or consulting position – be explicit about why you are interested in that particular field, organization or job, and what you bring. Do not leave the reader wondering, “Why is an
economist writing to me, the finance manager of XYZ Corporation?”
If you are applying for a summer job and do not yet have any experience that directly relateds to the position, focus on telling the employer what experience you do have that may be of interest.
Always try to write to a specific individual and include the job title. Do not address your letter to “Dear Sir or Madam.”
Ask someone else to check your grammar, spelling, and style. When proofreading your own writing, it is easy to overlook silly mistakes.
Suggested Formula for Cover Letter45 S. National Ave., Fond du Lac, WI 54935(920) 333-333 / [email protected]
Joe Resume
October 1, 2014 (list date sent)
Mr. John DoeCollege Relations CoordinatorXYZ Corporation, Inc.12 Baker St., Suite 3Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Dear Mr. Doe:
First Paragraph: Introduce yourself and state why you are writing, and name the position, field, or general vocational area in which you are interested. Tell how you heard of the opening or organization (e.g., the job posting on Marian’s Job Connection, or the company’s website, or through a faculty recommendation). State your degree program and the year in which you will graduate. Specify the type of position you are seeking (e.g., summer internship, full-time position).
Second Paragraph: Mention qualifications you think would be of greatest interest to the employer (refer to keywords on job description). Tell why you are interested in the company, type of work or location. List any related experience or specialized training you have. Refer the reader to your enclosed resume, which will give additional information concerning your background and interests.
Third Paragraph: Close by restating your interest in the position and your desire for an interview. You may say that you will phone in a week or so to request an appointment. Make sure that your closing is not vague, but makes a specific action from the reader likely. Thank the person.
Sincerely,
Joe ResumeEnclosure
Your Name000 AddressCity, WI 00000
Spacing between your return address and the address of the person you're writing can vary from 2 to 4 spaces
January 2, 2015 (date cover letter is sent) Double space
Ms. Jane DoeHuman Resources Recruiting AssociateTimely Magazine000 Zephyr DriveOmaha, NE 00000
Double spaceDear Ms. Doe:
Double spacePlease accept my letter of application for the position of Coordinator of Social Marketing for Timely Magazine as advertised on your company website. I am impressed with the innovative web-based marketing approach and believe my experience and education makes me a great fit for this position. I am currently a senior at Marian University completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a double major in Marketing and Communication. I will graduate in May 2015.
Double spaceRecently, I completed an independent research project comparing the costs and benefits of advertising via the Internet versus more traditional methods and presented my findings at the annual American Marketing Association Convention. In addition to having a solid understanding of social and print marketing practices and principles, I consider myself a strong communicator and manager. Last summer I assisted with organizing, coordinating and updating the website for a local non-profit organization that increased awareness by 60% through increased internet traffic to the organization’s website.
Double spaceI am extremely excited about the prospect of launching a marketing career in the publishing industry and hope that I will be able to begin that journey at Timely Magazine. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you so I can further discuss how my skills, experience, and education can be of use to your organization. Please contact me at your convenience at 000-000-0000 or [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration.
Double spaceSincerely,
Insert 3 – 4 lines of space between Sincerely and your typed Signature
Your Name Double Space
Enclosure
Cover Letter Rubric
Cover letter should get you the interview.
Cover letter could land you an interview. This is
an average letter (borderline case.)
Cover letter needs significant improvement and would be discarded
during screening
Business format and overall
quality of writing ability
This letter uses correct business format with date and addresses at the top, and a signature at the bottom. This letter is clear and concise, and grammatically correct. There are no spelling errors.
This letter uses correct business format with date and addresses at the top, and a signature at the bottom. There are minimal grammar and spelling errors. While its content is decent, this letter does not convince an employer to call.
Business formatting is not used in this letter. There is no address or date at the top. This letter is not signed. There are multiple grammar and spelling errors. The content of this letter does not make sense to the reader.
Section 1: Introduction
This section identifies the position for which you are applying and explains why you are interested in the job. You have described how you heard about the opening. The wording is creative and catches an employer’s attention quickly.
This section identifies the position you are seeking. This letter does not describe how you heard about the opening. You vaguely describe why you are interested in this job. This section is bland and might not catch someone’s attention fast enough.
This section does not clearly identify what position you are seeking. There is no description of how you heard about the position or why you are interested. This letter definitely will not grab an employer’s attention and keep him or her reading.
Section 2: Identification of
skills and experiences as
related to position
This letter identifies one or two of your strongest qualifications and clearly relates how these skills apply to the job at hand. This letter explains specifically why you are interested in the position and this type of job, company, and/or location.
This letter identifies one of your qualifications, but it is not related to the position at hand. This letter restates what is on your resume with minimal additional information. You explain why you are interested in the position but are too vague.
This letter does not discuss any relevant qualifications. You have not related your skills to the position for which you are applying. This letter does not state why you are interested in the position, company, and/or location.
Section 3: Closing
This letter refers the reader to your resume or any other enclosed documents. This letter thanks the reader for taking time to read this letter. You are assertive as you describe how you will follow up with the employer in a stated time period.
You thank the reader for taking time to read this letter. You do not refer the reader to your resume or application materials. This letter assumes that the employer will contact you to follow up.
This letter does not thank the reader for taking time to review this letter. There is no reference to a resume or other materials. This letter does not mention any plan for follow up.
by Amy Diepenbrock. Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder. www.naceweb.org.
10 Tips for Top-Notch ReferencesBy Kelli Robinson
“References available upon request” is a statement that can make or break your job offer. Here are 10 tips for assembling a successful reference list.
1. Ask, don’t assume. Ask your references for permission to use their names. Confirm the following: Do the people you include as references actually want to give you a reference? Does their schedule permit time to discuss your qualifications? Most importantly, what kind of reference will they be? When it comes to references, neutral is the same as negative, so
ask your contacts to be honest: Can the people you ask give you a positive recommendation?
2. Let the professionals do the job. Potential supervisors are not interested in hearing friends or relatives talk about how nice you are. They want confirmation for their main objective: Are you going to deliver the duties of the job? Good reference sources include previous supervisors, co-workers, professors, or advisers. Think outside the box: If you voluntarily coordinated an organization’s fund-raising effort, the organization’s supervisor could be a great reference. It doesn’t matter that you weren’t paid.
3. Avoid name dropping. A reference’s name or job title is insignificant compared to the information he or she will provide regarding your strengths and weaknesses. CEO may be a loftier title than supervisor; however, who can better attest to your abilities on a daily basis?
4. Provide references with the appropriate tools. Give each reference a copy of your resume, so he or she has a complete picture of your background. Provide a description of the job to which you are applying. Knowing the duties and responsibilities ahead of time will prepare references for questions they may be asked and help them relate your experience to the potential job.
5. Alert references to potential phone calls. Contact your references and tell them to anticipate a phone call or e-mail. Tell them the name of the company, and the position for which you interviewed. If you know the name of the person who will check your references, offer that information, too.
6. Keep your references informed. Were you offered the job? If so, did you accept? When will you start?
7. Thank your references. When you accept a job offer, take the time to write each of your references a thank-you note. They have played a valuable part in your receiving an offer.
8. Keep in touch. Don’t end contact with your references. Send an e-mail, call, or meet them for lunch on occasion. You never know when if and when you may need to call upon them to be references in the future.
9. Update your list. Just like resumes become outdated, so do reference lists. As your career builds, keep your reference list up-to-date.
10. Return the favor. Your references may have been the deciding factor in your job offer. When you are asked to be a reference, say yes.
Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder, www.naceweb.org.
JANE ANDREWSP.O. Box 00 000-000-0000City, WI 54476 [email protected]
References(Do not type the words below, only type the word ‘Relationship’)
NameTitleOrganizationAddress 1Telephone: (with area code)Email:Relationship:
NameTitleOrganizationAddress 1Telephone: (with area code)Email:Relationship:
NameTitleOrganizationAddress 1Address 2Telephone: (with area code)Email:Relationship:
Action Verbs for Resumes and Professional Profiles
Management/Leadership Skills administeredanalyzedappointed approvedassignedattainedauthorizedchairedconsideredconsolidatedcontractedcontrolledconvertedcoordinateddecideddelegateddevelopeddirectedeliminatedemphasizedenforcedenhancedestablishedexecutedgeneratedhandledheadedhiredhostedimprovedincorporatedincreasedinitiatedinspectedinstitutedledmanagedmergedmotivatedorganizedoriginatedoverhauledoversawplannedpresidedprioritizedproducedrecommendedreorganizedreplacedrestored
reviewed
scheduled
streamlinedstrengthenedsupervisedterminated
Communication/People Skillsaddressedadvertisedarbitratedarrangedarticulatedauthoredclarifiedcollaboratedcommunicatedcomposedcondensedconferredconsultedcontactedconveyedconvincedcorrespondeddebateddefineddescribeddevelopeddirecteddiscusseddraftededitedelicitedenlistedexplainedexpressedformulatedfurnishedincorporatedinfluencedinteractedinterpretedinterviewedinvolvedjoinedjudgedlecturedlistenedmarketedmediated
moderatednegotiatedobservedoutlinedparticipatedpersuadedpresentedpromotedproposedpublicizedreconciledrecruitedreferredreinforcedreportedresolvedrespondedsolicitedspecifiedspokesuggestedsummarizedsynthesizedtranslatedwrote
Research Skillsanalyzedclarifiedcollectedcomparedconductedcritiqueddetecteddetermineddiagnosedevaluatedexaminedexperimentedexploredextractedformulatedgatheredidentifiedinspectedinterpretedinterviewedinventedinvestigatedlocatedmeasuredorganizedresearched
searchedsolvedsummarizedsurveyedsystematizedtested
Technical Skillsadaptedassembledbuiltcalculatedcomputedconservedconstructedconverteddebuggeddesigneddetermineddevelopedengineeredfabricatedfortifiedinstalledmaintainedoperatedoverhauledprintedprogrammedrectifiedregulatedremodeledrepairedreplacedrestoredsolvedspecializedstandardizedstudiedupgradedutilized
Teaching Skillsadaptedadvisedclarifiedcoachedcommunicatedconductedcoordinatedcritiqueddeveloped
enabledencouragedevaluatedexplainedfacilitatedfocusedguidedindividualizedinformedinstilledinstructedmotivatedpersuadedset goalssimulatedstimulatedtaughttestedtrainedtransmittedtutored
Financial/Data Skillsadministeredadjustedallocatedanalyzedappraisedassessedauditedbalancedcalculatedcomputedconservedcorrecteddetermineddevelopedestimatedforecastedmanagedmarketedmeasuredplannedprogrammedprojectedreconciledreduced
researchedretrieved
Creative Skillsactedadaptedbegancombinedconceptualizedcondensedcreatedcustomizeddesigneddevelopeddirecteddisplayeddrewentertainedestablishedfashionedformulatedfoundedillustratedinitiatedinstitutedintegratedintroducedinventedmodeledmodifiedoriginatedperformedphotographedplannedrevisedrevitalizedshapedsolved
Helping Skillsadaptedadvocatedaidedansweredarrangedassessedassisted
cared forclarifiedcoachedcollaboratedcontributedcooperatedcounseleddemonstrateddiagnosededucatedencouragedensuredexpeditedfacilitatedfamiliarizefurtheredguidedhelpedinsuredintervenedmotivatedprovidedreferredrehabilitatedpresentedresolvedsimplifiedsuppliedsupportedvolunteered
Organization/Detail Skillsapprovedarrangedcatalogedcategorizedchartedclassifiedcodedcollectedcompiledcorrespondeddistributedexecutedfiledgenerated
implementedincorporatedinspectedloggedmaintainedmonitoredobtainedoperatedorderedorganizedpreparedprocessedprovidedpurchasedrecordedregisteredreservedrespondedreviewedroutedscheduledscreenedset upsubmittedsuppliedstandardizedsystematizedupdatedvalidatedverified
More verbs for Accomplishmentsachievedcompletedexpandedexceededimprovedpioneeredreduced (losses)resolved (issues)restoredspearheadedsucceededsurpassedtransformedwon
LIBERAL ARTS SKILLS
In addition to gaining specific and general knowledge of the world and increasing human understanding, each liberal arts graduate possesses most or all of the following skills:
COMPREHENDING WRITTEN MATERIAL
COMMUNICATING: WRITING EFFECTIVELY; READING; LISTENING; AND SPEAKING EFFECTIVELY
IDENTIFYING PROBLEM AREAS
DEVELOPING NEW APPROACHES TO PROBLEMS
ANALYZING AND EVALUATING IDEAS AND PRESENTATIONS
USING LIBRARY AND RESEARCH FACILITIES
CONDUCTING SURVEYS AND INTERVIEWS
SUPERVISING AND LEADING
COOPERATING WITH A WORK TEAM
PERSUADING OTHERS TO ACCEPT NEW IDEAS
HELPING PEOPLE WITH THEIR PROBLEMS
DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC
ORGANIZING TIME EFFECTIVELY
WORKING UNDER DEADLINES
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING
WORKING INDEPENDENTLY OR WITH AUTHORITY
FOLLOWING WELL-DEFINED INSTRUCTIONS
WORKING ON LONG-TERM PROJECTS
ESTABLISHING GOALS AND FOLLOW THROUGH
DOING DETAILED AND ACCURATE WORK
MAKING DECISIONS
THINKING ABSTRACTLY
BUDGETING PERSONAL TIME AND FINANCE
UNDERSTAND A WIDE VARIETY OF TOPICS AND SUBJECTS
RELATING TO A WIDE VARIETY OF PEOPLE
REMEMBER…Liberal Arts Skills can be applied to all settings!
