RESUME WRITING GUIDE
Table of Contents
Resume Templates for all majors:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/results.aspx?Scope=TC&Query=resume
Cover Letter Guide
Cover Letter Example
General Resume Guidelines
Typical Contents of
a Resume
Choosing a Format - Chronological
Resume
Choosing a Format - Functional
Resume
Making Your Resume
Computer Scannable
Example: Reference
List
Tips for Writing Job
Descriptions
Positive Action Word
List
Example: Resumes
Example: Mass Communications
Resume
Example: Education Resume
Example: Nursing Resume
Example:
Business Resume
Example: Computer and
Information Services
Career Placement and Internship Services Contact Information:
Internet
WWW.ETSU.EDU/CAREERS
Office E-mail
hillj@etsu.edu
Appointment for Placement Services
(423)439-4441
Appointment for Internship Services
(423)439-5388
Locations: D. P. Culp University Center, 3rd
Level, Room 323 - (Main Office)
ARC Center, D. P. Culp University Center, 2nd Level
- (Internships)
Month, Date, Year
Organization Name
Attention: Hiring Person's Name, Title
Address
City, State Zip
Re: Request to be considered for the ***************** position.
Dear Hiring Person's Name: or (position) recruiter:
Options on paragraph 1: Reference how you learned of the company/opportunity, or who recommended that you contact the hiring person. This can be omitted if it does not fit the situation. Next, make a request to be considered for the position. Finally, pay the company a compliment using any recent positive news or the organization's stated goals/ performance / objectives. Remember, this section is to relate to why you are writing.
Substance of letter in paragraph 2: Do the following: In consideration of your education/experience or special employable skills (from school, work, activities, affiliation organizations, or volunteer work), relate how you will make a positive contribution to the organization. Next, complete statements of generalized information in a bullet style as shown below. Most likely this information will mirror the job description. This information will lead the reader to feel you are qualified for the position and make them want to see your résumé. i.e.: "Through intensive training and education, combined with applied experience, I offer:"
From
- Education/Special training: (A Bachelor's degree in... )
the
- Relevant and/or related experience that shows you to be hirable or
job
quickly
trainable
description: - Technical abilities or skills relating to the position
- Training and/or mobility factors if they are positive
- Other information which makes you a "Best Fit" person for
the job
Remember: This section relates what you have to offer the employer in order of the employer's desired attributed. If you don't, use your best judgment
Conclusion and statement of action in paragraph 3: State what is included in this mailing: "Enclosed is my résumé (or employment documentation) for your consideration." Make a statement of the next action you desire "Please contact me at your earliest convenience." Remember: This section states what to expect as the next action...what will you do next or.....what do you expect them to do next.
Sincerely,
Your Name (typed version of your signature)
Enclosures: Résumé, References, Letters of Recommendation (whatever is included)
Follow up with a phone call within 1 - 3 days
of the arrival of your correspondence to: 1) confirm the receipt of your
correspondence, 2) express your interest in the position, and 3) to leave
a timely message of specific times, dates, and phone numbers where you
can be reached.
Robert C. Merriam
123 Any Street
Any City, State 99999
Phone: (423) 888-8888
E-mail: zjobs@hotmail.com
(Date)
Synchronics, Inc.
Attention: Jamie Burks, Programmer Recruiter
6584 Poplar St., Ste. 200
Memphis, TN 38138
Re: Programmer/Analyst position
Dear Mr. Burks:
Please consider this letter an application for the Programmer/Analyst position as advertised in the ETSU Career Placement and Internship Services office (www.etsu.edu/careers/). My educational background and programming experience should help me to become a productive member of the development team. Developing commercial applications using Borland Delphi in a 32-bit Windows environment is an area of programming which interests me.
Through intensive training, education, and applied experience, I offer:
Sincerely,
Robert C. Merriam
Enclosure: Résumé
John Smith
1203 Maple Avenue
Johnson City, TN 37601
(Date)
Ms. Alicia Jones
Director of Sales and Marketing
Abbott Laboratories
One Abbott Park Road
Abbott Park, IL 60064-3500
Dear Ms. Jones:
I am writing to inquire about entry level sales and marketing opportunities with Abbott Laboratories. My primary interest is in sales opportunities within your diagnostic equipment division.
My employment and educational backgrounds make me an ideal candidate for this type of position. Specifically, I would bring to your organization
Sincerely,
John Smith
Enclosure
1) Tailor your résumé to the type of position you are seeking, emphasizing experiences and skills which relate to the position. Choose a format which most effectively represents you, and place your most powerful material nearest the top.
2) List your most notable successes, achievements, and contributions when describing past employment and activities.
3) Be concise. Generally, entry level candidates should limit the résumé to one page. Experienced candidates should keep the résumé to two pages, identifying the second page with name and page number.
4) Make sure that your résumé is scannable.
5) Proofread for mistakes. Spelling, punctuation, grammatical, and typographical errors are unacceptable. Your résumé should be absolutely flawless.
6) Produce your résumé on word processing software, using a laser or ink jet printer.
7) Use a quality 8.5" x 11" paper, with cotton content of at least 25%. Conservative colors (white, ivory, or light gray) are preferred.
8) Always include a cover letter when mailing, faxing or e-mailing your résumé to a prospective employer.
9) Create a separate list of 3-5 professional references to provide upon employer request. References should be persons in positions of authority, who have direct knowledge of your work or study habits, such as former employers, faculty, customers, etc. Ask each person for permission to use their name, then list contact information as shown on page 10.
I. Identification Data: Include name, address, telephone number, cell number, and e-mail address, if you have one.
II. Objective: (Optional) Present your short-range goal with a specific and concise statement in objective form, i.e. To work with..., To obtain a position as... Keep in mind that if you are interested in applying for different types of jobs, you will need to do separate résumés with different objectives for each. If you choose to omit your objective in your resume, make sure it is included in the cover letter.
III. Education: Include your degrees and the dates you received them, the colleges/universities that awarded them, and your major. Other information that can fall under this heading is course work related to your objective, fieldwork, lab experience, research and any academic honors. List cumulative and/or major GPA's only if 3.0 or better.
IV. Experience: Start with the job most recently held, giving dates, job titles, company name, and location (city and state) for each position. Include volunteer work, summer employment, internships, civic projects, cooperative education, etc., if it is relevant information.
V. Computer Skills: Include software, languages, hardware, networks, and related skills.
VI. Language Skills: Include foreign languages of which you have working knowledge. Clarify your ability to read and or speak each language.
VII. Activities: List activities that are significant in your personal and professional development. Prospective employers review the section on extra-curricular activities to get an indication of your outside interests, social awareness, desire to get involved, energy level, and leadership potential. List any leadership positions held. Remember -activities relevant to your objective may be more effectively presented under EXPERIENCE. (Avoid duplication of previous listed leadership positions).
VIII. Special Skills: List other talents, certifications, licensures that are relevant.
Résumé styles include chronological, functional, and a blend of the two called combination. Choose a style shows how you best fit the organization’s needs. We generally recommend the combination style located at the end of this section. Try to keep margins at 1" on all sides. Occasionally it may be necessary to reduce the bottom and side margins to .5". Do not reduce less than .5".
JOHN SMITH
1203 Maple Avenue
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 926-0001
OBJECTIVE: A sales representative position in the pharmaceutical industry
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Business Administration May (Year)
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
AACSB accredited program
Major: Marketing GPA: 3.15
Related Coursework:
Marketing Research
Anatomy & Physiology I
Public Speaking
General Chemistry I & II
EXPERIENCE: Marketing Representative, Advanced Home
Care, Johnson City, TN, Fall (Year)
Vice President, American Marketing Association, ETSU chapter (Year)
OTHER Waiter, Firehouse Restaurant, Johnson City, TN (Year)
- Developed and coordinated campus-wide member recruitment campaign, which increased membership by 25%.
- Salesperson, Men's wear Department, Jay's Clothing Store, Johnson City, TN - (Year)
- Assisted customers, conducted inventory and arranged merchandise displays
- Consistently met monthly sales quotas
OBJECTIVE: A position in public
relations
EXPERIENCE:
Writing . Reported on sports events for The Stanford Daily.
. Published feature stories for Stanford athletic
programs and Bay area newspapers.
. Currently working on a novel for independent study
English course.
Research . Researched Mobil Oil Corporation's Op-Ed
advertisements,
"Observations" columns, and special publications.
. Updated statistical information for Stanford
University football brochures and programs.
. Initiated independent study survey of students'
opinions of the Stanford Honor Code
. Presented results in videotape presentation.
. Conducted survey of passengers using Stanford
shuttle bus system utilizing on-the-spot
interviewing and questionnaires.
Organization
. Edited Stanford Crew Notes. In charge of copy, layout,
and circulation
for monthly
and publication dealing with
men's and women's crew.
Management . Student
Liaison Officer for Stanford Alumni Club of
Northern New Jersey
. Coordinated activities for prospective students from
Northern New
Jersey at Alumni Club
events.
. Represented Stanford at college nights. Corresponded
with applicants
from Northern
New Jersey.
. Greeted and hosted visitors from northern New Jersey
during stays at
Stanford.
. Supervised salespersons and managed various
departments as supervisor/salesperson at Bamberger's
department store.
. Coordinated visits of over 25 schools (over 2,000
students) to Mobil
Oil
Corporation's world headquarters
for Mobil's School Visitation Program.
EDUCATION: STANFORD UNIVERSITY,
A.B., June (Year)
Major: English literature. Minor: psychology. GPA:
3.2/4.0
EXPERIENCE: STANFORD SPORTS INFORMATION
OFFICE,
Administrative Intern (spring
(Year)-present),
Football Statistician (fall terms (Year)
MOBIL OIL CORPORATION, Public Relations Intern
(summer (Year).
PALO ALTO HILTON INN, Hostess and Waitress
(summer (Year).
BAMBERGER'S DEPARTMENT STORE, Salesperson
(winter (Year)) and summer (Year)
Supervisor/Salesperson
(fall (Year)- summer (Year).
To develop your accomplishment statements, ask yourself these questions:
1. What problems did my organization have? How did I supply
the
answers? What were the results?
2. Did I increase sales? How much, and over what period
of time?
What was my quota? How often was the quota achieved?
3. How did I help cut expenses? By how much?
4. How did I help the organization operate more efficiently and
productively?
5. How did I improve things?
6. What were the results of my duties and projects?
7. What was the scope of my responsibility? How many people did
I
supervise? For how much money was I responsible ?
8. What can I offer a prospective employer?
Example #1
Before
Counselor, Good Hope Camp, Severn, Maryland, Summer 20--
Responsible for the well-being of 50 campers. Conferred with parents.
After
Counselor, Good Hope Camp, Severn, Maryland Summer 1990
Example # 2
Before
Assistant Director, Community Museum, Jonesborough, Tennessee 2000-20--
After
Assistant Director, Community Museum, Jonesborough, Tennessee 2000-20--
Example #3
Before
Plastics Galore, Anaheim, California 2000--Present
After
Plastics Galore, Anaheim, California - A six-plant, 5,000 - employee national manufacturer of injection-molded containers for the dairy, soft drink, baking, and waste-management industries.
Manager of Human Resources 1999-Present
| ability to
accomplished achieved adept at advised analyzed arranged assigned attended authorized bought budgeted built catalogued clarified communicated completed composed conducted contributed controlled coordinated corrected created delegated demonstrated wrote |
decreased
designed desire developed devised directed documented effectively engineered established evaluated excellent exercised exhibited familiar with formulated furnished gained graduated guided handled hired improved implemented increased initiated Worked |
inspected
installed instructed invented investigated involved judged knowledge of led liaison between made managed manufactured marketed member of met mobilized operated ordered originated organized participated performed planned prepared produced utilized |
promoted
proposed provided purchased qualified raised recommended recruited reduced reported responsible reviewed satisfied scheduled selected served skilled sold staffed started submitted successfully supervised supplied taught trained traveled |
A scannable résumé makes it easy for a computer to recognize and understand your qualifications. Its design maximizes your chances for the résumé to be retrieved from a database for further review by a potential employer. Follow the instructions of the employer as given on the organization's web site.
DO
* Use terms, jargon and acronyms specific to your industry. These
keywords should reflect your abilities, experience, training , special
awards, licenses, and certifications. Good sources for keywords:
job listings, trade journals, professionals in your field, and employer
information.
* Use typefaces 10-14 point, in which letters are clearly separated
from each other. Good choices
are Helvetica, Times New Roman, Arial, Futura, Optima, Univers,
Palatino, and New Century Schoolbook.
*When using bullets, use those of medium size only, which are completely blacked n.
* Use more than 1 page if necessary, but do not go beyond 2 pages. Identify the second page with your name and page 2 at the top left corner.
AVOID
* Fancy treatments such as italics, script text, vertical/horizontal lines, underlining, graphics, shading or column formats.
* Unusual characters, such as brackets, asterisks .
* Compressing text in order to squeeze everything onto one page.
*Stapling and folding the résumé. When mailing, place the résumé and cover letter in a flat envelope and paper clip them together.
*Printing the résumé on colored paper. Use white
paper and black ink.
JOHN SMITH
123 Any Street
Any Town, ST 99999
Phone: (999) 999-9999
E-mail: smithj@hotmail.com
REFERENCES:
(name)
Dr. David Anderson
(title)
Associate Professor
Department of Management and Marketing
(organization) East Tennessee State University
(address)
Box 1000
Johnson City, TN 37614
(phone #) Home: 423/439/####;
work #
E-mail (if appropriate)
Former or Current Manager
(Employer?)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Optional 4th Reference. (Someone who will tell the employer good things about you).
Make sure all references are notified and have sufficient information to make a good reference. I suggest you speak with them and give them a copy of your resume'.
Objective: ___________(A)___________
position. (Be as specific as you can). Special interest and
training in ______(B)_____ and _______(C)________.
A=Title of Position, B&C= Field of Interest
Education (or Education and Licensure) (or Education and Professional Affiliation) (or Education, Honors, and Awards):
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, GPA (min. 3.00/4.00)
Concentration: Public Relations
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Accreditation: Accreditation Council on Education in Journalism
& Mass Communications
Honors: Dean's List, 1999 - 2000
Experience (or Employment):
09/1999-Present
Job Title
Employer, City, State
- Action verb...(subject...). * Remember to relate hirable
information for the position
sought!
- Prepared reports for... * Remember
to quantify results when possible.
- Completed assignments.... * Remember to use the hiring company's
terminology.
04/199709/1999
Job Title
Employer, City, State
- Presented...
* Remember to tell enough to get the interview!
- Responsible for...
* Remember not to pad or over state experiences.
- Reviewed....
* Remember to follow up this résumé with a contact.
Technology Skills: Internet:
Netscape Navigator 4.0, Numerous search engines
Software: Windows 98, 95, MS Office 2000, Corel WordPerfect, Lotus
Suite, Quicken Pro
Presentations: Intensive video taped training program, 09/1999
Activities, Organizations, and Community Involvement:
Member: Student Chapter of Professional Organization 1999-Present
Volunteer: American Red Cross 1999
Award Winner: Name of Organization 1999
Vice President: Student Organization 1999
(Additional Guides for Style are in our office.)
Objective: Teaching position
Summary (optional): Dedicated
and focused individual with a secondary education background.
Strengths include diversity of knowledge areas and commitment to achievement.
Proven presentation, communication, and classroom technology skills.
Education:
12/2001
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. Ed.), GPA: (if 3.0+)
List additional details of your degree here!
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Certification: Will complete Teacher Certification on 01/2000
Teaching Experience:
Spring 2000
Student Teacher
East Tennessee State University, College of Education, Johnson City,
TN
- Completed research and reported on effective teaching methodology
at the ...
09/1999-12/1999
Teacher's Aid
Liberty Bell Middle School, Johnson City, TN
- Action verb...(subject...).
- Action verb... Remember to quantify results when possible.
- Completed.... Remember to use teaching terminology.
Additional Employment:
04/1998-09/1999
Wait Staff
Employer, City, State
04/1997-03/1998
Sales Associate
Employer, City, State
Classroom Technology Skills:
Professional Affiliations and Activities:Internet: Research ability, Web Page Development, E-Mail
Software: Windows 98, 95, Macintosh, PowerPoint MS Office 97, Corel WordPerfect Suite 8, Lotus Suite, Quicken Pro
Presentation Training: Intensive video taped training program, 09/1999
1998 -
Present Member: Student Chapter, Tennessee Education Association
1998-1999
Volunteer: Girls, Inc. of Kingsport
Objective: ______________________ position
Education:
12/1998
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, GPA: (Include if 3.0+)
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Accreditation: National League for Nursing
Honors: Dean's
List, Fall 1997
RN License: Will complete by 01/1999
Health Care Experience (or Employment: if all was paid):
09/1997-Present Nursing Practicum
Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, TN
- Action verb...(subject...) Remember to relate hirable information!!!
- Action verb... Remember to quantify results when possible.
- Completed.... Remember to use hiring company's terminology.
04/1995-09/1997 Student Nurse
Employer, City, State
- Action verb...(subject...) Remember to relate
hirable information!!!
- Action verb... Remember to quantify results when
possible.
- Completed.... Remember to use hiring company's
terminology.
Additional
Employment:
07/1994-03/1995 Wait Staff
Grady's, Johnson City, TN
Professional Skills: Certifications:
CPR and First Aid since 1996
Internet software: Internet
research, E-Mail
Additional Software: Windows 95, MS Office 97,
WordPerfect, Lotus Suite, and
HBO&C Medical System
Associations and Community Involvement: (or Activities)
1995 - 1998
Member:
Association of Student Nurses
1997
Volunteer:
Organization
1996 - 1997
Organizer:
Charity Name
Objective: Accounting position with....
___________(A)___________ position. (Be as specific as you
can).
A=Title of Position
Summary of Experience:
______(AA)_____ individual (or team member) with a(n) ______(Your field)_______ background. Strengths include ________(BB)________ and _________(BB)__________. Proven (or Strong) ______(CC)_______, _________(CC)_________, and __________(CC)_________ skills.
AA= Motivated, Determined, Confident, Driven, Reliable, Dedicated,
Efficient, Focused, Process oriented, ...
BB= attention to detail, goal achievement, technology applications,
or other personal attribute.
CC= verbal communications, coordination, team building, teamwork,
flexibility, analytical, computer software, organizational, leadership,
office technology, classroom technology, customer relations, design, manufacturing,
developmental, counseling...
Education:
05/1999
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, GPA 3.2/4.0
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Accreditation: American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business
Certification: Will complete CPA exam 05/1999
Experience:
09/1997-Present Job Title
Employer, City, State
- Action verb...(subject...).
* Remember to relate hirable information.
- Prepared reports for...
* Remember to quantify results when possible.
- Completed assignments.... * Remember
to use the hiring company's terminology.
04/1995-09/1997 Job Title
Employer, City, State
- Presented...
* Remember to tell enough to get the interview!
- Responsible for...
* Remember not to pad or over state experiences.
- Reviewed....
* Remember to follow up this résumé with a contact.
Office Technology Skills:
Internet:
Browsers, Search Engines, E-mail
Operating Systems:
Windows 95, Windows 3.1, DOS
Software:
MS office 97, WordPerfect, Lotus Suite, Quicken Pro
Equipment:
(Specific equipment if related to the position)
Activities, Organizations, and Community Involvement: (change the title to fit the information below)
1996-Present
Member:
Student Accounting Organization
1998
Volunteer:
Carter County Flood Relief - Red Cross
1997
Vice President:
Student Organization
(Additional Guides for Style are in our office.)
Objective:
___________(A)___________ position. (Be as specific as you
can). Special interest and training in ______(B)_____ and _______(C)________.
A=Title of Position, B&C= Field of Interest
Education:
12/1996
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
09/1988-12/1990 Undergraduate
Studies
King College, Bristol, VA
Experience:
09/1997-Present
Commercial Sales Employee
Auto Zone, Erwin, TN
- Prepared reports for...
* Remember to quantify results when possible.
- Completed assignments.... * Remember to use hiring company's
terminology.
01/1996-08/1997
Job Title
Employer, City, State
- Action verb...(subject...). * Remember
to relate hirable information!
- Prepared reports for...
* Remember to quantify results when possible.
- Completed assignments.... * Remember to use hiring company's
terminology.
Technology Skills:
Internet software:
Netscape Navigator 4.0, Numerous search engines
Additional Software: Windows
98, MS Office 97, WordPerfect, Lotus Suite, Quicken
Programming:
HTML, PL1, C++, ...
Equipment:
(Specific equipment)
Activities, Organizations, and Community Involvement:
1998
Vice President:
Student Organization
1996-Present
Member:
Student Accounting Organization
1997
Volunteer:
Carter County Flood Relief - Red Cross
Objective: ___________(A)___________ position. (Be as specific
as you can).
(A=Title of Position)
Summary: (or Professional Summary)( or Summary):
______(AA)_____ individual (or team member) with a(n) ______(Your
field)_______ background. Strengths include ________(BB)________
and _________(BB)__________. Proven (or Strong) ______(CC)_______,
_________(CC)_________, and __________(CC)_________ skills.
AA= Motivated, Determined, Confident, Driven, Reliable, Dedicated,
Efficient, Focused, Process oriented, ...
BB= attention to detail, goal achievement, technology applications,
or other personal attribute.
CC= verbal communications, coordination, team building, teamwork,
flexibility, analytical, computer software,
organizational, leadership, office technology, classroom technology,
customer relations, design, manufacturing, developmental, counseling...
******************************************************** next*****************************************************************
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, GPA: 3.23/4.00 (if 3.00+)
05/2001
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Accreditation: Computer Science Accreditation Board
Experience (or _____Employment):
09/1999-Present
Job Title
Employer, City, State
- Action verb...(subject...). * Remember to relate
hirable information!
- Prepared reports for... * Remember
to quantify results when possible.
- Completed assignments.... * Remember to use hiring company's
terminology.
04/1997-09/1999
Job Title
Employer, City, State
- Presented...
* Remember to tell enough to get the interview!
- Responsible for...
* Remember
not to pad or over state experiences.
- Reviewed....
* Remember to follow up this résumé with a contact.
Additional Employment (list unrelated work experience titles) (Optional):
Job Title Job Title Job Title Job Title
Professional Skills:
Internet:
Research Ability, Web Page Development, E-mail
Additional Software:
Windows 98, 95, MS Office 2000, Corel WordPerfect, Lotus Suite
Programming:
HTML, PL1, C++
Training:
Building Positive Customer Relations, XYZ, Inc., Johnson City, TN
(Bolding and tabs are probably enough highlighting. Remember to bold what they can hire!)
(Additional Guides for Style are in our office.)
If
you have questions, please call (423) 439-4441
e-mail:
Webmaster
01/05/2005
