A resume is an introduction of yourself to an employer or graduate school and can serve as your application for a particular job. It is a formal document and thus follows a set format, although there are many different formats you can utilize in designing your resume. Two samples are provided in this guide, however, you may wish to explore other acceptable resume formats which can be found through Internet sites and resume writing books. The Career Services library has a section of resume and cover letter "how to" books if you would like to look at different styles to find one just right for you!

In this section, you will find a "Skills Identification Worksheet" and a list of "Action Words." These are provided to assist you in writing your resume: perhaps you will be able to articulate more specifically what your strongest skills are and describe more persuasively your accomplishments in a previous position.
 

IDENTIFICATION

Your name and complete address should be highly visible at the top of your resume. The address and phone number should be where you reside and can be reached. Include your E-mail address only if you check your messages regularly!

OBJECTIVE

Employers use this information to assess a job match. This should be specific to the job for which you are applying. Use action words and concise phrases.

EDUCATION

List in reverse chronological order, putting the school name, city and state. Then indicate degree, graduation date, major and GPA. Don’t mention academic work unless it has led to a degree or certificate.

RELATED COURSES

This is an optional category. You may wish to include if particular courses you have completed are relevant to the position for which you are applying.

EXPERIENCE

The more impressive your work history or internship experience, the more prominently you should display it. List employment/internships in reverse chronological order, specifying position title, employer name, city and state, and dates. Use action verbs that describe your accomplishments in the position rather than just your assigned duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

This section could also be called "SKILLS." Emphasize skills that are relevant to the position for which you are applying. Give short, results-oriented statements to support your skills. Position your most marketable skills first. Don’t forget to include computer skills!

ACTIVITIES

Title this section anything applicable: "ACCOMPLISHMENTS," "INTERESTS," or "ACHIEVEMENTS." Be sure to list the name of the organization, city and state, and date(s) as appropriate.

REFERENCES

This section can be omitted. Of course you will supply references if a prospective employer asks for them. Send your reference list with your resume and cover letter or bring it to the interview. Create a separate reference page: Include only people who have agreed to serve as a reference for you. Include four people: one or two professors, a current or previous supervisor, and a personal reference (NO relatives). Indicate name, title, organization/company, address and phone number. You can order your references on your reference page in two ways: 1) alphabetical order; or 2) in order of importance (most recent supervisors or professors first, personal reference last.)
 

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a position in the field of marketing in which my creativity and sales experience would greatly contribute to the company.

ELMHURST COLLEGE, Elmhurst, Illinois
Bachelor of Science Degree Anticipated May 1999
Major: Marketing Minor: Communications
GPA: 3.75/4.00

Extremely self-motivated and able to learn quickly.

Very dependable and goal-oriented.

Working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Word Perfect, Lotus Spreadsheet and the Internet.

Kendall Publishing Company, Elmhurst, Illinois

• Marketing Intern (June 1997 - August 1997)
• Developed package insert program for a new product line.
• Assisted Creative Services in the redesign of new package insert materials.
• Worked directly with advertisers to increase sales of new inserts.

Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois

• Resident Assistant (August 1996 - May 1997)
• Planned, marketed and implemented educational programs within budget.
• Created "Shirts for Sticks" program which raised $3000 for local charities.

Gail’s Office Supply, Hometown, Illinois

• Customer Service Staff (1994 - present; part time during school breaks)
• Respond to customer questions, concerns and complaints.
• Create in-store displays to market merchandise; complete sales analysis to determine effectiveness of marketing plans.

American Marketing Association, Elmhurst College, August 1997 - present.

Bacchus Peer Educator, Elmhurst College, April 1996 - present.

The Speakers Club, Elmhurst, Illinois, September 1995 - March 1996.

REFERENCES
 

Dr. Joseph Knight
Professor of Marketing
Elmhurst College
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 617-0000

Ms. Jennifer Smith
Associate Editor
Kendall Publishing Company
123 St. Charles Road
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 999-1234

Mr. Michael Johnson
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Elmhurst College
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 617-9999

Ms. Mary Anne Sullivan
Senior Staff Accountant (Personal Reference)
Enterprise Rent A Car, Inc.
432 Roosevelt Road
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60122
(630) 546-0000
 
 
 

MICHAEL J. THOMPSON

To secure an entry level position in Public Relations which will allow me to utilize my strong interpersonal skills and special events planning experience.

Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts Degree Psychology Major
Graduation: May 1998 GPA: 3.6/4.0

Boston University London Internship Program, London, England
Self-Initiated Study Abroad Program September - December 1995

Special Events Planning

Resourceful at developing and implementing activities for two social service organizations.

Organized dinner party for over 200 guests; developed guest list and managed logistical issues including invitations and menu.

Interpersonal Skills

Extensive experience with customer service.

Supervised four employees in a customer service environment.

Communication Skills

Able to network well with businesses and other organizations.

Successfully resolved customer complaints.

Conducted telemarketing campaign to solicit library donations.

Research Skills

Proficient at gathering information and data from multiple resources.

Researched information on youth offender programs.

Information Services and Technology, Elmhurst, Illinois; Switchboard Operator, February 1997- present.

The Harbour, Des Plaines, Illinois; Child Care Counselor, September - December 1996.

The Break-Free Project, London, England; Intern, September - December 1995.

Bailey’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Supervisor, Summers 1992 - 1994.

PsiChi National Honors Society, for Psychology, Selected Member.

Academic Advisory Committee, Psychology Department, Selected Member.

Hannah House, Residential facility for teenage girls, Volunteer/Program Aide.

Counseling Center Peer Educator, Presented program activities to promote healthy living on campus, Elected Secretary.

It is hard to know where to start when creating a résumé. The first step is to identify your specific skills. The following worksheet will guide you in the process of identifying your skills. Circle or highlight the specific skills that you believe are your strengths. Think of ways to use these terms on your résumé.