RESUME WRITING
OPENING THE DOORS TO
OPPORTUNITY THROUGH
COLLEGE EDUCATION !!!
YOUR RESUME IS A SALES
ORIENTED MARKETING
TOOL
RESUME
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU THINK WILL BE
TAKEN TO LOOK AT YOUR RESUME?
ABOUT 20 SECONDS!!!
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE
YOUR RESUME...
CATCH SOMEONE’S EYE?
PERSONAL DATA

NAME
ADDRESS (LOCAL & PERMANENT)
PHONE NUMBER (LOCAL & PERMANENT)
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E-MAIL
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
BRIAN D SANDERS
Home:
6897 Red Lane
Thurmond, MD 28771
(301) 555-7897
School:
278 Ocean Way
Ocean Town, MD 21998
(410) 555-4444
.
Student@salisbury.edu
CAREER
(OPTIONAL)
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


ONE OR TWO PHRASES
NOT TOO VAGUE OR TOO SPECIFIC
BEST WRITTEN FOR A PARTICULAR JOB
EXAMPLE
To develop and apply planning, analysis, and financial
management skills in a new or an established
organization
EDUCATION

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DEGREE
UNIVERSITY AND LOCATION
GRADUATION DATE
FOREIGN STUDY PROGRAMS
GPA
RELEVANT COURSES
EXAMPLE
Bachelor of Science In …
Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD
May 2004
GPA- Major: 3.6/4.0 Overall: 3.2/4.0
Relevant coursework; Financial Management, Marketing or
describe activities in classes.
Top 10 things
employers look for in a resume
1.Computer
2. Communication
3. Leadership
4. Interpersonal
5. Adaptable/Flexible
6. Analytical/problem solving
7. Teamwork
8. Integrative and life long learner
9. Mathematics
10. Foreign Language

Embed these
skills in your
resume
THINK “GENERAL” SKILLS




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Computer literate-Ex. programming
languages, word processing , etc.
Communication-writing, speaking,etc.
Interpersonal-diversity, ethical, respect
Analytical/Problem Solving-systematic,
logical, creative, focused, judges well
Adaptable/Flexible-able to change, relocate
GENERAL SKILLS

Teamwork-works well with others,
understands group dynamics

Leadership-energetic, enthusiastic, initiative driven,
organized, decisive

Integrative and Life-Long Learner-Tolerates entry-level,
humble, patient, open to ideas

Mathematics-Basic computation skills

Foreign Language
EXAMPLES OF SKILLS



Computer literate-Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft
Word, Harvard Graphics, etc.
Communication-Corresponded
with alumni on progress of
fraternity
house expansion and fundraiser
Interpersonal-Assisted incoming students
with transition to college
Continued Examples of Skills



Analytical/Problem Solving-Assisted with
accreditation of American Chemical Society
Student Chapter
Adaptable/Flexible-Worked
full time, earning 100% of
educational expenses
Teamwork-Completed
many team projects
for class such as …
Continued Examples of Skills




Leadership-Served as president of...
Integrative and Life-Long LearnerAdvanced from freshmen orientation
program to peer counselor
Mathematics-Using Access,
developed data base for
senior project
Foreign Language-Lived closely with 12
students and professor (foreign study)
EXPERIENCE



PAID EMPLOYMENT
INTERNSHIPS
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
EXAMPLE

Intern
Summer 2002
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., Ocean City, MD Coordinated three marketing seminars for 100
employees and analyzed market events such as…
ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENT
EXAMPLE
Created a multi-media
presentation for Career
Services at Salisbury
University which is currently
being used as part of a Resume
Workshop
ACTIVITIES



LIST ORGANIZATIONS
STATE YOUR ROLE
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE,
APPLICABLE
IF
EXAMPLE
Chairperson, LEADS Program
2000-03
 Counseled local “high risk” elementary school
students on the importance of education
HONORS
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SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDS
HONORARY SOCIETIES
DEAN’S LIST
GRADUATING WITH HONORS
EXAMPLE
 Recipient of the OUTSTANDING HISTORY
STUDENT AWARD
 University Trustee Scholarship
Overall Appearance


Encourage Individuality
Utilize inviting and easy to read format
–
–
–

Clear and professional font sizes and styles (10 – 14pt)
Create visual impact using bullets, boldface to
emphasize key words
Apply adequate margins
Print on high quality (16-25 lb.) bond paper
–
White or off white paper is generally preferred
Organization & Format

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
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Appropriate length: 1 page for every
5-7 years of work experience (limit
to 2 pgs)
Present strongest qualifications
first
Brief succinct language; no
unnecessary words
Appropriate format includes
keyword phrases of profession
Begin phrases or sentences with
powerful action verbs

Don’t list anything that has to do with your high school
experiences. They are considered “expired”

Don’t include your GPA unless 3.0 or higher

Don’t include specific addresses for your employment; the state
and county is all you need

Don’t use any font larger than 16 point

Don’t include any personal information other than
email, permanent/present address, phone #
OTHER
SOMETHING UNIQUE/
DIFFERENT

EXAMPLE
Head Counselor and Lead Instructor of St.Mary’s College
Sailing school in St. Mary’s City, MD
REFERENCES


USUALLY NOT
INCLUDED ON
RESUME
ATTACHED WITH
RESUME AS A
DIFFERENT SHEET IF
PREFERRED
REFERENCES for
JOHN WILLIAMS

President Blaine Smith
The Feed Company
1234 Sandy RD
Wayne, TX 22391
(555) 555-5847
Bsmith@feed.com
Employer, 1999-2003
Charlie Endicott,Associate Director
Career Services
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6075
rcendicott@salisbury.edu
Academic Advisor &
Instructor

Tips for
Choosing References




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Consider different types of references
Get permission to use someone
Collect all details from each reference
Keep your references informed
Be sure to thank your references
Recruiter Pet Peeves
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Spelling errors, typos, poor grammar
Too duty-oriented; talk accomplishments
Missing/inaccurate dates
Missing/inaccurate contact info
Poor formatting
Long resume
Long, dense paragraphs-use bullets
Load that Great Resume Online
through E-Recruiting



Submit your resume to
Career Services
database
Target industry groups
Companies will view
your resume
Ride the Wave of the Future
With E-Recruiting
A WELL WRITTEN RESUME WILL
GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR.
WHERE YOU GO FROM THERE IS
ENTIRELY UP TO YOU!!!