The first impression is the most important
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Use the “BIG” and save the “little”
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Sell it to me.. Don’t tell it to me
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Document your key skills, qualifications,
achievements and knowledge
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Use key action words specific for your
profession
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Use function to demonstrate achievement
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Remain in the realm of reality
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Be confident!
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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Full legal name
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Permanent address
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Permanent telephone number and include the
area code
Email-address
Include your web-site address if you have an
electronic teaching portfolio, resume, etc.
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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Graduation date
GPA may be included, but
does not have to be
List most recent educational
information first!
Include your degree,
major/minor, institution
contact information
Mention academic honors
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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List dates from most recent to least recent
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Certification and endorsements
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Professional work experiences
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Internships/Student teaching
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Other relevant experience, voluntary or paid
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Avoid personal pronouns, like “I,” “me,” or “my”
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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Language abilities
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Technology skills
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Study or travel abroad
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Professional memberships
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Leadership positions (campus/community)
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Conference attendance/participation
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Volunteer activities/civic contributions

Training (work or school)
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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Honors, awards, distinctions
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Exhibits, presentations, publications
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Extracurricular interests
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Professional development
Course highlights
Scholarships
License(s) & Endorsements
Coaching certification
Objective statement
Summary of Qualifications
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010

Be sure to keep your resume to 1 page;
educators are not held to this rule

The resume should stimulate interest, not
overwhelm with information

Make it easy to read and pleasing to the eye;
do not smash everything in!

Do not write your autobiography or provide
unnecessary personal data

10 years is sufficient
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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Title of “Resume”
Philosophy statement
Personal statement
Reason for leaving previous positions
Availability
Date prepared
Availability to travel or relocate
Salary
Photographs
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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Avoid repetition

Proofread; watch spelling and grammar!

Short phrases are a must

Do not fasten pages with staples or clips
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010

Make the format consistent

Always notify references


Bring extra copies of your resume to your
interview
Make it attractive and well organized
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010

Use white or off white resume quality paper

Use 8-1/2 X 11-inch paper

Print on one side of the paper

Use a font size of 11-12 points

If you must mail your resume, put it in a large
envelope
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010

Use non-decorative typefaces

Choose one typeface and stick to it!

Avoid italics, script, and underlined words

Do not use horizontal or vertical lines,
graphics, or shading
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
 Chronological:
Emphasizes position titles by
dates of employment; most common
 Functional:
Emphasizes skills and abilities and
de-emphasizes specific positions and dates
 Combination:
Combines the above two to
create a resume that emphasizes both dates and
titles as well as skills and accomplishments.
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
Education
Governors State University, University Park, IL
Master of Arts Degree in Business Admin, Expected May 2009
Education
Governors State University, University Park, IL
Master of Arts Degree in Business Admin, Expected May 2009
Professional Skills
Sales
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Telemarketed as an order-taker for …..
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Performed cold, door-to-door sales calls to ……
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Solicited business professionals for d…….
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Profitted from…….
Communication
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Composed business news articles
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Drafted professional letters for ……..
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Performed written and verbal……..
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Supervised a group of…………..
Entrepreneurial
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Designed, published and promoted……..
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Established, managed, and sold…….
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Founded and maintained.........
Professional Highlights
Sales
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Telemarketed as an order-taker for …..

Performed cold, door-to-door sales calls to ……

Solicited business professionals for d…….
Communication

Composed business news articles

Drafted professional letters for ……..

Performed written and verbal……..
Entrepreneurial

Designed, published and promoted……..

Established, managed, and sold…….

Founded and maintained.........
Honors
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National Honor Society: 4 Semesters
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Dean's List: 4 Semesters
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Honor Roll: 2 Semesters
Professional History
ABC Company, Chicago, IL, Sales Manager (August 2006-Present)
Acme INC, Homewood, IL, Supervising Manager (April 2000-June
2006)
General Merchants, Chicago, IL, Sales Associate (May 1996-March
2000)
Computer Skills
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe………..
Computer Skills
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe………..
Functional
Chrono-Functional
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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Your name and address
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Date
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Name and address of the person and company

Salutation
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Opening paragraph, body, and closing
paragraph
Signature
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
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Opening paragraph: State your purpose
Body paragraph: Highlight qualifications and
experiences, sell yourself as a competent and
committed professional
Closing paragraph: Should point to the next
step
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010
708-235-3974
Room A1120
Provided by the Office of Career
Services at Governors State University
2010