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Writing Resumes
There is no right way to write a resume.
The Resume is . . .
an advertisement
an individually designed document
a highlight of your background
used by employers as a screening device
just ONE piece of the job search process
What’s on Your Resume?
Major Categories

Identifying Information—who you are. Name, address, phone, email.

Education: In reverse-chronological order, this section includes the schools you have
attended, dates of graduation or dates of attendance, as well as degrees sought or completed.
Other information that might be included: related coursework, scholarships and honors,
percentage of college expenses earned by you, and special projects (e.g. research projects,
teaching).

Experience: This section includes not only paid positions, but also significant volunteer,
extracurricular, or field experiences. Names and locations of employers and years of
employment should be included. Descriptions should detail the level of responsibility and
breadth of exposure. Be sure to stress any accomplishment or unique contribution you
made.
Other possible headings: Could be qualifications/skills; activities or honors. In this area
you could highlight community involvement or special skills (e.g. Microsoft certified,
Certified Pharmacy Technician, fluent in French, etc.)

Tip: Make sure to put all of your experiences in reverse-chronological order
within each section/category!
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Language
Resume language should be succinct and expressive. Make the reader pay attention by using
action verbs that convey measurable accomplishments and problem-solving skills.
Use the minimum number of words necessary to convey meaning.
Use precise action verbs to describe accomplishments and responsibilities.
Avoid personal pronouns.
Leave out articles: a, an, the.
Use short sentences or phrases.
Use parallel grammatical structures and consistent verb tenses.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
As a general rule, one page is the recommended length. This may vary if you have extensive
experience.
Use sans serif fonts, (fonts without serifs) such as Helvetica, Bookman, Arial and Times.
Use a font size of 10 to 12 points.
Avoid script and underlining; boldface and italics is generally acceptable.
Does your resume:
include only relevant information?
use action verbs?
stress skills and accomplishments over duties?
make qualifications evident?
include specific info: figures, dates, numbers?
support your purpose/objective?
Final step: Evaluate its Appearance
• attractive layout? • headings highlighted?
• white space? • style appropriate?
• font size readable? • length appropriate?
• important items stand out through spacing and/or highlighting?
• consistent placement of information (e.g. dates)?
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Cover Letters
When e-mailing or mailing your resume always include a cover letter to explain why you are
sending the resume. For more information on how to write a cover letter and other types of
correspondence, see the LMU Career Services handout Cover Letters and Other Correspondence.
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Sample Resume Templates
(what follows are two samples of the most commonly used kinds of resumes. Again these are
just samples to give you ideas).
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[Street Address], [City, ST ZIP Code][phone][e-mail]
[Your Name]
Objective
"[Describe your career goal and the benefits you provide.]"
Skills

[Skills you possess]
Accomplishments
[Accomplishments/results]
Experience
[Dates of employment]
[Company Name]
[City, ST]
[Company Name]
[City, ST]
[Company Name]
[City, ST]
[Job Title]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
[Dates of employment]
[Job Title]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
[Dates of employment]
[Job Title]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
[Job responsibility/achievement]
Education
[Dates of attendance]
[School Name]
[Degree Obtained]
[Special award/accomplishment or degree minor]
References
References are available on request.
[City, ST]
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STUDENT NAME
Current Address:
Address:
1101 N. Fee Lane ##??? (room?)
Harrogate, TN 37745
60061
Permanent
?iuemail?@LMUnet.edu
300 N. Milwaukee Ave
(###) ###-### (best # to reach you) Vernon Hills, IL
EDUCATION
Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN
May 2014
Bachelor of Science in Business, GPA 3.44/4.00
(GPA must be two decimal points, no rounding; 1 st semester students won’t have GPA)
Major(s): ? Accounting, Economic Consulting, Information Process Management, Marketing, etc…?
Minor: ? if any ?
 Scholarships, honors (like Direct Admission into Kelley), distinction, dean’s list, etc?
 Scholarships, honors (like Direct Admission into Kelley), distinction, dean’s list, etc?
(it’s okay if you have lots or none)
Vernon Hills High School, Vernon Hills, IL
2010
 GPA #.#/#.# (always list what the scale was - example 3.8/4.0)
 Any scholarships, honors (like Direct Admission into Kelley), distinction, dean’s list, etc?
(List high school or previous college if you don’t have an IU GPA or low resume content)
May
ACTIVITIES
Organization #1 - Location
Month Year - Month
Year or Present
Title of Role/Position
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments (okay if more than one line)
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
Organization #2 (example for multiple roles with organization)
Month Year - Month Year or Present
Title of Role/Position #2
(Month Year - Month Year or Present…for
THIS title)
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
Title of Role/Position #1
(Month Year - Month
Year…for THIS title)
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
EXPERIENCE
Organization #1 - Location
Year or Present
Title of Role/Position
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
Organization #2 - Location
Title of Role/Position
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
 Action word, did/doing, learned/learning, results, accomplishments
Month Year - Month
Month Year - Month Year or Present
SKILLS/INTERESTS
Something * interesting * about * yourself * or * unique * skills
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SAMPLE RESUMES
N.B. (please remember these are only examples…the point is to be brief and to the point and
highlight the relevant experience or education for the job desired)
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Nathan Student
College Address: nstudent@syr.edu
Home Address:
100 Oak Street 315.555.1234 350 Maple Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13244 City, State 76543
EDUCATION_________________________________________________________________________________
Syracuse University, College of Human Ecology, Syracuse, NY
B.S. (May 200x). Double Major: Psychology, Child & Family Studies
Relevant coursework: Developmental, Social, and Abnormal Psychology, Child Development Courses
Staples High School, Westport, CT (June 200x)
YOUTH EXPERIENCE_____________________________________________________________________
Hutchings Psychiatric Hospital, Onondaga County Department of Mental Health, Syracuse, NY
Student Intern, Spring 200x
Worked closely for 15 weeks in a mental health day treatment facility with children ages 9 to 11
diagnosed with emotionally disturbed behavior
Assisted with the therapeutic and socialization objectives set forth by the IEPs and Psychological support
team
Bernice M. Wright Child Development Lab, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Student Intern, Fall 200x
Worked closely with 15 children, ages 3 to 5, in inclusive pre-school laboratory classroom
Produced comprehensive new programming to be implemented in the lab classroom
Attended weekly classroom sessions to discuss new strategies to implement
Completed in-depth developmental portfolio for three children, highlighting their progress in the
cognitive, social, emotional, motor, and language areas
Indian Head Camp, Honesdale, PA
Program Director, Summer 200x to Summer 200x
Managed a staff of four in the Program Department
Oversaw all scheduling for co-educational, 600-person, residential camp
Attended quarterly meetings and national camping conferences in addition to daily meetings of the
management staff over the summer months. Focused on improving the programming to increase
participation and ageappropriate practices
Developed new scheduling system utilizing Microsoft Excel and advanced spreadsheet technology
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT_______________________________________________________________
Syracuse University Ambulance, Syracuse, NY
Field Supervisor, September 200x to Present
Progressed through the ranks, serving as observing attendant, ambulance driver, ambulance crew chief,
and Field Supervisor
Currently responsible for the safe operation and training of the active 70+ ambulance volunteers
Volunteer over 30 hours each week, developing extensive training program and supervising the overall
operation and safety of an organization that receives over 1,200 calls annually and was recognized as the
2004 New York State EMS agency of the year
Habitat for Humanity, Syracuse, NY
Participant, Spring 200x
Assisted in fundraising for the campus-wide organization
Traveled to Jonestown, Mississippi for a weeklong excursion to assist in the construction of houses in the
Mississippi Delta along with 10 peers
SKILLS AND INTERESTS ____________________________________________________________________
Skills: New York State Licensed Emergency Medical Technician, American Heart Association CPR/First
Aid Instructor
certified; proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Interests: Travel, languages, sports, social trends
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Ellen N. Employee
2000 College Lane
Harrogate, TN 37745
(423) 869-xxxx
OBJECTIVE
A challenging position in the human services field working with troubled youth.
EDUCATION
Lincoln Memorial University
Bachelor of Arts, May 20xx
Major: Psychology
Major GPA: 3.6 Overall GPA: 3.1
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Psychiatric Technician. Adolescent Service
Norfolk Regional Center, Knoxville, TN May 20xx - present
 Observe and document resident behaviors
 Participate in treatment team meetings
 Implement Individualized Treatment Plans
 Provide positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior
 Enforce residence unit rules; discipline as necessary
 Serve as a positive role model
Recreation Therapy Intern
Knox County Drug Project, Knoxville, TN Fall 20xx
 Planned and coordinated social and recreational outings
 Accompanied residents on recreational trips into the community, individually and in
small groups.
 Provided residents with an opportunity to interact with and talk to someone close to
their own age.
CAMPUS/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Undergraduate Psychology Association
- Vice President 20xx, Membership Chair 20xx
YWCA Big Sister Program
- Participant, 20xx - 20xx
Tennessee Center for Children and Youth
- Volunteer Volleyball Coach, 20xx - 20xx
HONORS
Psi Chi Psychology Honorary
Dean's List
A.J. Lacey Scholarship, 20xx
Amigo's Employee of the Month, June 20xx, January 20xx, September 20xx
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SOME PERSON
101 STREET ADDRESS, SPEEDWELL TN , 37870, (423)-555-3452, SOMEPERSON@LMUNET.EDU
OBJECTIVE
A position with Oak Ridge National Laboratories
EXPERIENCE
5/1/2004 TO 8/1/2004
Tennessee Division of Forestry
GYPSY MOTH TRAPPER
 Tennessee division of Forestry four years in a row

Building, setting, checking, and collecting gypsy moth traps

Reading topographical map and using a GPS for trap placement

Logging traps directions and coordinates

Working with the public for private property placement
4/1/2003 TO PRESENT
Lincoln Memorial University Pool
LIFEGUARD
 Lifeguard, CPR and first aid training certified

Cashier responsibilities

Cleaning and regular pool maintenance

Swimming instructor

Self Employed firewood cutting and
delivering
Use of multiple outdoor equipment

Wood cutting, storage, curing, delivery
2002 TO PRESENT
Lafollette, TN
Harrogate, TN
Speedwell, TN
EDUCATION
August 2004 to present
Harrogate, TN
Lincoln Memorial University
B.S. of Environmental Science anticipated graduation date May 2009, Minor in chemistry

Snail research, Arkansas, 2008

Desert Ecology, Mexico / Arizona, 2008

Tennessee State FFA Forestry competition, State Winner, National placement, 2002

Tennessee Envirothon, State winner, National placement, 2003

REFERENCES
X 3!
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Some Person
25 Park Street • Charlottesville, VA 22903 • 703-555-0000 • mpp91@LMUnet.edu
Education
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE – MCINTIRE SCHOOL OF COMMERCE, Charlottesville, VA
Candidate for M.S. in Commerce – Marketing & Management, August 2012
GPA: 3.48, Relevant Coursework: Process Modeling, SQL
LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY, Harrogate, TN
B.A., Psychology and Music, May 2011
GPA: 3.71, Magna Cum Laude
Work Experience
Evolving Communications Knoxville, TN
Intern Summer 2010 – Spring 2011
• Organized database of 1500 contacts for the National Science & Technology Medals Foundation
• Worked in a small production team to scout locations, compile source visual materials, and edit
scripts on video projects for the
National Academies and the White House
• Directed, filmed, and edited promotional video for international medical nonprofit Take Heart
Association Project Inc.
• Created a marketing video for Knoxville’s Tennessee Theater to promote upcoming film
festivals and advertise corporate event rentals
Branch Banking & Trust Harrogate, TN
Teller Summer 2008 – Summer 2010
• Collaborated with staff to achieve sales goals by researching client profiles to anticipate their
needs and referring them to deskside
bankers for account openings
• Audited and collected cash deposits of up to $70,000
• Responded to clients' inquiries regarding bank policy and product information
• Strengthened company's relationship with clients by maintaining a welcoming atmosphere in the
branch
Psychology Department: Prof. Todd Trash Lincoln Memorial University
Research Assistant Fall 2008 - Spring 2010
• Coded and organized data for personality & motivation research studies
• Maintained online database of ongoing research studies
Leadership Experience
Student Services Hall Council, Lincoln Memorial University
President Fall 2009 - Spring 2010
• Organized and advertised area-wide activities for residents of the Bryan/OD area
• Facilitated weekly meetings to schedule activities, allocate hall funds, and address damage issues
• Maintained schedule of common area reservations by communicating with student organization
leaders to convey availabilities
and usage policies
Student Services Hall Council, Lincoln Memorial University
Treasurer Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
• Managed $4800 budget for area-wide programs and building improvement expenditures
• Acted as representative for residents of the Chandler 2nd Hall
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For more information contact:
Ted Booth, PhD
Director of Career Planning and Placement
Lincoln Memorial University
Room 317, Student Center
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate, TN 37752
P: 423 869 6017
Email: teddy.booth@LMUnet.edu
website: http://www.lmunet.edu/campuslife/careerplanning/index.shtml