Write a Winning Resume
University Career Services
The Wendy P. & Dean E. Painter Jr. Career Center
2nd Floor, Hanes Hall
ucs@unc.edu
http://careers.unc.edu
962-6507
Introspection
► What
► Who
is going to read this?
► What
► Is
SKILLS do I bring to an organization?
is the purpose?
it a personal reflection?
Collegiate Resume Basics
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
One page (for most bachelor’s
candidates)
.5 to 1” margins
10-12 point font
Special sections
No personal pronouns or
sentences
White or off-white paper
Use Optimal Resume creation
tool on UCS website
Do NOT use any resume
template except Optimal
Resume
Suggested Format
► Objective
► Education
(study abroad)
► Honors (if relevant)
► Related Courses (optional)
► Experience
 Related, Leadership, Other
► Activities
► Skills:
etc.
Computer, Language, Lab,
Header Information
Sample One
Herman Munster
munsterh@unc.edu
919-222-2222 (cell)
School Address
15 Mockingbird Lane
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919-962-5555
Home Address
2098 Smith Road
Charlotte, NC ZIP
704-841-5555
Sample Two
Herman Munster
School: 15 Mockingbird Lane • Chapel Hill, NC 27599 • 919-922-5555 • munster@unc.edu
Home: 2098 Smith Road • Charlotte, NC ZIP • 704-841-5555 • 919-222-2222 (cell)
Sample Three
Herman Munster
munsterh@unc.edu
School: 15 Mockingbird Lane • Chapel Hill, NC 27599 • 919-922-5555
Home: 2098 Smith Road • Charlotte, NC ZIP • 704-841-5555 • 704-841-5555 (cell)
Objective
 Optional Section
 Be Specific
 Objective when attending fairs—if focused or
have multiple versions of resume
Careful about UCS Primary Resume
OBJECTIVE
Sample One
OBJECTIVE
Sample Two
OBJECTIVE
A ______ in ________
A summer 2008 research internship in
the biotechnology industry
A full-time position in public relations
(social service agency, etc.)
Education Essentials
 List all colleges attended (most recent first)
 List Degree, Major(s) & Graduation Dates
 List GPA under Education if Above 2.5
(overall and/or major)
 Could add Relevant Courses (optional)
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science-Biology, May 2008
Minor in Sociology
Overall GPA: 3.16Major GPA: 3.33
Relevant Courses: Anatomy, Cell Theory
OR
Double Major:
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science-Biology, May 2008
Second Major-Mathematics
GPA: 3.28
Dean’s List: Fall 2006
Education Essentials (cont.)
Double Major Sample #2
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A. in English and Political Science, May 2008
Study Abroad, University of Seville, Seville, Spain, Summer 2007
Transfer Sample
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kenan-Flagler Business School
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, expected May 2008
GPA: 3.19
Durham Technical Community College, Durham, NC
Completed core coursework (if relevant), 2004-2006
GPA: 3.68
OR
You could list only the combined GPA
Combined GPA 3.52
Honors
► Optional
category
► Does the reader know what the award is
for?
HONORS
Dean’s List: 3 semesters
Fred Flintstone Award (outstanding community service)
Roger Jones Scholarship (description too long, leave off)
**Other places to list honors include
EDUCATION for academic honors, or
the ACTIVITIES section for non-academic honors**
Experience “Brainstorm”
► More
than jobs
► Simple bullets
► Action verbs
► Quantities and
percentages
► Leadership/special
skills/
► Focus on
accomplishments
► Divide
into types of
experience
► Focus on skills
Experience Format
Format One
Title, ORGANIZATION, City, State Dates
Format Two
Title
Dates
Organization, City, State
Format Three
ORGANIZATION, City, State
Title (dates)
Class Project Sample
Class Name, School
Dates
Same Rules
Apply
Classroom Examples
Sample One (listed in experience) – add dates
Class Projects: UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Developed a marketing plan for Wachovia Bank to attract high profile
customers
• Created long-term fundraising program for the N.C. Special Olympics
• Conducted a publication audit for all Carolina Athletic Association
publications
• Designed a PR campaign aimed at increasing student participation in
clubs and organizations at UNC-Chapel Hill
Sample Two (separate class projects section)
CLASS
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism and ……
PROJECTS
• Ad Media: Constructed a 50-page media plan for
the Nissan Maxima
• Concepts of Marketing: Designed a marketing
plan for ScRubber Gloves
• Ad Copy and Communications: Organized and
presented creative campaigns for Oregon
Tourism and John Deere
• Principles of Advertising: Developed a 55-page
creative campaign and formal presentation for
Mrs. Butterworth’s table syrup
Experience Section Sample
RELATED
EXPERIENCE
Sales Intern
Summer 2007
XYZ PUBLISHING, Inc., New York, NY
• Generated over 100 new clients through telemarketing
calls
• Sold over $20,000 worth of educational resources
DANCE MARATHON, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC
Chair, Fundraising Committee
Fall 2006
•Solicited $8,000 from local business organizations,
exceeding goal by 14%
•Supervised a 5-person committee
•Created flyers and a PowerPoint presentation
(appeared on UNC-TV)
Member, Publicity Committee
OTHER
EXPERIENCE
Pro-Shop Attendant
Summer 2005
SMITHFIELD COUNTRY CLUB, Apex, NC
•Prepared monthly sales totals and inventory report
•Made recommendation on high-end golf
merchandise for club patrons
Experience Section Cont.
Experience
A HELPING HAND, Chapel Hill, NC
Finance Intern (Spring 2005-present)
• Calculated sliding-scale pay format for 200
elderly clients
• Categorized all financial data using QuickBooks
software (created accounts payable and
receivable records)
Volunteer (Fall 2004)
• Designed and wrote organizational brochures
• Provided companionship to 5 elderly
clients
PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, UNC-CH
Group Project (Spring 2005)
• Created press releases for Orange County
Chamber of Commerce
• Presented project to 30 Chamber members
• Organized a luncheon for 75 people with 4 other
students
Activities
 Employer
Favorite
Leadership in Action
Format
Title, organization, location, dates of participation
Organization (just list if a member)
Sample
President, Big Buddy Program, UNC-CH 2006-Present
Volunteer, SANGAM, UNC-CH 2005-Present
Member, Outdoor Club, UNC-CH 2004-2005
OR
UNC-CH
Outdoor Club
UNITAS
Intramural Volleyball and Basketball
Dance Marathon
Organization
name when
member only
Skills: Computer, Lab,
Language
Sample One
Computer
Microsoft Word, Excel, Access,
PowerPoint, HTML
Sample Two
SKILLS
Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Publisher
Language: Proficient in Spanish;
knowledgeable in Mandarin
Sample Three—Place after Objective
TECHNICAL
SKILLS
Applications: Microsoft Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Access
Programming: C++, Java, HTML
Hardware: PC repair, Server installation
Sample Four—Place after Objective
Lab SKILLS
Lab: Chromatography, pH Meter,
Electrophoresis, Centrifugation,
Spectroscopy
References
► Whom
to ask?
► How many?
► List on the Resume?
► Are they Required?
Sample
References
Available upon Request
Reference Page Sample
Herman Munster
munsterh@email.unc.edu
919-222-2222
School Address
15 Mockingbird Lane
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919-962-5555
REFERENCES
Home Address
2098 Smith Road
Charlotte, NC Zip
704-841-5555
Ms. Shirley Jenkins (Internship Supervisor)
CIO
INFO Systems, Inc.
100 Smith Street
Watertown, NY 13678
315-482-9142
jenkins.shirley@info.com
Dr. Bill Walker
Professor of Biology
215 Coker Hall
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-962-4545
bwalker@unc.edu
**Customary to have 3-5 References**
Optimal Resume Creation Tool
► Correctly
formats resume
► Ability to edit in word
► Link on UCS home page
► Multiple examples
► Upload resume to UCS registration
system
► Primary resume used for resume
referrals to employers
Herman Munster
munster@email.unc.edu, Home Phone 815-224-2162 Cell Phone 815-228-8884
Home Address: 1908 Which Way, Paris, Texas 77050
School Address: 316 W. Rosemary St., Apt #101, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
OBJECTIVE
Analyst Position in the Financial Field
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A., Economics, May 2008
GPA 3.71 Econ: GPA 3.73, Dean's List (4 semesters)
Paris Community College, Paris, TX 2004-2006
GPA 4.0, Dean's List (2 semesters)
HONORS
Frank Waguenuct Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa, elected 2006 (PCC)
COURSEWORK Financial Markets, Economic Statistics, Macroeconomics Linear Algebra, Microeconomics
EXPERIENCE
H & R Block, Paris, TX Jan. 2005 - Apr. 2006
Preparer's Assistant/Peak Tax Associate
• Prepared taxes for clients
• Conducted preliminary tax reports for clients
• Compiled and assembled completed returns and electronically sent them to the IRS
• Printed and assorted client refund checks
• Determined problems on rejected returns and contacted clients
• H & R Block 5-Star Service Award 2006
Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Course, Seguine, TX Aug. 2001- Aug. 2006
Pro Shop Attendant
• Oversaw opening and closing of the golf course
• Balanced cash drawer
• Assisted in the organization and execution of outings and tournaments
The Limited, Inc, Paris, TX May 2005 - Mar. 2006
Sales Associate
• Unloaded and processed shipment
ACTIVITIES
Junior Golf Clinic Instructor, YMCA / Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Course, 2004-05
Paris Community College, Golf Team, 2004-05
• Arrowhead All Conference Team, 2005
Seguine-Paris Township High School
• Texas State Scholar
• Future Business Leaders of America: V.P.; Secretary/Treasurer
SKILLS
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Stata
Margaret A. West
westma@email.unc.edu
College Address
112 Hinton James
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-933-9140
Objective
A position in financial services
Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts-History, May 20xx
GPA: 3.0
Home Address
88 Sunset Way
Charlotte, NC 29401
704-364-4402
Relevant Courses: Accounting, Economics (6 hours), Public speaking
Experience
N.C. Department of Commerce-International Division, Raleigh, NC
RESEARCH INTERN (Summer 20xx)
• Researched and revised information on all foreign-owned firms operating in North Carolina for
a state brochure
• Wrote a report and prepared a PowerPoint presentation on export marketing seminars
• Participated in state government seminars and workshops
New England Insurance Company, Charlotte, NC
ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER (Summer 20xx)
• Aided in organizing move of a 4 member, 7,000 square foot office
• Assisted Policyholder Service and Pension departments in servicing client’s policies
• Performed office duties such as routing calls on a 15-line phone and organizing client
information in Access database
Woodberry Forest Sports Camp, Woodberry Forest, VA
COUNSELOR (Summer 20xx)
• Supervised a group of 11 boys, ages 10-13 for one-month session
• Coached team in 6 sports and instructed members on ethics in sports
Other
Experience
Ken Harris, N.C. Senate Campaign, Charlotte, NC
Campaign Assistant (Summer/Fall 20xx)
• Analyzed public voting patterns
Activities
Phi Delta Theta Sorority, UNC-Chapel Hill
Treasurer (20xx-20xx)
• Maintained accounts of 60 members
• Managed annual budget of $130,000 and supervised 4 employees
Executive Council (Spring 20xx); UNC Club Lacrosse Team
Computer
Microsoft Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Word
Joshua Simpson
D-8 Carolina Apts.
Carrboro, NC 27510
919-xxx-xxxx
simpj@aol.com
Objective
A Summer 2008 internship in public relations
Education
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, May 20xx
GPA: 2.7
*Work 15 hours per week during academic semesters
Honors
Dean’s List – 3 semesters
Sally Smith award (for academic achievement)
J. John Joseph scholarship (volunteer service award)
Related Experience
Staff Writer, THE DAILY TAR HEEL, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Spring 20xx-Present
•Publish articles from human interest stories to political coverage, including 6 during Fall 20xx
•Interview sources in-person and by telephone for articles
•Market the paper to over 10,000 students through flyers and radio advertising
Feature Editor, TALK OF THE TOWN, Raleigh, NC, Fall 20xx-Spring 20xx
•Distributed story ideas which highlighted students’ achievements
•Supervised a staff of 6 workers
•Met all publishing and distribution deadlines
Other Experience
Host, JONATHAN’S UPTOWN, Raleigh, NC, Summer 20xx-present
•Ensure all parties are seated within 30 minutes
Sales Associate, BELK’S, Durham, NC Fall 20xx-Spring 20xx
•Assisted customers and sold approximately $2,000 of merchandise per week
Volunteer, VETERANS HOSPITAL, Durham, NC, Spring 20xx
Recorded client claims into an Excel spreadsheet
Activities
Habitat for Humanity, Fall 20xx-present
Black Student Movement, Spring 20xx-present
Resume Checklist
 One Page (in most
cases)
 Aligned
 Spell-check & Proofread
 Correct Header
 Font Size &
Consistency
 Margin Consistency
 Graduation Date
 Degree & Major
 Limited High School
 Order of Power
 UCS “Eyes”
Appearance can be as important as CONTENT
Appointments & Walk-ins Are
Always Welcome!!
University Career Services
Wendy P. & Dean E. Painter Jr. Career Center
Division of Student Affairs
2nd Floor, Hanes Hall
ucs@unc.edu
http://careers.unc.edu
962-6507