BASIC RESUME WRITING TIPS:
NAME PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED
Address
City, CA Zip code
(area code) phone number
Professional email address @gmail.com
{Do not include social security number or birth date}
Objective (optional)
An objective statement is optional but recommended. It should be one sentence in length, and provide readers
with a general idea of what type of opportunity you are seeking. It should focus more on how you can help the
employer than on what you hope to gain from the experience.
Example:
Seeking part-time employment where I can utilize my communication skills and organizational abilities to further
the goals of my employer.
Education
List your education in chronological order, most recent first. Indicate beginning date and anticipated end date of
attendance and the degree that you are pursuing. Do not include your high school information (unless you are
specifically applying for a position with that high school or school district). Include your GPA if it is 3.0 or above.
Example:
California State University, Bakersfield {spelled out, not CSUB}
Bakersfield, CA
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
09/07 – 06/11
Experience
List all of your relevant work, volunteer, and internship activities from most recent to least recent. Include
beginning and ending dates. Describe what you do (or did) in each position, using brief statements. Consider
including the skills and abilities you used to accomplish the tasks, as well as the outcome of those activities. (For
a more comprehensive discussion on writing experience statements, access the WHO METHOD). Use present
tense for your current activities, and past tense for positions and activities that you completed in the past. Do not
write the description in paragraph form (we recommend bullet points), and do not include the words "I" or "my" in
your statements.
Example:
The Gap
Bakersfield, CA
Sales Associate
06/07 – present
 Utilize excellent product knowledge while working with customers to assist with merchandise selection.
 Accurately process purchase and return transactions following all policies and procedures.
 Conduct inventory counts to ensure all merchandise is properly entered into system.
Honors / Activities
List your most relevant professional or student related honors, activities, and professional memberships. Do not
include your personal hobbies or other personal information.
Example:
Sophomore Class Representative, Student Union Board of Advisors, 2008
Member, CSUB Psychology Club
1st Place, CSUB Student Leadership Award, 2009
References: Available Upon Request
Do not include your references on your resume. State "References Available Upon Request", and create a
separate document that lists reference names, positions, and contact information.
General Info: Try to keep your resume to one page in length. Use a basic font (Arial or Times New Roman size
11 or 12 font). Do not copy your resume onto brightly colored paper – use white or tan.
(See full basic resume example on next page)
JOHN SMITH
123 River Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 555-5555
John.smith@gmail.com
Objective
Seeking part-time employment where I can utilize my communication skills and organizational
abilities to further the goals of my employer.
Education
California State University, Bakersfield
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Bakersfield, CA
09/07 – 06/11
Experience
The Gap
Bakersfield, CA
Sales Associate
06/07 – present
 Utilize excellent product knowledge while working with shoppers to assist with
merchandise selection and achieve customer satisfaction.
 Accurately process purchase and return transactions following all policies and
procedures.
 Conduct inventory counts to ensure all merchandise is properly entered into system.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Bakersfield, CA
Volunteer
05/2009 – 08/2010
 Helped families locate lost pets by matching description to pets on site.
 Provided animal care by refilling food and water dishes and carefully observing animals
for signs of illness.
 Assisted office staff to stay current on administrative duties by sorting mail and
answering phones.
The Jones Family
Bakersfield, CA
Babysitter
07/2005 – 09/2008
 Entrusted to care for children during summer break and after school.
 Creatively entertained children using stories, art projects and games.
 Used knowledge of geometry to assist children with math homework.
Honors / Activities
Sophomore Class Representative, Student Union Board of Advisors, 2008
Member, CSUB Psychology Club
1st Place, CSUB Student Leadership Award, 2009
References: Available Upon Request