Resume
Writing 101
Barnabas Success Center
Getting Started
Make a list
Education
 Clinical Rotations
 Jobs
 Volunteer Experiences
 Organizations/Activities/Leadership Roles
 Accomplishments/Awards
 Special training/Skills
Not all categories have to be included.
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Format
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Start with a blank document.
Single space
Use font size 11 pt or12 pt. Use one, easy-toread font such as Times New Roman,
Garamond or Calibri.
Avoid graphics, color blocks, multiple fonts.
Include name, address, phone, and
professional email address at the top of the
page.
Ensure section headings are clearly
identifiable.
Format
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Name & Contact Info
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Objective
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Use professional email, professional greeting
Use local address if looking in Dallas
Focus on what you will contribute
Do not focus on what you are looking for
1-2 sentences
Education
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School name, location, degree, grad date
List most recent degree first
No not include HS (unless relevant to job)
List GPA if over 3.0
Format
 Clinical
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Name of rotation, location, hours/time
Skills learned, technology used, etc.
 Job
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Experience
Experience
Chronological order (most recent first)
Title, company name, location, dates
3-5 bulleted action statements
Begin with verbs, use past tense for the past
No full sentences (no “I” or “me”)
What else? (at your discretion)
 Awards/Academic
 Extracurricular
 Leadership
Honors
activities/volunteer work
positions during college
 “References
available upon request”
Beginner’s Tips
 Be
consistent
In your use of punctuation, abbreviations, job titles, spacing, etc.
For example, abbreviate all state names the same way (MN, CA or Minn., Calif.),
 Exercise
restraint
Fonts, bullet points, and other design elements
 Limit
the length
One page (two at the most)
“The goal isn't to hit them over the head with everything you've ever done.
The goal is to get a job interview."
(Donlin, K. (2012). Three Little Resume Things. http://www.baylor.edu/careerservices/index.php?id=7996)
Things not to include:
 Misspellings/extra
words/informal
language
 Scholarships
 Hobbies and personal information (age)
 Insignificant short-term experience
 Nominations/invitations to join
Final Reminders
 Remember
 Spell
your audience!
check
 Print on high quality paper (no color)
 Email as a PDF with your name as title
Cover Letter
Writing 101
Barnabas Success Center
Tips
 CUSTOMIZE
to position
 Similar format to resume
 Proof read extensively
 Don’t start all sentences with “I”
 Focus on their mission, values, strengths
 Use similar language to job describtion
 Avoid sharing personal information
Content
 3-4
paragraphs in length
 Greeting: use name if known
 1st paragraph: refer to specific position &
how you knew about it
 2- 3rd paragraph: your experience/skills =
what they are looking for
 Use concrete examples where possible
 Conclusion: Next step & thank you!