Program Objectives
 Provide brief information on the basics of
writing a resume.
 Cover content, format, and appearance.
 Address frequently asked questions.
 Discuss additional resources.
What is a Resume?
An advertisement of who you are:
• Competencies
• Accomplishments
• Future capabilities
Your chief marketing tool to introduce yourself
to your audience!
Applicant’s perspective:
• To help you get interviews
• Interviews lead to jobs, graduate admission,
internships, leadership positions, or scholarships
Reviewer’s perspective:
• Screening- what this person can do for me
• Resumes should communicate value
Do your research!
Know yourself…
Experiences
Skills
Strengths
Interests
Future goals
Know your audience…
Mission or vision
What they’re looking
for in an applicant
In other words: target your resume!
Examples of Targeting
Technical fields
Include related information like computer skills, use of
lab equipment, technical or scientific techniques, etc.
Human services
Include experiences relating to interpersonal and
communication skills or volunteer experiences
Creative or promotion related fields
Resume may be more creative in appearance
A GOOD RESUME =
CONTENT
The type of information you choose to
put on your resume.
FORMAT
The way you arrange this information.
APPEARANCE
How this information is presented aesthetically.
CONTENT
•Qualities, skills and experiences you want your
audience to know about.
•Relevant experiences can be both paid and unpaid.
•Your resume can be as individualized as you arecreate custom categories and headings to suit your
needs.
Content: Overview of ideas to
include (more detail to follow)



Name, Contact Info
Objective
Education
Courses and Research
Papers and Projects


Technical
Foreign Language
Lab, Communication

Other
Study Abroad and Travel
Honors and Awards
Certification or Training
Experience
Work (paid or unpaid)
Internships, Externships
Clubs/Organizations
Volunteer or Service
Skills

References (separate
page)
Name & Contact Information
 Provide one email address & one phone number
 One or two addresses are both ok
Ann Smith
JMU Box 8234, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, 721-566-9003
smithaf@dukes.jmu.edu
Ann Smith
Current Address:
JMU Box 8234
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
smithaf@dukes.jmu.edu
721-566-9003
Permanent Address:
930 Covington Drive
Dayton, OH 25612
Objective
Objective is like the thesis of your resume.
“To obtain a position in the import/export industry that
will use my knowledge of business as well as language,
leadership and communication skills”.
Focus on how you would benefit your audience.
Avoid phrases like “looking to build my skills and advance
my body of knowledge.”
Be concise and direct- but not vague.
Avoid phrases like “seeking a challenging position with
potential for growth and advancement.”
Target your objective to each audience you’re applying to.
Education
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY, Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Science, May 2014
Mathematics Major, Applied Math Concentration
Biology Minor
3.1 Overall GPA, 3.6 Major GPA, 3.2 Minor GPA
Usually don’t need to list High School at all.
Academic Honors- include # of semesters or semester and
year
Ex: Dean’s List, 4 semesters or Dean’s List, spring 2013
Education- Coursework
Relevant Coursework
Description of 2-3 courses where you can highlight
major projects, research, or knowledge gained
(this is usually preferred)
Bulleted list of 6-8 course titles with no description
(doesn’t tell the reader as much)
If you have relevant skills or experience from outside
the classroom you won’t need to use coursework.
DOLLEY M. MADISON
Special Feature:
Coursework
123 Village Lane
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-555-1212
madisodm@dukes.jmu.edu
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a position in direct marketing, concentrating in Information Systems, and databases.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree
Major: Marketing, May 2012
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Certified eMarketing Associate (CeMA), December 2012
RELEVANT PROJECTS:
 Strategic Internet Marketing Plan
Strategic Internet Marketing
2012
 Developed an e-mail marketing program including a monthly newsletter and an opt-in emailing list.
 Effectively utilized promotional strategies to generate online sales.
Global Marketing Plan
Global Marketing
2012
 Developed a global marketing plan with a team of 5 to sell Reef products in Taiwan.
 Performed activities such as researching the market situation, competitor analysis, SWOT analysis, and an action program.
Cornerstone Book Club Database Project
Introduction to Databases
 Developed a database for the mock business Cornerstone Book Club.
 Performed database mining and made suggestions to improve revenue.
2011
Online Gaming Center Business Plan
Integrated Functional Systems
2011
 Expanded group work skills while working with a team of 6 creating the Online Gaming Center (OGC), including an online
gaming center, an internet café, a dining café, and computer classes.
 Developed a 30 page business plan incorporating marketing, finance, management and operations for the company.
 Directed the marketing section while conducting internet and marketing research, determined segmentation variables and
analyzed the information.
LEADERSHIP:
Alpha Sigma Tau (AST)
 Assistant Treasurer- assisted the Treasurer with sorority funds.
 Intramural Chair- arranged and promoted Alpha Sigma Tau’s participation in several intramural sports.
 Participated in Adopt-a-grandparent at Sunnyside Retirement Home.
 Organized and worked a Halloween party for the Boys and Girl Club of Harrisonburg and the Alpha Sigma Tau Aids Walk.
Club Management Association of America (CMAA)
 Philanthropy chair, scheduled philanthropic events for the club, and encouraged members to attend.
 Organized a wine tasting festival for a fundraiser, sold tickets and promoted it.
Greek Life
 Recruitment Counselor (Rho Chi), assisted women through the recruitment process and become new members in a sorority.
Madison Marketing Association (MMA)
 Helped in raising funds.
 Worked with a team for Relay for Life.
COMPUTER SKILLS:
MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Front Page, Visual Basic.net, HTML, SPSS, Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop
ACTIVITIES: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Culpeper Animal Shelter, Adopt-A-Highway, Special Olympics
Experience- paid & unpaid
XYZ Organization, Anywhere, VA
Intern, dates
• Edited a monthly newsletter for the department,
streamlining office communication.
Quantify, be descriptive, identify strengths
Use strong, action verbs and key words
Skills
Technical Skills:
Computer programs/software/languages.
“Familiar” or “proficient”?
Foreign Language Skills:
“Basic understanding”, “conversant” or “fluent”?
Lab/Scientific Skills:
Equipment you can use, processes you can perform.
Include specific use of more interpersonal skills in
your Experience bullets!
Communication, Financial, Management, etc.
Other information
Study Abroad and Travel
Can be listed under Education, International
Experience, Skills, or as its own section.
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
Can be listed under Education or as its own
section.
Training and Certification
Can be listed under Skills, Experience, or as
its own section.
Resume Reminders
 A well-prepared resume and cover letter is an
essential component to getting an interview.
 Do not list English as a language skill on a
resume written in English for an English
speaking country.
 Do not include personal information such as
your picture, age, marital status, race, or religion.
 Avoid listing an international permanent
address, especially if an employer cannot reach
you at that address.
Benefits of Hiring an
International Student
 Diverse cultural background and the ability to speak
more languages are especially appealing to companies
that are planning to globalize their business.
 Living and studying abroad enables international
students to demonstrate a number of skills such as
adaptability, language skills, and resourcefulness.
 Be able to communicate how you have overcome some
of the challenges you faced, as these types of skills can
be directly linked to the skills desired for the position
you are seeking.
Resume Reminders
 Provide employers a frame of reference when
referring to foreign companies and schools.
 For example, “My internship was with the largest
telecommunications company in Egypt.”
 Make sure the resume is free from grammatical and
spelling errors, as well as awkward use of language.
 Maintain up-to-date copies of the resume in the
format and language of native countries to serve as
back-up for employment in home countries or to
pass on to contacts.
References
 References should be on a separate page and
typically only sent when requested
 Include the person’s name, title, organization,
contact information, and relationship to you.
Dr. Ira Smart, Associate Professor
Department of Philosophy & Religion, MSC 1214
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540-568-0000
smartim@jmu.edu
Professor for three classes
FORMAT
Chronological Format
 Organizes information around dates, stating
what you did and when.
 Work history is typically related to the job
objective.
 Jobs/experiences are listed in reverse
chronological order.
 Titles and organizations are emphasized.
 Accomplishments are highlighted.
When to Use a Chronological
Format
 When the names of previous employers or
organizations are important to highlight.
 When prior job titles are impressive and give
credibility to your qualifications.
 When you are applying for positions within the
same field as your previous work experience and
you want to show continuity and career growth.
Chronological Resume
DOLLEY MADISON
Current Address: 123 Village Lane ● Harrisonburg, VA 22801● (540) 555-1212 ● madisodm@jmu.edu
Permanent Address: 789 Main St. ● Anywhere, VA 22222 ● (540) 555-0000
OBJECTIVE
A position in Organizational Development, specifically in a Human Resources
department, which will utilize my knowledge and experience.
EDUCATION
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY, Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Arts, May 2013
Major in Communication Studies, Organizational Communication Concentration
Minor in Human Resource Development, Overall GPA: 3.3 Major GPA: 3.7
CAREER
RELATED
EXPERIENCE
OWENS & MINOR, INC., Glen Allen, VA
Intern, Corporate Communications & Human Resources within Organizational
Development, June 12 – August 12
 Coordinated projects such as attendance awards, service awards, and blood drive
 Gathered and collated information for Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs audit.
 Helped interview and evaluate potential teammates.
JMU ADMISSIONS OFFICE, Harrisonburg, VA
Tour guide, clerical worker, June 11 – August 11
 Gave campus tours to prospective students.
 Filed and mailed information regarding admissions.
COMMUNICATION COURSE WORK, 2012-2013
 Conducted communication audits of campus organizations; responsibilities included
formulating a questionnaire, interviewing, analyzing and interpreting data, presenting findings in
written and oral formats.
 Conducted a survey of graduating seniors at JMU; responsibilities included formulating a
questionnaire, conducting telephone survey, analyzing and interpreting data, presenting findings
written formats.
 Completed public relations project for local company; project entailed producing a brochure,
newsletter, press release, and feature article.
AMERICAN HOME FUNDING, Glen Allen, VA
Secretary for Human Resources and General Service, May 10 – August 10
 Attended to phone calls and greeted interviewees.
 Helped conduct a job fair for the Human Resource department.
 Assisted in ordering supplies for all branches of the company.
OTHER
WORK
EXPERIENCE
MARTIN, DOLAN, AND HOLTON, LTD., Glen Allen, VA
Secretary/receptionist, Winter Breaks 10, 11, and 12
 Answered and directed phone calls and greeted clients
ACTIVITIES
Sigma Kappa Sorority
Student Ambassadors
International Association of Business Communicators
Habitat for Humanity
Commission on Undergraduate Studies
Chronological Resume
Dolley Madison
Permanent Address:
789 Main St.
Anywhere, VA 22222
(540) 555-0000
madisondm@gmail.com
Temporary Address:
123 Village Ln.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position in a political or humanitarian organization dealing with global issues.
EDUCATION
James Madison University
Bachelor of Arts
Major: International Affairs
Overall GPA: 3.2
EXPERIENCE
Ministerio de Fe
Volunteer
Organized groups of Americans into construction teams to build houses
Provided leadership and assignment of tasks on work sites
Constructed houses for underprivileged Mexican families
Oversaw building process through completion
Responsible for completing a house per week
Translated for Mexican foremen and American group members
Adapted to and learned from the local Mexican culture
Harrisonburg, VA
December 20012
Minors: Integrated Science &Technology and Spanish
Agua del Pueblo
Study Abroad
Interviewed leaders of the rebel Mayan guerillas
Collaborated with local leaders on ideas concerning Mayan political
development and governmental representation
Designed a web page for Agua del Pueblo
Taught clients to update web page for future adaptations
Presented finished project to company
Translated for coworkers and clients
Researched and wrote about the Guatemalan culture
Integrated myself into the local Guatemalan culture
Reynosa, Mexico
Summer 2011 and 2012
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Summer 2010
Senior Class Project
Harrisonburg, VA
“Study Abroad Program in Cuba”
Fall 2012
Interviewed local Cuban immigrants regarding their experiences with the
Cuban government
Contacted both the Cuban and United States government concerning laws
dealing with the Cuban embargo
Researched possible host schools in Cuba
Met with the coordinator of James Madison’s Study Abroad Programs
Received confirmation from Cuban government allowing a possible study abroad program
LANGUAGES
Fluent Spanish, Elementary French, Elementary German
ACTIVITIES
Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, EARTH Club
HONORS
Healthcare Financial Management Association Ellis Scholarship
Dean’s List, 2 semesters
Functional Format
 Organizes information around functional
headings, highlighting major areas of
accomplishments and strength.
 Allows you to organize content in an order that
most supports the objective; not bound by dates.
 Titles and work history are secondary.
 Draws on all sources of experience- volunteer,
activities, courses, work and signifies each as
equally important.
When to Use a Functional Format
 When you want to emphasize capabilities, not
your chronological work history.
 To illustrate your TRANSFERABLE SKILLS.
 If your experiences are characterized by
unrelated experiences or a variety of part-time
jobs unrelated to your objective.
Functional Resume
Dolley M. Madison
123 Village Ln.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-555-1212
madisodm@dukes.jmu.edu
789 Main St.
Anywhere, VA 22222
540-555-0000
OBJECTIVE
Seeking a programmer/analyst position with a dynamic, progressive, and growing firm.
EDUCATION
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2013 Cumulative GPA: 3.7
Dual Major: Computer Information Systems, GPA: 3.8
Media Arts and Design, concentration in Corporate Communications GPA: 3.6
COMPUTER
SKILLS
Proficient Use:
Visual Basic
Java
HTML
Linux
Oracle
SQL
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Access
Basic Knowledge:
Dreamweaver
Flash
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Project Professional
QUALIFICATIONS TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
■ Maintained sports section for the on-line version of the school newspaper, BreezeNet
■ Downloaded, translated, and edited copy into HTML format for BreezeNet twice weekly
■ Assisted in the initial design of the layout for the BreezeNet sports section
■ Developed and maintained a music database for WXJM using Microsoft Access
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
■ Managed a department of 7-15 staff members and on-air personalities
■ Produced a weekly talk show which explored issues relevant to the listening audience
■ Supervised a staff of 7 employees during each shift
■ Delegated duties and responsibilities to ensure efficient, quality customer service
■ Responsible for training new employees
■ Assisted primary manager in accounting, hiring, scheduling, and marketing functions
■ Led group tours of JMU Recreation Center and served as a customer service representative
COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCE
■ Effectively maintained contact with at least 40 record company representatives
■ Reviewed and answered customer suggestions and complaints
■ Performed as an on-air personality and disc jockey on a weekly radio program
■ Performed and entertained crowds of up to 2200 people at concerts and dances
■ Conducted surveys with WPGC target demographic group to evaluate their radio listening habits
WORK
EXPERIENCE
■ WXJM, Harrisonburg, VA- Urban Music Director (9/12-5/13)
■ JMU BreezeNet, Harrisonburg, VA- On-line Sports Editor (8/11-1/12)
■ JMU University Recreation, Harrisonburg, VA- Welcome Center Assistant (8/11-1/12)
■ ProPark, Harrisonburg, VA- Assistant Manager (8/10-9/11)
■ WPGC, Washington, DC- Research Intern (6/10-8/10)
■ KPMG Peat Marwick, Washington, DC- Administrative Intern (5/10-8/10)
AWARDS
& ACTIVITIES
Beta Gamma Sigma
President’s List
Dean’s List
Boys and Girls Club volunteer
Mobil Disc Jockey
Coors Minority Business Scholarship
NAACP Academic Achievement Award
Student-Athlete Tutor
Intramural Referee
Dolley M. Madison
Functional Resume
Current Address: 123 Village Ln., Harrisonburg, VA 22801● 540-555-1212 ● madisodm@dukes.jmu.edu
Home Address: 789 Park Avenue, New York, NY 22222
EDUCATION
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Arts, May 2013
Major: English, Major GPA: 3.1
CAREER
EXPERIENCE
COMMUNICATION
●Instrumental in welcoming and answering questions for exchange/transfer residents.
●Worked with JMU social and civil organizations to promote tolerance and diversity
within residence hall community.
●Mediated difficult situations between student residents.
●Represented student residents to Hall Director in the course of disciplinary action.
●Made follow-up service calls to customers concerning their level of satisfaction.
●Assisted customers with questions in the course of retail sales.
LEADERSHIP/ORGANIZATIONAL
●Secured public speakers, special interest groups, and representatives from the academic
community to come present at hall programs.
●Organized outings promoting awareness of the arts: plays, recitals, concerts, festivals.
●Arranged fundraising and advertising to bring various programming to the hall.
●Facilitated interactive discussion for Alcohol Awareness Week and Campus Assault
Awareness Week including providing information on prevention and support.
●Developed office skills such as operating a switchboard, paging and secretarial duties.
●Handled a variety of services for customers including contacting insurance companies,
arranging appointments, and scheduling towing/repair times.
WRITING/PRESENTATIONAL
●Researched, wrote, presented thesis on analysis of poet Sharon Olds: “A Voice From the
Source: An Analysis of the Poetry of Sharon Olds”
●Published in English Department Honors’ Journal Symposium: The Sigma Tau Delta
Literary Journal: “Lone Wandering, But Not Lost: A Contrast”
●Published in GardyLoo: JMU’s Magazine of the Arts: “Reunion” and “Sonnet; For M.L.
Montgomery (1976-1996)”
●Presented original article in English Undergraduate Paper Conference: “Are You on
Fire?: Literary Implications of the Burning of Miss Havisham in Great Expectations”
CREATIVITY
●Co-starred in JMU production of Titanic.
●Created fun, eye-catching advertising encouraging hall program attendance.
●Possess various improvisational skills in impromptu speaking and writing.
ACTIVITIES
AND HONORS
●President’s List, spring 2012
●Chosen for English Honors’ Conference sponsored by English Honors’ Society and
Visiting Scholars Program
●Member and resident adviser of JMU Hall Council
WORK
EXPERIENCE
●Hallmark Cards, Harrisonburg, VA, Sales Associate (September-December 2012)
●Hart Motor Company, Salem VA, Receptionist (May-August 2012)
●JMU Office of Residence Life, Harrisonburg, VA, Resident Adviser (August 2012-
May 2013)
●Home Shopping Network, Salem, VA, Production (Summer 2012)
●Kel-Tach, Roanoke, VA, Production/Assembly (Summer 2011)
Combination Format
 Combines the best aspects of both the
chronological and functional.
 Emphasizes skills, accomplishments, interests,
and work experience relative to the objective.
When to use the Combination Format?
 Use when you want to emphasize previous
activities and or experience while also
highlighting transferable skills.
DOLLEY MADISON
Combination Resume
123 Village Lane  Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-555-1212 madisodm@jmu.edu
Objective
To obtain a position in the import/export industry and utilize my international business knowledge.
Education
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Business Administration, December 2012
Major: International Business, Marketing Concentration Minor: Spanish
CAREER RELATED EXPERIENCE
International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, 2011-2012
Committee Head of Interchapter Relations
 Served as liaison between regional chapters
 Coordinated social, fundraising and consulting events
 Organized a gathering of two chapters for 60 attendees
 Coordinated committee meetings and discussions
Committee Head of Alumni Activities
 Maintained and updated records for more than 500 chapter alumni
 Gathered and wrote articles for newsletter
 Organized and assembled newsletter for printing
 Distributed newsletter to 500 alumni, 3 times per semester
 Assigned responsibilities to a committee of 5
International Business Club, 2011-2012
Newsletter Committee Head
 Wrote article relating to topics and activities concerning international business majors
 Designed and sent newsletter to all international business majors twice a semester
 Coordinated activities and assignments of other committee members
Integrated Functional Systems Course, spring 2011
 Worked in a team with 4 other students to develop a comprehensive, 30 page professional business plan
 Carried process from brainstorming and logistical stages into functionality and execution
SKILLS
Leadership
 Supervised 6 employees on various functions in busy retail environment
 Maintained productivity of employees supervised
 Trained new employees on areas of responsibility, customer service and policies and procedures
Communication
 Handled all special customer service complaints and requests in an efficient and pleasant manner
 Made 30-40 phone calls per night to solicit funds
 Maintained and communicated a daily roster of all duties and activities to be performed
 Interacted with customers from a variety of backgrounds and provided excellent customer service
Work
History
JMU Greater University Fund, Harrisonburg, VA, September 2010-December 2012
-Worked part-time during school to help finance education
Food Lion, Inc., Fredericksburg, VA, Summers 2010-2012
Activities
Habitat for Humanity
Marching Royal Dukes
Combination Resume
Dolley M. Madison
Current Address
123 Village Ln.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
madisondm@gmail.com
(540) 555-1212
Permanent Address
789 Main St.
Chapel Hill, NC 22222
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
OBJECTIVE Seeking experience in the area of health fitness and promotion.
EDUCATION JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY, Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences- Health Assessment and Promotion, May 2013
Major GPA 3.9
Overall GPA 3.39
President’s List,2 semesters Dean’s List, 2 semesters
World Scholar Athlete Games-selected to participate with 1,500 students worldwide in a program designed to use
sports as medium to discuss world issues
Academic Athletic Banquet-selected three times based on a minimum 3.0 GPA two semesters consecutively
HONORS
HEALTH PROMOTION SKILLS





Formulated mass promotion materials including a brochure, poster, and fact sheet on HIV prevention
Gained familiarity taking blood pressure, doing body composition assessments, calibrating equipment, cholesterol
testing, and giving orientations of weight machines at the JMU Recreation Center
Led a group of six writing a grant proposal simulation for class
Marketing committee member for a campus-wide “Alcohol Awareness Week” program
Certified in First Aid and CPR
EXPERIENCE
ROCKINGHAM MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, Practicum, Fall 2012




Presented a 25 minute in-service on vegetarianism to several hospital employees
Gave an in-service on Health Risk Appraisal results and how to interpret them
Created a bulletin board on the dangers of passive smoking
Learned about the career duties of Health Promotion Coordinator in a hospital setting
HARRISONBURG/ROCKINGHAM FREE CLINIC, Internship, Summer 2012
 Successfully wrote and received funding for a grant proposal for breast education and early detection techniques



among the lower class in Harrisonburg
Interacted among members during attendance at board meetings and community meetings
Constructed weekly bulletin boards
Admitted and communicated with people entering clinic
DUKE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, Student Worker, Summer 2011

Conducted general office management including filing medical charts, photocopying, answering and directing phone
calls, and medical data processing on the computer
UNC FACULTY STAFF AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION and DUKE UNIVERSITY
Tennis Instructor, Summers 2005-2012



Developed personalized lesson plans for individual lessons
Periodically taught private lessons to individuals ranging in ages from 10-50
Provided individual instruction and feedback when teaching groups
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY TENNIS TEAM





Occupied #1 position since freshman year
Voted Rookie of the Year in Colonial Athletic Conference
Voted Team Captain by members of the tennis team senior year
Named Athletic of the Week in school paper (The Breeze)
Positive Performer in US Today Online, http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/sfc/sfcppp.htm
Be creative!
The following resume samples show how you can
adapt these resume formats to promote your
background in the best possible way.
Think about the ways in which you can customize
your resume! No two resumes will be alike.
Special Feature:
International Experience
Dolley M. Madison
madisodm@dukes.jmu.edu
123 Village Lane
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-555-1212
EDUCATION
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Arts, May 2013
Major: English
Minor: French
GPA: 2.94
QUALIFICATIONS
Communications__________________________________________________________________
Communicated with consumers and recorded their survey feedback
Influenced customer’s thoughts and purchases by sharing knowledge of products
Created and organized attractive merchandise displays
Completed certified training in effective writing methods
Completed technical translation coursework
Translated Coelina ou l’Enfant du Mystere from French to English
Published as resource for use by students in future translation classes
Created and taught power point presentations to employees of the Financial Crimes
Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
Technical________________________________________________________________________
Aided in ensuring Y2K compliance by researching and testing programs, hardware, and
software
Maintained inventory database of all computer equipment for FinCEN
Created and maintained spreadsheets of government information
Organized government forms of information and records for easy access
International_____________________________________________________________________
Lived and studied in France for three months
Traveled independently throughout Europe
Communicated with people of different languages and cultures
Navigated independently between destinations
SKILLS
Verbal and written skills in French
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
WORK
EXPERIENCE
Intern: Department of Treasury, Vienna,VA, Summers & Winters 010, 11, 12
Telephone Surveyor: Woelfel Research, Inc., Harrisonburg, VA, 04/12 – 06/13
Sales Associate: Bath and Body Works, McLean, VA, 08/10 – 01/11
Sales Associate: Gaps Kids, McLean, VA, 11/07 – 01/09
Dolley Madison
Special Feature:
Research
123 Village Ln. ~ Harrisonburg, VA 22801 ~ Phone 540.555.1212 ~ Email madisodm@gmail.com
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position that will further my experience with psychological research.
EDUCATION
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY, Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Arts, May 2013, PSYCHOLOGY
Cum GPA 3.6
Psychology GPA 3.67
HONORS
Dean’s List, 3 semesters
Inducted into Golden Key National Honor Society
Inducted into Psi Chi, Psychology Honor Society
RELEVANT
COURSES
Psychology of Learning
Psychological Measurement and Statistics
Psychological Research Methods
Advanced Psychological Statistics
Abnormal Psychology
Clinical Psychology
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE__________________________________________________________________
Research Project: Design a Capstone Course in Positive Psychology, Psychology Department, 2013
Researched material in order to gain an understanding for the basic ideas and principles of
the field of positive psychology
Provided review of current literature on positive psychology
Chose topics for class discussion based on literature review
Chose articles to be used for class reading based on literature review and further research
Wrote discussion questions for each topic based on readings
Organized topics to create a clear and meaningful structure for the class
Assisted in writing the syllabus
Wrote and conducted several surveys on what elements are most valued in the classroom,
what makes a class meaningful,
And which class activities are the most interesting
Participated in weekly meetings with professor to discuss progress
Research Project: Efficacy of Tutoring for Abnormal Psychology, Psychology Department, Fall 2012
Assessed weaknesses in student’s study skills through an introductory interview and
questionnaire
Designed and implemented an appropriate study schedule for student based on analysis
of their responses
Researched and wrote study questions for study sessions
Assisted in leading study sessions
Recorded weekly progress reports to document student’s progress and the efficacy
specific study strategies
Attended weekly group meetings to discuss findings with professor and group members
SKILLS_________________________________________________________________________________
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Access
Microsoft PowerPoint
WORK
EXPERIENCE
Basic web development
SPSS
PsycINFO
Recreation Assistant, University Recreation Center, Harrisonburg, VA
Teacher’s Assistant, John Wayland Elementary School, Bridgewater, VA
APPEARANCE
Appearance
 Don’t use a template
 Font: no smaller than
 Try to stick to 1 page in
most cases (at most 2)
10 point
 Margins: no smaller
than 0.5 inches
 Fill the page- pay
attention to white
space
 Paragraphs vs. bullets
 Paper choice matters
 Be consistent
 Use one (or two) font
style and size- except
for your name
 Check for spelling and
grammatical errors
A Few Final Guidelines… Do’s
 Revise your resume
often- get feedback
from various people
 Think about what
your audience wants
from you, not what
you want from them
 Organize by
importance level
 Use key words, verbs
 Think about the
message you’re giving
 Make several versions
of your resume,
including one that is
scannable
 If a position is still in
progress, indicate so:
“Fall 2012-present”
A Few Final Guidelines… Don’ts
 Don’t use “I”- or other
personal pronouns
 Don’t include a picture
or irrelevant personal
 Don’t use course numbers, information
just course names
 Don’t list the full address
and phone number of
experiences
 Don’t be overly wordy
 Don’t include WPM or
 Don’t be too concise
hobbies
 Don’t use an international  Don’t begin sentences
with lower case letters
permanent address
 Don’t Overuse Capital
Letters 
Career & Academic Planning Resume
Resources
 Resource Center: Wilson 303
 Resume review appointment
 Resume Events:
See website for special events such as ResumePREP
and walk in resume reviews
 Mock Interviews
 Recruit-A-Duke: Upload your resume and get
involved with on-campus interviewing
http://www.jmu.edu/cap
QUESTIONS
© Career and Academic Planning, James Madison University