Resume Writing: For the Job and Internship Search. Office of Career Services 102 McMahon Hall careers.cua.edu

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1 Resume Writing: For the Job and Internship Search Office of Career Services 102 McMahon Hall careers.cua.edu

2 WHAT IS A RESUME? A resume is a document used to encourage employers to interview you for an internship, full-, part-time position, work study or summer job. It highlights your educational background, skills, experiences, and achievements. Ideally, it is tailored to the position for which you are applying. WHO? WHAT? WHERE? HOW? Your resume should include the following: Contact Information: name, mailing address, phone, , and LinkedIn address. If applicable, consider listing two separate addresses: your LOCAL (on or off-campus address in the DC area) and your PERMANENT address (in most cases, it s your family address). Education: Degree in your major (include concentration, if applicable), minor, expected graduation date, and the official name of the institution and its location (city, state). GPA: List if 3.0 and above. IN A NUTSHELL The main purpose of a resume is to help you secure an interview for a desired position. A well-written resume can set you apart from other candidates, and convince employers that you have what it takes to be successful in the position. Honors: List if you received Dean s List, scholarships, special rewards, or membership in an honor society. Relevant Coursework: List 4-5 upper-level courses; do NOT include course numbers and omit any introductory courses. You can also include *relevant* class projects & independent studies. Study Abroad: If applicable, list full name of institution, city, country, dates. Activities: On & off-campus clubs/organizations, sports, etc., including any leadership positions you held. Include dates of participation. Community Service (can also be called Volunteer Work ): Name of organization, including any leadership positions you held & location (city, state). Include dates of participation. Skills: Computer (including social media) & languages Consider including your language proficiency level (basic, intermediate, advanced, & fluent). OTHER SECTIONS TO CONSIDER: Publications Certifications Presentations Memberships Consult with a CUA career counselor for advice if you think that you should add additional sections (besides those listed) on your resume. 2

3 TYPES OF RESUMES Chronological The most commonly used resume format. Your information is arranged in reverse chronological order (i.e., most recent first). When in doubt, use the chronological resume. Functional This format places the emphasis on your skill set, qualifications, and related achievements. As a result, you typically omit specific dates, names, and places. Combination The best of both worlds, it combines the chronological and functional formats. It emphasizes your skill set, while drawing attention away from a lack of experience in the field. Meanwhile, it also maintains the chronological format that the majority of employers still prefer. Each resume type offers a different perspective on your information. The format you use will depend on what you want to emphasize to potential employers. What s the best one for me? USE THE FORMAT IF YOU: Chronological Functional Combination Apply for an internship, an Look to change careers Are an experienced professional entry-, mid-, or executive-level position Want to highlight your abilities and transferrable skills with an extensive work history Look to change careers Apply for graduate, medical, or law school Seek a job in a career field where you have gained some experience Have a variety of experiences that do not point to your target job or internship Have gaps in employment or frequently changed jobs Consider re-entry in the job market Immediately want to emphasize your strongest credentials & skills Want to highlight your last place of employment Want to take the focus away from your places of employment Have little to no previous experience (work and/or internship) 3

4 L E n g t h Keep in mind that an employer spends an average of 20 seconds reviewing your resume, so your resume needs to be concise. Typically, resumes should be no more than one-page. You can stay within the one-page limit by following these guidelines: Margins should be set between 1 and.5 on all four sides of the page. Use 12-, 11-, or 10-point font. Do not go smaller than 10-point, as it becomes difficult for employers to read. Use an easy-to-read font style. Examples include: Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Writing a Winning Job Description A winning job description goes into more detail to highlight your accomplishments effectively. USE ACTION WORDS (see next page) to create concise statements that expand on what you did and the results you achieved. OK EVEN BETTER Updated Facebook page Managed content of company s social media platform, including Facebook and Twitter feeds Organized charity event Organized local charity event, raising over $1000 for new hospital wing Talked to clients about their finances Recommended educational materials or resources to clients on matters such as financial planning, budgeting, or credit Helped sell office equipment to clients Conferred with potential customers regarding office equipment needs and advised customers on types of equipment to purchase Helped train new student employees Assisted in teaching and training new student employees on office procedures and equipment 4

5 5 Action Words Administrative Approved Arranged Assigned Attained Catalogued Classified Collected Compiled Dispatched Executed Generated Implemented Inspected Monitored Operated Organized Prepared Processed Purchased Recorded Retrieved Screened Specified Systematized Tabulated Validated Creative Acted Conceptualized Created Designed Developed Directed Established Fashioned Founded Illustrated Instituted Integrated Introduced Invented Originated Performed Planed Revitalized Shaped Communication Addressed Arbitrated Arranged Authored Collaborated Corresponded Developed Directed Drafted Edited Enlisted Formulated Influenced Interpreted Lectured Mediated Moderated Motivated Negotiated Persuaded Promoted Publicized Reconciled Recruited Spoke Translated Financial Administered Adjusted Allocated Analyzed Appraised Audited Balanced Budgeted Calculated Computed Developed Estimated Forecast Managed Marketed Planned Prepared Programmed Projected Reconciled Researched Saved Helping Adapted Advocated Assessed Assisted Coached Counseled Facilitated Delivered Demonstrated Diagnosed Educated Encouraged Guided Mediated Mentored Modeled Prevented Reassured Referred Rehabilitated Settled Supported Problem- Solving Analyzed Clarified Compared Conducted Critiqued Determined Diagnosed Evaluated Examined Explored Formulated Gathered Identified Interpreted Investigated Measured Researched Reviewed Solved Summarized Surveyed Tested Research Clarified Collected Critiqued Determined Diagnosed Evaluated Examined Explored Extracted Identified Inspected Interpreted Interviewed Investigated Organized Reviewed Summarized Surveyed Systematized Technical Assembled Built Calculated Computed Designed Devised Engineered Fabricated Maintained Operated Overhauled Programmed Remodeled Repaired Solved Trained Upgraded Training Adapted Advised Clarified Coached Communicated Coordinated Developed Enabled Encouraged Evaluated Explained Facilitated Guided Informed Initiated Instructed Persuaded Planned Set goals Simulated Stimulated Taught Trained Tutored Utilized

6 DO s & DON Ts of Resume Writing DO DON T Include your high school information through your freshman year of college, and consider excluding it by sophomore year. Juniors and Seniors should remove it. Use the correct verb tense. If a position is current, use present tense. If it is a job or activity you completed, use past tense. Use personal pronouns (I or me) when describing your experiences. Simply use Paid Employment or Work History to list your experiences. Instead, use the title Experience because it allows for more flexibility. Experiences can be paid or unpaid. Use action verbs. An action verb packs a lot of information in one word. Also, try not to use an action verb more than once. Use a variety of verbs to hold the reader s interest. Use complete sentences in describing your job responsibilities. In concise statements, concentrate on using action verbs to emphasize your responsibilities/skills. Use a bulleted format. While it takes up more space, it s easier for the employer to skim and review your information. Take the time to create a targeted resume. Spend some time reading the position description, highlighting any keywords and phrases. Incorporate them into your resume to illustrate how your experience clearly lines up with their position. Check for spelling and grammar errors. Spellcheck is not enough. Proofread it multiple times AND have someone else check it for you. A simple misspelling or grammar Keep using the same action verb. Your reader will quickly grow disinterested. Use a resume template. It is difficult to work with if you want to change, move, or delete categories. It also gives a cookie cutter appearance. Include the line References Available Upon Request at the bottom of your resume. Instead, create a separate reference sheet. Instructions are provided. List personal interests or hobbies (e.g., reading, playing an instrument, traveling). error can cost you an interview. We are here to help! Contact Career Services for assistance on your resume. We provide two ways to assist you: Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment to meet with a professional career counselor. Call ( ) or drop by the Office (102 McMahon Hall) to schedule an appointment. No requests, please. Stop by for Walk-In Hours. Check the Career Services website ( AboutUs/CareerServicesStaff.cfm) for the time and days. 6

7 Chronological Resume Template Local Address: Street Name City, State, Zip Code Name Phone Number Address LinkedIn Account Permanent Address: Street Name City, State, Zip Code EDUCATION Degree and field of study The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC GPA (if 3.0 or higher): Optional items: study abroad, relevant coursework, academic honors Month and Year of Graduation EXPERIENCE Title Dates of Employment (Month and Year) Organization Name, Location Specific and relevant accomplishments, projects, or experiences beginning with action verbs related to the job description, expected duties, and transferrable skills See above See above Title Dates of Employment (Month and Year) Organization Name, Location Specific and relevant accomplishments, projects, or experiences beginning with action verbs related to the job description, expected duties, and transferrable skills See above See above COMMUNITY SERVICE Title Dates of Participation (Month and Year) Organization Name, Location Specific and relevant accomplishments, projects, or experiences beginning with action verbs related to the job description, expected duties, and transferrable skills See above See above Title Dates of Participation (Month and Year) Organization Name, Location Specific and relevant accomplishments, projects, or experiences beginning with action verbs related to the job description, expected duties, and transferrable skills See above See above SKILLS Computer: List software, social media tools, databases, statistical analysis tools, and other technical programs Language: List language(s) and level(s) of proficiency 7

8 Sample Resume Freshmen ANTHONY GARCIA Local Address: Permanent Address: 620 Michigan Avenue, NE 289 Main Street Washington, D.C Springfield, CA EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in English Expected May 2021 The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Honors: Catholic University Academic and Parish scholarships, Knights of Columbus scholarship Joseph s Academy, Springfield, CA June 2017 GPA: 4.0, Valedictorian Honors: Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, National Honor Society, Key Club Award EXPERIENCE: Camp Counselor Summers 2016 and 2017 Sunny Day Boys and Girls Camp, San Fernando, CA Supervised up to 20 campers ages 5 through 7 Coordinated daily activities, including arts and crafts and swimming lessons Disciplined campers on an as-needed basis; served as a mentor and positive role model Communicated daily with parents about each child s behavior and wrote progress reports Sales Associate January 2016-April 2017 Abercrombie and Fitch, Bakersfield, CA Operated cash register; counted and reconciled drawer at the end of each shift Interacted with customers in a professional manner Assisted in closing and opening store LEADERSHIP: Senior Class President Student Government Treasurer 2016 Varsity Tennis Team Captain 2017 COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Ignatius Parish, Springfield, CA Spring Mission Trip (building homes for the poor in West Virginia) 2016 and 2017 Youth Ministry Group Altar Server present Soup Kitchen, St. Mary s Homeless Shelter, Bakersfield, CA SKILLS: Languages: Bilingual in Spanish and English Computer: Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Social Media

9 Sample Resume Sophomores PATRICIA COSTA XXXX Local Address Permanent Address 122 Hawaii Avenue, Apt. 23A 890 1st Street Washington, DC Medford, NY EDUCATION: WORK EXPERIENCE: Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Concentration in Political Theory Minor in Philosophy, anticipated May 2020 The Catholic University of America (CUA), Washington, D.C. GPA: 3.79 Honors: Dean s List with Distinction (Fall 2016 and Spring 2017), Dean s List (every semester), Catholic University Parish Scholarship, University Honors Program, Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honors Society Relevant Coursework: Modern Political Thought, American Public Opinion, Constitutional Law I Office Assistant, Office of Undergraduate Admissions The Catholic University of America Washington, DC, August 2016-present Answer multi-line phone system, greet visitors, and field questions from prospective students and parents Assist admissions counselors in creating office recruiting schedule Head Server, Bob s Steak House Medford, NY, May-August, Strengthened communication skills by interacting with a variety of customers Developed the ability to prioritize and multitask responsibilities in a fast-paced environment Coordinated orientation and training of 15 new servers COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer, So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) Washington, DC, January 2017-present Served breakfast and engaged in conversation with homeless individuals in need Developed materials and delivered presentations to incoming student volunteers on working with the organization Coordinator, Homeless Food Run Outreach Washington, DC, September 2016-December 2016 Processed and complied inventory of incoming food and clothing donations from the CUA community Organized student volunteers working in the DC-area homeless shelters CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: COMPUTER SKILLS: CUA College Democrats, October 2016-present CUA Women s Basketball Team, Captain (2017), Member (2016-present) Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn) 9

10 Sample Resume Juniors Heather Crawford Local Address: Permanent Address 620 Michigan Avenue, NE Main Street Washington, DC Boston, MA Education Bachelor of Arts, History Expected May 2019 The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC GPA: 3.23 Relevant Coursework: Global Migrations to the New World (1492-present), The Making of America ( ), The United States in the 20 th Century Experience Curatorial Intern The National Museum of American History, Washington, DC Organize research goals for a team of 10 interns Investigate the origin of donated artifacts Review documents for upcoming exhibit proposals Maintain a database of artifacts using Microsoft Access Sept 2017 Present Archivist Assistant May 2016 Aug 2016 The Mullen Library Collections, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC Researched and scanned photos onto the Content DM database Filed and organized vital university documents in appropriate database Assisted in organizing pictures for class reunions Student Assistant Sept 2015 May 2016 Office of Career Services, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC Answered and directed all incoming calls Scheduled appointments for students with various office staff using Microsoft Outlook Community Service Gardener, CUA Community Garden, Washington, DC Jan 2017 May 2017 Companion, Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, DC Sept 2016 Dec 2016 Tutor, DC Reads, Washington, DC Oct 2015 Present Skills Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest Language: Intermediate German (oral, reading, and writing) 10

11 Sample Resume Seniors CAROLINE AQUINO 2XX 21st Road, Bethesda, MD, Education B.S.B.A in Finance, Minor in Spanish May 2018 The Catholic University of America (CUA) Washington, DC G.P.A.: 3.25 Honors: Parish and Alumni Scholarships Relevant Coursework: Investment Analysis, Corporate Finance I & II, Managerial Economics Study Abroad: Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain, Spring 2017 Relevant Experience Summer Analyst, Ballantine Group New York, NY, May 2017-August 2017 Developed experience in financial analysis and wealth management Created Excel spreadsheets to track quarterly reports and check for discrepancies Attended and observed weekly senior management meetings Filed confidential documents Intern, Bank of America Rockville, MD, June 2016-August 2016 Performed credit analyses of existing and prospective commercial buyers Generated weekly written reports of the bank s commercial real estate lending activities Assisted in the development of an annual forecast report for a major real estate client Additional Experience Caregiver, White House Nannies Washington, DC, January 2016-May 2016 Organized and participated in recreational outings Prepared food and served meals to children Accompanied children to and from school, and provided transportation for after-school activities Activities F.O.C.U.S. (Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students), September 2015-present SFAB (Student Fee Allocation Board), Catholic University, September 2014-present Community Service Spring Break Mission Trip to Belize, CUA Campus Ministry, March 2016 and 2017 Relay for Life (fundraiser for American Cancer Society), Catholic University, March 2016 Little Sisters of the Poor, Washington, DC, January 2015-present Skills Language: Fluent in French; Intermediate Spanish (oral, reading and writing) Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access; Social Media 11

12 Writing a Reference Page The line References available upon request is outdated and no longer used. Instead, create a separate reference page and submit it with your resume. WHOM do I ask? Someone who knows & can speak knowledgeably about the quality of your work, i.e. your work performance, reliability, interaction with others, communication skills. Examples include: College Professors or High School Teachers (Do not use a high school teacher after your sophomore year of college). Supervisors from an internship, full- or part-time job, summer job, or work study Coach or Club Advisor WHEN do I ask? Before you submit your resume to an employer or with your application to graduate school, ask potential references for their permission before you list them on your resume. Do not assume they will say yes. WHAT do I include? Person s name; Job Title; Professional Relationship to You; Name of Organization, Mailing Address; Phone Number; Address HOW many should I include? Check the job announcement for instructions. If none are given, a minimum of 3 references is appropriate. KEEP IN MIND! Typically a family member, family friend, or neighbor should not be used as a reference. These individuals are referred to as character references, and are not considered professional references. Take the time to develop a relationship with your professors, supervisors, coaches, etc. Include your contact information on the reference page so employers can quickly reach you. Update your references on your job-search process or the progress of your graduate school application. 12

13 Sample Reference page References for Catherine Cardinal 128 Upshur Lane, Washington, DC (202) Professor Jane Doe, PhD Relationship: Professor for 2 English classes, including senior seminar English Department, Summit University 1228 Main Street Springfield, NY (201) jdoe08@summit.edu Ms. Mary G. Smith Relationship: Internship Supervisor Lead Marketing Analyst, Time Warner, Inc. 825 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 100 New York, NY (212) maryg.smith@time_warninc.com Father John Brown Relationship: Advisor for Youth Parish Group Associate Pastor, St. Michael s Parish 228 Elm Branch Way Greenville, NJ (302) fatherbrown@stmichaels.org 13