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ResumeGuide

careers.williams.edu

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Contents

Writing a Resume

Do’s and Do Not’s

Action Verbs by Skill Set

Marketing Your Study Away Experience

Cover Letters

Uploading Your Resume

☐ Margins Typically your resume document will be formatted with 1-inch margins. As long as the information is relevant, flexibility may apply. In most cases, margins any smaller may cause your resume to appear crowded and difficult to read.

☐ Contact Information Name should be in bold and larger font than the content of your resume Pronouns (he/she, hers/his, him/her, they, them, their, everyone, etc.) Phone Number with area code included. Only use your cell phone and be sure your voicemail recording is professional and your box is not full Email (Make it professional, not pinklady@aol.com); Williams address suggested Customized LinkedIn or personal portfolio URL (optional)

☐ Education School Name, City, State Degree Earned, Major and Concentration, Graduation Month/Year e.g. Bachelor of Science, English, Candidate June 2022 e.g. Bachelor of Science, English, June 2022 GPA (if above 3.0) (this is also optional) Relevant Coursework and Projects (this is also optional) Note: Listing your high school or schools attended before transferring may or may not be relevant. Check in with a Career Advisor to discuss what is most appropriate for you!

☐ Work Experience Company, Positions, City, State Duration of experience described by start date to end date List of 3-4 qualified and quantified bullet statements for relevant position

☐ Other Categories Leadership Experience, Volunteer Experience, Honors and Awards Enhance your resume by highlighting alternative experiences that are valuable in the workplace. Students with less work experience and more volunteer experience may develop this section in more detail (e.g. award name, leadership positions held).

☐ Skills and Highlighting Experience Include languages that you are proficient in, certifications you have received, or other skills that are relevant to your application.

A resume is an outline of your history that highlights your experience, skills, and interests. It may combine academic/non-academic, paid/unpaid, and on/off campus activities. There is no perfect resume design that fits everyone. Find the format that will best emphasize your unique background!

Checklist

Writing A Resume

Ephraim Williamsthey/them • 3366 Paresky, 54 Chapin Hall Dr., Williamstown, MA 01267 • 555-555-3330

ew1@williams.eduEducationWilliams College, Williamstown, MA Candidate June 2021 B.A. Candidate; GPA 3.50; Political Science major and Leadership Studies concentration Relevant Coursework: Visionaries, Pragmatists, and Demagogues; The American Presidency

Relevant ExperienceGhanaians for Gaming - Co-founder & Creative Consultant, Portsmouth, NH July 2020 to Present • Conducted research to examine market trends in pricing of mobile game downloads and in-app purchases • Implemented the in-game platform to enhance user experience through a feedback loop and game congruency • Evaluated analytics from current game and proposing iterations to in-game sales and marketing approaches based on current numbers • Interviewed by USA Today College, NY Creative Interns, Coin (YouTube), and Games For Change on the growing movement of mobile games that connect to social causesEcotrust - Communications Intern, Portland, OR June 2019 to August 2019 • Audited online climate change discussion from environmentally-oriented organizations in the Pacific Northwest • Collaborated with VP and Knowledge Systems team members in writing a white paper detailing carbon sequestration potential in irrigated agricultural systemsLithium-ion Researchers - Researcher, Portsmouth, NH Summer 2014 • Conducted independent, graduate-level research for developing an optical cell to analyze the rates of metal particle contamination in lithium-ion batteries; results showed that nickel contamination is the most troublesome for battery manufacturers like Medtronic • Wrote 20-page research paper analyzing data, interpretive analysis, and implications of findings • Honors: 4th Place in Materials and Bioengineering at 2012 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), Seagate First Year Award, Twin Cities Regional Best Research Paper Award, US Army Award

Leadership ExperienceVISTA - Social Media Coordinator, Williams College September 2016 to Present • Wrote weekly blogs about cultural and performing arts events offered to college students • Encourage participation and engagement through live tweets at career fairs and networking events • Contribute to website management, including writing content and designing info graphicsOffice of Student Life - WOOLF Leader, Williams College August 2016 to September 2016 • Led outdoor backpacking trip for Williams first-years during fall orientation • Trained in outdoor safety, trail memorization, and nutrition to safely lead others into the wilderness

Campus InvolvementFrosh Revue, Williams College; Leading Minds, Williams College

Skills • Computer: Excel analysis, elementary Java programming • Language: Full proficiency in Spanish and elementary proficiency in Arabic • Design: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop

Writing A Resume

Education

Rese

arch

Resume Do Not’s• Assume spellcheck is good enough

• Use “I”, “We”, “Me” anywhere on your resume

• Inconsistent formatting -- be sure your font size and type is consistent throughout the entire resume, and tab point is consistent for all

• Include why you left - don’t include negative information on your resume

• Include too much personal information - unless your hobby relates to your career, it doesn’t belong on your resume

• Forget keywords - companies now utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to choose candidates based on keywords, pull keywords from the job description to enrich your resume

• Let the appearance of your resume be distorted in an email attachment - Have a Word or PDF version of your resume available to send/upload

Fina

ncial

Resume Do’s• Start with a master resume or an archival resume listing all of your jobs, internships, campus and community activities, special courses, projects and conferences you have attended. Whenever you have a new experience in your career path, you should update your archival resume immediately

• Design a one-page resume using relevant experiences from the archival or master resume for the job you are seeking

• Keep in mind that the general rule is a one-page for most students. There are exceptions to the one-page rule, such as applying to graduate school, law school, or medical school

• Organize your education and experience using reverse sequence or chronological order from present to past

• Highlight your accomplishments and results; quantify your results when possible

• List experiences in the correct order: reverse chronological order (most recent first)

• Use clear, concise language

• Avoid using confusing acronyms and abbreviations

• Select a font size and style that is easy to read. Font sizes 10-12 point and font styles such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Garamond are recommended

• Use a larger font for headings and name

• Use capital letters, bold type, italics, underlining, bullets, and spacing for emphasis

• Be consistent with spacing, dates, punctuation, and order of information - details matter

• Proofread your resume carefully

• Remember that resumes vary by industry. Check in with a Career Advisor with any questions!

Communication

Education Cle

rical

Creative

Management

approved

assigned checked attained

chaired delegated devised reviewed

contracted developed directed

evaluated enforced formed

governed prioritized

supervised

adapted

revised evaluated informed

simplified coordinated enabled

developed explained inspired

tailored clarified facilitated

advised instructed sparked

encouraged

Rese

arch

assessed

critiqued surveyed examined

defined clarified discovered

diagnosed identified reviewed

summarized collected dissected

investigated

addressed

composed persuaded

interpreted recruited drafted

arbitrated conveyed negotiated

lectured presented translated

arranged enlisted mediated

promoted

Technicalassembled

computed built strengthened

overhauled maintained installed

designed repaired upgraded

remodelled upgraded programmed

calculated engineered

operated

adjusted

collected distributed indexed

organized retrieved approved

compiled generated inspected

catalogued implemented arranged

controlled grouped monitored

processed specified prepared

operated

Fina

ncial verified

audited developed forecasted

projected researched allocated

balanced calculated earned

managed rectified reviewed

analyzed budgeted estimated

marketed appraised calculated

planned

acted decorated

founded instituted performed

designed established illustrated

integrated dramatized conceptualized

created developed shaped imagined

introduced revitalized invented

directed fashioned Accomplishment

achieved executed

expanded improved innovated

pioneered experienced displayed

recognized improved overcame

succeeded

Action Verbs by Skill Set

adapted

explored learned recognized

awarded fostered lived

represented built immersed

researched translated interpreted

practiced traveled exchanged

realized involved visited

collaborated

Stu

dy A

way

☐ NAME - List name and name alone on the first line of your resume.

☐ BORDERS AND LINES - Fine to use if not touching any text. If in doubt, leave them out. ☐ HEADERS AND FOOTERS - Do not use for any important information; fine for a page 2 header or footer.

☐ CONTACT INFORMATION - Use city/state/zip code for local search, or omit if more beneficial to your search, also list one phone number and one email address. Include your LinkedIn profile and/or links.

☐ SECTION HEADINGS - It is essential to use headings such as: Summary, Career Summary Profile, Professional Profile, Employment Experience, Experience, Education, Education & Training, Certifications, Technology Profile, Technical Skills, Community Involvment, Languages.

☐ EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE - List company name first, with location (city and state). List the job title with dates (months and years preferred). List every job separately with dates, description and accomplishments - no job ‘stacking’.

☐ ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS - Spell out the first time, show acronym in parentheses, and then use just the acronym for repeat instances.

☐ CONVERT TYPICAL MULTI-COLUMN BULLET FORMAT... TO SINGLE COLUMN WORD STRING Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable Financial Analysis & Reporting General Ledger & Cash Reconciliation Economic & Demographic Analysis

☐ AVOID NOISE OF LESS VALUABLE WORDS - Keywords throughout the resume are essential; verbs are much less important.

☐ PDF - Are only to be emailed. In ATS format must be Word document.

☐ CREATE TEXT ONLY OPTION RESUME - 1) Save as “Plain Text” (.txt). 2) Rename file your First & Last Name Resume.txt, 3) Close file then re-open it. 4) Font defaults to Courier, everything will be flush left and formatting stripped. 5) Review file; make sure the rules above are intact.

Applicant Tracking System What is ATS? The Applicant Tracking

System is a software application that aids

large and small companies in their recruit-

ment efforts. The software screens and fil-

ters applicant’s resumes and cover letters

based on criteria including components

such as key words, skills, employment, and

education. Applicants must format their

resumes in a style that is suitable as well

as recognizable to the software.

× use accent mark in “resume”

× include graphics, logos, charts, or graphs

× use tables and columns

× underline or italicize

DO NOT:

Ephraim Williams(413) 597-3131 eph@williams.edu www.linkedin.com/in/ephraimwilliams

Berkshire Area

Objective: Energetic economics and art history graduate seeking an entry level position with a fun, innovative, and expanding firm.

Highlights of QualificationsSales and Marketing Specialist with a focus on eventsProficiency in Adobe, C+, JavaOutstanding work ethic

EducationWilliams College, Williamstown, MABachelor of Science, Economics and Art HistoryGPA 3.74, Dean’s List

Project ExperienceManaged and implemented Telemarketing Approach Techniques Training, including: the establishment of a new marketing script as a base to engage and respond effectively to prospective clients for The Key ProgramCreated an integrated Marketing Communications Plan for two Rhode Island based institutions including Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless and The Children’s MuseumDesigned, recruited, and moderated a 12 person focus group to test financial product for a Fortune 500 company.

Professional ExperienceDMPM Corporation- Marketing Specialist, Waltham, MAConducted calls to 50 potential clients daily; attempted to acquire relaionships and sell available servicesFollowed up with existing customers in order to facilitate DMPM’s level of customer service client satisfactionPromote offerings by participating in outbound sales appointments and customer calls, averaging 70-120 daily

MBailliance - Marketing Events Specialist, Summer Intern, Boston, MAContacted 100+ potential clients daily via phone and email in order to build a clientele to promote event services• Consistently researched competitive advantages and industry updates through trade publications, newspaper articles, direct marketing textbooks, promotions, and online literature

Possible OutcomesAdapt to new environmentDeal with ambiguity and changeLearn through listening and observingCommunicate with a global perspectiveOvercome language and cultural differencesPerform in an environment with adverse conditions

Qualities Open to Relocation Self-reliant Inquisitive Perseverant

Open-minded Flexible Independent Enthusiastic Also see Action

Verbs page!

Resume Examples to Highlight Your Experience and Skills Example 1List your Study Away experience in the Education section of your resume. You may want to include specific skills relevant to your academic experience.

EducationWilliams College, Williamstown, MA B.A. Candidate; GPA 3.5; Economics or History major and Arabic Studies concentrationSchool for International Training Cusco, Peru, Spring 2019

School for International Training Cusco, Peru, Spring 2019Study Away- Traveled independently through Peru- Immersed in Latin American culture, society, and traditions- Intensive Spanish education by Peruvian Ministry of Education- Learned to establish rapport quickly with classmates, overcoming language, and cultural differences

Example 2You may choose to list your Study Away experience in both the Education and Experience sections of your resume. Include a specific aspect of your experience as part of your description, including those skills gained through your time away.

ExperienceSchool for International Training Cusco, Peru, Spring 2019- Intensive Spanish education by Peruvian Ministry of Education- Interned at a local nonprofit, organized and taught children aged 5 to 16 about healthy living habits- Organized a monthly workshop for parents to raise their awareness about health- Researched opportunities for community partnerships (hospitals, dentists, etc.)

Marketing Study Away Experiences

Your study abroad/study away experience is an important

part of your academic career!

Uploading Your Resume 1. Log into your Handshake profile (williams.joinhandshake.com).

2. In the drop-down menu under your name, go to the Documents tab to upload your resume.

3. Upload your resume. Make sure your privacy settings are “public” or “community” so employers can see your resume.

4. Once it has been uploaded, enhance and expand your profile using your resume to automatically populate profile fields.

Once you upload your resume in Handshake, you can then use it to complete your Handshake profile, leading to an 80% higher likelihood of being reached out to by an employer on the platform!

A well-written cover letter can make a significant difference in successfully arranging meetings with potential employers. Most job hunters spend little time on the cover letter, therefore, your presentation will stand out because it will look and read much better. No form letters, please. The letter is where you pick items from your resume that match the employer’s interests or the job and tell the complete story behind each item. Here are some additional tips to go along with it:

Writing a Cover Letter

PurposeThe purpose of a cover letter is to demonstrate the fit between your background and the position and organization for which you are applying by demonstrating what you can do for the employer. The goal is to get the interview!

General Tips• Address your letters to individuals. Use names. Make an intense effort to find the name, correct job title, and address of the human being who will receive your letter. If a name is absolutely, positively unavailable, it addresses by the best alternative title (i.e. Selection or Hiring Committee is better than To Whom It May Concern) • Create complementary documents using the same heading on both resume and cover letter • Avoid summarizing your resume, using jargon, and starting every sentence with “I” • Single-space paragraphs, double-space between paragraphs, and keep to one page • Attract attention with a strong first paragraph (be memorable) • End with a traditional business letter closing, such as Sincerely Yours or Best Regards• Proof! Proof! Proof!!... don’t assume spellcheck can identify all errors

StructureParagraph 1 Introduce yourself and include the name of the position that you are applying for • Mention a mutual contact, alumni, previous conversation or meeting, or by using a “hook” statement that captures your most relevant qualifications.• Who are you? What’s your major? • How did you learn about the position? • Why this employer? Be specific – show you did your homework. • Why you? Highlight 2-3 qualities that make you a good fit for the position.

Paragraph 2 (and 3) The guts of the letter • Identify accomplishments that demonstrate the skills they’re looking for in the position, and explain where you developed those skills • Explain what makes you unique – direct experience, transferable experience, interest/education, etc. • Relate what you’ve done back to the employer’s work/industry/mission (i.e. print the job description to match your skills with the hiring organization’s qualifications.)

Closing Paragraph Reaffirm your interest (enthusiasm) and why you’re a good fit • Provide contact information, details for planned follow up • Thank the reader for his or her time and consideration

Writing a Cover LetterEphraim Williams(413) 597-3131eph@williams.edu

February 11, 2020

Mary JonesHuman Resources DirectorS&B, Inc.2500 Brook AvenueSuite 105Manhattan, NY 10030

Dear Ms. Jones, My name is Ephraim Williams and I am pleased to be applying for the position of Marketing Researcher at S&B, Inc. I was ecstatic to find this opening on Handshake and feel that my skills and studies make me a perfect fit for the role. As a senior at Williams College in the English department, I have a wealth of experience in conducting research and compiling written reports and analyses of my findings. My time studying abroad in England allowed me to hone my interview, research, and writing skills, culminating in the approval of a 6,500-word thesis. Furthermore, my work as a tutor required extensive time management and collaboration efforts.

Some highlights from my relevant experiences include: ·      Conducting research spanning 3 cities in England, interviewing over 10 individuals ·      Improving tutoring-subject writing scores by 40% ·      Receiving an average score of 9/10 on tutor review surveys What draws me most to S&B Inc. is your work in the international publishing field. Having studied the effects of literature overseas, I believe I can lend some expertise to your efforts to research and development new techniques for breaking into international markets. I’ve enclosed my resume, which further details my education and experience. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my skills and qualifications in person at your earliest convenience. Please contact me by email at eph@williams.edu or by phone at (413) 597-3131. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Ephraim Williams

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