Undergraduate Résumé Guide

WHAT IS A RÉSUMÉ?

A résumé is a concise written summary of your individual qualifications. Think of your résumé as a

personal advertisement….typically a one-page representation of your education, work experience,

accomplishments and skills. You will present your achievements and abilities in such a way to

generate enough interest for a potential employer to grant you an interview.

WHY DO I NEED A RÉSUMÉ?

Résumés are most often used when applying for employment or admittance to graduate programs.

It is a selling tool designed to set you apart from other applicants. You should use your résumé to

show your ability to fill an area of need and produce valuable results within a company or to potential

institutions how you will be a successful candidate for their program.

WHAT SHOULD MY RÉSUMÉ INCLUDE?

A résumé consists of many parts, some are necessary and others are optional. The amount of

information to include in your résumé is a matter of personal choice; however, be sure to include

sections on educational background, skills and work experience. Components of the résumé as well as

résumé samples are presented later in this text.

HOW DO I BEGIN MY RÉSUMÉ?

Remember, the goal of your résumé is to gain an interview by matching your qualifications with a

company’s needs. To do this, you need to have a clear understanding of yourself. What do you have to

offer an employer? What makes you stand out from other applicants? Self-evaluation is the first step.

Determine your objective. This is an opportunity to see if your aspirations are compatible with

the needs of the employer’s organization.

Learn as much as possible about the prospective job opportunity. What are the company’s

mission and core values? What qualifications are desired? Begin by visiting the company’s

website, but try to schedule a site visit or informational interview with current employees as well.

Know your skills, strengths, qualifications and accomplishments and how they relate to the job

you seek.

Dr. Hester Young, CPRW hyoung@csuniv.edu

Ms. Nicole Copland, CPRW ncopland@csuniv.edu

843-863-8019

(01/12)

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Types of Résumés .............................................................................................................. 3

Submit Your Résumé for Online Critique .......................................................................... 3

Online Application Submission ......................................................................................... 4

Components of a Résumé .............................................................................................. 4-6

Résumé Checklist ............................................................................................................... 7

What Should Be Left off a Résumé .................................................................................... 7

More “Don’ts” .................................................................................................................... 7

Final Review ....................................................................................................................... 7

Design ................................................................................................................................. 8

Action Verbs ................................................................................................................. 9-10

Sample Chronological Résumé ........................................................................................ 11

Sample Functional Résumé .............................................................................................. 12

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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF RÉSUMÉ FORMATS?

Chronological Format presents work experience and education in reverse time sequence and lists achievements

and responsibilities under each category. A chronological résumé highlights career progression and growth

through job titles or the names of employers. It is easy to follow and widely used among job seekers.

Functional Format organizes your experiences under major skill headings, with degrees, job title, employers

and dates listed separately. This format highlights your major areas of accomplishment in ways that best

support your objective and is not bound by dates.

Combination Format includes aspects of both the chronological and functional formats and incorporates

sections on work experience and your main functional skills. Emphasis is equally distributed among work

history, skills and accomplishments.

When to use a chronological format:

When your work, education or experiences are relevant to your objective

When previous job titles or company names sound impressive

When your job history shows growth and development, or to emphasize career-related accomplishments

When to use a functional format:

When you have little work experience

When you want to draw attention to transferable skills

When you want to minimize the focus on dates

Note: Many electronic templates exist for quick résumé preparation, but templates are inflexible and hard to edit.

Create your résumé in Microsoft Word after one of the samples provided in this text and upload it to the

BucCareer Network for critique by one of our professional résumé consultants.

SUBMIT YOUR RÉSUMÉ FOR ONLINE CRITIQUE

Register

1. Go to The Career Center website at

www.charlestonsouthern.edu/careers and find the CSU logo

box

2. Click Students/Alumni, then Register Now

3. Complete the registration with your personal email

or BucMail address

4. Verify your email address — your verified registration will be

approved within 2 business days by The Career Center staff

Upload your résumé

1. Open the Professional Portfolio Documents tab

2. Click Add New, name your document, browse to upload from your computer or flash drive, and then

click Submit

3. A professional Career Counselor will either approve it for use in its original form, or send you

recommendations for improvement.

Note: Be sure to open the Microsoft Word version of the document to modify and save your document.

A PDF is also automatically generated that is not editable but is useful when sending via email and using

certain online application processes.

4

ONLINE APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Online applications have become standard in the recruitment process; many companies have created unique

databases on their websites for applicants to apply directly for internship and job vacancies. Unfortunately for

the job seeker, every form is a little bit different; so it can be a bit time consuming to submit your résumé

online.

The Career Center recommends you design your unique résumé and copy sections into the appropriate boxes of

the application. Some applications will allow applicants to upload résumés in their entirety. We recommend

using a PDF file, which is automatically generated upon approval on the BucCareer Network.

Maximize the number of hits your résumé receives on the Internet

Use jargon, acronyms, and buzzwords specific to your industry.

Increase your list of keywords by including specifics. For example, list the names of software you use

such as Microsoft Suite and Lotus 1-2-3 rather than computer skills.

Describe your experience with concrete words rather than vague descriptions. For example, it is better

to write, Managed a team of software engineers rather than responsible for managing and training.

The one page rule does not apply to online résumés; use more than one page if necessary. The computer

can easily handle multiple pages, and it uses all of the information it extracts from your résumé to

determine if your skills match available positions. It allows you to provide more information than you

would for a human reader.

If you have extra space, describe your interpersonal traits and attitude. Key words could include: skilled

in time management, dependable, high energy, positive attitude, goal-oriented leader and responsible.

THE COMPONENTS OF A RÉSUMÉ

Heading

Include your name and contact information, employers will use this information to contact you, so be sure that it

is up-to-date every time you send your resume to a potential employer.

Use your full name, not a nickname, usually bold and in a larger font. It can be centered,

right or left justified.

You may include both a local and permanent address where you can be reached after graduation.

Be sure to include the area codes with your telephone numbers.

Add your email address. Choose an email address that sounds professional, e.g., your first initial and

last name and numbers if necessary.

Include your website address only if the web page reflects your professional ambitions.

Be sure that you update this as it changes, so it will be accurate.

JAMILLA CROSS 9200 University Boulevard, BOX 248

Charleston, SC 29406 843-555-1234 • jzcross@ymail.com

Objective

An objective is a statement describing the reason you are sending your résumé to the recipient. Make it simple

and concise, and list the position and employer whenever possible. This will show that you pay attention to

detail and are interested in the organization.

Examples:

Seeking a position in international business

An opportunity to apply my proven skills in accounting, budgeting and financial management

A sales representative position servicing hospitals and health organizations

5

Education

Include the degree(s) you have earned with your major, minor or emphasis (if applicable), the university’s

name and location, and your graduation date or expected graduation date.

Your most recent educational information is listed first.

Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., etc.), major, institution attended, minor/concentration.

Add your grade point average (GPA) if it is higher than 3.5, and mention any academic honors.

Do not list high, middle or elementary schools.

List only schools from which you attained a degree, or expect to attain a degree, not schools from which

you have transferred.

Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Expected Graduation date, May 2012 Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina GPA 3.7 Associate of Arts Degree, May 2008 Trident Technical Institute, North Charleston, South Carolina

Significant Coursework (Optional)

Listing these courses can help make an employer aware of facets of your education that help qualify you for a

position, especially if you do not have experience in your chosen career field. Do not list courses that are

common to any curriculum in your major, however.

Relevant Coursework: Organizational Behavioral Leadership, Organizational Theory and Design, International Financial Management, International and Maritime Law

Skills

Provide employers with information about skills you have obtained through work experience, internships,

coursework or extracurricular activities. Examples include skills in computer applications, laboratory

techniques, communication, leadership and operation of equipment. Most employers in today’s job market

expect to see strong computer skills.

Review the job description to see what is required or preferred in the position to which you are applying, and

list skills that you posses which show your capability in those areas. Consider the industry and employers’

needs as a guide to creating this section.

SKILLS ● Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite applications and SPSS software

● Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing ● Conversational Spanish ● Analytical and problem solving skills ● Time management skills

Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek

Consider the qualities below when crafting this section; you are probably skilled in areas you hadn’t considered.

Computer skills (name applications)

Verbal and written communication skills

Honesty/integrity

Interpersonal skills, people skills

Teamwork skills (possibly athletic experience)

Motivation and initiative

Strong work ethic

Analytical skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Organizational skills

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Experience

Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use either present or past tense

ACTION VERBS to describe your job duties.

Begin with your most recent job and work backward.

Provide your title, the employer’s name and location and the month and year of your employment.

Briefly describe your major duties and responsibilities using action words – see pages 8 and 9

If you have experience specifically related to your job objective, you may put these in a separate

category (i.e., Teaching Experience and Experience)

Experience is not limited to paid positions. Students often obtain valuable experience by participating in

leadership roles, special projects, volunteer work activities and internships. Brainstorm to include

all experience related to your career goals.

Student Recruiter August 2007 - May 2009 Lipscomb University, Office of Admissions, Nashville, TN

● Contacted interested prospects either by phone, email or social network to answer

enrollment questions

● Guided students through the admissions process and provided individualized support

● Organized office supplies and submitted order requests as needed

Academic and Professional Organizations or Associations (Optional)

List any relevant organizations in which you have actively participated. Be sure to mention if you held an office

or leadership position within the group.

MEMBERSHIPS ● Volunteer, Cooper River Bridge Run, 2008-2011 ● Member, American Association of University Women (AAUW), 2010- present ● President, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), 2008

Note: Join organizations and professional groups that align with your career interests. It will provide you with

valuable information and networking and show a potential employer that you are serious and intentional about

your career.

Honors or Awards (Optional)

Mention accomplishments you have been recognized for over the years. Scholarships may be relevant

depending on their selection criteria. Be sure to list anything that relates to the position to which you are

applying.

HONORS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS ● Employee of the Month, Circuit City, May 2008 ● Scholar-Athlete, Charleston Southern University, 2009-present ● President, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), 2008

Activities (Optional)

Employers like to see that you are active in the community and in pursuits which enhance your development.

Include activities and memberships related to your career goals, but exclude any controversial areas like

political affiliations unless specifically related.

ACTIVITIES ● Charleston Southern University Women’s Basketball Team, 2007-2011 ● Volunteer Coordinator, YMCA Summerville, 20011 ● Student Government Association, Trident Technical College, 2006

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RÉSUMÉ CHECKLIST

Select a format that suits your qualifications; a chronological résumé is best for undergraduates

Use the page well; proceed to a second page only if your résumé can fit on at least 1 ½ pages.

Keep sentences and phrases short. Let your résumé say the most about you in the fewest words

Use action verbs to describe accomplishments and duties

Be honest and accurate

Indicate unusual responsibilities given; include special recognition of ability

Eliminate repetitions. If you did similar tasks in two or three different jobs, highlight differences and

explain in detail only in most recent position

Highlight skills and capabilities; illustrate unique strengths

Cite numbers, dollar figures and specifics whenever possible

Avoid purely personal evaluations. I am an intelligent and diligent researcher—is to be avoided

Completed three major research projects—would be better

Skip a line or double space when changing to a new section

Always include a customized cover letter when sending your résumé to an employer via mail, fax,

or email; it is not needed when you are hand delivering it or are at a career fair

IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD LEAVE OFF OF MY RÉSUMÉ?

Yes! While your résumé is a representation of you, it should not include information that is of a personal

nature. Below is a list of things that should not be included in a general résumé:

Age or date of birth

Religious affiliation

Marital status

Number of children

Elementary, middle or high schools

Salary desired

The pronoun I

Salary history

Photographs or pictures

Reasons for leaving

Height, weight and other physical descriptions

Personal comments about failures or problems

Supervisors’ names or contact information

References

MORE DON’TS

Don’t put your résumé in a fancy binder or folder

Don’t include addresses of prior employers, Cities and states are sufficient

Don’t include reasons for leaving prior employment

Don’t include abbreviations, clichés, or personal opinions

Don’t mention divorce, hospitalization, handicaps and illnesses

Don’t include salary information

Don’t forget to include your phone number, area code, zip code

FINAL REVIEW

Make a final review of the content to ensure that you have provided the employer with a résumé which

shows that you are the ideal candidate for the position. The most important information is prominent and

easy to find, and you have taken the job description and requirements into consideration.

Run a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your résumé

Check for the proper tenses and consistency in format with dates and bullets

Get a friend (an English major would do nicely) to do a grammar review

Ask someone to proofread. The more people who see your résumé, the more likely that misspelled

words and awkward phrases will be seen (and corrected)

Upload résumé on the BucCareer Network for a professional critique

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DESIGN

These tips will make your résumé easier to read and scan into an employer's database. This is your personal

advertisement, so be sure that it looks great.

Use 8-1/2” x 11” white or off-white

paper of good quality

Print on one side of the paper only

Use a font size of 10.5 to 12 points

Make your name 2-4 font sizes larger

Choose one font style and vary with

capitalization, bolding and italicizing

Use nondecorative typefaces

Avoid script and underlined words

Leave some white space, use 2 pages if necessary

Do not fold or staple your résumé

If you must mail your résumé, put it in a large

envelope without folding it

Take your résumé to your interview even if you

mailed it in advance

Keep margins on each side of the page consistent

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ACTION VERBS

Carefully chosen action verbs can greatly enhance the way you express your skills and accomplishments. Be sure

to use the proper tense for past and present jobs. Following is a list of action verbs you may want to use:

Accomplished

Achieved

Acted

Adapted

Addressed

Administered

Advised

Analyzed

Arranged

Assembled

Assessed

Assigned

Assisted

Attended

Balanced

Broadened

Budgeted

Built

Calculated

Cared for

Categorized

Chaired

Checked

Clarified

Coached

Collaborated

Communicated

Compiled

Computed

Conducted

Constructed

Consulted

Contacted

Controlled

Cooperated

Coordinated

Corresponded

Counseled

Created

Decided

Decorated

Delegated

Delivered

Demonstrated

Designed

Determined

Developed

Devised Directed

Displayed

Distributed

Diversified

Doubled

Documented

Drafted

Earned

Edited

Educated

Empathized

Encouraged

Enforced

Ensured

Enlisted

Established

Evaluated

Examined

Experimented

Explained

Facilitated

Familiarized

Filed

Financed

Formulated

Formulized

Founded

Fulfilled

Gained

Gathered

Generated

Governed

Guided

Handled

Harmonized

Headed

Hired

Hosted

Identified

Illustrated

Implemented

Improved

Increased

Influenced

Interviewed

Initiated

Inspired Instructed

Integrated

Interpreted

Invented

Joined

Judged

Launched

Lectured

Led

Listened

Litigated

Located

Lowered

Maintained

Managed

Marketed

Measured

Mediated

Mentored

Negotiated

Obtained

Observed

Operated

Ordered

Organized

Outlined

Oversaw

Painted

Participated

Performed

Persuaded

Piloted

Planned

Played

Prepared

Presented

Presided

Programmed

Promoted

Proposed

Publicized

Quantified

Quoted

Raised

Read

Received Recommended

Recorded

Recruited

Referred

Reorganized

Repaired

Reported

Represented

Researched

Resolved

Responded

Reviewed

Revised

Saved

Scheduled

Screened

Selected

Served

Simplified

Sold

Solved

Studied

Supervised

Supplied

Supported

Surveyed

Taught

Tested

Trained

Translated

Traveled

Tutored

Typed

Understood

Unified

United

Updated

Utilized

Validated

Verified

Witnessed

Worked

Wrote

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ACTION VERBS BY CATEGORY

Use the underlined words to show effective accomplishments.

Management Skills administered analyzed assigned attained chaired consolidated contracted coordinated delegated developed directed evaluated executed improved increased organized oversaw planned prioritized produced recommended reviewed scheduled strengthened supervised Communication Skills addressed arbitrated arranged authored collaborated convinced corresponded developed directed drafted edited enlisted formulated influenced interpreted lectured mediated negotiated persuaded promoted publicized reconciled recruited spoke translated wrote

Research Skills clarified collected critiqued diagnosed evaluated examined extracted identified inspected interviewed investigated organized reviewed summarized surveyed Technical Skills assembled built calculated computed designed devised engineered fabricated maintained operated overhauled programmed remodeled repaired solved upgraded Financial Skills administered allocated analyzed appraised audited balanced budgeted calculated computed developed forecasted managed marketed planned projected researched

Creative Skills acted conceptualized created customized designed developed directed established fashioned founded illustrated initiated instituted integrated introduced invented originated performed planned revitalized shaped Helping Skills assessed assisted clarified coached counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated expedited facilitated familiarized guided motivated referred rehabilitated represented More Verbs achieved expanded improved pioneered reduced (losses) resolved (problems) restored spearheaded transformed

Organizational Skills approved arranged catalogued classified collated collected compiled dispatched executed generated implemented inspected monitored operated organized prepared processed purchased recorded retrieved screened specified systematized tabulated Teaching Skills adapted advised clarified coached communicated coordinated demystified developed enabled encouraged evaluated explained facilitated guided informed instructed persuaded set goals stimulated trained motivated

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Sample Chronological Résumé

GERALD C. COOK 145 S. Main Street

Summerville, SC 29844

(000) 766-1212 \ gccook@aol.com

OBJECTIVE

A position in the field of finance or accounting

EDUCATION

Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Expected Graduation date, May 2013

Emphasis in Accounting, Minor in Communication

Cum Laude, GPA: 3.9

Scholarship for Academic Excellence, 2005

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Accounting Intern, Purchasing Department January-May 2001

Destination Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC

Implemented new general ledger using Quicken software and generated financial and payroll

reports for submission to management

Reconciled statements with exceptional accuracy and processed 75+ purchase orders weekly

Promoted to trainer of accounting clerks after only 4 weeks on the job

Customer Service Assistant, Billing Department Summers 2001-2002

Blackbaud, Charleston, SC

Processed customer-billing inquiries in fast-paced call center

Resolved customer complaints and restored confidence in our products

Researched billing issues and helped to provide mutually beneficial solutions

Assisted in training new part-time staff during Summer 2002

Participated in American Management Association’s Customer First training

Cashier February 1999- December 2000

Papa John’s Pizza, Richmond, VA

Received orders and handled cash and credit transactions in high stress environment

Prepared food and beverage items for delivery and pick up

Promoted from delivery driver to cashier after 2 months

SKILLS

Skilled in MS Office applications, Quicken, and Adobe Photoshop

Capable of light troubleshooting for Windows operating systems

Excellent presentation and communication skills

Organizational and time management skills

Conversational Spanish

12

Sample Functional Résumé

Joe Sample, Jr.

3001 Candlelock Boulevard ▪ Dabson, SC 29466 ▪ (379) 555- 7028 ▪ Josample@yahoo.com

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Health services professional with effective interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences; Acute ability to multitask and meet strict deadlines utilizing attention to detail; Able to independently prioritize and strategize to meet goals and accomplish tasks; In-depth knowledge of medical terminology; Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, Capable of assessing situations and addressing problems and opportunities with informed solutions

Computer Skills Proficient with computer systems, equipment, and software which include Windows operating systems and

Microsoft Office Suite applications Expertise in various office automation software programs, tools, and techniques to support office operations Capable of producing a variety of professional documents, managing databases, and creating informative graphs

Administrative Skills Ability to answer phones, screen calls and visitors, and provide accurate and complete information Extensive experience with maintaining, extracting, compiling, and organizing records Ability to schedule and coordinate appointments and meetings, and assisting in the efficient operations and

exceptional service

Supervision and Leadership Supervised and instructed over 20 military personnel, working in demanding and stressful situations Built employee morale through strategic, goal-based initiatives and incentives, resulting in 50% increased

productivity Hand-picked to supervise four airmen in career and life decisions by Senior NCOIC Coordinated large inventory maintenance and introductory supervisory classes and refresher courses which

provided 100% increase in knowledge, skills, and abilities of all shop personnel Received the “Below-the-Zone” award which resulted in being promoted within six months

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, August 2011 Charleston Southern University, Charleston SC GPA 3.67

Associate in Applied Science Degree, December 2007 Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell, AL

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

Completed Reserve Accelerated Officer Training Course, GPA 4.0, May 2011 Supervision and Leadership Training, Airman Leadership School, GPA 3.5 Feb 2006 Central Carolina Technical College, Microsoft Instructional courses, 2008

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Assistant Military Services Coordinator January 2010-August 2011 Veterans Affairs & Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC Assistant Manager of Vehicle Maintenance Shop October 2005- January 2008 US Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, SC Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman March 2002-September 2005 US Air Force, Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany Lead Sales Associate November 2001- March. 2002 Joe Muggs Coffee and Bookstand, Hanover, MD