Resume Writing
A resume is a document that summarizes your education, experiences, and credentials as they relate to
your employment goals. The resume’s primary purpose is to convince the employer, in a very short
period of time, of your relevant qualifications and create a first impression that motivates the employer
to contact you.
Building an effective resume is an iterative process. It usually takes a few reviews to write effective
descriptions aligned towards your employment goal, and to catch format inconsistencies, typos and
grammatical errors. As such, this guide is intended to help construct the first draft of your resume. The
sample resumes at the back of the guide are there to illustrate different formats and styles, and serve as a
framework for your initial draft. As always, have your resume reviewed by a Career Advisor before
sending it to potential employers.
RESUME COMPONENTS
Identifying Information (Name, Address, Telephone, and E-Mail - required)
Use your full name and set it apart from the body of your resume. If you’re living on campus you may
include current and permanent address (school and home) and list the telephone number(s) where you
can be reached. The key to this section is to make you as accessible as possible. Often it is easier for an
employer to reach you on your cell, but keep in mind poor reception or calls received at inconvenient
times may leave a negative first impression. Please ensure that both your email address and voicemail
message are professional and appropriate.
Objective (Optional)
The objective is a concise statement which explains what type of work you are seeking. Since the
purpose of a cover letter is to state your objective in sending your resume, it is not necessary to include
an objective on your resume if it is accompanied by a cover letter. If you choose to include an objective
on a resume, it should include a job function and industry but NOT a specific organization name (ex: To
obtain a position as a market research analyst in an advertising agency).
Education
Starting with the most recent, list the name(s) of the college(s) attended, location, degree or certificates
received, expected date of graduation (month and year only), and major. Term abroad experiences also
should be reflected in the education section. For upper class students, high school activities and
achievements should be eliminated unless they are directly relevant to the job. Be sure to include
information about your Senior Thesis or Senior Project, as these are both noteworthy and indicative of
research and writing abilities. Relevant Coursework/Projects may be included in the education section or
somewhere within the experience section. Honors or awards may be included here or in a separate
section. If your GPA is less than a 3.0, you should leave it off your resume, and emphasize your work
experience instead. If your Major GPA is 3.0 or higher, and your overall GPA is less than 3.0, you can
choose to list only your Major GPA. If your work experience is limited, consider stressing curriculum
highlights that relate to your career field.
Work/Relevant Experience
These sections show how your experiences relate to your target position and demonstrate to the
employer that you have the experience necessary to do the required work. Include relevant experience
from any of the following: full-time, summer, part-time work; internships; field work; research projects;
volunteer work; or extracurricular activities. For upper class students, high school activities and
achievements should be eliminated unless they are directly relevant to the job. For each experience,
indicate your job title, name of the organization, city, state and dates of employment or service. See the
“Writing Action Oriented Descriptions” page for assistance articulating your responsibilities for each
position.
Additional Experience/Activities
This section can add depth to a resume by reflecting highly desirable skills, commitment and
involvement outside academic coursework and employment. Include leadership positions, memberships
in clubs or organizations, volunteer experience, professional development, and athletics. Include your
position title, organization name, city, state, and dates of your involvement. You can choose not to
provide descriptions or provide descriptions for those activities which require further explanation
(determination should be based on whether or not the experience can showcase employer desired skills).
Related and Additional Skills
Use this section to emphasize skills applicable to your field of interest. Skills could include, but should
not be limited to, foreign language fluency, computer/technical application, scientific/laboratory, and/or
special certifications.
Achievements, Awards, Publications or Honors
This section can stand alone or be included in the education section. List only those received while in
college and that are of particular relevance (support your candidacy) to your field of interest.
Other
There may be other qualifications you’ll want to consider highlighting as well. These may include
“Professional Associations”, “Professional Development”, “Professional Presentations”, “Training”,
“Publications”, etc. Consult a Career Advisor for assistance in drafting such a section.
References
Prepare a separate sheet with a similar heading to your resume entitled “References” and have it
available upon request. Select three to five people to serve as your references. These people should
represent faculty, supervisors, coaches, college administrators or employers who have knowledge of
your abilities and goals. Always obtain permission before listing references. Include: name, title,
organization, reference’s relationship to you, address, email and telephone number. See References page
at end of guide.
Resume Checklist
Appearance and Organization
□ Visually pleasing & easy to read
□ Print on high quality paper (white/off white)
□ Limit to one page, if possible
□ Use laser printer
□ No flashy colored or swirled paper
□ No faint letters, stray marks or blurry words
□ No graphics
□ Do not staple pages together
Content
□ Use clear, descriptive action verbs
□ Emphasize marketable skills
□ Stress achievements
□ Be honest, non-exaggerative
□ Include pertinent details
□ Minimize use of repetitive words
□ Be consistent with capitalization, punctuation
□ Current job is in present tense
□ Past jobs are in past tense
□ No typos
□ No grammatical or spelling errors
□ No personal information (i.e., picture, age, etc.)
□ No “I” statements
□ No abbreviations (except states and GPA)
□ Update on a regular basis so it is current
Format/Layout
□ No more than two standard font styles
□ No font smaller than 10 point
□ Margins between .5-1 inch
□ Larger or equal margin at top of resume
□ Bolding, italics, capitalization is minimal
□ Bolding, italics, capitalization is consistent
□ Information is not too crowded on the page
□ Use bullets to separate items and guide the eye
□ Print is only on ONE-SIDE of page
Identifying Information
Clearly present at top of each page
□ Name
□ Current address and permanent address
□ Phone number(s) for contact purposes
□ E-mail address
Objective (optional)
□ Describe type of work sought (i.e., Sous
Chef, Counselor, Accountant, Legal
Assistant)
□ Can be addressed in cover letter
Education
□ School, city and state
□ Degree(s), major, minor, concentration
□ Honors and awards (unless listed in
separate section)
□ G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
□ Study abroad and/or thesis
□ Relevant certificate programs
□ High school information only if necessary
□ for first and second year students
Work/Relevant Experience
□ Any experience relevant to your
objective/interest: paid, volunteer, part-
time, fulltime, internships, jobs
□ Your title, organization name, city, state
□ Experiences are listed in reverse
chronological order
□ Dates of employment are consistently
formatted
□ Position descriptions highlight skills and
relevant accomplishments
□ Highlight your contributions, recognition,
achievements, progress and promotions
□ Use action verbs to qualify responsibilities
where possible
□ Explain how your responsibilities
contribute to the organizational objective
□ Relate your tasks to organizational
objectives
Additional Section(s)
□ Sample Categories: Community Service,
□ Volunteer Experience, Leadership,
Activities, and Athletics, etc.
□ Offices held (including title, organization,
and date)
□ Pertinent memberships and affiliations
□ Certifications such as ServSafe, TIPS,
EMT, CPR, Notary Public, etc.
□ Relevant conferences attended
Related/Additional Skills
□ Computer and language competencies
□ Relevant to objective/interests
□ Match job requirements
Writing Action Oriented Descriptions
Many job candidates make the mistake of being vague articulating relevant employment, leadership, academic,
and extracurricular experiences on their resume. Doing so undersells their experience and reduces the chance of
hearing back from potential employers. The more detailed and specific you are in describing your
relevant/transferrable experiences the stronger a candidate you become. To write strong, action oriented
descriptions, focus on including not only what you did, but how you did it, and why or for what purpose.
Ultimately, you want to provide active descriptions that highlight your results and experiences.
Use strong action verbs to describe specific facts regarding your responsibilities and accomplishments, instead
of general verbs and adjectives. Doing so will strengthen your resume and make it stand out. Below are some
typical examples and ways to expand and strengthen them.
Poor: Customer Service
Better: Received recognition from clients and management for outstanding customer service
• What were the bank services?
• Were there policies/procedures?
• How many customers do you typically service?
• How large are the accounts you handle and process each day?
• What did it result in?
BEST: Served 75+ clients per shift, resolving 93% of all concerns through clarification of
policies and services. Received 5 outstanding service notifications in the past month.
Poor: Made policy decisions
Better: Collaborated with business team when making policy decisions
• How did you make policy decisions?
• Who did you collaborate with?
• Who was effected by the decisions?
• What was the result of the decision?
BEST: Collaborated with 17 Student Government members to evaluate 13 proposals and
establish 7 new college policies brought forth by students and campus administrators
Poor: Worked with children with special needs
Better: Organized and initiated group activities for children with special needs
• What duties?
• What did they result in?
• How did they fit into working with gifted students?
BEST: Initiated and organized a 12 week arts and crafts program for 3 groups of 8 - 12 children
with special needs to enhance peer interaction and motor development skills
Action Verbs
(Choose action verbs to describe your skills, abilities and accomplishments confidently)
ACHIEVEMENT: Achieved, Awarded, Earned, Elected, Maintained, Mastered, Performed, Salvaged, Saved,
Solved, Started, Succeeded, Utilized, Volunteered.
ANALYSIS: Analyzed, Appraised, Ascertained, Assessed, Calculated, Clarified, Conducted, Determined,
Discovered, Evaluated, Forecasted, Identified, Integrated, Interpreted, Investigated, Pinpointed, Planned,
Probed, Researched, Revised, Selected, Solved, Studied.
COMMUNICATION: Addressed, Argued, Authored, Clarified, Collaborated, Communicated, Composed,
Consulted, Contracted, Corresponded, Counseled, Debated, Explained, Interacted, Interpreted, Moderated,
Motivated, Negotiated, Persuaded, Petitioned, Presented, Promoted, Published, Recommended, Reported,
Synthesized, Translated, Wrote.
COORDINATION: Activated, Arranged, Assembled, Controlled, Coordinated, Directed, Facilitated,
Harmonized, Maintained, Orchestrated, Presided, Scheduled, Shaped, Steered, Systematized.
CREATION: Animated, Authored, Composed, Conceived, Conceptualized, Created, Defined, Designed,
Developed, Engineered, Fashioned, Formulated, Founded, Illustrated, Initiated, Invented, Mapped, Originated,
Pioneered, Reproduced, Visualized, Wrote.
DEVELOPMENT: Analyzed, Converted, Cultivated, Designed, Developed, Devised, Engineered, Established,
Evaluated, Examined, Explored, Improved, Improvised, Installed, Planned, Refined, Researched, Updated,
Upgraded.
EFFICIENCY: Combined, Converted, Eased, Expedited, Facilitated, Mobilized, Remodeled, Reorganized,
Repaired, Reshaped, Restored, Revitalized, Simplified, Streamlined.
GROWTH: Accumulated, Advanced, Amplified, Augmented, Broadened, Concentrated, Condensed,
Consolidated, Doubled, Enhanced, Enlarged, Expanded, Gained, Heightened, Increased, Intensified,
Maximized, Reinforced, Saved, Strengthened.
LEADERSHIP/SUPERVISION: Administered, Appointed, Controlled, Directed, Explained, Governed, Guided,
Managed, Orchestrated, Presided, Recruited, Scheduled, Stimulated, Supervised, Trained.
MANAGEMENT: Accomplished, Administered, Analyzed, Approved, Arranged, Conferred, Consulted,
Contacted, Contributed, Coordinated, Determined, Directed, Discussed, Established, Facilitated, Formulated,
Fostered, Handled, Maintained, Marketed, Organized, Planned, Prepared, Prescribed, Promoted, Recommended,
Reviewed, Supervised, Trained.
ORGANIZATION: Arranged, Catalogued, Classified, Collated, Collected, Indexed, Itemized, Organized,
Revised, Scheduled, Specified, Systematized.
REDUCTION: Alleviated, Curbed, Curtailed, Declined, Decreased, Diminished, Divided, Lowered, Minimized,
Reduced, Simplified.
SALES: Distributed, Energized, Generated, Marketed, Obtained, Penetrated, Promoted, Recruited, Sold,
Stimulated.
SUPPORT: Assisted, Augmented, Boosted, Participated, Relieved, Represented, Strengthened.
TRAINING: Advised, Briefed, Coached, Counseled, Educated, Enhanced, Enlightened, Groomed, Guided,
Instilled, Instructed, Motivated, Oriented, Stimulated, Taught, Trained.
GLENDA F. SMITH
10 Cream Cake Drive, Schenectady, NY 12304 * (518) 355-1234 * [email protected]
Event Planning, Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
Seeking a full-time, Event Planner/Catering position
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center. Albany, NY (Sept. 2002 - Present)
Special Events Assistant
Assisted in conceptual, planning, and execution stages of both the ‘03 & ‘04 New Year’s Eve Celebrations
(attraction over 1,200 guests) and the 17
th
& 18
th
Annual American Wine Festivals (attracting over 3,000 guests
throughout out the three day event).
Solicited vendors, suppliers, printers, wineries & advertising sponsors for both events.
Processed guest & exhibitor registrations in database.
Complied & set-up program information for graphic artist before printing.
Crossed trained to serve in Reservations, Operations and Executive departments within the hotel.
Blue Moon Catering. Mechanicville, NY (Aug. 2002 - 2007 / Fasig Tipton at Saratoga) -Seasonal
Pantry Chef
Created appetizers, salads, sandwiches & dessert specials for dining room customers.
Assisted in banquet preparation and carving station service for catered private auctions & elite clientele parties for
up to 200 guests.
Chrissy’s Cakes. Scotia, NY (Oct.1990 - Present)
Free Lance Cake Designer and Independent Baker
Created, designed and sold over 1,000 cakes for Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Weddings and other special events to
corporate and residential customers.
Designed & created petite pastry & cookie trays, holiday, specialty pies, including molded & hand-dipped
confections.
First National Bank of Scotia. Scotia, NY (1988 - May 2001)
Indirect Marketing Representative
Crossed trained to serve in all departments with in the banking industry.
EDUCATION
Long Island University/Southampton Campus, Southampton, NY
Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies (May 2004)
Schenectady County Community College, Schenectady, NY
Associate in Applied Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management (Dec. 2002)
Associate in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts-Baking (May 2002)
(Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member / GPA 3.97)
PRACTICAL TRAINING
Bakery Assistant Intern. J & S Watkins Home Baked Gourmet Desserts. (Mar. 2002 - Jul. 2002)
Garde Manger Assistant & Rounds Person Intern. Volume Services America. (2002 Belmont Stakes)
Assistant Dessert Chef & Assistant Pantry Chef Pantry Intern. Panza’s Restaurant. (May - Aug. 2001)
Rounds Person/ Service Volunteer. Glen Sanders Mansion Catering (Dec. 2001 & Feb. 2002)
Prep-Cook Volunteer. Regional Farm & Food Project Benefit (Sept. 2001)
Winery Exhibit Volunteer. Saratoga Global Wine & Food Festival (May 2001)
Howard Human Service 123 Dependent Drive, Albany, NY 12345
518.321.9876
Residential Program Manager
for Court Appointed Juveniles, People with Disabilities or Elderly
EDUCATION & TRAINING
A.S. in Human Services May 2009
Schenectady County Community College, NY High Honors Graduate
Received $30K Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship (only 30 graduates awarded nationally)
Completed four Criminal Justice courses beyond degree requirements
Computer & Office Procedures Training:
Microsoft Office Suite 2007; Database Systems, E-Communications
Incident Reporting, Client Tracking Systems, Project Management, HIPPA Knowledge
Related Projects:
Received long-term mentoring from three professionals working in areas of Residential Services,
Geriatric Services and Mental Health. Wrote research papers on trends in residential treatment
programs and facilities management. Data supplied by local and national sources.
Coordinated site visits to various Schenectady County Courts, County Jail, Juvenile Detention
Facilities, and Community Re-Entry Programs.
Currently mentoring PIN appointed youth residing at Glenmont Job Corps in Glenmont, NY
Established a college student volunteer program that fostered relationships between students and
those living with disabling physical or mental health conditions. Connected over 40 students.
Prepared, submitted and received a grant to initiate an Intergenerational Work Study Program at
SCCC. Connected 8 college students with residents in local nursing homes.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
National Association for Social Workers / NASW ~ Capital Region Chapter, Albany, NY
Member / 2008 – Present
Legislative Intern, researched and promoted new policies and bills being prepared for vote
Attendance at 2008 and 2009 Annual Conferences, Albany, NY
Completed 2 Professional Development Courses: Geriatric Addictions and Transgender Emergence in
2009.
SCCC Volunteer Organization, Schenectady, NY
President, Secretary/Treasurer, Member / 2006-2009
Served as a catalyst that motivated our membership to think BIG. Led annual fundraising and
community engagement campaigns that raised over $15K and generated 28 new volunteers.
Founded SCCC’s Intergenerational Work Study Program with NYS Office for the Aging.
INTERNSHIP
Housing Program Intern, Bethesda House, Albany, NY Fall 2008
Updated Community Service Guide with over 100 resources for those with diverse needs.
Assisted maintenance staff in refurbishing rooms to satisfy NYS code inspection.
Sat in on intake procedures and later connected new residents to community services.
ANNE GREENE
1414 Cochran Hill Road (555) 555-5555
TEACHER'S ASSISTANT FOR HEAD START OR CHILD CARE SETTING
EXPERIENCE
Kinder-Care of New Jersey, Buffalo, NY 6/1996 - Present
Teacher's Assistant
Assist with managing classroom that consists of 21 (2 to 5 year-old) children. Provide children with learning
experiences that promote their cognitive, social and emotional development. Deliver individualized instruction
in all areas of the curriculum. Assist teacher with creating and implementing lesson plans. Participate in parent-
teacher conferences, handle record-keeping, and keep a tidy classroom.
Classroom Success Stories:
Coordinated launch of a reading group in 1999. The hands-on program has received praise from the
executive director, parents' association and colleagues.
Commended by teacher for developing engaging and effective lesson plans.
Volunteered to co-chair and organize "International Day," an event that attracted 200 parents and
students after program hours. The event resulted in press coverage and positive publicity for the center.
Worked one-on-one with a developmentally challenged student with autism. Assisted child with
reaching milestones in the areas of self-care and preservation skills.
Action Day Center, Rochester, NY 4/1990 - 6/1996
Teacher's Assistant
Helped create a child-centered learning environment for pre-school children aged 3 to 5. Created a nurturing
atmosphere using age-appropriate teaching strategies.
Classroom Success Stories:
Helped the teacher maintain a supportive learning environment that was often used as a model for other
classrooms.
Worked with interdisciplinary team members to evaluate children's progress and recommend
appropriate learning plans.
Participated in all training and in-service opportunities to maintain a high standard of educational
excellence.
Frequently requested by parents to work with their children.
Entrusted to manage the classroom in the teacher's absence.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Schenectady County Community College, Schenectady, NY
Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (in progress) September 2007 – Present
ABC Training, City, State
Certification - Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Pre-Schoolers January 2008
Certification - 25-hour Introductory Child Care Training Course December 2007
Fingerprinted & Passed Related Background Checks
Certified in Red Cross Basic Life Support, First Responder, and CPR.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Committed to creating a classroom environment that inspires children and fosters a love of learning.
Excellent understanding of teaching strategies for children in various stages of development.
Experience working with children with challenging behaviors and disabilities.
Clean NY driver's license.
Carlos Washington
1000 West Main Street, Apt 8K | Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 381-1000 | [email protected]
REFERENCES
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Individual Relationship and Range of Knowledge
Jennifer Brooks, CSW Served as immediate supervisor (field instructor for graduate place-
School Social Worker ment) at Elmer Avenue Elementary School. Can speak to my skills in
Schenectady City Schools regards to working with children (1:1 and groups), families, school
(518) 333-0000 (h) administration/faculty and community as well as my ability to develop,
[email protected] implement and evaluate various programs and activities including but not
limited to crisis intervention, anger and behavior management. Can confirm
and discuss my level of commitment to children and adolescents.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Donna Devito, CSW Served as Social Work faculty advisor and professor at Siena College.
Professor, Siena College Can confirm my skills in interpersonal communications, research,
(518) 881-1000 (h) human behavior management, professional practice. Also served on
[email protected] advisory board together and can discuss level of professionalism, maturity and
commitment to field of Social Work and to children and adolescents.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Doris Begley Immediate supervisor at Mohawk Pathways Girl Scout Council. Can
Executive Director confirm consistent/quality employee record as well as ability to work
Girl Scout Council with children, adolescents and adults. Able to elaborate on my ability
(800) 319-1999 (h) to design, implement, and evaluate programs for individuals and
(800) 319-2000 (w) group, quality of communication skills, and ability to work as a team
[email protected] or player and/or leader. Can confirm and discuss my level of commitment
[email protected] to children and adolescents.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
George Jones Co-member of Student Access Team at Schenectady County
Asst. Dean, Student Affairs Community College. Can speak to my ability to interact with people
Schenectady Co. Comm. College of diverse backgrounds, to problem-solve, and to my initiative in
(518) 381-1000 (w) regards to working independently as well as part of a team.
(518) 234-4321 (h)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Clark Mann, Design Engineer Volunteer for Mohawk Pathways Girl Scout Council during my
NY State Dept. of Transportation tenure at the organization. Worked jointly to develop numerous
Volunteer, Mohawk Pathways programs, safety and crisis plans, and construction projects. Can speak
(518) 345-4000 (h) to my commitment to children and adolescents.
(518) 357-2222 (w)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
David Simone Served as immediate supervisor (BSW field placement instructor)
School Social Worker at Galway Central School. Can speak about my skills in regards
Albany Central School to working with students (1:1 and groups), families, administration/
(518) 456-1291 (w) faculty and community. Able to discuss my research abilities, skills in
(518) 884-0100 (h) crisis intervention and program development, implementation and evaluation.
Can speak to my level of commitment to children and adolescents.
Sample Business Cards
Brian Helder
Mission: seeking opportunities to
provide outstanding patient care
for individuals and their families
(518) 456-3876 ♦ [email protected]
Connect with me on Linkedin.com
Sales & Service Professional
Top in Sales - Two Consecutive Years
Customer Service Award Winner
Takisha Miller
518. 433.3870 [email protected]et
433.512.7632 find me on Linkedin.com
Keion J. Wilson
◘ Distinguished Service Veteran
◘ Top Security Clearance
◘ Logistics & Transportation Experience
677.455.1218 / [email protected]
Melanie DeFreese
♦ Legal Services Experience
♦ AAS in Paralegal Studies
♦ Notary Public
(518) 355-4421
Miki Walsh Designs
Specializing in sculpture, pottery,
ceramics and stone work
_______________________________
Review my work at: MWDesigns.com
Or give me a ring: (678) 555-9987
Shawn Brown
› Internships with top financial companies
› Member of AMA / AFMA / ABA
› 2.5 years of successful sales and service
201.322.1178 ● Portfolio: SBportfolio.yola.com
Brigette McKowen
Guest Services Professional
(518) 356-8789 / [email protected]
“A top candidate for any hospitality business”
Angelo Mazzone, CEO Mazzone Mgmt.
Reheen Kajar
Electrical / Manufacturing Technology
• Nanoscales • Material Science • Thin Film
• Programmng Logic • Chemistry/Physics
• GPA: 3.8 • Autocad • Electronics/Circuitry
________________________________________
(315) 767-4411 ♦ [email protected]
See how to make your own business cards using Microsoft Publisher on next page
ptimize your
website
1. To create your business cards from a blank document:
From the desk top: Click the windows button (start) on the bottom left corner of the desktop.
A list of Microsoft applications should be displayed. If not: Click all programs, and look for the
Microsoft Office folder, then Click on Microsoft Publisher 2010
To create your business card from a template, Click on New
On the upper right corner of the screen in the search for templates box
Type business cards and click go. Scroll through the options and click the design you want.
2. To create your business card from scratch, scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and select the
Standard Page Sizes - 27882 Business Cards 3.5 x 2”, and click on the blank card.
When the card opens, on the ribbon bar (menu bar):
Click the Home tab
Go over to Draw Text Box button, and click on it. After clicking on the Draw Text Box button
put your curser on the blank card. Your cursor should look like a “plus” sign.
Click and hold, then drag the text box open as large or as small as you want it.
3. You can add your photo or any image of your choice if you wish.
If you need help, do not hesitate to ask the staff in Career and Employment Services, 222-I, Elston
Hall, Schenectady County Community College.
