Resume Recommendations - Western Illinois University
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Résumé
Resume
Recommendations
Recommendations
A collection of tips, information,
A collection of tips, information,
and examples of résumés
and examples of resumes
Augustana College
WIU-QC
Career Development
Career Development
Community Engagement Center
309-762-9080
Sorenson 1st Floor
www.wiu.edu/qc/careerservices
309.794.7339
www.augustana.edu/careercenterHave your resume critiqued! Call 309-762-9080 to make an appointment with
Audrey Adamson, Career Development
Also check out other services we provide:
Interview Assistance • Job Search Planning • Cover Letters• Workshops • Fairs
Tips for Writing an Effective Resume
Resume Writing Strategy
It is important to remember that there is no one right way to write a resume. There are, however,
recommendations on writing resumes, formatting them, and choosing what to include. Based on
employers’ feedback and some research done by Career Development, we have created general
guidelines to follow when writing a resume. Ultimately, the resume is your document and therefore
should be a reflection of you.
Remember, a resume…
IS IS NOT
A marketing tool An autobiography
Targeted and selective A laundry list of everything you’ve done
Customized to the position Only one generic version used every time
About relevant skills & experiences About listing personal qualities
About your qualifications for the job About you
You want your resume to be persuasive! The best resume writers take the time to research the
company/organization/graduate school they are applying to AND take a very careful look at the job or
program. Pick up on the clues they give you.
Think like the person who will read the resume. What do you want them to see, to know about you?
Whatever that is, find ways to make it obvious and clear. This strategy will shape all your decisions
about what to include and how to organize the resume.
Use the language and terminology they use. Some employers use key words to search their resume
data base, so use their terminology! Every piece of knowledge you gain helps you understand them
better and persuade them to hire you.As you are making decisions about each item for the resume, ask yourself:
1. Is this relevant?
2. Is this recent?
3. Is this impressive?
4. Is this important?
Your answers to these questions will help you decide whether to include that item, how much space to
devote to it, and how to describe it.
STEP 1: Lay Out Your Resume
Your resume may represent your first contact with the employer, therefore the content and appearance is
critical. Create the resume yourself. Avoid using templates. Templates are difficult to edit and make
your resume look generic.
Design Guidelines
Layout: Choose between placing your category headings to the left of your content or above
your content. See examples in the back of this packet.
Format: Make it visually appealing and easy to read. Be consistent in your format and use of
bold, CAPITALIZATION, italics, etc.
Font: Use a font size of 10-12 points. Choose a standard font that is easy to read (Garamond,
Arial, etc.) Do not mix more than two font styles.
Margins: Keep the margins even. Margins should be between .75 and 1 inch.
Length: Keep it to one page, unless there is enough critical information and experience for two
full pages. Exceptions: Some majors such as education will have two pages. Resumes for
graduate school applications may also be two pages.
Presentation: If distributing paper copies, do not fold or staple your resume. If you have two
pages use a paper clip to keep the two pages together or consider double sided. Always number
pages and indicate your name on the second page.
Paper: Use good quality, neutral 8.5x11” bond paper with high quality print. Do not use paper
with flecks/glitter because of poor copying abilities.
Document Format: Before submitting your resume, always save it as a PDF file. This will
preserve your formatting no matter who opens it.
Content Guidelines
Style: Use long phrases, not sentences. Do not write in the first person (i.e. don’t use “I”
statements). Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms.
Order: Within each category, all information should be in reverse chronological order. Most
recent items go first.
Tense: Using past tense verbs emphasizes completion and accomplishment. Use present tense
for current experiences.
Older Experiences: Generally, you should not include high school experiences past your
sophomore year in college. Experiences older than five years should be left off unless they are
highly relevant to the position you are applying for.SAMPLE RESUME LAYOUT 1
YOUR NAME
9870 Home Street Any City, IL 09369 (219) 999-9999 email.address@wiu.edu Linkedin URL
PROFILE OR OBJECTIVE
Summarize your strongest qualifications in bullet points and the skills/experiences you will bring to the job.
If an Objective is requested include the type of position you are seeking, the type of organization you are
seeking it in to direct the reader. Customize for each position or position type.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business Degree, Western Illinois University, Moline, IL Anticipated May 2018
Major: Minor: (if none, then delete)
Overall G.P.A.: X.X/4.0 Major GPA: X.X/4.0 (optional)
Honors: Add any honors, honor societies, awards or scholarships, indicating years you received them.
Include “Dean’s List”, if applicable, and indicate the # of semesters.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Position/Job Title (MOST RECENT JOBS FIRST!) Dates of Employment
NAME OF COMPANY/ORGANIZATION, CITY, STATE
Bullet your best accomplishments or most significant duties on the job, starting with action verbs.
Quantify information if possible, use numbers, statistics, percentages to strengthen each bullet.
Position/Title, Department Dates of Employment
NAME OF ORGANIZATION, CITY, STATE
Include not just what you did, but what you learned and the results of what you did.
If all of the experiences are “Relevant”, delete the “Other Experience” section.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Position/Title , NAME OF ORGANIZATION, CITY, STATE Dates of Employment
Description
Position/Title , NAME OF ORGANIZATION, CITY, STATE Dates of Employment
Description
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Add any student organizations, off-campus activities, professional organizations that you have been
involved in, the dates you have been involved, and any leadership roles you have had in them.
Example: Any Student Organization, 2014-present: President, 2015-2016
RELATED SKILLS
List your computer skills, especially software, and anything related to your career field.
Also add any language skills you have, training or certifications, or other skills relevant to the job that
are not mentioned elsewhere on your resume.SAMPLE RESUME LAYOUT 2
Your Name
Address: Mailing Address, City, State Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
__________________________________________________________
PROFILE/ What can you do for the employer? Expresses your interest in a specific job or tells
OBJECTIVE the reader about your career goals. Profile can be bulleted and highlight skills and
relevant experiences that are expanded upon later.
EDUCATION List schools (most recent first) include degrees, locations, majors, minors, and GPA
(if 3.0 or higher). You may also include honors such as Dean’s List (unless you
choose to make this a separate category) and/or study abroad experience.
RELATED You should include your jobs, internships, or volunteer work that is most related to
EXPERIENCE your area of study. List title held, company’s name, the location (city, state), and
dates of employment. Start by listing your most recent experiences.
Use bullet points to describe what, why, and how you performed the duties of
your job in short descriptive statements while focusing on positive outcomes.
List job tasks in order of importance so the most relevant information is
conveyed first.
Begin each statement with an action verb. (See List of Action Verbs)
Avoid using any personal pronouns like “I”.
Try to quantify results using numbers and percentages when appropriate.
ADDITIONAL Use this section to highlight any other paid or unpaid experiences which are notable,
EXPERIENCE not as relevant to your area of study or the job in which you are applying. Highlight
transferable skills (communication, customer service, organization, teamwork, time
management). You may also include part-time or summer employment, civilian or
military. Highlight these experiences more briefly than your relevant experiences.
HONORS & Highlight your co-curricular activities, leadership roles, student interest groups, or
ACTIVITIES honors/scholarships that you have been awarded during your time at WIU. Focus
on your accomplishments. Find ways to get involved both on and off campus that
will help you expand your resume.
SKILLS Do you have specific computer, laboratory, or language skills? This is a section for
you to highlight skills that will make you more marketable to the employer.Step 2: Choose Resume Headings
Summary or Objective: Special Skills and Training:
Summary Related Skills
Summary of Qualifications Computer Skills/Technology Skills
Profile Special Training
Internship Objective Certifications
Career Objective Language Competencies
Professional Objective Areas of Knowledge/ Expertise
Professional Skills
Licenses or Licensure
Education: Activities:
Educational Background • Campus Leadership
Study Abroad/International Experience • Campus & Community Activities
Relevant Coursework - if related to • Community Involvement
position/field • Campus Activities
Senior Research Project • Volunteer/Service
• Professional and Community Activities
• Leadership Activities
• Co-curricular Activities
Experience: Honors/ Awards:
Employment/Work Experience Activities and Distinctions
Internship Experience Honors and Awards
Related Experience (Engineering, Supply College Honors
Chain etc.) Special Honors
Customer Service Experience Dean’s List
Leadership Experience Scholarships
Research Experience Athletic Honors
Career Related Experience
Study Abroad/International Experience
Teamwork Experience
Sales Experience Publications or Research:
Marketing Experience
Research Experience Research Interests
Business Experience Research Experience
Accounting Experience Presentations
Public Relations Experience Academic Research
Tutoring/Counseling ExperienceStep 3: Write Content for Each Section
Resume Sections: PROFILE or OBJECTIVE
The resume profile is different from the resume objective statement. The first one is more focused on
the customer (employer) and what benefits he or she will receive if hiring you. The objective is more
focused on the candidate. For this reason we do recommend to use a resume profile instead of an
objective as it is stronger choice for most.
Resume profiles statements feature your skills, accomplishments, and career level, and can also include
your career objective as well, but with the advantage to look more attractive and interesting to recruiters.
PROFILE CONTENT (PREFERRED)
4-6 bullets of your top selling points
Describes your specialization, experience, responsibilities that are relevant to a specific position
Relays your value to the organization in a summarized format
Utilizes keywords found in job description
PROFILE STYLES
Bullet Points:
Over ten years customer service experience.
Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
Well developed interpersonal and written communication skills.
Introductory narrative with bullet points:
Public relations professional with over 10 years experience in the not for profit and community welfare
sectors. Has a demonstrated track record of success in relation to:
Developing and maintaining excellent relationships with print and electronic media.
Business development and fundraising.
Image development and brand repositioning
Bullet points with accompanying narrative:
Well developed written communication skills - Has produced work for a variety of audiences
including public and private sector clients, the higher education sector and academia, management and
consumers.
Narrative:
Charismatic, energetic and results focused with extensive general management experience in a diverse
range of fields including tour wholesaling, the conventions industry and the hospitality sectorOBJECTIVE CONTENT (Optional, or as part of profile)
1-3 lines in length. Use long phrases in bulleted form, not complete sentences.
Conveys key information to the employer about what you have applied for, including any job
number.
Tells the audience why you are writing and key skills that you can contribute.
OBJECTIVE STYLES
Position-Oriented: Human Resources Assistant position with Trinity Hospital, position number_____
Field-Oriented: To obtain a position in the field of …
Skills Oriented: Seeking a position that uses/utilizes/capitalizes upon skills in… (leadership, communication,
organization, computer science, foreign language, etc.)
Knowledge-Oriented: To obtain a position that will utilize knowledge/strong background in… (economics,
chemistry, etc.)
Combination (various pairings can occur such as the following):
-Field and Position: To obtain an accounting position at XYZ accounting firm.
-Field and Skills: Desire a position in elementary education that uses skills in creative lesson planning, flexibility,
and fluency in the Spanish language
OBJECTIVE/PROFILE FORMATTING TIPS
Tailor to each position or employer you apply
Do not use obvious comments such as: “To work in a challenging environment.” Most employers would
like to think that the candidate possesses enough initiative to challenge the environment.
Focus on the specific position you are applying for and utilize their keywords.Resume Sections: EDUCATION
Required Content Optional Content
Degree Level (Bachelor of Science, Master of Science) GPA, if over a 3.0 (Example: 3.0/4.0)
Name of College Can also include your major GPA
Location of College (city, state) Relevant Coursework (a short list of 3-4 courses)
Graduation Date (month, year) Honors and Awards (or could be its own section)
Major(s), Minor(s), and Concentration(s) Study Abroad Experience (ditto)
Example Education Sections
Bachelor of Business, Western Illinois University, Moline, IL Anticipated May 2018
Major: Management
GPA: 3.27, Major GPA: 3.4
Study Abroad: Ireland, Spring 2016, “Business Practices of Ireland”
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, May 2017
Western Illinois University, Moline, IL
GPA: 3.42
Resume Sections: EXPERIENCE
Possible Experience Categories/ Headings
Career-Related Experience
Internship Experience
Additional Work Experience
Volunteer Experience
Leadership Experience
Coaching Experience
Teaching Experience
Experience Content (Include for EACH experience)
Position title
Organization name
Location (city, state)
Dates of service (month, year-month, year) For summer jobs: Summers 2012-2015
Description of responsibilities, achievements, skills in bulleted phrases
Provide information to prove to prospective employers that you have experience which will qualify you
as a candidate. Point out relevant experience and skills. Use the language from the job description.Description of Experiences
The description you provide under your jobs and experiences is very important!
Carefully craft bulleted phrases (with the job description in mind) that include:
1) What you did, 2) What you accomplished, and 3) What you learned or gained.
Specific details. Show them what you can do so they can judge your fit for the job.
Action verbs (see the list at the end of this packet) with each bulleted phrase.
Numbers, such as how often you did something, how many people you supervised, etc.
This is not the time to be shy. Show them clearly what you are capable of!
Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are skills that are applicable across several settings. Instead of just describing your job duties,
highlight transferable skills. For example, in your fast food position, did you display coolness under pressure,
work with the team to accomplish goals, provide excellent customer service, or demonstrate organization through
your work habits?
Chances are that in your part-time work experience, you have learned and practiced abilities that employers value,
such as:
Communication Flexibility Organization
Leadership Computer Skills Time Management
Problem Solving Work under pressure Customer Service
Teamwork Reliability Decision-making
Resume Sections: ACTIVITIES, HONORS, & SKILLS
Possible Categories/ Headings (see complete list on under Step 2 above)
Campus & Community Activities/Involvement
Volunteer Service/ Volunteer Experience
Honors and Awards
Professional Development
Skills
Technology Skills
Activities Content (Include for EACH activity or volunteer experience)
Position title (if any)
Organization name
City and State
Dates of involvement (month, year-month, year)
Description of duties and accomplishments (optional)Possible Content for Activities/Volunteer/Honors sections
Ask: “Will this information help them see my qualifications or understand how well I can do this job?” If yes,
include it.
LEADERSHIP AND ACTIVITIES
Cross Country and Track (2005 – Present; Division I Varsity Athlete)
Independent Women’s Service/Social Organization (2005 – Present)
o Executive Board Member: attended monthly meetings, upheld and enforced policies, oversaw
various committees.
o Service Chair: encouraged organization members to participate in numerous service-oriented
programs including Boys and Girls Club.
o Homecoming Committee Co-Chair: coordinated with co-chair group participation in
homecoming festivities. Motivated members.
Student Government Association (2008 – 2010)
Service Trip to Augusta, GA (2011)
Contributed to the building of a house for Habitat for Humanity
HONORS AND AWARDS
Dean’s List Midtown Lions Club Scholarship for Service
Trustees Academic Scholarship Outstanding Senior in Marketing Award
SKILLS (can be part of Profile)
Able to quickly establish rapport with students and staff.
Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable in both individualized and team settings.
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Familiar with Mac and PC
Proficient with Microsoft Office, iMovie, iPhoto, Inspiration, Zangle Gradebook, and web design
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Virtus Training: Learned to recognize warning signs of sexual abuse and communicate concerns
Project WILD, Aquatic, and Project Learning Tree Workshop: Learned various ways to facilitate learningAction Verbs for Your Resume
Management Arrange Identify Guide Perform
Skills Author Inspect Inform Plan
Administer Correspond Interview Initiate Revitalize
Analyze Define Investigate Instruct Shape
Assign Demonstrate Obtain Persuade
Attain Describe Organize Present Helping Skills
Centralize Develop Research Set goals Assess
Chair Direct Review Stimulate Assist
Coach Draft Specify Support Clarify
Conduct Draw/illustrate Study Coach
Consult Edit Summarize Financial Skills Counsel
Contract Enlist Survey Administer Demonstrate
Consolidate Explain Synthesize Allocate Diagnose
Coordinate Formulate Systematize Analyze Educate
Decide Influence Test Appraise Expedite
Delegate Interpret Utilize Audit Facilitate
Develop Lecture Balance Familiarize
Direct Listen Technical Skills Budget Guide
Devise Mediate Assemble Calculate Redesign
Evaluate Moderate Build Compute Refer
Execute Negotiate Calculate Decrease Rehabilitate
Guide Persuade Compute Develop Represent
Improve Promote Convert Forecast
Increase Publicize Design Maintain Detail/Clerical
Initiate Read Devise Manage Skills
Instigated Reconcile Engineer Market Approve
Instituted Recruit Fabricate Plan Arrange
Interview Report Forecast Project Calculate
Lead Speak Maintain Research Catalogue
Monitor Translate Operate Classify
Motivate Write Overhaul Creative Skills Collect
Organize Program Act Compile
Oversee Research Skills Remodel Built Complete
Negotiate Analyze Repair Compose Correct
Plan Attain Solve Conceptualize Dispatch
Prioritize Clarify Train Create Distribute
Produce Classify Upgrade Design Execute
Recommend Collect Develop Generate
Reduce Combine Teaching Skills Direct Implement
Relate Compile Adapt Establish Inspect
Review Control Advise Fashion Monitor
Schedule Coordinate Clarify Form Operate
Strategize Critique Coach Found Organize
Strengthen Diagnose Communicate Illustrate Prepare
Supervise Document Coordinate Inspire Process
Teach Estimate Develop Institute Purchase
Evaluate Enable Integrate Record
Communication Examine Encourage Introduce Reorganize
Skills Extract Evaluate Invent Retrieve
Address Formulate Explain Modernize Screen
Arbitrate Hypothesize Facilitate Originate SpecifyExample Resumes
Jared Student
PO Box 123, 625 38th St, Moline, IL 61265
Jj-student@wiu.edu 815-555-9433
Summary of Qualifications:
Ability to produce in team-oriented environments
Marketing research and implementation experience
Proficient with social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
Education:
Bachelor of Business
Western Illinois University, Moline, IL May 2017
Majors: Marketing
Cumulative GPA: 3.539/4.00
Honors: Dean’s Scholarship 2014 - Present
Marketing Experience:
Marketing Intern, Articulate Promotions, Cary, IL Summer 2016
Contributed contact information and sponsorship leads
Developed market research skills
Worked successfully in teams
Intern, Bernel Foundation, Palatine, IL Summer 2015
Researched population data and school contact information to establish a target service area
Wrote and created memos, brochure, business cards, and data bases
Presented proposal and brochure to Board of Directors
Work Experience:
Landscaper, JRF Property Maintenance LLC, Crystal Lake, IL Summer 2012 – 2014
Landscaped commercial and personal real estate properties
Maintained outdoor appearance and presentation of properties
Tennis Assistant, Crystal Lake Country Club, Crystal Lake, IL Summer 2011– 2012
Coached up to ten tennis lessons daily for clients
Recruited club members for tennis lessons
Activities:
WIU Men’s Varsity Track 2014 – Present
Student Government Association 2015 – Present
Technology Skills:
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word Microsoft Power Point Facebook
Microsoft Publisher Adobe Photoshop LinkedIn TwitterHeather Student
heather.student@gmail.com │ (847)-555-2671 │ 314 S. Washington Ave., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
EDUCATION
Western Illinois University; Moline, Illinois May 2016
Bachelor of Arts: Communication and Psychology GPA: 3.7/4.0
Academic Honors: Deans List, Lambda Pi Eta, Psy Chi, Chad Meyer Scholar
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Lead Conference Coordinator, 2012 IFTA World Congress April 2015-April 2016
The International Family Therapy Association: Rock Island, IL
Plan and execute major aspects of the conference in Vancouver, with expected attendance of 500
Build and maintain master databases to manage presentations, payments, and conference schedule
Manage other team members: delegate tasks, monitor progress and organization of the project
Marketing and Special Events Intern June-August 2012
The Quad City Botanical Center: Rock Island, IL
Organized two of the organization’s largest fundraising benefits with over 200 guests in attendance
Promoted the Center and the events by creating videos, flyers, brochures, and press releases
Maintained social networking accounts and online calendars
Public Relations and Advertising Intern January-February 2013
MediaSmith: Chicago, IL
Organized PR campaigns for customers, including Lumigenix Inc. and Nature’s Goodness
Wrote, edited and distributed press releases and booking forms to current and potential clients
Researched client’s products, identified target audiences and contacted relevant publications
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Service Chair; Fundraising Chair August 2014-May 2016
Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority
Coordinate and manage service projects and three large fundraising events throughout the year
Recruit volunteers and participants and encourage attendance at community service opportunities
Logistics Chairperson July 2013 – May 2016
Relay for Life
Create event schedule and floor plan for entertainment, activities, and team stations
Collaborate with entertainment and fundraising committees to plan materials and budget for event
Chapter President (2015-Present); Public Relations Chair (2013-2014) May 2013-May 2016
Best Buddies
Doubled chapter membership over a two year span through effective promotional strategies
Run chapter meetings and organize monthly special events for adults with disabilities
WORK EXPERIENCE
Team Member June 2011- May 2013
JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts: Arlington Heights, IL
Solved problems under pressure in the retail setting and provided excellent customer service
SKILLS
Computer proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite; Adobe Illustrator and InDesign; Google AppsJordan Student
Jordan-Student@wiu.edu
(815) 555-6010
School Address: Permanent Address:
3100 River Dr. 555 Shadow Lane
Moline, IL 61265 Bull Valley, IL 60097
SUMMARY
Motivated and hard-working individual with experience in banking, finance and management
Demonstrated ability in data management and customer service; proficient with database tools
Highly organized, able to lead and work successfully in team environments
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business, Western Illinois University, Moline, IL Anticipated May 2017
Majors: Accounting & Business Management with a concentration in Finance
Major GPA: 3.44/4.0
Honors: Dean’s List: 2012, Presidential Scholarship: $11,500 annually for academics 2014 - present
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Finance Intern May-August 2015
American Community Bank and Trust – Woodstock, IL
Developed new potential banking prospects Excel database for commercial bankers
Collaborated with management on potential new banking prospects project
Researched market values and appraisals of commercial real estate properties
Learned teller procedures and duties, acted as teller 2-3 times a week
Student Services and Sports Management Intern January-March 2014
DePaul University: Campus Experience –Chicago, IL
Managed and organized all student groups at DePaul into Campus Experience database
Assisted with the management of campus clubs, student administration, and sport activities
Organized invoices, contacted student groups, and planned student events
WORK EXPERIENCE
Golf Shop Staff Summer 2014
Foxford Hills Golf Club – Cary, IL
Supervised starters, rangers, and outside service attendants
Booked tee times and worked the cash register in the golf shop
Counted all revenues at the end of the day and secured it into bank bags
Website Design and Data Analysis Associate Summer 2013
Block and Company, Inc. – Wheeling, IL
Entered matching product numbers from the company catalog into Excel
Inserted corresponding product pictures and descriptions onto the company website
Edited customer accounts through the company’s database
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Athletes Giving Back (AGB) 2012-present
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) 2012-present
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Proficiency in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe PhotoshopExample Reference List
Your Name
Address: Mailing Address, City, State Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
__________________________________________________________
REFERENCES
Joe Johnson, Ph.D.
Vice President of Marketing
Joe’s Company
1111 Central Drive
Anytown, IL 11111
(555) 555-4567
jjohnson@email.com
Sue Swan, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
WIU-QC
639 38th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
(555) 555-7890
sswan@email.com
Cory Camp
Manager
Burger World
543 21st Street
Jones, IL 11111
(555) 555-1234
coryc@email.comYou can also read
