what is a resume - Charleston Southern University

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
Ms. Nicole Copland, CPRW
hyoung@csuniv.edu
ncopland@csuniv.edu
843-863-8019
(01/12)
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
2
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:
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When you have little work experience
 When you want to draw attention to transferable skills
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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.
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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
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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)
 Motivation and initiative
 Verbal and written communication skills
 Strong work ethic
 Honesty/integrity
 Analytical skills
 Interpersonal skills, people skills
 Flexibility and adaptability
 Teamwork skills (possibly athletic experience)
 Organizational skills
5
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.
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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
Lipscomb University, Office of Admissions, Nashville, TN
August 2007 - May 2009
● 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
6
RÉSUMÉ CHECKLIST
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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:
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Age or date of birth
Religious affiliation
Marital status
Number of children
Elementary, middle or high schools
Salary desired
The pronoun I
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
8
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
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
Raised
Read
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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
10
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
11
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
Veterans Affairs & Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC
Assistant Manager of Vehicle Maintenance Shop
US Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, SC
Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman
US Air Force, Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany
Lead Sales Associate
Joe Muggs Coffee and Bookstand, Hanover, MD
January 2010-August 2011
October 2005- January 2008
March 2002-September 2005
November 2001- March. 2002
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