Resume Tips - Worksheet, Checklist, and Examples PDF
Resume Tips - Worksheet, Checklist, and Examples PDF
2. Proofread your resume to ensure there are no spelling, typographical, or grammatical errors. Utilize a dictionary and a thesaurus.
Do not rely on spell check. Be careful of word choice and redundancy. Use action words. Have it reviewed by a professional at
UCO Career Services.
3. Organize information to have maximum impact on the reader – use reverse chronological order because the most important and
applicable experiences, education, etc. are likely to be most recent. Also remember that the information noticed first will be
toward the top and left of the page (ex. the job position/title should be listed on the left instead of the employment dates). Be sure
to highlight your skills early.
4. Avoid overcrowding. Leave at least .5-inch horizontal and vertical margins. Use capitalization, underlining, bold type and
spacing to make your resume easy to read and emphasize the important points. Do not overuse these options.
5. When describing your experiences use actions words to create more powerful sentences. Avoid “I”, “My”, “responsible for” and
“duties included” before each description. Begin with action verbs and paraphrase your information. All verb tenses should
agree. The objective should be in present tense, present experiences in the present tense, and past experiences in the past tense.
Do not shift tenses.
6. One to two pages. If you are a recent graduate, one page is considered best. If you have 10 years of extensive work experience
per page, it is acceptable to use two pages. The second page should fill ¾ of the page; and put name and page two at the top. If
your information barely goes to a second page, help it fit to one page by placing job position/title and place of employment on the
same line. Some degrees necessitate two pages. For example, Federal KSAs – (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities).
7. Use bullets to emphasize points, and avoid long sentences. Using bullets or writing your information in a list format is easier to
read. Do no overuse your bullets or symbols; best in two to three areas of the resume only. Be consistent in use of bullets; do not
switch from arrows to circles.
8. Spell out all abbreviations the first time you mention something (ex. “University of Central Oklahoma (UCO)”…then you can
simply use “UCO” when you refer to it again…“UCO Baseball Team”). The only exception is states, so Oklahoma can always be
referred to as “OK”. Complete degree titles should be written (ex. Bachelor of Science in Psychology).
9. Results sell – include quantifiable measurements and stress actions that resulted in accomplishments (ex. supervisor ratings,
productivity increases by percentage, number of people you manage). Avoid filling up the resume with a laundry list of functions
and responsibilities. Instead, grab the employers attention with specific projects, skills that you used, and initiatives that you
took.
10. Speak the employer’s language. Include industry specific terms (except abbreviations), required skills that you have experience
with, and software proficiencies. If possible, use the job description to describe your skills in the resume.
11. Choose 100% bond paper in a conservative color such as white or off-white. Avoid speckled paper, as it appears to have dots
when scanned. Always print on only one side of a sheet, and do not fold or staple your materials.
12. Always update your contact information and have a professional email (like your UCO email address). sweet60@,
KaptainKarl@, bomshellbabe@, soonerbred@ or beergut@, etc. are NOT good for a job search!
Sub-Headings
Contact Information: include name, address, phone number and e-mail address, professional networking website
such as Linked-In (if applicable), NOT Facebook, and/or professional website at the top of the page. This look
becomes your personal letterhead.
Objective: (optional, but NOT preferred) list after the name and address heading; include the position and/or
career field you are seeking employment. It is best NOT to list general information that would apply to any
candidate. If you do not know what career field you are pursuing, use a broad statement (ex. “Seeking a
professional career in business. Special interests in…”); however, the statement needs to be specific to a particular
job.
Skills: (optional, but preferred by employers) summarize skills you have obtained through your education, work
experience, activities, or volunteerism that relate to your objective. This section is now more important to
employers than your objective. It is listed after your objective, combined with the objective, OR in place of the
objective. Other titles used for this section are: Profile, Summary, Qualifications, Highlights of Qualifications.
See examples of different skill/profile sections in the Career Resource Library.
Education: list only schools from which you have received a professional degree or certificate, as well as
continuing education coursework (do not list high school unless you are applying to that school district); Write
out degree(s), name of school, city and state. GPA is optional for most careers; you can also include your Major
GPA along with your overall GPA.
Related Coursework: (optional) listing coursework related to your career objective can be listed in a 1 or 2
column list format; it is best to include this section if you need to fill in space on your resume OR if you have
taken coursework outside of your major that would specifically relate to the career field you are seeking OR if you
are seeking an internship.
Volunteerism: (optional) this heading can either be listed separately or you can list your volunteer work in your
Activities section. Listing volunteerism as a separate heading would place more emphasis on your volunteer work.
You can also list your volunteer work under Related Experience if it is relevant to your career objective. Another
title for this section could be Community Involvement.
References: (References: available upon request is optional) create a separate document with three to five
professional references and their contact information. Remember to list your name and/or address heading at the
top of the page. Most employers will not ask for references until the day of the interview.
Additional Career Resource Guides, such as Job Search Tips & Websites, Interviewing Tips & Questions, and much more are
available online at careers.uco.edu and in the Career Resource Library (NUC 338).
For your contact information, include your name, which should be the largest font on the page, and bolded. Also include
your address, area code and phone number, and an e-mail address you check often.
OBJECTIVE: Position you are seeking. This is not what you hope to learn or gain from the experience. No pronouns,
short & concise statement
EDUCATION: Only list schools from which you have degrees, certificates, or related training. The exception is to list
the place where you are currently earning a degree, such as UCO.
Use reverse chronological order. See example for how to write about your degree from UCO.
University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Edmond, OK
Bachelor of Arts in English, Expected Graduation May 2014
Overall GPA x.x/4.0 (list both or either), Major GPA x.x/4.0
RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE: Remember reverse chronological order and list specific skills to the profession.
Include special training, certifications, recognitions, or accomplishments. Include as many experiences as you have using
the format provided. Bullets are recommended.
List main responsibilities (start with action verbs for list, bulleted and paragraph formats)
MILITARY SERVICE: Include any military experience, including branch, training, rank, and dates. Be sure to list
deployment/operation name and country, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) job description, number of people
supervised, promotions, and schools attended.
For organizations named with Greek letters, explain what it is (ex. UCO Lambda Pi Eta – Communication Studies
Honor Society). For organizations that are considered traditional “Greek chapters”, you have the option to list the
name of the chapter; if you are uncomfortable with listing the name, list “UCO Social Fraternity”.
Also, for organization names which would share your religious, political or other personal information, you may
decide what to include. You can use the organization name or simply state “UCO Religious Organization”.
Include the organization name and any positions held, including member or volunteer, along with the dates or
years of membership. The dates are optional.
REFERENCES: Include three to five professional references (faculty count) on a separate page. Only include a
statement of “References Available Upon Request” if you need help filling the page.
_____ Does the resume fit well on the page, as opposed to appearing cramped together or not full? If it is
more than one page, consider removing some of the descriptors of older jobs, or placing a job title
and place of employment on the same line. To avoid using space for several part-time jobs that do
not relate to your degree or goals, state “I have worked 20 hours per week throughout school” in
either your Profile section or under your degree in the Education section.
_____ Is the resume on 20 lb. bond paper, a.k.a. resume paper, and is the print at least 10 point font?
_____ Does the resume utilize bullets and avoid paragraphs, long sentences, odd fonts and abbreviations?
_____ Do your bullet points begin with action verbs and those in the correct tense (i.e. old jobs in past
tense, current in present tense)?
_____ Does the resume use bold, italics or underlining appropriately to highlight your most important
information?
_____ Is the most important information located on the left side of the page and near the top of the page
whenever possible (ex. the job title should be on the left instead of employment dates)?
_____ Does the resume begin with items of most importance and relevance? Has extraneous material
been eliminated? Is all the important information included?
_____ Do the included items support your overall goal or objective statement?
_____ Is the resume written in the best format (chronological, functional, combination) to show off your
abilities?
_____ Does the resume focus on specific information about experience, project outcomes, products,
numbers whenever possible, etc.? Remember in your bullet points that quantified results are best
when possible, such as supervisor ratings, number of letters of commendation received, customer
satisfaction ratings, budget you were in charge of (for a student organization or event possibly),
productivity increases in percentages, number of people you manage, etc.
_____ Does the resume accomplish the purpose of getting you an interview? Is it focused enough so that
the employer is clear on what kind of position you are seeking?
CHRISTOPHER HARRISON
2401 Mockingbird Hill * Guthrie, OK 73044 * (405) 555-8711
PROFILE
Manage multiple projects simultaneously
Communicate effectively with organizational leaders in both small and large
group settings
Wrote complete and detailed proposals
Edited written materials for content and grammar
Read and took notes on detailed and complex material
Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Photoshop
software
Excellent customer service skills in a high pressure, fast-paced environment
Willing to travel
ACHIEVEMENTS Researched, wrote articles, and edited newsletter on current projects for the
Oklahoma Wildlife Federation
Raised $2,500 for local chapter of the Sierra Club
RELATED
EXPERIENCE Oklahoma State Legislature, Oklahoma City, OK
Legislative Aide, April 2011 – Present
Review, edit, and proofread legislation, amendments to legislation, legal
memorandums, and other written office documents
Draft legislative resolutions and memorials
Conduct policy and legal research
Oklahoma Political Committee, Oklahoma City, OK
Campaign Worker, October 2009 - March 2011
Distributed information throughout district
Co-coordinated staffing of volunteers for fundraising
OTHER
EXPERIENCE Outback Restaurant, Edmond, OK
Waiter/Server, May 2010-Present
CONNER STEVENS
3908 East Redbud Lane
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 555-0815
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE
COMPUTER SKILLS
EDUCATION
EXPERIENCE
MONICA CAMPBELL
1912 Second Street, #12-B
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 555-3633
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE
Seeking a Registered Nurse position
PROFILE
* Two years experience in intensive care, emergency and home health care
* Extensive work with patients and families in life threatening situations
* Ability to remain calm and compassionate during stressful situations
* Teaching experience includes basic medication administration and daily living care to family
caregivers
Passed National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses March 2012
CLINICALS
*Medical/Surgical II, Mercy Hospital, Norman, OK October 2011 to December 2011
*Pediatrics, Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK September 2011-October 2011
*Medical/Surgical I, Union Hospital, Midwest City, OK February 2011-April 2011
*Geriatrics, Leader Nursing Home, Oklahoma City, OK October 2010-December 2010
*Maternity, Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK September 2010- October 2010
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City, OK
Licensed Practical Nurse October 2010 – Present
Intensive Care Unit
* Monitor patients’ health by taking blood pressure, temperature and pulse
* Administer medications in a timely and accurate manner
* Respond to crisis situations calmly and professionally
Emergency Room
* Obtain personal information from patients being admitted to the emergency room
* Start IV’s and perform required procedures for tests
HONORS
Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, Member, May 2012
President’s Honor Roll, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012
Graduated Valedictorian, UCO College of Mathematics & Science, Class of 2012
ACTIVITIES
Bloodhounds (University organization sponsoring campus blood drives), Member, Fall 2010-Spring 2012
Blood Drive Coordinator Fall 2011-Spring 2012
Student Nursing Association, Member, Fall 2010-May 2012
Red Cross, Volunteer, October 2007-Present
PROFILE
Operations Management
Demonstrated talent for management of customer service operations.
Skills include:
o Proficient at Microsoft Word, o Community relations and promotions
PowerPoint, & Excel o Conscientious application of policies,
o Training and motivation procedures, and systems for inventory
o Staff Selection and cash control
o Budgeting and financial control in a
corporate profit-centered environment
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
ACTIVITIES
WILLIAM ROBERTS
1066 NW 33rd Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Home:(405) 601-1111
Cell: (405) 314-7890
Email:[email protected]
EDUCATION
Computer Science, Bachelor of Science May 2011
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma
GPA 3.59
SUMMARY OF SKILLS
Knowledge of multiple programming languages
Proficiency in Java/C++/C#/Visual Basic/ PL/SQL
Command of PHP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML
Design and Coding skills
Database design skills - Oracle/ SQL server
Windows and Linux Certification
WORK EXPERIENCE
HLP Solutions Oklahoma City, OK (May 2009 – Current)
Loan Counselor
Currently contracted to work for Vericrest Financial, Inc.
Obtain knowledge with operating sophisticated software used within the company
Work independently with clients and assist them in resolving their issues
HONORS
University of Central Oklahoma Certificate of Achievement (2010-2011)
University of Central Oklahoma Dean’s Honor Roll (2010-2011)
Oklahoma City Community College President’s Honor Roll (2009)
Oklahoma City Community College Vice President’s Honor Roll (2007 – 2009)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
St. Andrew Charity Clinic, Oklahoma City, OK (May 2005 – December 2008)
Provided assistance to staff which provides medical services free of charge to low-income patients
Managed waiting area, assembled patient charts, and helped with patient admission
Robert Smith
9942 Trickle Springs Road Edmond, OK 73013 · (580) 919-1234 ·[email protected]
TEACHING COMPETENCIES
• Mathematics, World Geography, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Phonics
• Completed Wildlife workshop at Lake Arcadia for science lessons
• Knowledge of national core standards and essential academic learning
• Instructional skills include cooperative learning, questioning strategies, and concept development
• Utilized technology in advanced and basic classes to demonstrate concepts
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, December 2010, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK
Licensure and Certification:
Oklahoma Teaching Certification Received January 2012
Oklahoma Teaching License Received January 2011
Associate of Science in Elementary Education, May 2009, Redlands Community College, El Reno, OK
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, 4 semesters *Aims Trio Scholarship
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Tutor March 2007- May 2009
Coronado Heights Middle School, Putnam City, OK
• Provided tutoring assistance to approximately twenty 7th & 8th grade math students during after school
program.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Phi Theta Kappa-Member, 2010-Present
Kappa Delta Phi-Member, 2011-Present
Student Oklahoma Education Association (SOEA)-Member, Fall 2010-Spring 2012
National Science Teacher Association (NSTA)-Member, May 2012-Present
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
A team-oriented, brand communication graduate with a concentrated study in design layout and strategic
media planning with proficiency in consumer relations. Skilled at using logical and analytical processes of
problem solving demonstrating an ability to effectively exceed objectives.
CORE COMPETENCIES/SKILLS
InDesign Microsoft Office Series
Works well under pressure Advertising Design
Photoshop Social Networking
Team player Writing-Digital Media Literacy
ACHIEVEMENTS
Constructed multiple media planning projects in educational atmosphere.
Organized an in depth research strategy and implementation regarding Nissan’s multicultural
demographics for collegiate competition.
Seasoned sales associate directed towards customer service.
Conducted training sessions for new hire employees.
Managed client reservations for booking parties and special events.
Negotiated event details and prices according to event specifications.
Communicated the needs of the client to the managerial staff for events.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
The University of Central Oklahoma-Edmond, OK
Bachelor of Science- Mass Communications – Advertising May 2012
GPA 3.6/4.0
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Coach’s Bar & Grill; Oklahoma City, OK Shift Leader April 2009-Present
Tan & Tone America; Stillwater, OK Head Sales Associate May 2010-Present
Buddha Tao Asian Bistro; Oklahoma City, OK Hostess May 2008-June 2009
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MARKETING/SALES
- Marketed personal computer hardware and software
- Developed and implemented marketing and advertising strategies
- Performed sales work for auto parts chain store with annual sales exceeding $35 million
- Recognized for impressive sales record and received quarterly awards for outstanding performance
- Performed general merchandise sales for large catalog sales store
- Participated in numerous microcomputer trade shows
ORGANIZATION/PLANNING
- Designed and developed educational and entertainment software for personal computers
- Developed peripheral hardware for microcomputers
- Implemented parts department reorganization for enhanced work flow
- Created effective in-store and window displays
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- Communicated effectively with customers and employees
- Revised policy manuals and developed curricula for training sessions
- Supervised and trained sales personnel
- Presented material to supervisors and managers on peripheral hardware for inventory control
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Marketing/Sales Intern, Progressive Microproducts, Atlanta, GA, Jan. 2012 - May 2012
Management Trainee/Salesperson, Grand Auto, Inc. Atlanta, GA, Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2011
Salesperson, Consumers Distributing Company, Daly City, CA, April 2002 - Dec. 2007
ACTIVITIES
American Marketing Association, Fall 2010-Spring 2012
Fundraising Chairperson, Delta Sigma Pi, a service fraternity, Fall 2011-Spring 2012
Georgia Tech Sailing Club, Fall 2009-Fall 2011
OBJECTIVE:
To pursue internship or Co-op position in a laboratory setting that will allow me to enhance the
skills, training and education in my Biology studies.
EDUCATION:
RELATED COURSES:
Immunology Biochemistry
Cell Biology and Lab Infectious Disease Seminar
Population Genetics Animal Biology and Lab
Organic Chemistry and Lab Endocrinology
WORK EXPERIENCE:
BRIAN M. REBAR
1250 Skipper Rd, #38, Tampa, FL 33613 (813) 977-7558 [email protected]
EDUCATION:
Specialized Associate Degree in Environmental Technology, Anticipated May 2013
Environmental Technology Center, Tampa, FL, Overall GPA: 3.8/4.0
Areas of Study:
Surface Water Sampling Hazardous Waste Operations
Ground Water Sampling Wetland Management
Technical Support Skills Underground Storage Tank Management
Air Quality Sampling Soil Sampling
Equipment Used:
Kemmerer Stainless Steel Sampler Hydrolab
Van Dorn Teflon Sampler Ponar Dredge
Stainless Steel and Teflon Boilers Isco Portable Sampler
American Sigma Water Sampler (3700) Isco Flow Meter
Hester-Dendy Substrate Sampler Transit
Global Positioning System (GPS) Handheld Flowmeter
Level A, B, and C Safety Equipment Peristaltic Pump
Computer Skills:
Quattro Pro
AutoCAD
Microsoft Office Suite including: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access
Certifications:
40 Hour HAZWOPER Certificate (OSHA CFR 1910.120 (e) 3)
American Red Cross First Aid and Adult CPR
WORK HISTORY:
Crew Leader, Taco Bell, Clearwater, FL, May 2007-June 2011
Stock Room Inventory Control, Organizer Depot, Clearwater, FL, September 2004-Febuary 2007
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Seeking a professional career in Social Services. Special interests working with children and adolescents.
SUMMARY
Planned, organized, and presented special after-school programs for youth
Presented proposal to community agencies for establishing a shelter for abused children
Certified knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and
interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of
behavioral and affective disorders.
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity,
cultures and their history and origins.
Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made,
and ask questions as appropriate.
Patient, detail-oriented and very easy to communicate with.
EDUCATION
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK
Master of Arts, Psychology, Expected Dec. 2012
Emphasis in Counseling Psychology, GPA 3.8/4.0
RELATED EXPERIENCE
University of Central Oklahoma, Counseling Center, Edmond, OK
Counseling Practicum Student/Volunteer, May 2012 - present
* Provide counseling to students and alumni under supervision of professional counseling staff
SHELLY MARTINEZ
2198 S Broadway
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 555-6420
[email protected]
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
References for
Ima Broncho
321 N May ~ Oklahoma City, OK 73113 ~ (405) 844-9291 ~ [email protected]