Resume Guide
This handout serves as a guide for developing resumes. As you develop yours, answer three questions:
1. What do you want to communicate about yourself as a professional?
2. Who is your primary audience and what do they need to know about you?
3. How will they receive the resume (medium: paper, electronic, plain text, modified via an online
application system) and what do you need to do to make the most of the medium?
Use an e-mail
address that conveys
professionalism.
Increase visual
impact through
selective use of bold,
underlining and
capitalization.
Related activities
nd service provide
a fuller picture of you
as a candidate.
Include paid and
volunteer positions,
special seminars,
ffices held, etc.
a
o
Limit your resume to
one page. Use black
ink and white or off-
white resume paper.
YOUR NAME
Address
City, State Zip
Phone
E-mail Address
_________________________________________________________________
OBJECTIVE (optional)
The objective should be brief and specific to a particular job or career field.
EDUCATION
Degree San Diego, CA
San Diego State University Graduation date
May include emphasis, related coursework or projects, and study abroad.
Overall grade point average if 3.0 or above.
Transfer Junior College information is optional
EXPERIENCE
Job Title Dates of employment
ORGANIZATION City, State
• Describe your responsibilities here, starting with active verbs.
• Make your descriptions energetic and short.
• Present information in reverse chronological order.
Job Title Dates of employment
ORGANIZATION City, State
• Bullet format is preferred by many employers.
• Focus on results, skills, leadership, initiative and teamwork.
• Maximize and quantify relevant experience.
SKILLS
Include foreign language skills. Emphasize computer software knowledge,
especially programs relevant for your field. Avoid general descriptors (like “self-
motivated”), but include skills specific to the job you are applying for.
OTHER HEADINGS
Choose additional headings that highlight your strengths in areas such as Activities,
Leadership, Athletics, Professional Organizations and/or Community Service,
indicating your accomplishments and offices held. Do not include personal
information such as marital status, age, weight, etc.
Use a professional
summary if you have
extensive work
experience.
Focus on the
employer’s needs
when developing
your resume.
Demonstrate
relevant skills in the
Experience section.
Use active verbs.
Avoid the use of “I”
as this is implied.
Spell check and
review your resume
carefully for errors.
A resume is not a
complete work
history.
List “References” on a separate sheet using the same heading as your resume,
and the title “References.”
Resume Checklist
Employers spend less than a minute evaluating your resume. Catch their attention by tailoring your resume to
meet their needs. Here are some suggestions to help focus your edits. They address the issues of form,
function, feedback, and electronic resumes.
FORM deals with appearance.
9 Templates: Avoid resume wizards and resume software templates. They are difficult to edit and do not
allow you to present information in the most effective format.
9 Length: For college students and recent college graduates, use a one-page resume.
9 Font: Choose a basic, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica in 10-14 point size.
Use black ink.
9 Paper: Use 8 ½” x 11” resume-quality paper in a light color such as white or off-white. Buy envelopes and
cover letter paper to match your resume.
9 Spacing: Margins of 0.7 to 1 inch and double-spacing between headings improves readability.
9 Layout: Use bullets, bold, capitalization, and underlining sparingly to call attention to the most important
information. Leave some white space to create an uncluttered look.
9 Format: Present information in reverse chronological order. Common headings include: Education,
Experience, Skills, Activities, and Community Service.
9 Professionalism: Eliminate all typos and misspellings by asking other people to proofread.
FUNCTION conveys an image of you that meets the readers’ needs.
9 Image: Decide what image you want your resume to communicate. Does it show that you are a leader, a
team player, an artist, an innovator, a salesperson, or something else?
9 Content: Select three core qualities that define you and are of importance to the position for which you are
applying. Make sure that your resume focuses on skills and accomplishments that reflect these core
qualities.
9 Style: Start off sentences with action verbs to convey enthusiasm and achievement. Sample verbs
include: Advised, Analyzed, Assisted, Coordinated, Created, Developed, Evaluated, Guided, Handled,
Implemented, Increased, Led, Maintained, Managed, Organized, Performed, Planned, Presented,
Processed, Researched, Served, Sold, Taught, Trained, Wrote.
9 Avoid: Do not list your own web site if it includes personal information. Never reveal confidential personal
data such as social security, driver’s license or credit card numbers on a resume.
FEEDBACK allows others to offer ideas for strengthening your resume.
9 Sources: Consult Career Services, professors, family, friends, and professionals in your field.
9 Review: When you receive feedback, decide if the changes suggested are useful.
ELECTRONIC RESUMES & TECHNOLOGY
9 E-mail text resumes: If you copy the text of your resume into the body of an e-mail, use left-hand justified,
plain text format. Avoid using tabs, bullets, underlining, bold, and graphics.
9 E-mail attachment resumes: If you e-mail your resume as an attachment, use your name in the
document title. Some employers will not accept attachments because of the danger of viruses.
9 Online resumes: Follow the directions on the Web site where you are submitting a resume; directions for
online submissions vary considerably.
9 Scanned resumes: Use key word phrases relevant to the position, employer, and career field. Use
capitals, bullets and bold for emphasis. Avoid underlining, graphics, and italics.
Sample Chronological Resumes
Carina Career
Joseph Career
5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182 (619) 594-6851
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a refugee services coordinator position with a non-profit organization
EDUCATION
San Diego State University:
Master of Arts in Sociology December 20XX
Thesis: Social Class Perception and Job Satisfaction in Immigrant Populations
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology May 20XX
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Professional Communications Emphasis May 20XX
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA GPA: 3.11
Minor in Business Administration
Relevant Courses: Public Speaking, Marketing, Public Relations, Media Writing
Associate in Arts in Speech Communications May 20XX
Mesa College, San Diego
SUMMARY
Minor in Women’s Studies GPA: 3.7
• Bachelor’s degree candidate with experience in Sales and Communications
Recipient of Presidential Scholarship 2003-2007
• Extensive experience with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver & QuarkXPress
Dean’s List
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Proven effectiveness in coordinating and working with teams
EXPERIENCE
• Reputation for achieving results
San Diego Youth and Community Services Coastal Community Center San Diego, CA
Volunteer Intern: Emergency Assistance Provider Fall 20xx – present
EXPERIENCE
Provide emergency assistance to the diverse homeless population.
Target Marketing/Group Sales Intern 1/xx - present
Listen to and assess each individual’s needs.
San Diego Sports Arena
Increase service partners’ knowledge and use of social service system.
• Research new targeted groups for upcoming shows
Refer service partners to various San Diego social service agencies.
• Help create and administer a target marketing campaign for each event
Aztec Adventures San Diego, CA
• Update group sales page on website using Macromedia DreamWeaver
Customer Service Senior Staff Fall 20xx – present
• Write group event letter and proposals
Manage daily operations of Aztecs Adventures office.
Information Desk Representative 1/xx - 5/xx
Provide services to SDSU population.
Aztec Center, San Diego State University
Design and create advertisements.
• Answered the telephone in a polite and professional manner
Maintain daily operational procedures.
• Directed visitors and students to specific locations and events on campus
Broadway Twin Theater Yreka, CA
• Provided answers pertaining to special events held on campus and general
• questions about SDSU
Assistant Manager and Projectionist Winter & Summer 20xx
Promoted after working for two seasons as box office and concession staff.
Executive Vice President 9/xx - 5/xx
Trained and supervised staff.
Associated Students (Student Government), San Diego State University
Managed lobby, theater and projection booth.
• Managed a given budget of $35,620 for the entire fiscal year
Developed a new supply ordering system and created Excel spreadsheet.
• Coordinated the Undergraduate Homecoming Dinner & Dance for 600 people
Compiled box office and concession reports and prepared daily bank transactions.
• Designed the layout of the marketing banners and tickets
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Media Relations Coordinator 1/xx - 5/xx
Walk of Faith Retreat, Leader Fall 20xx
Cross-Cultural Center, San Diego State University
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Leader Fall 20xx – Spring 20xx
• Wrote articles pertaining to multicultural issues and events
South East San Diego Tutoring Project Fall 20xx – Spring 20xx
• Edited articles written in the monthly newsletter
SDSU Summer Orientations, Team Leader Summer 20xx
• Published and distributed the monthly newsletter at SDSU
Migrant Outreach Spring 20xx
• Planned student organization meetings and educational events
Juvenile Hall Literacy Outreach Spring 20xx
ACTIVITIES
SKILLS
Cross-cultural communication
Associated Students Marketing Board: Cross-Cultural Center Representative
Knowledgeable of support services available to new immigrants
Cross-Cultural Center: Vice-chair
Fluent in Spanish and Tagalog
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, SPSS and Internet research
Sample Functional/Skills & Combination Resumes
FUNCTIONAL or SKILLS RESUME
SAM STUDENT
Local Address After June 1, 20XX
1234 Any Street 456 Clover Lane
Any Town, CA 98989 Any Town, CA 90900
(000)000-0000 (000) 000-0000
OBJECTIVE
An industrial sales position with Calais Enterprises
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing May 20XX
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA GPA: 3.8
French Language, Culture and Marketing Fall 20XX
Study Abroad Program: Université de Paris (La Sorbonne), Paris, France
RELATED COURSES
Consumer Psychology Marketing Management
Marketing Principles Sales Management
Advertising Writing for Business
Public Speaking Marketing Research
RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS
Sales and Promotion
• Won four quarterly awards in stereo component store
• Promoted weekly wine and food specialties as dinner waiter
• Coordinated advertising for fraternity functions
• Directed annual fund-raising activities for youth group
Marketing and Market Research
• Developed marketing plan which increased restaurant wine sales by 30%
• Conducted market research project which investigated consumer preferences for
personal products and presented results to marketing class
• Developed stereo components displays and reorganized sales floor layout to
maximize product visibility
Management
• Oriented and trained new dinner waiters at top restaurant
• Supervised youth group activities and fund-raising
• Served as fraternity chairman for spring formal and managed $10,000 budget
EXPERIENCE / ACTIVITIES
Salesperson, The Sound Company, San Diego, CA 20xx-present
Dinner Wait Staff, Humphrey’s, San Diego, CA 20xx-20xx
Fraternity Officer, Delta Theta Pi, SDSU, 20xx-present
Youth Leader, Community Boys Club, San Diego, CA 20xx-20xx
COMBINATION RESUME
MARINA SCIENCE
1234 Cyclotron Drive, San Diego, CA 92110
619-260-4654 ● [email protected]
OBJECTIVE
A research assistant position with the Environmental Protection Agency
EDUCATION
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA May 20XX
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Marine Biology Emphasis
Minor in Environmental Science
Mortar Board, Senior Honor Society Member
QUALIFICATIONS
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental research with seven years of leadership experience.
• Experience in water analysis using standard methods for the treatment of water and wastewater.
• Proficient in utilizing atomic absorption spectrometer, spectrophotometer and GIS.
• Conducted ecological assessment using video transects, electron microscopy, LPS and LOI.
• Knowledge of plankton tow, multicore, box core, CTD, gas chromatography and enzyme assays.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, Substrate Characterization of Coral Reefs, Mexico 20xx – 20xx
• Identified species and substrate with video transects of various reefs using SCUBA, underwater
camera and laboratory analysis
• Conducted sediment and water sampling
• Correlated data to environmental and anthropogenic impacts
Volunteer, Manhattan Beach Roundhouse Aquarium, Manhattan Beach, CA Summer 20xx
• Educated public about animals
• Assisted with summer camp and special events for children
Course Project, Organic Chemistry Lab at SDSU, San Diego, CA Spring 20xx
• Conducted experiments in team setting
• Collected, analyzed and interpreted lab results
• Composed and submitted lab report
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Environmental Protection Group President (20xx-present) Campus Liaison (20xx-present)
Earth Day Coalition of New Mexico Board Member (20xx-20xx)
Environmental Youth Network Co-Chair (20xx-20xx)
Albuquerque Academy Environmental Club Founder and President (20xx-20xx)
AWARDS
President of the United States Environmental Youth Award Winner (20xx)
Waste Education Resource Consortium, Waste Mgmt. Contest 2
nd
and 1
st
place (20xx and 20xx)
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sales Associate Express; San Diego, CA 20xx - present
Sales Representative MCI Small Business; Albuquerque, NM Summer 20xx
Manager/Head Lifeguard Tanoan Country Club; Albuquerque, NM Summer 20xx
