Professional Memberships: List any professional associations to which you belong. Add your title if you are a board member of the association. Extracurricular Activities: Describe any volunteer or service work you have done, as well as any clubs or organizations to which you have belonged. You can also mention any study abroad experiences here if you have not already done so. Note: be aware that not all CVs look the same. You may choose to include only some of these sections because others do not apply to your background. Limit your entries to what seems appropriate for your area of specialty. As with a resume, review your CV closely for errors, and submit it to professionals and Career Development for proofreading.
THE CATHERINE CAREER GUIDE TO
Resumes
CV Guidelines A curriculum vitae, or CV, is an alternative to a resume that is traditionally used by those in academia and research. A resume is typically a page or two in length, while a CV is more detailed and longer. There are a number of general guidelines one can follow when creating a CV. Here are tips for choosing a font style and size, format, and content. CV Style and Format Font and Size: Do not use ornate fonts that are difficult to read; Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or a similar font is best. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points, although your name and the section headings can be a little larger and/or bolded. Format: Most CVs are at least two pages long, and often much longer depending upon your experience. However you decide to organize the sections of your CV, keep each section uniform. For example, if you put the name of one organization in italics, every organization name must be in italics. If you include a sentence or two about your accomplishments in a particular position, fellowship, etc., make a bullet list of each accomplishment. This will keep your CV organized and easy to read. What to Include on Your CV Contact information: At the top of your CV, include your name and contact information (address, phone number, email address, etc.). Outside of the US, many CVs include even more personal information, such as gender, date of birth, marital status, and even names of children. Unless you are applying to a job outside of the United States, you do not need to include this extra information.
What is a resume? A resume is a concise marketing piece that describes your experiences, education, and skills, as they pertain to the position that you are seeking. A prospective employer will frequently form their first impression of you based upon your resume. The ultimate goal of your resume is to get you an interview.
Brainstorm your master list The first step in creating your resume is to itemize your experience from the past several years. Your list should include internships, fulltime, part-time, and summer jobs, volunteer/community service, campus activities, student organizations, and all of your educational experiences. There is no specific rule about how far back you should reach. For a first-time first-year student, it probably makes sense to include experience from high school. For an experienced professional, on the other hand, high school experience is probably too far in the past, and is unlikely to be your strongest selling point, but you probably want to include significant full-time work experience.
Fill in the details After your master list is complete, you can start to elaborate on each item you listed. Sometimes it’s helpful to work with a friend and ask him/her to take notes while you describe specifically what you did and what you accomplished in each position. As you revise and rewrite these descriptions, be sure to include relevant details. For example, if you managed a budget, how large was the budget? If you worked with children, what ages? In groups or individually? In writing your descriptions, remember to focus on those skills and accomplishments that will be of interest to the employers you’re targeting. Use strong action verbs to begin all of your statements, rather than “I” or “My.”
Important considerations There is no “right” or “wrong” way to write a resume. Your resume is a unique document that presents a picture of you as a unique individual. It should be targeted to the type of employment you’re seeking, and should highlight your background in light of this. That said, however, there are a few basic hints that you should keep in mind to create the best first impression of yourself as a candidate. Do not use a resume template. It’s tempting to fill in the blanks in a resume program or template, but this is not the best way to make your resume present the unique individual that you are.
Sample Physical Therapy Resume (Can be 2 pages long) Thomas PT
1234 Main Street St. Paul, MN 55105 651-555-5555
[email protected] Objective Obtain employment as a Physical Therapist with The Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation where I may provide excellent patient-centered care using advanced therapies.
Education Doctor of Physical Therapy St. Catherine University, Minneapolis, MN
May 2016
Bachelor of Science Major in Exercise and Sport Science St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN
May 2013
Associate of Arts Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN
May 2011
Clinical Experience Methodist Hospital Dept. of Physical Therapy, St. Louis Park, MN March 2016-May 2016 Administered care to patients admitted into rehabilitation unit; participated in multidisciplinary rehab rounds; gained experience working at patients’ bedside, in the cardiac rehab unit, and in the wound clinic Park Nicollet Clinic Rehab Services, Maple Grove, MN Jan 2016-March 2016 Provided intervention to patients with a variety of orthopedic diagnoses; presented an in-service to peers on various running topics and related injuries; became proficient with Lastword and Shorthand documentation systems University of North Dakota Pro-Bono Clinic, Grand Forks, ND Oct 2015-Dec 2015 Worked one on one with an individual with Multiple Sclerosis over the course of six weeks, and developed home program addressing strength maintenance and functional limitations Institute for Athletic Medicine, Plymouth, MN Aug 2015-Oct 2015 Cared for patients in an outpatient therapy setting; documented patient information using Epic Employment History Wegner Physical Therapy, Minneapolis, MN Nov 2015-Present Aid in patient care; check in patients; transcribe notes; clean patient rooms, gym and pool Pediatrics Physical Therapy, Eagan, MN Assisted in care of pediatric patients; helped to provide hippotherapy (horse therapy)
June 2014-Aug 2015
Veterans of Foreign War, St. Paul, MN Summers of 2011-2013 Coached summer baseball for 15-16 year old boys, organized schedule, coordinated bus rides, scheduled umpires, maintained field, organized and hosted 2004 central Minnesota VFW district tournament Professional Affiliations/Certifications American Physical Therapy Association Member CPR/First Aid Certification, American Red Cross
Aug 2015-Present Dec 2014-Present
Describe your experiences accurately and positively. Prioritize your experiences, and make sure the most important items appear toward the top of the page. Try to keep your resume to one page. People with extensive work experience may need a two-page resume. However, current students and recent graduates seldom need more than a page to present their relevant experience. Your resume is not your life history, and should be confined to experience that is relevant and interesting. Format your resume so that there is sufficient spacing and choose a font that is easy to read and commonly used. (Times New Roman works well.) Whether you use a bullet or a paragraph style, start each phrase with an action verb. Do not be wordy, but rather briefly descriptive. Never send out a resume that hasn’t been proofread by at least one person in addition to yourself. Typos and mistakes can cost you an opportunity. Print your resume on good quality white or off-white linen paper, if you are mailing it or delivering it in person. Most resumes submitted online are scanned for database storage by software that doesn’t recognize special graphics and formatting. Use plain text and formatting so that the resume will retain a clean appearance and layout.
Organize your document Following is a list of the sections frequently found in a resume. Your resume may not contain all of these sections. Remember to organize and title the sections to correspond with the types of positions for which you are applying. Name and Contact Information If your current address is different from your permanent address, you may wish to include both on your resume. You may include a home and a cell phone number, but be sure that the outgoing messages on your voicemail are professional sounding. If you include a current work phone number, be sure that it is acceptable for you to receive calls there. Include an email address, and check for messages frequently. Objective This section is optional. If you choose to include an objective, make it concise and specific. (For example: To obtain a summer internship in the account management department of an advertising agency.) You will elaborate on this more fully in your cover letter, so if you can better use the space on your resume to list relevant experiences and skills, skip the objective.
Sample Education Resume
Ima Teacher Iteacher.efoliomn.com 9900 Main Avenue St. Paul, MN 55443
[email protected] 651-502-0593
OBJECTIVE English/Communication Arts teaching position in grades 9-12 with opportunities for coaching. EDUCATION St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN. Bachelor of Arts expected May 2016. GPA 3.8. Majors: Secondary Education, English. Minor: Music. Honors/Activities: Academic Dean’s List (6 semesters); Pi Lambda Theta National Honor Society Member; Mu Phi Epsilon Music Fraternity Member; Mu Phi Patron Award Recipient; SCU/UST Concert Band Member LICENSURE Minnesota Secondary Education Licensure (Communication Arts/Literature) CPR Certification – American Red Cross TEACHING EXPERIENCE Student Teacher, Highland Park Junior High School, St. Paul, MN Spring 2016 Instructed 9th grade English classes, emphasizing developing writing skills. Developed special units on memoirs, science fiction, environmental fiction, and sequels. Tutored three students individually outside of classes. Created specialized instructional materials for ESL students. Assisted students in self-publishing a magazine of creative fiction, which was distributed to entire 9th grade class. Teaching Assistant, South High School, Minneapolis, MN January 2016 Assisted in 12th grade English/Social Studies Partnership classrooms. Developed and taught unit on historical narratives. Planned and supervised field trip to Minnesota Historical Society. Student Teacher, Central High School, St. Paul, MN Fall 2015 Instructed 11th grade Advanced English classes. Focused on introducing students to world literature in translation. Developed cultural units to accompany each type of literature. Introduced students to techniques for writing research papers. COACHING EXPERIENCE Assistant Coach, Highland Park Junior High School, St. Paul, MN Winter 2014 Assisted coaching staff for 7th and 8th grade girls’ basketball team. Demonstrated proper techniques, encouraged team spirit, and offered advice on rules and strategy. Tennis Coach, Johnson High School, St. Paul, MN Spring 2014 Developed and led weekend training sessions and clinics for players wishing to improve technique. Created training schedule, and assisted players individually.
Education List the name of the institution, city and state, and degree you received (or expect to receive). Include your majors and minors, as well as your GPA (or major GPA) if it’s above a 3.0. You may wish to include relevant coursework (relevant to the position for which you’re applying), major research projects, academic awards and honors, or study abroad experiences. Qualifications Otherwise known as Key Skills, this is the section in which you must include keywords that describe the skills you possess that are listed in the job posting. The reason for this section is to indicate to the recruiter very quickly, that you have the skills they are seeking. If your resume is scanned, these key words will be detected and the system will score your application favorably. You should change this section for each application to match the key words on the job postings which are usually found in the Requirements section. Experience For each entry, indicate the name of the employer, your title, the city and state where you worked, and the dates of employment. In describing each experience, begin each phrase with an action verb (see list of action verbs if you need help). You may choose to use bulleted lists or phrases separated by semicolons or periods. However, avoid using personal pronouns, such as “I.” Instead, aim for concise, telegraph-style statements. If you currently hold the position you’re describing, you can use the present tense. For all previous positions, use the simple past tense. Activities/Volunteer Experience You may wish to include college or community organizations to which you belong, particularly if you have an active role. This section is particularly valuable for students or recent grads who have very little professional experience. Especially highlight leadership roles or tasks. Skills You may use this section to highlight your language, computer, or other relevant skills. Publications/Presentations/Research This section is helpful for academically focused resumes. You can highlight scholarly work relevant to the position for which you are applying.
Sample Functional Psychology Resume
Formatting your resume Sara Therapy 1000 Hamline Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 651-651-651
[email protected] spych.linkedin.com
It is important to present your resume in a format which allows the employer to see quickly and easily your most relevant skills and accomplishments. Do not use a resume template. It will not allow you the flexibility you need to present yourself in the best possible way, does not scan well, and will not help you to stand out from the crowd.
Education St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts in Psychology expected May 2016 Researched, wrote, and presented a major paper titled “Society’s Impact on Adolescent Girls.” Received highest academic rating for development of supporting assessment resources. Researched school-based conflict resolution programs and presented findings to peers.
Key Skills Counseling Supported six female domestic abuse survivors and their children, focusing on health and financial issues Assessed needs and prepared support services for persons with developmental and physical disabilities Honed individual client interview skills through instructor feedback on videotaped client Group Facilitation Co-facilitated support group for teen-age parents Taught basic self-care skills to groups of youth with mental disabilities Facilitated discussions within small group settings Led weekly meetings of peers in college residence hall sessions Education Created educational materials for parents living with HIV/AIDS Organized and promoted educational events to students living in university residence hall Conceived and organized educational campaign to raise awareness of accessibility issues on campus
Chronological or Functional? Two of the main types of resume formats are the Chronological Resume and the Functional Resume. Chronological Resume (see sample, page 8): Most people use some variation of a chronological format. In a chronological resume, you list your experience in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent and working your way back). If possible, you might consider breaking up your experience into categories based upon the types of positions for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for a writing position, you might divide your experience into “Writing Experience” and “Additional Experience.” Remember that your goal is to list your most interesting and important experience as close to the top of the resume as possible. Separating out your relevant experience and listing it all under one heading will help you to do that. Functional Resume (see sample, page 10): Functional Resumes allow you to organize your resume by skill or “functional” area. This type of resume allows you to focus on a few key professional skill sets. The majority of the resume will provide detail about and demonstration of these key skill areas. Your employment history will be listed at the bottom of the resume, with very little detail, aside from the employer name, your position, the location, and dates of employment. This type of resume can be effective for career changers or people who have been out of the workforce for an extended period.
Appearance
Employment Experience ESL Tutor, WorldTeach, Valparaiso, Chile
January 2016
Outreach Intern, St. Paul Social Services, St. Paul, MN
Jan. 2015-May 2015
Residence Hall Advisor, St. Catherine University Residence Life Sept. 2013- May 2014 Youth Activities Leader, YMCA, St. Paul, MN,
Summer 2014
Camp Counselor, Stone Ridge Camp, Ely, MN
Summer 2013
The main goal in designing the layout of your resume is to create something that can be easily read and is appealing to the eye. Toward that end, here are a few things to keep in mind. Length: Your resume should be one page in length. If you have a significant amount of professional experience, you may create a two-page resume. However, keep in mind that unless all of the
Sample Chronological Social Work Resume SUSAN B. SOCIAL 1234 Grand Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105
654-123-4567
[email protected]
EDUCATION St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Science expected May, 2016. Major in Social Work. GPA 3.8 SKILLS Case management Advocacy Youth counseling CPR certified
Community resources Group facilitation Behavior management Fluent in Spanish
Paper: Use plain white or off-white paper. The paper should be of better quality than standard printer/copier paper, but does not need to be on heavy card stock.
RELATED EXPERIENCE Family and Children Services Minneapolis, MN Social Work Intern Spring 2016 Provided referrals to school-based support services and community resources
Led two twelve-week groups for adolescents on friendship skills Communicated with parents and primary caregivers to build involvement in their children’s issues Met individually with children aged 13-16 to discuss family divorce issues
Coordinated and facilitated anger management support group
Refugee Assistance Center Chicago, IL Casework Intern Fall, 2015 Referred clients to local education, social service and healthcare agencies
Created resources in Spanish for clients
Assisted staff with translations (Spanish-English) of refugee cases
Co-led group for children struggling with relocation issues
Camp Minnehaha Overnight Camp Counselor Lived with and supervised 15 teenage girls
Planned and led activities for seventh and eighth grade campers
Organized and coached intra-camp athletic leagues
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Peace and Social Justice Group Board Member
Student Orientation Leader
St. Catherine’s Varsity Tennis Team Member
Treasurer of Student Government
Admissions Student Ambassador
material presented on the first page is compelling and relevant, it is unlikely that the employer will ever make it to the second page. If you find that you don’t have enough information to fill one page, you should consider readjusting the formatting so that it has the appearance of fitting well on the page with no large blank spaces at the bottom. Margins: One inch margins are standard. However, you can decrease that a bit if needed. Just be sure that the text is centered nicely on the page. Font: Stick with a plain, easily-readable font. Use a font size that is easy to read. Twelve-point is standard, but you can use 10 point if necessary.
Brainerd, MN Summer, 2015
Finalize your resume You will likely go through many drafts when creating your resume. Get as much feedback as possible, preferably from career counselors, professionals in your field of interest, and/or faculty members. You will probably get different and sometimes conflicting information from the various people who critique your resume, but don’t let that frustrate you. It is common for different people to have different resume preferences. In the end, it’s up to you to take as much or as little of the feedback you receive in creating your own unique resume. One aspect of your resume about which there is no disagreement, is that it must be completely free of typos and misspellings. Proofread, proofread, proofread! Never send a resume out without having at least one other person read it. You can’t rely upon a grammar- or spellchecker to catch all of the errors. Many employers refuse to consider candidates who have mistakes on their resumes, so be absolutely certain that your resume is perfect before you send it out.
Sample retail resume Rachel Retail
[email protected] 777 Seventh Street Richfield, MN 55555 612-123-4567 QUALIFICATIONS Customer Service & Loyalty Staff Supervision Scheduling and Training In-store Promotions
Merchandising Inventory Management Loss Prevention Cash Management
EDUCATION St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; 2016 Concentration in Marketing/Management GPA 3.4
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS Promoted three times in five years with excellent work reviews
Developed successful marketing strategy which increased store sales 25%
Implemented improved store layout to increase effectiveness of merchandise displays
Completed college degree in four years while working full-time
EXPERIENCE Nifty Store, Richfield, MN (2013-present) Manager (2015-present)
Managed specialty apparel store in large shopping complex
Hired, trained, and supervised 25 employees
Coordinated selection, purchase, and display plan for travel apparel
Increased sales and revenues for two consecutive years
Implemented new computer system to improve record keeping
Assistant Manager (2014-2015)
Coordinated staffing schedules for sales associates
Trained new employees on store procedures and customer service
Developed and implemented local media marketing plan
Managed payroll
Sales Associate (2013-2014)
Assisted customers with selection of clothing items
Addressed complaints to assure customer satisfaction
Children’s Hospital, St. Paul, MN (2012-2014) Receptionist, Pediatrics Department
Assisted patients with appointments and services
Coordinated schedules of five doctors
Communicated effectively with diverse client population
Action Verbs to Use When Describing Work Experiences Adapted Administered Advised Analyzed Appraised Approved Assembled Audited Authored Broadcast Budgeted Built Calculated Catalogued Clarified Communicated Compared Compiled Composed Computed Conducted Constructed Consulted Controlled Coordinated Correlated Corresponded Created Delegated Demonstrated Derived Designed Developed Devised Directed Discovered Earned Eliminated Enhanced
Established Estimated Evaluated Examined Facilitated Founded Generated Governed Guided Heightened Identified Illustrated Implemented Increased Initiated Inspected Installed Integrated Interpreted Interviewed Introduced Invented Investigated Launched Lectured Maintained Managed Marketed Mastered Measured Mediated Modeled Moderated Monitored Motivated Negotiated Organized Originated Performed
Persuaded Planned Prepared Presented Prioritized Produced Programmed Promoted Proposed Proved Provided Publicized Published Purchased Questioned Recommended Reduced Regulated Reorganized Researched Reviewed Rewrote Scheduled Screened Served Simplified Solved Strengthened Succeeded Supervised Systematized Taught Traded Trained Translated Upgraded Verified Wrote
Sample Nursing Resume (Can be 2 pages long)
Sample Chronological Resume Libby Artis www.libbyart.com 123 Grand Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105
Ann Nursing 651-123-4567
[email protected]
Objective Seeking internship in graphic design with EYZ and Associates where I may utilize my graphic design and marketing skills.
GPA 3.8
Experience Graphic Design Intern 1/16 to 7/16 Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, MN Designed advertisement for theater season for Twin Cities’ newspapers. Created layout for three playbills. Developed brochure for Education Department’s fall class offerings. Contributed designs for website’s volunteer and donation pages. Retail Assistant Reggie’s Reuse, St. Paul, MN Created banner slogans advertising sales and newest inventory. Wrote and designed newspaper ads. Communicated effectively with diverse client population. Assisted customers with selection of clothing and household items. Camp Counselor Camp Minnehaha, Brainerd, MN Taught art and craft classes to children and teens. Led campers in outings to draw from nature. Guided campers in creating mural for dining hall.
Volunteer Activities St. Catherine University Student Senate Painter for St. Catherine University theatrical productions Graphic Editor for the Wheel at St. Catherine University
Education Bachelor of Arts Degree, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN (May 2016) Major: Nursing Minor: Spanish GPA: 3.7 Honors: Dean’s list, Nursing Scholarship, Rotary Scholarship (2015) Certifications: CPR (2012); Certified Nursing Assistant (2014)
Technical Skills Quark, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Publisher, Serif PagePlus
Education St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts expected May 2016 Major in Studio Art, Minor in Communication Studies
222 Parkway Avenue St. Paul, MN 55442 651.333.0000
[email protected]
2/15 to 3/16
Summers, 2013 to 2015
Clinical Experience Maternity Unit, Fairview Riverside Hospital, Minneapolis, MN (Jan-Feb, 2016) Provided care to and answered questions for new mothers Learned newborn assessments and post delivery care for mothers and infants Assisted in deliveries and care of newborns Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis, MN (Sept-Oct, 2015) Observed and assisted with intake and assessments of infants and children Trained in charting and medication administrations Educated parents in treatment of infants and children Assisted nurses and doctors in treating patients Rehabilitation, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN (Mar-Apr, 2015) Developed a treatment plan for STM loss patient using maps, memory books and visual aids Assisted a physician removing sutures from a severe head trauma patient Consulted with medical staff regarding patients’ care Medical – Surgical, V.A Hospital, Minneapolis, MN (Nov-Dec, 2014) Inspected, cared for and changed dressings of large and deep wounds Provided outstanding care and communicated effectively with patients who were depressed and isolated Work Experience CNA, United Hospital, St. Paul, MN (June, 2014– present, part-time) Assist patients in care in a timely and efficient manne Establish a caring and trusting relationship with patients Communicate effectively and professionally with nursing and medical staff Sales Associate, Herbergers, St Paul, MN (December, 2013 to present, part-time Assisted customers and operated cash register Displayed clothing and monitored sales floor Activities Student Nursing Association, College of St. Catherine (2013– present) Lambda Sigma Service Sorority (2013 - present) Volunteer, Surgical and Maternity Units, Ramsey Medical Center, St. Paul, MN
Sample Resume Highlighting Technical Skills/Study Abroad
Sample Skills Resume
Lois Laboratory Box 1091 (651) 690-0000
St. Paul, MN 55105
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE To obtain an internship to apply my scientific knowledge and laboratory skills. EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, St. Catherine University, St. Paul MN Double Major: Biology and Chemistry Estimated Graduation, May 2016
Current overall GPA: 3.25, GPA in Major Coursework: 3.89
Academic Dean’s List
Recipient of St. Catherine of Alexandria Scholarship
Executive Board Member of the University Association Governing Board
RELEVANT COURSEWORK Biology of Microorganisms Genetics Cell Biology General Biology I and II Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
QUALIFICATIONS Technical Writing/Editing Customer Research, Analysis & Reports Multimedia Content Development
Customer Service Social Media Strategies Retail Sales
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Histology Organic Chemistry I General Chemistry I and II Evolutionary Biology
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Biology of Microorganisms: Unknown bacteria identification, antibiotic resistance analysis Genetics: Recombinant DNA project General Biology: Two semester-long research projects, laboratory reports, poster sessions; PowerPoint and Excel used for results presentations LABORATORY SKILLS/EQUIPMENT Agarose Bel Electrophoresis Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis Column Chromatography Staining and culture of microorganisms Cultivation and Manipulation of Fruit Flies Bacterial Transformation Plasmid DNA Isolation and Purification
Mary Marketing 651-232-4435
[email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/mmarketing
2015 to present
Represent university to prospective students. Conduct tours and provide information
Serve as a liaison between prospective students and administration
Teaching Assistant for Cell Biology Lab and Genetics Lab
Prepare equipment and supplies for lab instruction
Serve as informational resource and lab assistant for students
Assist students in troubleshooting lab problems
September 2014-January 2016
Orientation Leader
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Dean’s List 2012, 2013
May 2016
Study Abroad Experience Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, China Fall 2014 Enhanced understanding of business relations between US and China through international business class. Studied business management in Chinese companies, and conducted informational interviews with business professionals, including Director of Best Buy’s Shanghai division. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Marketing Intern Spring 2015 Minnco, Rochester MN Contributed research and ideas towards creation and development of trade show booth, assisted with setting up trade show schedule, and accompanied sales team to local events. Created content for press releases, flyers, website, social media, and company newsletter. Reviewed websites for comparison purposes, and recommended and implemented updates to Minco’s website. Researched customer preferences through online surveys, compiled data and presented report to sales and marketing staffs.
Brightfield Microscopy Fluorescence Microscopy Aseptic Technique Centrifugation PH Meter Spectrophotometer Analytical Balance
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Student Ambassador
Wordpress, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest platforms HTML, Adobe, Expressions, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps Portfolio may be viewed at: www.MMarketing.com
September 2014
Oriented new students to the university, its policies and activities
Facilitated small group discussions throughout semester-long orientation program
Demonstrated exceptional organizational and communication skills
Marketing Intern Fall 2014 Acme Business Solutions, Austin MN Worked collaboratively with marketing team to analyze client businesses in order to determine marketing issues. Developed recommendations and co-presented them to marketing director. Interacted with sales staff, research suppliers, and advertising agencies to carry out marketing campaigns. Sales Associate 2011 to 2013 World Market, Maplewood, MN Sold home furnishings, kitchen ware, and decorative items to customers, providing product information to match customers’ needs. Received several awards for exceeding monthly sales quotas. Organized and supervised resetting of store layout according to corporate plans. Designed displays for slow moving merchandise, resulting in rapid sales.
Sample retail resume Rachel Retail
[email protected] 777 Seventh Street Richfield, MN 55555 612-123-4567 QUALIFICATIONS Customer Service & Loyalty Staff Supervision Scheduling and Training In-store Promotions
Merchandising Inventory Management Loss Prevention Cash Management
EDUCATION St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; 2016 Concentration in Marketing/Management GPA 3.4
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS Promoted three times in five years with excellent work reviews
Developed successful marketing strategy which increased store sales 25%
Implemented improved store layout to increase effectiveness of merchandise displays
Completed college degree in four years while working full-time
EXPERIENCE Nifty Store, Richfield, MN (2013-present) Manager (2015-present)
Managed specialty apparel store in large shopping complex
Hired, trained, and supervised 25 employees
Coordinated selection, purchase, and display plan for travel apparel
Increased sales and revenues for two consecutive years
Implemented new computer system to improve record keeping
Assistant Manager (2014-2015)
Coordinated staffing schedules for sales associates
Trained new employees on store procedures and customer service
Developed and implemented local media marketing plan
Managed payroll
Sales Associate (2013-2014)
Assisted customers with selection of clothing items
Addressed complaints to assure customer satisfaction
Children’s Hospital, St. Paul, MN (2012-2014) Receptionist, Pediatrics Department
Assisted patients with appointments and services
Coordinated schedules of five doctors
Communicated effectively with diverse client population
Action Verbs to Use When Describing Work Experiences Adapted Administered Advised Analyzed Appraised Approved Assembled Audited Authored Broadcast Budgeted Built Calculated Catalogued Clarified Communicated Compared Compiled Composed Computed Conducted Constructed Consulted Controlled Coordinated Correlated Corresponded Created Delegated Demonstrated Derived Designed Developed Devised Directed Discovered Earned Eliminated Enhanced
Established Estimated Evaluated Examined Facilitated Founded Generated Governed Guided Heightened Identified Illustrated Implemented Increased Initiated Inspected Installed Integrated Interpreted Interviewed Introduced Invented Investigated Launched Lectured Maintained Managed Marketed Mastered Measured Mediated Modeled Moderated Monitored Motivated Negotiated Organized Originated Performed
Persuaded Planned Prepared Presented Prioritized Produced Programmed Promoted Proposed Proved Provided Publicized Published Purchased Questioned Recommended Reduced Regulated Reorganized Researched Reviewed Rewrote Scheduled Screened Served Simplified Solved Strengthened Succeeded Supervised Systematized Taught Traded Trained Translated Upgraded Verified Wrote
Sample Chronological Social Work Resume SUSAN B. SOCIAL 1234 Grand Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105
654-123-4567
[email protected]
EDUCATION St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Science expected May, 2016. Major in Social Work. GPA 3.8 SKILLS Case management Advocacy Youth counseling CPR certified
Community resources Group facilitation Behavior management Fluent in Spanish
Paper: Use plain white or off-white paper. The paper should be of better quality than standard printer/copier paper, but does not need to be on heavy card stock.
RELATED EXPERIENCE Family and Children Services Minneapolis, MN Social Work Intern Spring 2016 Provided referrals to school-based support services and community resources
Led two twelve-week groups for adolescents on friendship skills Communicated with parents and primary caregivers to build involvement in their children’s issues Met individually with children aged 13-16 to discuss family divorce issues
Coordinated and facilitated anger management support group
Refugee Assistance Center Chicago, IL Casework Intern Fall, 2015 Referred clients to local education, social service and healthcare agencies
Created resources in Spanish for clients
Assisted staff with translations (Spanish-English) of refugee cases
Co-led group for children struggling with relocation issues
Camp Minnehaha Overnight Camp Counselor Lived with and supervised 15 teenage girls
Planned and led activities for seventh and eighth grade campers
Organized and coached intra-camp athletic leagues
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Peace and Social Justice Group Board Member
Student Orientation Leader
St. Catherine’s Varsity Tennis Team Member
Treasurer of Student Government
Admissions Student Ambassador
material presented on the first page is compelling and relevant, it is unlikely that the employer will ever make it to the second page. If you find that you don’t have enough information to fill one page, you should consider readjusting the formatting so that it has the appearance of fitting well on the page with no large blank spaces at the bottom. Margins: One inch margins are standard. However, you can decrease that a bit if needed. Just be sure that the text is centered nicely on the page. Font: Stick with a plain, easily-readable font. Use a font size that is easy to read. Twelve-point is standard, but you can use 10 point if necessary.
Brainerd, MN Summer, 2015
Finalize your resume You will likely go through many drafts when creating your resume. Get as much feedback as possible, preferably from career counselors, professionals in your field of interest, and/or faculty members. You will probably get different and sometimes conflicting information from the various people who critique your resume, but don’t let that frustrate you. It is common for different people to have different resume preferences. In the end, it’s up to you to take as much or as little of the feedback you receive in creating your own unique resume. One aspect of your resume about which there is no disagreement, is that it must be completely free of typos and misspellings. Proofread, proofread, proofread! Never send a resume out without having at least one other person read it. You can’t rely upon a grammar- or spellchecker to catch all of the errors. Many employers refuse to consider candidates who have mistakes on their resumes, so be absolutely certain that your resume is perfect before you send it out.
Sample Functional Psychology Resume
Formatting your resume Sara Therapy 1000 Hamline Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 651-651-651
[email protected] spych.linkedin.com
It is important to present your resume in a format which allows the employer to see quickly and easily your most relevant skills and accomplishments. Do not use a resume template. It will not allow you the flexibility you need to present yourself in the best possible way, does not scan well, and will not help you to stand out from the crowd.
Education St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts in Psychology expected May 2016 Researched, wrote, and presented a major paper titled “Society’s Impact on Adolescent Girls.” Received highest academic rating for development of supporting assessment resources. Researched school-based conflict resolution programs and presented findings to peers.
Key Skills Counseling Supported six female domestic abuse survivors and their children, focusing on health and financial issues Assessed needs and prepared support services for persons with developmental and physical disabilities Honed individual client interview skills through instructor feedback on videotaped client Group Facilitation Co-facilitated support group for teen-age parents Taught basic self-care skills to groups of youth with mental disabilities Facilitated discussions within small group settings Led weekly meetings of peers in college residence hall sessions Education Created educational materials for parents living with HIV/AIDS Organized and promoted educational events to students living in university residence hall Conceived and organized educational campaign to raise awareness of accessibility issues on campus
Chronological or Functional? Two of the main types of resume formats are the Chronological Resume and the Functional Resume. Chronological Resume (see sample, page 8): Most people use some variation of a chronological format. In a chronological resume, you list your experience in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent and working your way back). If possible, you might consider breaking up your experience into categories based upon the types of positions for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for a writing position, you might divide your experience into “Writing Experience” and “Additional Experience.” Remember that your goal is to list your most interesting and important experience as close to the top of the resume as possible. Separating out your relevant experience and listing it all under one heading will help you to do that. Functional Resume (see sample, page 10): Functional Resumes allow you to organize your resume by skill or “functional” area. This type of resume allows you to focus on a few key professional skill sets. The majority of the resume will provide detail about and demonstration of these key skill areas. Your employment history will be listed at the bottom of the resume, with very little detail, aside from the employer name, your position, the location, and dates of employment. This type of resume can be effective for career changers or people who have been out of the workforce for an extended period.
Appearance
Employment Experience ESL Tutor, WorldTeach, Valparaiso, Chile
January 2016
Outreach Intern, St. Paul Social Services, St. Paul, MN
Jan. 2015-May 2015
Residence Hall Advisor, St. Catherine University Residence Life Sept. 2013- May 2014 Youth Activities Leader, YMCA, St. Paul, MN,
Summer 2014
Camp Counselor, Stone Ridge Camp, Ely, MN
Summer 2013
The main goal in designing the layout of your resume is to create something that can be easily read and is appealing to the eye. Toward that end, here are a few things to keep in mind. Length: Your resume should be one page in length. If you have a significant amount of professional experience, you may create a two-page resume. However, keep in mind that unless all of the
Sample Education Resume
Ima Teacher Iteacher.efoliomn.com 9900 Main Avenue St. Paul, MN 55443
[email protected] 651-502-0593
OBJECTIVE English/Communication Arts teaching position in grades 9-12 with opportunities for coaching. EDUCATION St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN. Bachelor of Arts expected May 2016. GPA 3.8. Majors: Secondary Education, English. Minor: Music. Honors/Activities: Academic Dean’s List (6 semesters); Pi Lambda Theta National Honor Society Member; Mu Phi Epsilon Music Fraternity Member; Mu Phi Patron Award Recipient; SCU/UST Concert Band Member LICENSURE Minnesota Secondary Education Licensure (Communication Arts/Literature) CPR Certification – American Red Cross TEACHING EXPERIENCE Student Teacher, Highland Park Junior High School, St. Paul, MN Spring 2016 Instructed 9th grade English classes, emphasizing developing writing skills. Developed special units on memoirs, science fiction, environmental fiction, and sequels. Tutored three students individually outside of classes. Created specialized instructional materials for ESL students. Assisted students in self-publishing a magazine of creative fiction, which was distributed to entire 9th grade class. Teaching Assistant, South High School, Minneapolis, MN January 2016 Assisted in 12th grade English/Social Studies Partnership classrooms. Developed and taught unit on historical narratives. Planned and supervised field trip to Minnesota Historical Society. Student Teacher, Central High School, St. Paul, MN Fall 2015 Instructed 11th grade Advanced English classes. Focused on introducing students to world literature in translation. Developed cultural units to accompany each type of literature. Introduced students to techniques for writing research papers. COACHING EXPERIENCE Assistant Coach, Highland Park Junior High School, St. Paul, MN Winter 2014 Assisted coaching staff for 7th and 8th grade girls’ basketball team. Demonstrated proper techniques, encouraged team spirit, and offered advice on rules and strategy. Tennis Coach, Johnson High School, St. Paul, MN Spring 2014 Developed and led weekend training sessions and clinics for players wishing to improve technique. Created training schedule, and assisted players individually.
Education List the name of the institution, city and state, and degree you received (or expect to receive). Include your majors and minors, as well as your GPA (or major GPA) if it’s above a 3.0. You may wish to include relevant coursework (relevant to the position for which you’re applying), major research projects, academic awards and honors, or study abroad experiences. Qualifications Otherwise known as Key Skills, this is the section in which you must include keywords that describe the skills you possess that are listed in the job posting. The reason for this section is to indicate to the recruiter very quickly, that you have the skills they are seeking. If your resume is scanned, these key words will be detected and the system will score your application favorably. You should change this section for each application to match the key words on the job postings which are usually found in the Requirements section. Experience For each entry, indicate the name of the employer, your title, the city and state where you worked, and the dates of employment. In describing each experience, begin each phrase with an action verb (see list of action verbs if you need help). You may choose to use bulleted lists or phrases separated by semicolons or periods. However, avoid using personal pronouns, such as “I.” Instead, aim for concise, telegraph-style statements. If you currently hold the position you’re describing, you can use the present tense. For all previous positions, use the simple past tense. Activities/Volunteer Experience You may wish to include college or community organizations to which you belong, particularly if you have an active role. This section is particularly valuable for students or recent grads who have very little professional experience. Especially highlight leadership roles or tasks. Skills You may use this section to highlight your language, computer, or other relevant skills. Publications/Presentations/Research This section is helpful for academically focused resumes. You can highlight scholarly work relevant to the position for which you are applying.
Sample Resume Highlighting Technical Skills/Study Abroad
Sample Skills Resume
Lois Laboratory Box 1091 (651) 690-0000
St. Paul, MN 55105
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE To obtain an internship to apply my scientific knowledge and laboratory skills. EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, St. Catherine University, St. Paul MN Double Major: Biology and Chemistry Estimated Graduation, May 2016
Current overall GPA: 3.25, GPA in Major Coursework: 3.89
Academic Dean’s List
Recipient of St. Catherine of Alexandria Scholarship
Executive Board Member of the University Association Governing Board
RELEVANT COURSEWORK Biology of Microorganisms Genetics Cell Biology General Biology I and II Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
QUALIFICATIONS Technical Writing/Editing Customer Research, Analysis & Reports Multimedia Content Development
Customer Service Social Media Strategies Retail Sales
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Histology Organic Chemistry I General Chemistry I and II Evolutionary Biology
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Biology of Microorganisms: Unknown bacteria identification, antibiotic resistance analysis Genetics: Recombinant DNA project General Biology: Two semester-long research projects, laboratory reports, poster sessions; PowerPoint and Excel used for results presentations LABORATORY SKILLS/EQUIPMENT Agarose Bel Electrophoresis Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis Column Chromatography Staining and culture of microorganisms Cultivation and Manipulation of Fruit Flies Bacterial Transformation Plasmid DNA Isolation and Purification
Mary Marketing 651-232-4435
[email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/mmarketing
2015 to present
Represent university to prospective students. Conduct tours and provide information
Serve as a liaison between prospective students and administration
Teaching Assistant for Cell Biology Lab and Genetics Lab
Prepare equipment and supplies for lab instruction
Serve as informational resource and lab assistant for students
Assist students in troubleshooting lab problems
September 2014-January 2016
Orientation Leader
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Dean’s List 2012, 2013
May 2016
Study Abroad Experience Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, China Fall 2014 Enhanced understanding of business relations between US and China through international business class. Studied business management in Chinese companies, and conducted informational interviews with business professionals, including Director of Best Buy’s Shanghai division. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Marketing Intern Spring 2015 Minnco, Rochester MN Contributed research and ideas towards creation and development of trade show booth, assisted with setting up trade show schedule, and accompanied sales team to local events. Created content for press releases, flyers, website, social media, and company newsletter. Reviewed websites for comparison purposes, and recommended and implemented updates to Minco’s website. Researched customer preferences through online surveys, compiled data and presented report to sales and marketing staffs.
Brightfield Microscopy Fluorescence Microscopy Aseptic Technique Centrifugation PH Meter Spectrophotometer Analytical Balance
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Student Ambassador
Wordpress, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest platforms HTML, Adobe, Expressions, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps Portfolio may be viewed at: www.MMarketing.com
September 2014
Oriented new students to the university, its policies and activities
Facilitated small group discussions throughout semester-long orientation program
Demonstrated exceptional organizational and communication skills
Marketing Intern Fall 2014 Acme Business Solutions, Austin MN Worked collaboratively with marketing team to analyze client businesses in order to determine marketing issues. Developed recommendations and co-presented them to marketing director. Interacted with sales staff, research suppliers, and advertising agencies to carry out marketing campaigns. Sales Associate 2011 to 2013 World Market, Maplewood, MN Sold home furnishings, kitchen ware, and decorative items to customers, providing product information to match customers’ needs. Received several awards for exceeding monthly sales quotas. Organized and supervised resetting of store layout according to corporate plans. Designed displays for slow moving merchandise, resulting in rapid sales.
Sample Physical Therapy Resume (Can be 2 pages long) Thomas PT
1234 Main Street St. Paul, MN 55105 651-555-5555
[email protected] Objective Obtain employment as a Physical Therapist with The Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation where I may provide excellent patient-centered care using advanced therapies.
Education Doctor of Physical Therapy St. Catherine University, Minneapolis, MN
May 2016
Bachelor of Science Major in Exercise and Sport Science St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN
May 2013
Associate of Arts Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN
May 2011
Clinical Experience Methodist Hospital Dept. of Physical Therapy, St. Louis Park, MN March 2016-May 2016 Administered care to patients admitted into rehabilitation unit; participated in multidisciplinary rehab rounds; gained experience working at patients’ bedside, in the cardiac rehab unit, and in the wound clinic Park Nicollet Clinic Rehab Services, Maple Grove, MN Jan 2016-March 2016 Provided intervention to patients with a variety of orthopedic diagnoses; presented an in-service to peers on various running topics and related injuries; became proficient with Lastword and Shorthand documentation systems University of North Dakota Pro-Bono Clinic, Grand Forks, ND Oct 2015-Dec 2015 Worked one on one with an individual with Multiple Sclerosis over the course of six weeks, and developed home program addressing strength maintenance and functional limitations Institute for Athletic Medicine, Plymouth, MN Aug 2015-Oct 2015 Cared for patients in an outpatient therapy setting; documented patient information using Epic Employment History Wegner Physical Therapy, Minneapolis, MN Nov 2015-Present Aid in patient care; check in patients; transcribe notes; clean patient rooms, gym and pool Pediatrics Physical Therapy, Eagan, MN Assisted in care of pediatric patients; helped to provide hippotherapy (horse therapy)
June 2014-Aug 2015
Veterans of Foreign War, St. Paul, MN Summers of 2011-2013 Coached summer baseball for 15-16 year old boys, organized schedule, coordinated bus rides, scheduled umpires, maintained field, organized and hosted 2004 central Minnesota VFW district tournament Professional Affiliations/Certifications American Physical Therapy Association Member CPR/First Aid Certification, American Red Cross
Aug 2015-Present Dec 2014-Present
Describe your experiences accurately and positively. Prioritize your experiences, and make sure the most important items appear toward the top of the page. Try to keep your resume to one page. People with extensive work experience may need a two-page resume. However, current students and recent graduates seldom need more than a page to present their relevant experience. Your resume is not your life history, and should be confined to experience that is relevant and interesting. Format your resume so that there is sufficient spacing and choose a font that is easy to read and commonly used. (Times New Roman works well.) Whether you use a bullet or a paragraph style, start each phrase with an action verb. Do not be wordy, but rather briefly descriptive. Never send out a resume that hasn’t been proofread by at least one person in addition to yourself. Typos and mistakes can cost you an opportunity. Print your resume on good quality white or off-white linen paper, if you are mailing it or delivering it in person. Most resumes submitted online are scanned for database storage by software that doesn’t recognize special graphics and formatting. Use plain text and formatting so that the resume will retain a clean appearance and layout.
Organize your document Following is a list of the sections frequently found in a resume. Your resume may not contain all of these sections. Remember to organize and title the sections to correspond with the types of positions for which you are applying. Name and Contact Information If your current address is different from your permanent address, you may wish to include both on your resume. You may include a home and a cell phone number, but be sure that the outgoing messages on your voicemail are professional sounding. If you include a current work phone number, be sure that it is acceptable for you to receive calls there. Include an email address, and check for messages frequently. Objective This section is optional. If you choose to include an objective, make it concise and specific. (For example: To obtain a summer internship in the account management department of an advertising agency.) You will elaborate on this more fully in your cover letter, so if you can better use the space on your resume to list relevant experiences and skills, skip the objective.
Sample Nursing Resume (Can be 2 pages long)
Sample Chronological Resume Libby Artis www.libbyart.com 123 Grand Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105
Ann Nursing 651-123-4567
[email protected]
Objective Seeking internship in graphic design with EYZ and Associates where I may utilize my graphic design and marketing skills.
GPA 3.8
Experience Graphic Design Intern 1/16 to 7/16 Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, MN Designed advertisement for theater season for Twin Cities’ newspapers. Created layout for three playbills. Developed brochure for Education Department’s fall class offerings. Contributed designs for website’s volunteer and donation pages. Retail Assistant Reggie’s Reuse, St. Paul, MN Created banner slogans advertising sales and newest inventory. Wrote and designed newspaper ads. Communicated effectively with diverse client population. Assisted customers with selection of clothing and household items. Camp Counselor Camp Minnehaha, Brainerd, MN Taught art and craft classes to children and teens. Led campers in outings to draw from nature. Guided campers in creating mural for dining hall.
Volunteer Activities St. Catherine University Student Senate Painter for St. Catherine University theatrical productions Graphic Editor for the Wheel at St. Catherine University
Education Bachelor of Arts Degree, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN (May 2016) Major: Nursing Minor: Spanish GPA: 3.7 Honors: Dean’s list, Nursing Scholarship, Rotary Scholarship (2015) Certifications: CPR (2012); Certified Nursing Assistant (2014)
Technical Skills Quark, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Publisher, Serif PagePlus
Education St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts expected May 2016 Major in Studio Art, Minor in Communication Studies
222 Parkway Avenue St. Paul, MN 55442 651.333.0000
[email protected]
2/15 to 3/16
Summers, 2013 to 2015
Clinical Experience Maternity Unit, Fairview Riverside Hospital, Minneapolis, MN (Jan-Feb, 2016) Provided care to and answered questions for new mothers Learned newborn assessments and post delivery care for mothers and infants Assisted in deliveries and care of newborns Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis, MN (Sept-Oct, 2015) Observed and assisted with intake and assessments of infants and children Trained in charting and medication administrations Educated parents in treatment of infants and children Assisted nurses and doctors in treating patients Rehabilitation, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN (Mar-Apr, 2015) Developed a treatment plan for STM loss patient using maps, memory books and visual aids Assisted a physician removing sutures from a severe head trauma patient Consulted with medical staff regarding patients’ care Medical – Surgical, V.A Hospital, Minneapolis, MN (Nov-Dec, 2014) Inspected, cared for and changed dressings of large and deep wounds Provided outstanding care and communicated effectively with patients who were depressed and isolated Work Experience CNA, United Hospital, St. Paul, MN (June, 2014– present, part-time) Assist patients in care in a timely and efficient manne Establish a caring and trusting relationship with patients Communicate effectively and professionally with nursing and medical staff Sales Associate, Herbergers, St Paul, MN (December, 2013 to present, part-time Assisted customers and operated cash register Displayed clothing and monitored sales floor Activities Student Nursing Association, College of St. Catherine (2013– present) Lambda Sigma Service Sorority (2013 - present) Volunteer, Surgical and Maternity Units, Ramsey Medical Center, St. Paul, MN
CV Guidelines A curriculum vitae, or CV, is an alternative to a resume that is traditionally used by those in academia and research. A resume is typically a page or two in length, while a CV is more detailed and longer. There are a number of general guidelines one can follow when creating a CV. Here are tips for choosing a font style and size, format, and content. CV Style and Format Font and Size: Do not use ornate fonts that are difficult to read; Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or a similar font is best. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points, although your name and the section headings can be a little larger and/or bolded. Format: Most CVs are at least two pages long, and often much longer depending upon your experience. However you decide to organize the sections of your CV, keep each section uniform. For example, if you put the name of one organization in italics, every organization name must be in italics. If you include a sentence or two about your accomplishments in a particular position, fellowship, etc., make a bullet list of each accomplishment. This will keep your CV organized and easy to read. What to Include on Your CV Contact information: At the top of your CV, include your name and contact information (address, phone number, email address, etc.). Outside of the US, many CVs include even more personal information, such as gender, date of birth, marital status, and even names of children. Unless you are applying to a job outside of the United States, you do not need to include this extra information.
What is a resume? A resume is a concise marketing piece that describes your experiences, education, and skills, as they pertain to the position that you are seeking. A prospective employer will frequently form their first impression of you based upon your resume. The ultimate goal of your resume is to get you an interview.
Brainstorm your master list The first step in creating your resume is to itemize your experience from the past several years. Your list should include internships, fulltime, part-time, and summer jobs, volunteer/community service, campus activities, student organizations, and all of your educational experiences. There is no specific rule about how far back you should reach. For a first-time first-year student, it probably makes sense to include experience from high school. For an experienced professional, on the other hand, high school experience is probably too far in the past, and is unlikely to be your strongest selling point, but you probably want to include significant full-time work experience.
Fill in the details After your master list is complete, you can start to elaborate on each item you listed. Sometimes it’s helpful to work with a friend and ask him/her to take notes while you describe specifically what you did and what you accomplished in each position. As you revise and rewrite these descriptions, be sure to include relevant details. For example, if you managed a budget, how large was the budget? If you worked with children, what ages? In groups or individually? In writing your descriptions, remember to focus on those skills and accomplishments that will be of interest to the employers you’re targeting. Use strong action verbs to begin all of your statements, rather than “I” or “My.”
Important considerations There is no “right” or “wrong” way to write a resume. Your resume is a unique document that presents a picture of you as a unique individual. It should be targeted to the type of employment you’re seeking, and should highlight your background in light of this. That said, however, there are a few basic hints that you should keep in mind to create the best first impression of yourself as a candidate. Do not use a resume template. It’s tempting to fill in the blanks in a resume program or template, but this is not the best way to make your resume present the unique individual that you are.
Education: List college and graduate study under this heading, including the school attended, dates of study, and degree received. Honors and Awards: This may include dean's list standings, departmental awards, scholarships, fellowships, and membership in any honors associations. Thesis/Dissertation: Include your thesis or dissertation title as well as a brief description. Research Experience: Describe any research experience you have, including where you worked, when, and with whom. Add any publications resulting from your research. Work Experience: Relevant work experience which may include related non-academic work should be added here. List the employer, position, and dates of employment as well as a bullet list of your duties and/or accomplishments. Teaching Experience: Any teaching positions you have held as well as the school, course name, and semester are placed in this section. You may also include any other relevant tutoring or group leadership experience. Skills: Add additional relevant skills you have not yet mentioned, such as language skills, computer skills, administrative skills, etc.
Office of Career Development www.stkate.edu/career 651-690-8890 St. Paul Campus Minneapolis Campus Coeur de Catherine 460 Education Building 365 © 2014
Publications and Presentations: List any publications you have written, co-written, or contributed to, along with all necessary bibliographic information. You should also mention any pieces you are currently working on. Include papers you presented at conferences and/or associations: list the name of the paper, the conference name and location, and the date.
Professional Memberships: List any professional associations to which you belong. Add your title if you are a board member of the association. Extracurricular Activities: Describe any volunteer or service work you have done, as well as any clubs or organizations to which you have belonged. You can also mention any study abroad experiences here if you have not already done so. Note: be aware that not all CVs look the same. You may choose to include only some of these sections because others do not apply to your background. Limit your entries to what seems appropriate for your area of specialty. As with a resume, review your CV closely for errors, and submit it to professionals and Career Development for proofreading.
THE CATHERINE CAREER GUIDE TO
Resumes
Education: List college and graduate study under this heading, including the school attended, dates of study, and degree received. Honors and Awards: This may include dean's list standings, departmental awards, scholarships, fellowships, and membership in any honors associations. Thesis/Dissertation: Include your thesis or dissertation title as well as a brief description. Research Experience: Describe any research experience you have, including where you worked, when, and with whom. Add any publications resulting from your research. Work Experience: Relevant work experience which may include related non-academic work should be added here. List the employer, position, and dates of employment as well as a bullet list of your duties and/or accomplishments. Teaching Experience: Any teaching positions you have held as well as the school, course name, and semester are placed in this section. You may also include any other relevant tutoring or group leadership experience. Skills: Add additional relevant skills you have not yet mentioned, such as language skills, computer skills, administrative skills, etc.
Office of Career Development www.stkate.edu/career 651-690-8890 St. Paul Campus Minneapolis Campus Coeur de Catherine 460 Education Building 365 © 2014
Publications and Presentations: List any publications you have written, co-written, or contributed to, along with all necessary bibliographic information. You should also mention any pieces you are currently working on. Include papers you presented at conferences and/or associations: list the name of the paper, the conference name and location, and the date.
