CAREER & LIFE PLANNING OFFICE @ WJU

RESUME GUIDELINES

Resumes are a persuasive summary of your qualifications for employment as well as a

brief self-advertisement of your skills and accomplishments. Each resume should be

targeted for a specific role. We recommend creating a master resume in Word. Then

copying all relevant information into a resume written for the job for which you are

applying. When saving the resume, we recommend the following document name

format:

Name – Document – Job Title – Month – Year

For example, Joe Jobseeker is applying for an intern teaching role. This is an example of

an appropriate file name:

“H. Hardworker – Cover Letter – Associate Business Analyst position – August 2018”

Hiring managers only spend, on average, 6 seconds to view a resume, therefore you

must capture their attention quickly using keywords and action oriented phrases.

The rule of thumb for length is one page per degree. Most college students and new

college graduates should stick to one page. Shorten margins and decrease the space

between sections to shorten the document.

Always proofread your documents. Ask for a friend, professor or the CLP staff to

review your documents.

A good resume won’t get you the job,

but a bad one may prevent you from getting an interview.

ESSENTIAL RESUME COMPONENTS

CONTACT INFORMATION: Legal name, phone, email, customized LinkedIn URL

BRANDING STATEMENT (FORMERLY AN OBJECTIVE): State the role you are targeting.

Your branding statement should answer this question: how will you support employer

needs?

SKILLS/PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE: This is the appropriate section to list industry

specific keywords. These are the terms that are common within your major. Include

verbal languages skills and all technical skills. Are you savvy at specific apps beyond

Microsoft Office Suite? BE SURE TO INCLUDE THEM! Employers want employees that are

tech savvy, even if you will not be in a tech role.

EDUCATION: Most recent first. Once you graduate college, it is no longer necessary to

list your high school diploma. It is now assumed that you possess it.

EXPERIENCE: Most recent first, include paid, unpaid, volunteer. ALL experience can be

useful to include as long as it speaks to you job target. Did you travel abroad? Lead a

student club? List those roles as it can “beef up” a resume that may lack paid

experience. List company name, location, your job title and dates. Brief bullet points

with action verbs.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS: List any that are unique and show leadership and hard

work.

REFERENCES: List 3 - 5 professional references in a separate document. See sample in this

packet. Use the same header as your resume for a consistent look. Include your contact’s name,

title, company, company email, company phone number and length of time you have been

acquainted.

RESUME LANGUAGE

Avoid using these phrases/words on your resume: Responsible for Duties include Worked on Although

Even though Challenging Like Me, I, them

Instead, follow this writing guidelines for resume language:

Focus on “home runs” - How did you bring value?

Put the most important, most valuable information first.

Know your audience – what is the job description looking for?

Quantify as much as possible (i.e number of customers served, percentages, dates).

Do not use abbreviations or acronyms.

Use wide margins, bullet points, and readable 10, 11, or 12 font. Use Calibri or Arial fonts.

Single space within paragraphs and double space between sections.

Avoid personal pronouns (“my” or “I”).

Complete sentences are unnecessary, short phrases starting with an action verb are

preferred (i.e: “Organized”).

Begin each sentence under “Experience” with a functional skill/action verb.

Make sure resume is free of grammatical and spelling errors.

Use words that draw attention. Present your accomplishments as they relate to a specific

type of job.

Ask yourself, “Is this how I want to be seen?” Follow conventions of the field with respect to

layout and style and be creative when describing content.

List of Action Verbs for Resumes & Professional Profiles Management/ Leadership Skills administered analyzed appointed approved assigned attained authorized chaired considered consolidated contracted controlled converted coordinated decided delegated developed directed eliminated emphasized enforced enhanced established executed generated handled headed hired hosted improved incorporated increased initiated inspected instituted led managed merged motivated organized originated overhauled oversaw planned presided prioritized produced recommended reorganized

replaced restored reviewed scheduled streamlined strengthened supervised terminated Communication/ People Skills addressed advertised arbitrated arranged articulated authored clarified collaborated communicated composed condensed conferred consulted contacted conveyed convinced corresponded debated defined described developed directed discussed drafted edited elicited enlisted explained expressed formulated furnished incorporated influenced interacted interpreted interviewed involved joined judged lectured

listened marketed mediated moderated negotiated observed outlined participated persuaded presented promoted proposed publicized reconciled recruited referred reinforced reported resolved responded solicited specified spoke suggested summarized synthesized translated wrote Research Skills analyzed clarified collected compared conducted critiqued detected determined diagnosed evaluated examined experimented explored extracted formulated gathered identified inspected interpreted interviewed invented

investigated located measured organized researched searched solved summarized surveyed systematized tested Technical Skills adapted assembled built calculated computed conserved constructed converted debugged designed determined developed engineered fabricated fortified installed maintained operated overhauled printed programmed rectified regulated remodeled repaired replaced restored solved specialized standardized studied upgraded utilized Teaching Skills adapted advised clarified

coached communicated conducted coordinated critiqued developed enabled encouraged evaluated explained facilitated focused guided individualized informed instilled instructed motivated persuaded set goals simulated stimulate taught tested trained transmitted tutored Financial/Data Skills administered adjusted allocated analyzed appraised assessed audited balanced calculated computed conserved corrected determined developed estimated forecasted managed marketed measured

planned programmed projected reconciled reduced researched retrieved Creative Skills acted adapted began combined conceptualized condensed created customized designed developed directed displayed drew entertained established fashioned formulated founded illustrated initiated instituted integrated introduced invented modeled modified originated performed photographed planned revised revitalized shaped solved Helping Skills adapted advocated aided answered

arranged assessed assisted cared for clarified coached collaborated contributed cooperated counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated encouraged ensured expedited facilitated familiarize furthered guided helped insured intervened motivated provided referred rehabilitated presented resolved simplified supplied supported volunteered Organization/ Detail Skills approved arranged cataloged categorized charted classified coded collected compiled corresponded distributed executed filed generated

implemented incorporated inspected logged maintained monitored obtained operated ordered organized prepared processed provided purchased recorded registered reserved responded reviewed routed scheduled screened set up submitted supplied standardized systematized updated validated verified More Verbs for Accomplishments achieved completed expanded exceeded improved pioneered reduced (losses) resolved (issues) restored spearheaded succeeded surpassed transform

SAMPLE RESUME #1

HENRY HARDWORKER Rocklin, CA – 555-555-8654 – imahardworker@mail.com – LinkedIn URL

A disciplined and motivated student who is passionate

about assisting businesses on their path to success. QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using effective communication to clearly articulate ideas and duties to others. • Time management to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner. • Analyzing and processing complicated data to understand and effectively communicate

meaning in both written word and speech. EDUCATION William Jessup University 2013 – Present Bachelor of Business Administration Concentration: General Management & Marketing, 4.0 GPA ACADEMIC PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Business Statistics

• Analyzed and presented real-estate data to determine the fluctuation of growth from the housing market throughout the 2000’s.

• Used data to predict future economic patterns of the housing market, as well as an optimal time to sell property to receive the greatest reward.

Project Management

• Devised a plan of action in how to best market Giants tickets to a wider audience. WORK EXPERIENCE Head Server; Blue Nami Sushi – Roseville, CA, 2014 – Present

• Practice quality customer service skills and time management in waiting on several parties, while still maintaining exceptional customer service.

Front Desk Associate; Crunch Gym – Rocklin, CA, 2012 – 2014

• Independently processed documents and files, while upholding a strict sense of order and cleanliness for customers.

• Performed problem-solving skills in working with a variety of guests to ensure they have an excellent experience.

SAMPLE RESUME #2

Jane Athlete

Rocklin, CA • ###-###-### • jane.athlete@jessup.edu • Linkedin.com/in/janeathlete

Targeting entry-level roles in Business Administration

Skilled in problem solving, superior analytical skills. Works well under pressure and in time constraints Focused, consistent, and hardworking with proven leadership skills through NCAA Division 1 and high school

athletics. Strong background in providing quality customer service.

MS Office Suite – Access – Market Research - ABI databases

EDUCATION

William Jessup University, Rocklin CA Bachelor of Science: Business Administration, to be conferred Spring 2020 Finance and Marketing Concentrations, GPA 3.6

Relevant Coursework: Fixed Income, Security Analysis and Portfolio, Management, Advanced Corporate Finance, Case Studies, Intermediate Accounting, Quantitative Methods in Finance, International Finance, Small Business Management EXPERIENCE

Office Administrator Dance Depot, Placentia, CA 2015 - 2017 • Managed over 150 accounts • Responsible for accounting and daily cash receipts • Gained knowledge and use of Excel and Peachtree • Recorded attendance and customer payments • Coordinated student class placement • Effectively handled customer complaints and problems

Senior Project 2015 - 2016 • Corporate Sponsor Manager Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation • Working to raise $83k in wheelchair donations for Argentina • Cold calling local business and corporations for monetary donations and gift baskets • Enhanced skills in selling, interpersonal communication and self motivation

LEADERSHIP AND ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

NCAA Division 1 Track / NCAA Division 1 Cross Country • Developed skills in teamwork, communication, self – motivation and discipline • Maintained rigid practice and work out schedule for 365 days of the year • Stayed focused for long periods of time to achieve success

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Dean’s list 2016, 2017 • President Honor’s List 2016 • Six Summer Coach Awards • Rocklin High School Cross Country Assistant Coach

SAMPLE RESUME #3

Hank Johnson 555-555-1212 LinkedIn URL hjhns@email.com Anytown, CA 95678 CAREER OBJECTIVE

Law Enforcement Administrator

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICIATIONS

Highly motivated and capable law enforcement graduate with solid work ethic and professional goals. Three years experience in security operations and law enforcement management support while attending college full time. Bilingual with an articulate fluency in both written and spoken Spanish and English. Excellent interpersonal skills dealing with co-workers and clients. Proven ability to work well in stressful situation while maintaining excellent organization, time-management, and problem resolution skills.

EDUCATION

June 2010 Sam Houston State University, College of Criminal Justice Huntsville, TX B.A., Criminal Justice Majors: Criminal Justice, Legal Studies GPA: 3.65/4.00 Important Coursework: Communication Studies, Information Assurance, Psychology, Sociology

WORK EXPERIENCE

March 2010 – B.I. Incorporated Boulder, CO Present Junior Bilingual Case Specialist (Work-Study)

Assist in providing case management, field visitation, and supervision of immigration participants. Aid in the completion of assessments, monitored participation, verified residence and employment, perform home visits, and ensure participants’ attendance at court appearances. Also provide case management services involving non-US citizens whose status is under review by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

March 2009 – Yale Enforcement Services Dallas, TX February 2010 Armed Security Officer/Security Guard

Patrolled industrial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion. Ensured security of doors, window, and gates. Monitored and authorized entrance and departure and employees, visitors, and other persons. Prepared written reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment and property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons. Interacted with police and fire departments in emergencies. Warned persons of rule infractions and evicted violators from premises.

HONORS

• Acknowledgement by Sam Houston State University of 100+ hours of community service for security including crowd tragic control, parking service, and community events in and around the University properties.

• NRA Explorer Marksmanship bar for 8 hours of firearms safety training. • Commendation – proficiency in drug abuse prevention training and service; 50 hours service in two drug

prevention projects.

RELATED ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS

• Alpha Phi Sigma national Criminal Justice Honor Society / Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society • Crime Victims Service Alliance / Society of Forensic Science

SAMPLE RESUME #4 (FUNCTIONAL)

Hank Johnson 555-555-1212 - hjhns@email.com - Anytown, CA - LinkedIn URL

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Law Enforcement Administration

AREAS OF COMPETENCY

Administration • Assisted in providing case management, field visitation, and supervision of immigration participants. • Aided in the completion of assessments, monitored participation, verified residence and employment,

performed home visits, and ensured participants’ attendance at court appearances. • Provided case management services including non-US citizens whose status is under review by Immigration and

Customs Enforcement.

Law Enforcement/Security

• Patrolled industrial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion. Ensured security of doors, windows, and gates. Monitored and authorized entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons.

• Prepared written reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment and property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons.

• Interacted with police and fire departments in emergencies. Warned persons of rule infractions and evicted violators from premises.

Community Relations

• Developed constructive relationships with members of local fire, police, and emergency medical response professionals that led to improved communications and quicker response times.

• Assisted in the preparation and presentation of department statistics and activities and reports for city officials.

Languages

• Bilingual with an articulate fluency in both written and spoken Spanish and English. • Basic understanding of Morse code and American Sign Language (ASL)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

March 2010 – Present B.I. Incorporated- Junior Bilingual Case Specialist Boulder, CO

March 2009 – February 2010 Yale Enforcement Services- Armed Security Officer/Security Guard Dallas, TX

EDUCATION

June 2010 Sam Houston State University, College of Criminal Justice Huntsville, TX B.A., Criminal Justice HONORS

• Acknowledgement by Sam Houston State University of 100+ hours of community service for security including crowd traffic control, parking service, and community events in and around the University properties.

• NRA Explorer Marksmanship bar for 8 hours of firearms safety training. • Commendation – proficiency in drug abuse prevention training and service; 50 hours service in two drug

prevention projects.

RELATED ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS

• Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society / Crime Victims Service Alliance • Society of Forensic Science / Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society

SAMPLE RESUME #5

JOHN SMITH City, State • 555.555.7890 • john.smith@email.com • www.inkedin.com/in/johnsmith

Targeting Entry-Level Roles in: ACCOUNTING FINANCE

Ambitious and eager Accounting graduate who has completed multiple accounting courses seeks to leverage educational background in conjunction with diverse customer service experience at multiple paid and volunteer positions. Expertise in accounting includes cash and asset management, accounts payable/receivable, financial documentation, auditing and resolving all manner of client issues and improving procedures. Fluent in English, and Spanish.

CORE COMPETENCIES Accounting & Finance • Budgeting • Date Entry & Analysis • Administrative Duties • Auditing

Bank Reconciliations • AP/AR • Respect for Deadlines • Independent & Team Work Google Apps / Docs • Social Media Platforms • MS Office Suite • iCloud

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts – Accounting, Minor: Bible & Theology, William Jessup University, Rocklin, CA, 2019

RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Computer Lab Assistant January 2017 – August 2017 & May 2018 – Present Faculty of Business Administration – University Name – City, State

• Key holder responsible for opening and closing lab during office hours • Provided administrative assistance for several semesters, providing computer installation,

maintenance and troubleshooting services

Staff Auditor – Co-operative Work Term II and III September 2016 – May 2016 Cass and Fraser Chartered Accountants – City, Province

• After initial hiring in City location of firm, was trusted by manager to assist in the opening of City offices

• Responsibilities included; preparing financial statement with Caseware and inspecting the general ledger

Front Desk Clerk – (Co-operative Work Term I) January 2015 – August 2016 Faculty of Business Administration – University Name – City, State

• Provided administration and data entry for University faculty and staff • Responsibilities include; maintaining detailed student and faculty databases with Excel, tracking

service with MS Access, trouble-shooting MS Office Issues, filing photocopying and handling mail services

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE University Name CGA NL Campus Coordinator January 2013 – Present

• Go-to administrator responsible for acting as a liaison between office and students to provide vital information about CGA programming and to promote the designation on campus

Deputy Returning Officer January 2010 – April 2010

• Organize the student union election, recruiting, training and hiring poll captains • Informed voters about the nomination process, resulting in an increase of 5% of voters from previous

year

SAMPLE RESUME #6 (CREATED ON CANVA.COM)

COVER LETTER GUIDELINES

A cover letter is an introduction to the employer. In a cover letter you may share

your story, how you heard about the job and evidence of how you are a fit for the

position.

If you have a contact that referred you to the job, state that in the opening

paragraph of the cover letter. Include a job requisition number if one is listed in the

job description. This will allow hiring managers to know exactly which position you

are interested in.

Your cover letter should be targeted to a specific role, just like your resume. Again,

CLP recommends creating a master cover letter in a Word document, then copying

and pasting information for each new cover letter. When saving the document, use

the following format:

“H. Hardworker – Cover Letter – Business Analyst position – August 2018”

Cover letters are highlights of your experience, no longer than 1 page.

Continue to use industry keywords in your cover letter.

Use pronouns in the cover letter.

Include:

Your contact at top, same as on your resume (copy and paste).

• When printing, use same paper as resume.

• Include the date.

• Contact (specific person, their title and address)

• Salutation (Dear Ms., Dr. or Mr., or Selection Committee)

• 1st Paragraph: What you are applying for

• 2nd Paragraph: About YOU; bring your skills into context of job

requirements

• 3rd Paragraph: Thanks, follow-up date, plan for contact

We encourage you to stop by the Career and Life planning office for assistance with your

resumes and cover letters.

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

JOHN SMITH City, State • 555.555.7890 • john.smith@email.com • LinkedIn URL

Targeting Entry-Level Roles in: ACCOUNTING FINANCE

Date Individuals Name (ie: Manager’s Name) Name of Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms (“Hiring Manager” If name unknown)

First Paragraph: Refer to the job description. Briefly introduce yourself without using your name (ie: high school student, college student, etc.). Show enthusiasm about your interest in the organization, and what led you to apply. Indicate how/where you heard about the position and mention a referral name if you have one.

Second Paragraph: Prove that you are the best candidate for the position by recounting specific previous activities showing you can do the job. Focus on past/present experiences in jobs, volunteer positions, ect. that have prepared you for this position and the tasks it involves. Be specific. Here you can mention coursework, class projects, current and past jobs, ect. Third Paragraph: Show your interest in working for the organization. This paragraph should display a level of passion for working with this organization. Research any possibly social involvement this company may be a part of, and explain why that involvement is also important to you. Fourth Paragraph: Let them know of all attachments (Resume, references). Give your contact information such as email and phone number, and let them know you will be checking up on your resume within a week. Thank them for their time. Sincerely, John Smith (Sign Name)

SAMPLE REFERENCES PAGE (CREATE A SEPARATE

DOCUMENT)

JOHN SMITH City, State • 555.555.7890 • john.smith@email.com • LinkedIn URL

Targeting Entry-Level Roles in: ACCOUNTING FINANCE

Professional References for John Smith

Contact name

Contact title

Company

Company email

Company phone number

Length of time you have been acquainted

Contact name

Contact title

Company

Company email

Company phone number

Length of time you have been acquainted

Contact name

Contact title

Company

Company email

Company phone number

Length of time you have been acquainted