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LifeMap Career Services
Resume Guide
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What is a Resume?
A resume is a marketing tool that highlights your relevant education,
experiences, skills and accomplishments.
A well-written resume, quickly and briefly, shows the reader how
useful and valuable you can be for the company.
The goal of the resume is to get an interview!
Parts of a Resume
Heading:
Contains your Contact information
Summary of Qualifications/ Technical Summary:
Provides a snapshot of your skills and qualifications
Education:
Presents all relevant education (U.S. and non-U.S.) and relevant
coursework (optional)
Experience:
Illustrates your skills and qualifications with details
Campus or Community Activities:
Reflects your achievements and activities
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General Resume Guidelines
Target the content of your resume towards the job/internship requirements
Keep it brief (1 page) or 2 pages (if you have additional education, related
work experience, or certifications)
Use the same font style like Verdana, Times New Roman, Arial, or Tahoma
Use same style and size of bullets throughout resume
Use a font size no smaller than 10 and no larger than 12
Use 1” inch margins (top, bottom, left, right) on the page
Make sure all section headings, bullets, locations, and dates line up (left
and right margins)
Use bold or italics to make certain parts of your resume stand out
Spell out full names of Colleges/Universities, places of employment, job
titles, degrees, certifications, locations
Always be honest!
Make sure your resume is 100% accurate. Read, edit and re-read it to make
sure it is well written, clear and typo/error free. It is best to have someone
else check it as well.
Do not include high school diploma information
Do not include personal information, such as marital or health status, birth date or
age, race/religion/ ethnicity, photograph, graphics, images, personal interests or
hobbies or employment status
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Summary of Qualifications Section
Use in place of the resume “Objective”.
A resume Summary Section is a brief list of your
related skills and qualifications. (related to the Job
Description).
The goal of the Summary Section is to introduce your
resume and create interest from individual(s)
reviewing your resume.
Summary Statements can be written in short
paragraph or bulleted format.
Start your Summary Section with reference to your
professional title or major, followed by your specific
skills and accomplishments (relevant to the job).
For technical positions, summary should include
specific credentials (programs, certifications,
software, etc).
Use “proficient” to describe skill expertise level with
considerable experience or high level skill. Use
“knowledge of” for beginner or intermediate level.
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Identify Your Skills and Personal Qualities
(in preparation for writing your Summary Section)
Analytical Multi-tasking
Detail Oriented Leadership
Organized Honest
Reliable Courteous
Training Ability Professional
Responsible Work ethic
Results Oriented Decision Making
Creative Teaching Ability
Flexible Dependable
Accurate Problem Solving
Positive Attitude Dedicated
Committed Willingness to Learn
Productive Self-Directed
Efficient Fluency/Proficiency in languages
Enthusiastic Takes Initiative
Ethical Customer Oriented
Team Player Listening Skills
Goal Oriented Resourceful
Communication/Interpersonal Computer Programs/Technical
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Sample Introductory Statements for
Summary of Qualifications Section
BEGIN SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS BY INCLUDING JOB TITLE/CAREER AREA OR MAJOR
(TIP: Use adjectives and adverbs)
(*adapted from “Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads)
Office/Administrative
Energetic and competent office professional with more than two years of Administrative
Assistant experience; recognized for dependable and detail-oriented work in supporting
management team
Education
Caring and committed Early Childhood Educator with more than two years’ experience
working in a Day Care Center
Highly skilled professional dedicated to making a positive impact on children’s lives by
creating an atmosphere conducive to learning
Enthusiastic, dedicated educator with a gift for teaching complex concepts using
imaginative examples related to daily life
Information Technology
Information Technology professional highly skilled in troubleshooting hardware,
software, and operating system issues
Computer Support Specialist with more than three years of experience providing
technical support
Lab Science
Biotechnology graduate with 1.5 years of laboratory experience and passion for field of
biology
Business
Driven business school graduate with a long-standing interest and natural ability in
personal investing, mathematics, and the sciences
Creative, energetic individual with an Associate’s Degree in Business and two years of
marketing internship experience
Committed to excellence as an Accountant; detail-oriented and excellent mathematic
abilities
Health
Astute and patient-centered RN excelling at …….
Dedicated and well-qualified healthcare professional with….xyz…experience
Highly skilled, quality-driven, and conscientious career professional with three years of
Medical Office Receptionist experience
Certified Nurse Assistant with two years of experience in a major Boston area hospital
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“Starter” Phrases for “Summary Section” Bullets
“X” (number of years) of experience in ………..
Experience with………………..
Extensive experience with ……………..
Knowledgeable of/Working knowledge in/of ………………..
Strong knowledge of…………………
In depth knowledge of …………………
Basic understanding of ……………….
Understanding of …………………
Familiarity/Familiar with………….
Able/Ability to ………………………
Proven ability to ……………………..
Demonstrated ability to ……………………
Proven track record of …………………
Skilled at using/utilizing………………….
Able to create……………………
Proficient/Proficiency in …………………..
Competent/Competency in………………
Effectively handle/work with
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Writing Your “EXPERIENCE” Section
The experience section of your resume should include your work history (paid and unpaid) –
Jobs, Internships, Ongoing Volunteer positions, Practicums, Clinicals . List the current
position/most recent employer first followed by the next recent position in order. Make sure to
include:
Name of employer City/State (location)
Title of position Dates of employment
Tips for Writing Experience Bullets
(*adapted from Peter Vogt and Monster.com)
Make it Readable and Specific
Resumes are marketing tools. For each employer/position listed on your resume, provide a
brief, but specific bulleted list of your responsibilities/tasks, contributions, and
accomplishments. Begin each bullet phrase with an action verb. Avoid copying job descriptions
word for word. However, use the job description as a guide for writing your experience
section. When writing your bullet statements, Be Specific instead of General:
Example #1
General: Handled patients in fast-paced environment
Specific (better): Registered 120+ third-shift emergency patients per night
Example #2
General: Wrote news releases
Specific (better): Wrote 25 news releases in a three-week period under daily deadlines
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Prove your Value (Include Accomplishments)
Think about your positive results and accomplishments. What types of challenges did you
face? What actions did you take to overcome the problems? What was the result of your
efforts, and how did the company benefit?
Sample Accomplishment Statements:
Consistently earned outstanding annual job evaluations.
Won two contests for selling the most dessert specials from among 12 servers.
Only work-study student invited to return for third consecutive summer position among
8 work-study staff.
Quantify Results/Use Numbers
Think Money:
Think about ways you've saved, earned or managed money in your internships, part-time jobs and
extracurricular activities so far. A few possibilities that might appear on a typical resume:
Identified, researched and recommended a new Internet service provider, cutting the
company's online costs by 15 percent.
Wrote prospect letter that has brought in more than $25,000 in donations.
Managed a student organization budget of more than $7,000.
Think Time:
Show that you can save time, make time or manage time:
Assisted with twice-monthly payroll activities, ensuring employees were paid on time.
Suggested procedures that decreased average banking wait times from 30 to 15 minutes.
Think Amounts:
Mention how much or how many of something you've produced or overseen.
Developed lesson plans for two classes of 20 students each.
Recruited 25 members for a new student environmental organization.
Trained five new employees on restaurant operations procedures.
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Resume Verbs by Career Field
Financial
Business
Management
Research
Adjusted
Administered
Administered
Administered
Analyzed
Analyzed
Allocated
Assigned
Assessed
Analyzed
Delegated
Clarified
Appraised
Developed
Collected
Assessed
Directed
Compared
Balanced
Evaluated
Diagnosed
Budgeted
Executed
Evaluated
Calculated
Hired
Examined
Computed
Implemented
Experimented
Developed
Improved
Gathered
Estimated
Increased
Identified
Evaluated
Managed
Inspected
Examined
Organized
Interpreted
Expedited
Oversaw
Interviewed
Managed
Planned
Investigated
Marketed
Produced
Organized
Negotiated
Recommended
Presented
Planned
Reviewed
Recorded
Produced
Scheduled
Reported
Projected
Supervised
Researched
Reported
Reviewed
Utilized
Researched
Studied
Sold
Summarized
Surveyed
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Resume Verbs by Career Field
Teaching/Training
Artistic
Helping
Medical
Adapted
Acted
Addressed
Administered
Advised
Created
Advised
Answered
Assessed
Designed
Advocated
Assessed
Clarified
Developed
Aided
Assisted
Coached
Directed
Assessed
Cared for
Communicated
Established
Assisted
Categorized
Coordinated
Fashioned
Clarified
Cleaned
Demonstrated
Founded
Coached
Coded
Developed
Illustrated
Collaborated
Collected
Educated
Innovated
Counseled
Communicated
Encouraged
Introduced
Diagnosed
Coordinated
Evaluated
Invented
Educated
Diagnosed
Explained
Originated
Facilitated
Examined
Facilitated
Performed
Guided
Filed
Guided
Produced
Informed
Handled
Illustrated
Mentored
Identified
Informed
Referred
Informed
Instructed
Represented
Interpreted
Mentored
Supported
Monitored
Planned
Trained
Operated
Prepared
Organized
Presented
Performed
Taught
Prepared
Tested
Processed
Trained
Recorded
Utilized
Referred
Reported
Reviewed
Scheduled
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Alex Ramirez (Sample Resume)
567 Rose Lane, Apt. 2 • Boston, MA 02129 • 617-555-8888 • AlexRamir[email protected]
My LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/example
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Business Degree candidate with more than seven years of customer service experience, meeting and
exceeding expectations of a demanding clientele.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Effectively manage time and project deadlines in challenging environments.
Ability to maintain good working relationships with fellow co-workers.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Multilingual: Fluent in English, French, Arabic; some Spanish.
EDUCATION
Bunker Hill Community College Boston, MA
Associate in Science Degree Candidate in Business Anticipated: May 2017
GPA: 3.5, Dean’s List May 2016
Applicable Coursework:
● Principles of Management ● Professional Communication
● Introduction to Business ● Computer Applications & Concepts
● Principles of Marketing ● Principles of Accounting
● Business Law ● Organizational Behavior/Design
EXPERIENCE
Legal Sea Foods Framingham, MA
Head Waiter June 2014 – Present
● Manage wait staff to provide efficient service to all guests.
● Selected for “invitation-only” wine seminars hosted by VP of Beverage Operations.
● Expedite menu orders and streamline order efficiency using point-of-service technology.
● Receive extensive monthly training to increase knowledge of menu items and provide guests with a
superior dining experience.
Shaw’s Supermarket Belmont, MA
Grocery/Receiving Clerk November 2010 - May 2014
● Collaborated with five coworkers to organize, transfer, and distribute products.
● Diligently fulfilled demanding responsibilities such as unloading store merchandise.
● Resolved issues of customer dissatisfaction and product deficiency.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Lowell Parks & Recreation Lowell, MA
Youth Group Leader August 2015 – Present
● Mentor and teach 12-15 high school students.
● Organize field trips and community service events.
● Clearly communicate safety procedures to students and fellow staff.
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_______________________________________
First name and Last Name
___________________ _______________ (_____)___________ _____________________
Street Address City, State Zip Code Phone Email Address
SUMMARY
• Committed to _______________________________________________
• Ability to __________________________________________________
• Proficient in ________________________________________________
• Proven ability to _____________________________________________
• In depth knowledge of ________________________________________
• Able to ____________________________________________________
• Multilingual: English, XXXX and YYYY
EDUCATION
Bunker Hill Community College Boston, MA
Associate in Arts/Associate in Science Candidate in __________________ Expected: Month/Year
Relevant Coursework:
_________________
_________________
_________________
________________
________________
________________
EXPERIENCE
Company Name City, State
Job Title Month/Year – Present
• ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
• ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
• ______________________________________________________________
Company Name City, State
Job Title Month/Year – Month/Year
• ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
• ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
• ______________________________________________________________
Company Name City, State
Job Title Month/Year – Month/Year
• ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
• ______________________________________________________________
ACTIVITIES
Company/Organization Name City, State
Position Month/Year – Month/Year
• ______________________________________________________________
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What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is (typically) a one-page document that explains to the
hiring manager why you are an ideal candidate for the job. It goes
beyond your resume to explain in detail how you could add value to the
company.
Purpose of a cover letter:
To show interest in company/employment
To get your resume read
To arrange an interview
Notes for writing cover letters:
If name of person (person you are addressing letter to) is
unknown, use hiring manager
Include how you heard about position in opening paragraph
The same guidelines for a resume apply to cover letters (correct
format, font style, no spelling errors, etc)
Make sure that your cover letter reflects the skills and
qualifications communicated in the posted job description
Be sure that you do not repeat everything from your resume in
your cover letter
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Cover Letter Template Guide
Date
Name of Person (if known)
Title
Name of Company/Organization
Company Address
Dear (Name of Person or Hiring Manager):
Opening Paragraph
Name the specific position you are applying for with this company
How you heard about position/opportunity
1 sentence stating you are interested and qualified for position
Middle Paragraph (3-5 sentences)
Highlight strengths, skills, and relevant experiences from resume (match details of job description)
Demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for position and career field
Emphasize why you are interested in working for the company
Closing Paragraph
Concluding statement why you are qualified for position
Demonstrate interest/request opportunity to meet (interview)
Thank hiring manager for their consideration and time
Sincerely,
Your Full Name
Phone
Email
Encl: resume
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Sample Cover Letter
February 9, 2018
XXX Company
Boston, MA 02100
Dear Hiring Manager:
I am writing to apply for the Account Executive position that I learned about at the
Career Fair at Bunker Hill Community College on October 26. My Associate’s degree
in Accounting combined with my related business and customer service experience
make me a strong candidate for this position.
While completing my accounting classes at Bunker Hill Community College and my
recent internship at State Street Bank, I have gained further knowledge of accounting
principles and Quickbooks. At State Street Bank, I also had opportunities to
participate in multiple team projects, build relationships with various professionals in
the business community, and learn fundamental business communication practices
and systems. These educational and work experiences have demonstrated and
sharpened my analytical, communication, and organizational skills, successfully
preparing me for work in a fast paced client service environment.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my credentials for this
position at your convenience. I have attached a resume for your review. Thank you for
your consideration.
Sincerely,
Alex Ramirez
(617) 555-8888
AlexRamir[email protected]om
Encl: resume
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Employment References Guide
(adapted from thebalance.com)
Job applicants should have at least 3 solid and current references
The reference list should be a separate list/file from the resume document
Applicants should share their reference list during job application process only upon
request
Applicants should bring a copy of their reference list to their interview
Who To Ask For References
Past Employers/Supervisors
Professors/Instructors
Colleagues/Co-workers
Business Acquaintances
Vendors
Organization Leaders or Volunteer Coordinators
Select People Who Will Give You a Strong Endorsement
It is important to know your references well. You need to select responsive people that can
confirm where you worked, your title, your reason for leaving, details regarding your strengths,
and why you would be a good employee.
Make sure that any information provided by your references matches what you have in your
resume and discuss during interviews. Inconsistent information can jeopardize your chances
at a job offer, or even cause it to be withdrawn.
Get Permission Prior to Including a Reference on the List
Also, before including a reference on your reference list, make sure that you have
communicated with and requested permission to use that person as a reference.
Let your all of your references know in advance that they may be contacted.
Sample Reference Format: Include your professional relationship (former professor, supervisor,
co-worker, etc)
First Name Last Name John Smith
Title Director of Marketing
XYZ Company ABC Company
City, State Boston, MA
Phone (617) 000- 0000
Email [email protected]
Relation to you (Former Supervisor)