RESUME WRITING PACKET
Purpose of the Resume
A resume is a written document to highlight your education, experiences, and skills that represent the personal brand you want to
portray to potential employers to obtain an interview. In 30 seconds or less, most employers will review a resume and decide whether or
not to consider an applicant for an interview. Make yours clear, concise, and compelling.
There is no right way to write a resume. This packet provides guidelines for creating a chronological resume.
Creating a Master Resume
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Brainstorm all your experiences. Write down all of the positions and experiences you have had including:
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Work
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Organizations
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Leadership positions
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Volunteer experiences
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Internships/Co-Op
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Research experience
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Presentations
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Special class projects
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Awards
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Languages you speak
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Computer skills
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Study abroad
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Relevant Courses
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Certifications or
licensures
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Anything else significant
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Not all of your experience will be included in your final version, but a master list can help you craft and tailor a resume for any
opportunity.
Format
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Margins: 0.5 – 1.0 inches, even on the top, bottom, and sides
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Font size and style: 10-12 point font; simple, readable fonts (e.g. Arial, Georgia, Times New Roman)
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Balance: Be consistent with information and provide a balance between text and white space on the page
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Length: Undergraduate level – 1page, unless significant work experience; Graduate and Ph.D. – 2 pages
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Templates: Refrain from using them
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Order: Heading, objective (optional), and Education, followed by experiences
Appearance
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Make your resume clear and concise to allow the employers to easily read the relevant information. Remember, most employers
will spend 30 seconds or less scanning your resume.
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Organize your experience sections so that experiences most relevant to the position are near the top of your resume.
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Within each experience section, dates are listed in reverse chronological order from most recent to least recent.
Tailoring Your Resume
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You will create multiple versions of your resume tailored for each type of position.
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In each version, you will emphasize your experiences and skills that are most directly related to the specific type of position.
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Include language and words used in the job description. Be sure to infuse the skills and experience the employer is seeking in
your bulleted statements; this will “tailor” your resume to the specific job you are applying.
Do Not Include
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Photographs or graphics, marital status, salary requirements, age, race, gender, or references
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Take out high school information unless it directly relates to the position
References
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References should not be listed on a resume
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On a separate page with the heading from your resume, list 3-5 references with name, position, company, address, email, and
professional connection
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Make sure you ask the potential references before giving their names out as reference
Content of a Resume
Heading
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Contact information to allow employers to make contact
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Include, name (14-16 pt. font), permanent and/or current address, professional email (remove hyperlink), and telephone
number with professional voicemail message.
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It is recommended to use your “Resume Heading” like stationary on all of your job application documents (i.e. resume, cover
letter, or writing sample) to create a professional appearance.
Objective (optional section)
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An optional one-sentence statement that focuses your resume and signals to potential employers your job interests at their
organization
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Objectives are tailored to the job description and should include: the title of the position, name of the company, and any
knowledge or specialized interests or skills that you have to distinguish yourself.
Education
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List any education institutions that awarded you a degree beyond high school
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Important information to include: Name of institution and location, graduation date (do not indicate expected/anticipated),
official name of Degree and major (e.g., Bachelor of Arts in English) concentrations or minors (e.g., Minor: Human Resource
Management), overall GPA and/or major GPA and scale, if 3.0/4.0 or higher
Experience
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Highlight employment, volunteer, military, and school experiences that are related to your desired objective or the job
description.
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Breakdown each position into position held, company or organization name, start and finish dates and location. Emphasize the
relevant skills, specific accomplishments and/or contributions
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Create bulleted statements that start with an action verb to highlight a transferable skill or task. Use numbers, dollar amounts,
or percentages, if appropriate.
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Infuse key words listed in the job description into your bulleted statements to tailor your resume.
Additional Sections
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Optional sections based on your background that demonstrate relevant job related skills (e.g., leadership, organizational, or
budget management) or show that you are well-rounded (e.g., community service or study abroad)
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Study Abroad
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Certifications or
Licensure
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Honors or Awards
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Leadership Experiences
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Activities or Co-
curriculars
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Community Service or
Volunteer Experience
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Skills
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Professional Affiliations
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Notable class projects
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Research, Teaching,
Publications
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Presentations
Skills (optional section)
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Consider different types you are proficient in and can use “on the job.”
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Technical/computer skills (e.g. MATLab, Auto CAD, InDesign, etc.)
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Language Skills (e.g, conversational Spanish, fluent in French)
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Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are considered universal skills, only mention Microsoft if you have considerable knowledge of
additional Microsoft Office Programs.
VERBS TO USE IN RESUME WRITING
The words below are those that best describe the duties and functions executed in summer, part-time and full-
time jobs, internships, co-ops, and while involved in co-curricular activities.
Accounting
Record
Assess
Audit
Prepare
Maintain
Forecast
Calculate
Estimate
Figure
Appraise
Examine
Measure
Verify
Administration
Monitor
Track
Assess
Coordinate
Organize
Requisition
Access
Receive
Process
Serve
Furnish
Analysis
Assess
Observe
Review
Dissect
Interpret
Discern
Conceptualize
Discover
Infer
Illuminate
Clarify
Quantify
Qualify
Conclude
Counseling/
Healing
Listen
Sense
Intuit
Assess
Analyze
Assist
Align
Coordinate
Understand
Inform
Facilitate
Help
Consulting
Troubleshoot
Problem solve
Assess
Assist
Arrange
Guide
Counsel
Survey
Serve
Contribute
Motivate
Train
Craft/Artisan
Design
Create
Build
Entertain
Perform
Draw
Render
Illustrate
Compose
Construct
Conceive
Choreograph
Design
Organize
Explore
Formulate
Sketch
Draw
Draft
Layout
Create
Plan
Style
Pattern
Build
Display
Editing
Review
Analyze
Compare
Comment
Correct
Revise
Amend
Improve
Initiate
Investigate
Advise
Finance
Analyze
Invest
Budget
Inventory
Evaluate
Appraise
Construct
Develop
Acquire
Deploy
Manage
Project
Innovating
Create
Modify
Change
Upgrade
Improve
Design
Activate
Restructure
Establish
Stimulate
Implement
Transform
Investigating
Pursue
Interrogate
Question
Analyze
Intuit
Seek
Search
Probe
Examine
Explore
Language
Translate
Interpret
Lecture
Converse
Negotiate
Compare
Understand
Comprehend
Proficiency
Fluency
Teach
Tutor
Leadership
Guide
Facilitate
Create
Collaborate
Encourage
Develop
Vision
Organize
Analyze
Strategize
Inspire
Represent
Govern
Direct
Advise
Influence
Vision
Empower
Challenge
Advocate
Transform
Impact
Advance
Expand
Model
Management/
Supervision
Coordinate
Facilitate
Plan
Schedule
Delegate
Mediate
Evaluate
Listen
Consult
Monitor
Manage
Supervise
Marketing
Review
Assess
Survey
Analyze
Quantify
Identify
Announce
Promote
Advertise
Advance
Mechanical
Analyze
Design
Construct
Craft
Troubleshoot
Create
Engineer
Repair
Manipulate
Align
Coordinate
Balance
Organizing/
Logistics
Classify
Organize
Assist
Maintain
Liaison
Assist
Support
Arrange
Systematize
Schedule
Coordinate
Streamline
Simplify
Performing
Create
Present
Play
Interpret
Act
Sing
Dance
Perform
Model
Read
Inspire
Persuading
Present
Articulate
Clarify
Challenge
Negotiate
Inquire
Reason
Influence
Convince
Arbitrate
Mediate
Reconcile
Program
Development
Analyze
Design
Construct
Develop
Prepare
Strategize
Coordinate
Formulate
Recommend
Persuade
Implement
Monitor
Public
Relations
Assess
Prepare
Coordinate
Present
Negotiate
Publicize
Strengthen
Promote
Handle
Participate
Facilitate
Troubleshoot
Research &
Development
Identify
Evaluate
Review
Assess
Compare
Analyze
Critique
Explain
Prepare
Recommend
Conclude
Determine
Selling
Inform
Educate
Persuade
Provide
Assist
Serve
Trade
Vend
Handle
Present
Sell
Convince
Service/
Hospitality
Serve
Assist
Troubleshoot
Present
Maintain
Help
Coordinate
Prepare
Welcome
Enhance
Anticipate
Teaching
Educate
Tutor
Stimulate
Inform
Instruct
Facilitate
Awaken
Explore
Advise
Counsel
Entertain
Amuse
Technical
Conceptualize
Design
Troubleshoot
Inspect
Locate
Edit
Analyze
Implement
Construct
Modify
Operate
Writing
Conceive
Construct
Craft
Integrate
Interpret
Capture
Abstract
Express
Inform
Summarize
Conclude
Molly Internship
(864)-656-0440 · Molly@clemson.edu
Current Address: 112 Clemson Ln., Clemson, SC 29634
Permanent Address: 100 Main St., Elmhurst, IL 60126
OBJECTIVE
To obtain the Marketing and Communications Internship with the American Diabetes Association to utilize my education,
experience coordinating events, and strong written communication skills
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in English Spring 2018
Clemson University Clemson, SC
Emphasis: Writing and Publications Studies GPA: 3.57/4.00
Minor: Non-Profit Leadership
Language: Proficient in Spanish
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Assistant Student Director Fall 2015 - Present
Annual Literature Festival, Clemson University Clemson, SC
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Collaborate with 10 other students to organize the festival
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Write and distribute press releases and lead social media promotions for 16 events
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Communicate and coordinate readings with authors via email
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Organize donor dinner for nearly 100 people by reserving venue, creating invitations, and managing budget
Social Executive Chair Fall 2015 - Present
Phi Sigma Pi, Clemson University Clemson, SC
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Lead a committee of 8 members in the planning of social events
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Plan and execute a variety of social events including coordinating with vendors and event staff
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Assisted with information sessions and recruitment of new members
Ambassador Spring 2015 - Present
College of Architectures, Arts and Humanities Clemson, SC
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Help plan event promoting the arts to the campus and community
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Promote the college and university to prospective students and families at recruitment events
WORK EXPERIENCE
Hostess Summer 2012-Summer 2014
Macaroni Grill Elmhurst, IL
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Greeted customers to the restaurant and organized wait list
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Coordinated reservations over a multi-line phone and online reservation system
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Directed special party and event functions
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Trained new employees on restaurant operations
Youth Swim Coach Summer 2013 - Summer 2014
Silverleaf Swordfish Swim Team Elmhurst, IL
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Taught children ages 2-5
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Instructed on necessary skills to swim safely and basic skills to progress on to competitive swim teams
HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
Public Relations Student Society of America
Fall 2014 - Present
Clemson University President’s List
Clemson University Dean’s List
Spring 2016
Fall 2014, Spring 2015
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Adobe InDesign - Proficient Adobe Photoshop - Proficient
HTML - Basic
Prezi – Proficient
How can your resume or CV reflect the competencies employers are seeking?
Engaging in dialogue that leads to
productive outcomes and points of
connection by effectively articulating one’s
self to individuals within and outside of
one’s industry or area of expertise.
Developing authentic and mutually
beneficial relationships by valuing everyone
and taking responsibility for one’s role
within a team.
Being able to recognize, respect, develop,
and capitalize on the unique strengths of
individuals from all backgrounds and being
an active member in a group that achieves a
shared vision.
Taking the initiative to further enhance
one’s skill set and being creative with ways of
thinking or approaches that allow for action,
reflection, failure, and resilience in an ever-
changing world.
Seizing the opportunity for organizational
improvement that prompts critical thinking
and problem solving by obtaining,
processing, and synthesizing information.
Employing current and emerging software
and tools to solve general and industry-
specific challenges.
Understanding one’s strengths, limitations,
emotions, and biases in a variety of
situations and articulating how one’s
interests, skills, and values align with
educational and professional goals.
Making choices and consistently acting in a
manner that displays integrity (following
internal principles, morals, and values) and
ethics (following external laws, rules, and
norms) in personal and professional settings.
Demonstrating the continual development
of a positive impression or image in every
facet of life while seeking feedback from
others to ensure congruence between one’s
intended and perceived reputation.