A GUIDE TO

RESUME BUILDING

Make an appointment with a Career Counselor

to review your resume and cover letter!

Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

2

Tip: When mailing, e-mailing, or faxing your resume to a prospective employer, ALWAYS include a cover letter.

Resume Guidelines

TEN WAYS YOU CAN OPEN DOORS TO FUTURE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH YOUR RESUME:

1. Be positive. Emphasize positive elements in your employment and volunteer

history. Design the resume to show what you can do for the employer. Do not

mention any negatives, such as why you left a job.

2. Be brief. Keep the resume to one page. Choose words and ideas carefully,

make sure each serves a purpose.

3. Be factual and specific. Describe your responsibilities and measurable results

or achievements. Never assume your job titles are enough to let an employer

know your experience. Spell out your responsibilities and accomplishments with

bullet points under each job title.

4. Be accurate. Remember that honesty is your best bet. Dates of employment

must be included, and must be correct.

5. Be complete. Avoid abbreviations of names and titles. If it is worth saying, it

is worth saying completely. Some abbreviations are acceptable if they are widely

used and recognized (MS Word, CPR, etc.).

6. Write, rewrite and polish. Time spent in careful planning and preparation is

needed to make each word convey your strengths. Proofread for mistakes.

When you think you have the final draft, schedule an appointment with the PLU

Career Connections office to have your resume reviewed.

7. Be aware of visual presentation. Make your resume aesthetically

pleasing. Do not let it look crowded. Use underlining, CAPITAL LETTERS, or italics

for emphasis. Margins should be 0.5-1.00 inch on each side. Do not leave large

blank spaces at the bottom of the page.

8. Use correct grammar and punctuation. Double check your spelling and use

punctuation marks correctly, and be consistent throughout the resume.

9. Watch your use of verb tense. Use present tense when referring to current

activities and past tense for previous experiences.

10. Organize things correctly to best represent your qualifications. Put your

education at the top of your resume. Make sure your experiences are listed in

reverse chronological order: list your current or most recent experience first,

then work your way backwards.

Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

3

Resume Format

YOUR NAME HERE PLU Address

123.345.6789 ● email@plu.edu

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts Date of Graduation Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA Related Courses: (High school can be included if you are a first-year student, but should be removed by the end of your sophomore year at the latest)

EXPERIENCE (The formatting of your “Experience” section should be similar to the formatting in your “Education” section – below are two different formatting examples.)

Position Title Date-Date Company Name, City, State

Begin bullet statements with action verbs.

Emphasize the skills that you developed, not only the tasks that you performed.

Remember to never use I, me, or my on your resume. Position Title, Company Name, City, State Date-Date

SKILLS

This section may also be called “Qualifications”

Indicate any computer skills, especially related to your major or career field. Also, be sure to add your level of expertise.

Enter any language skills or other skills that would be useful to your career that are not mentioned

elsewhere on your resume.

Include any certifications/licenses you may have.

HONORS Add any honors, awards, or scholarships, indicating dates when you received them.

ACTIVITIES This section may be called “Community Service” or “Volunteer Experience”

Include any organizations you have been involved in and indicate any leadership roles you have held.

Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

This section may in-clude: paid or volun-teer work, full or part time positions, work study, summer jobs ,

internships & self employment

Be sure to use your PLU email

List most recent experience first

Tip: Errors on your resume can keep you from getting an interview

Your resume should answer the question, “Why should we hire you?”

Pique their interest in you!

Write it out. No abbreviations.

4

Jenny Lute

Tacoma, WA 98444 (253) 535-0744 ♦ lute@plu.edu

PROFILE Proven ability to manage multifaceted projects within a limited time frame. Extensive experience providing top quality customer service. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Flexible and able to problem solve in a dynamic environment. Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

EDUCATION Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA Expected May 2013 Bachelor of Business Administration - emphasis in Marketing

Minor in Communication Cumulative 3.75 GPA

University of Lancaster, Lancaster, England September 2010-July 2011

EXPERIENCE

Marketing Intern State Farm Insurance Regional Office, Tukwila, WA August 2011-Present

Coordinate and manage direct marketing campaign. Research and analyze market trends and local demographics. Compile information for presentation to local agents. Manage the Puget Sound Radio Advertising campaign.

Event Coordinator Career Development, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA August 2010-June 2011

Organized and coordinated the fall career fair and spring internship fair. Drafted invitations to employers, responded to inquiries, and advertised

events to students. Office Assistant Office of the Registrar, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA September 2009-August 2010

Responded to requests for information and other inquiries. Entered student information into the database and maintained student records.

Sales Associate Nordstrom, Walnut Creek, CA September 2008-August 2009

Provided excellent customer service by answering product questions and accurately completing transactions.

Effectively handled customer complaints to ensure continued customer loyalty. Organized and maintained store merchandise.

HONORS Buchanan Business Scholarship Recipient 2010-2011 National Dean’s List Recipient 2009- Present

ACTIVITIES

Associated Students of Pacific Lutheran University - Senator 2009-Present PLU International Business Club - Vice President 2009-2010

For assistance with resume preparation and career counseling services, contact: Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

5

PETER J. KNUTSON Tacoma, WA 98447

knutsonp@plu.edu (253) 555-1234

OBJECTIVE

Obtain a communication position with an emphasis in social justice issues or community awareness that will allow me to utilize and grow my passion for these areas.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Meets deadlines efficiently - increased office productivity at Tacoma Chamber by 25%

Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills

Experience conducting research using various methodologies

Developed leadership skills by serving as captain of a five-person capstone group

Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills EDUCATION Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA December 2012 Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Minor in Writing Dean’s List (Spring 2010-Fall 2011) RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Media Center Intern, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Tacoma, WA January 2011-January 2012

Provided publications, public relations, and legislation research expertise

Published article in Business Examiner regarding economic development obstacles

Publicly represented Chamber businesses in 20 media tours

Volunteered for the “Total Resource Campaign,” which increased membership by 10% Career Counseling Support, Acme High School, Seattle, WA October 2010-December 2010

Conducted quantitative research regarding environmental awareness

Interviewed students to improve promotion of career counseling services Youth Ridership Volunteer, Pierce Transit, Tacoma, WA January 2009-May 2010

Developed and executed a survey to gauge youth perceptions of public transportation

Analyzed data and presented results and recommendations ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Customer Service, Ace Hardware, Tacoma, WA September 2008-February 2009 Vice President, PLU Food Club, Tacoma, WA Fall 2010-Fall 2011 Sales Specialist/Shift Manager/Deli, Fred Meyer, Tacoma, WA January 2010-March 2011

For assistance with resume preparation and career counseling services, contact: Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

6

STUART A. LITTLE Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA

555.987.6543 ○ littlest@plu.edu

PROFILE Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Extensive customer relations experience and practice interacting with diverse groups of people Effective verbal and written communication skills Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

EDUCATION Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA Expected May 2013

Bachelor of Arts in History, Minor in Hispanic Studies University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Summer 2012-December 2012

CIEE Semester Abroad Program EXPERIENCE Pacific Lutheran University Library, Student Assistant—Tacoma, WA 2009-2010

Provided students with research assistance and referred them to the correct sources of information, including books and various online databases

Successfully cleaned student computers that contained viruses and spyware and provided support for other computer problems

Achievers Scholarship, Peer Counselor—Seattle, WA Summer 2010 Managed groups of 15 high school students through a 3-day training course Facilitated group discussions based on the college experience Assisted instructors with teaching students how to fill out forms such as the FAFSA and other

college applications Barnes & Noble, Cashier—Tacoma, WA Summer 2009

Provided customer service by answering questions and assisting customers with locating merchandise

Accurately completed transactions and balanced cash drawer daily CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT PLU Residence Hall Association, Development and Outreach Director Fall 2010-Present

Maintain partnerships with on-campus offices, student groups, and community organizations

Develop and promote volunteer opportunities to PLU students

PLU Office of Admissions, Red Carpet Club Host Spring 2010-Present Host prospective students and introduce them to the PLU Community Practice public speaking and professionalism

For assistance with resume preparation and career counseling services, contact: Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

7

KELLY A. RAWLINGS

OBJECTIVE

Obtain a choral director position at a secondary school that will offer support from administration and provide opportunity to develop a more successful choral program.

EDUCATION 2009-2013 Pacific Lutheran University

Bachelor of Music Education

Emphasis in K-12 Choral and General Music

Expected December 2013 Graduate

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Fall 2013 Secondary Student Teaching with Dan Davison

Ballou Junior High School

Puyallup School District

Fall 2012 Elementary Practicum with Brian Utecht

Midland Elementary School

Franklin Pierce School District

PLU ACTIVITIES 2011-2013 Studied Conducting with Dr. Richard Nance 2010-2013 Choir of the West

Soprano Section Leader 2012-2013

Perform national and international festivals

2009-2013 University Symphony Orchestra 2011-2013 University Jazz Ensemble

Trombone Section Leader 2012-2013

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS 2009-Present Collegiate Washington Music Educators Association 2011-Present American Choral Directors Association HONORS 2009-Present Dean’s List Honoree (except Fall 2010) 2009-Present Academic Dean’s Scholarship Recipient 2009-Present Music Scholar for Trumbone 2012-Present James D. Holloway Memorial Musician’s Scholarship

WORK EXPERIENCE 2011-Present Associated Students of PLU, Secretary

Practice excellent organizational skills

Collaborate with a team of executives and Senators

2010-Present PLU Office of Admissions, Student Intern 2007-Present Rasputin Gallery, Art Consultant—Tacoma, WA Summer 2009 Office of Senator Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senate Intern

For assistance with resume preparation and career counseling services, contact: Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA 98447

rawlak@plu.edu 907.636.3016

8

Xavier Knight

EDUCATION

Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington May 2013 Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

▪ Minors in Music and Religion

▪ Completed independent research for senior capstone and developed a grant proposal

▪ Presented at Pacific Northwest Anthropological Society 2012 Conference

▪ “Incorporating Alaska: Tracing the Human Geography of the Denali Expansion”

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE PLU Office of Student Employment, Tacoma, Washington September 2010- Present State Work Study Assistant

▪ Accurately perform data entry to update and maintain approximately 500 student employment records

▪ Verify student eligibility for state work study and process paperwork accordingly

▪ Follow up with employers to obtain missing paperwork and ensure all required forms are complete

▪ Partner with Student Payroll Office to resolve errors on student timesheets

▪ Create PowerPoint presentations and pamphlets to educate employers on utilizing the online job-posting site

▪ Perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, filing, and scheduling appointments

▪ Counsel/advise on- and off-campus employers of state and federal work study policies and eligibility

▪ Process paperwork through Oracle Banner System for higher education

▪ Write grant proposals to increase higher education funding by 15%

Tacoma Family Medicine, Tacoma, Washington August 2009-February 2010 Medical Receptionist

▪ Responsible for answering phones, filing, and scheduling/canceling appointments

▪ Provided customer service to patients and primary support to medical providers

▪ Completed cash/check/credit transactions and update patient accounts to reflect payments

▪ Accurately performed data entry to update patient medical records

▪ Followed up with medical insurance companies to verify patient eligibility and referral confirmation

Pizza Hut, Tacoma, Washington October 2008-May 2009 Customer Service/Delivery Driver

▪ Provided customer service by completing transactions and answering questions about products and services

▪ Participated in food preparation as well as delivery of orders to both in-store and out of store customers

▪ Trained approximately 20 new employees on company policy and procedures

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

▪ Clothing Drive Coordinator, Battered Women Wellness Center, Seattle, Washington 2009-Present

▪ Good Samaritan Hospital, Oncology Department, Puyallup, Washington Fall 2011

▪ Toys for Tots Distribution, Auburn, Washington Fall 2010

Pacific Lutheran University ♦ Tacoma, WA 98447 ♦ (206) 555-3579 ♦ knight@plu.edu

For assistance with resume preparation and career counseling services, contact: Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

9

Action Verbs Listed By Skills The underlined words are especially good for pointing out accomplishments.

Management Skills Communication Skills

Administered

Analyzed

Assigned

Attained

Chaired

Consolidated

Contracted

Coordinated

Delegated

Developed

Directed

Evaluated

Executed

Improved

Increased

Organized

Oversaw

Planned

Prioritized

Produced

Recommended

Reviewed

Scheduled

Strengthened

Supervised

Addressed

Arbitrated

Arranged

Authored

Collaborated

Convinced

Corresponded

Developed

Directed

Drafted

Edited

Enlisted

Formulated

Influenced

Interpreted

Lectured

Mediated

Moderated

Negotiated

Persuaded

Promoted

Publicized

Reconciled

Recruited

Spoke

Translated

Wrote

Research Skills Technical Skills

Clarified

Collected

Critiqued

Diagnosed

Evaluated

Examined

Extracted

Identified

Inspected

Interpreted

Interviewed

Investigated

Organized

Reviewed

Summarized

Surveyed

Systematized

Assembled

Built Calculated

Computed

Designed

Devised

Engineered

Fabricated

Maintained

Operated

Overhauled

Programmed

Remodeled

Repaired

Solved

Upgraded

Teaching Skills Financial Skills

Adapted

Advised

Clarified

Coached

Communicated

Coordinated

Demystified

Developed

Enabled

Encouraged

Evaluated

Explained

Facilitated

Guided

Informed

Instructed

Persuaded

Set goals

Stimulated

Trained

Administered

Allocated

Analyzed

Appraised

Audited

Balanced

Budgeted

Calculated

Computed

Developed

Forecasted

Managed

Marketed

Planned

Projected

Researched

Creative Skills Helping Skills

Acted

Conceptualized

Created

Customized

Designed

Developed

Directed

Established

Fashioned

Founded

Illustrated

Initiated

Instituted

Integrated

Introduced

Invented

Originated

Performed

Planned

Revitalized

Shaped

Assessed

Assisted

Clarified

Coached

Counseled

Demonstrated

Diagnosed

Educated

Expedited

Facilitated

Familiarized

Guided

Motivated

Referred

Rehabilitated

Represented

Clerical or Detail Skills More Verbs for Accomplishments

Approved

Arranged

Catalogued

Classified

Collected

Compiled

Dispatched

Executed

Generated

Implemented

Inspected

Monitored

Operated

Organized

Prepared

Processed

Purchased

Recorded

Retrieved

Screened

Specified

Systematized

Tabulated

Validated

Achieved

Expanded

Improved

Pioneered

Reduced (losses) Resolved (problems) Restored

Spearheaded

Transformed

For assistance with resume preparation and career counseling services, contact: Career Connections at Pacific Lutheran University

Ramstad 112 253.535.7459 www.plu.edu/career

10

Career Connections facilitates the process of career development in students and recent alumni. We support students in exploring vocation, nurturing passion, and

increasing self-knowledge as you engage in the PLU community and beyond.

We are here to help you discover your strengths and interests so you can make more informed decisions about your career path and begin to develop the skills to

move towards your goals.

Make an appointment with a PLU career counselor for resume advice or other career counseling services such as cover letter review, job search strategies,

interview preparation or exploration of skills, strengths and passions.

Career Connections Ramstad 112 253.535.7459

www.plu.edu/career

QUESTIONS?