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Resume Writing: For the Job and Internship Search Office of Career Services ◊ 102 McMahon Hall ◊ 202-319-5623 ◊ careers.cua.edu ◊ [email protected]
Resume Writing:
For the Job and Internship Search
Office of Career Services ◊ 102 McMahon Hall ◊ 202-319-5623 ◊ careers.cua.edu ◊ [email protected]
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WHAT IS A RESUME?
A resume is a document used to encourage employers to
interview you for an internship, full-, part-time position, work
study or summer job. It highlights your educational
background, skills, experiences, and achievements. Ideally, it
is tailored to the position for which you are applying.
The main purpose of a resume is to
help you secure an interview for a
desired position. A well-written
resume can set you apart from other
candidates, and convince employers
that you have what it takes to be
successful in the position.
IN A NUTSHELL
WHO? WHAT? WHERE? HOW?
Your resume should include the following:
Contact Information: name, mailing address, phone,
email, and LinkedIn address.
◊ If applicable, consider listing two separate addresses: your
LOCAL (on– or off-campus address in the DC area) and your
PERMANENT address (in most cases, it’s your family address).
Education: Degree in your major (include concentration,
if applicable), minor, expected graduation date, and the
official name of the institution and its location (city, state).
◊ GPA: List if 3.0 and above.
◊ Honors: List if you received Dean’s List, scholarships, special rewards, or membership in an honor society.
◊ Relevant Coursework: List 4-5 upper-level courses; do NOT include course numbers and omit any introductory
courses. You can also include *relevant* class projects & independent studies.
◊ Study Abroad: If applicable, list full name of institution, city, country, dates.
Activities: On & off-campus clubs/organizations, sports, etc., including any leadership positions you
held. Include dates of participation.
Community Service (can also be called “Volunteer Work”): Name of organization, including any
leadership positions you held & location (city, state). Include dates of participation.
Skills: Computer (including social media) & languages
◊ Consider including your language proficiency level (basic, intermediate, advanced, & fluent).
OTHER SECTIONS TO CONSIDER:
Publications
Certifications
Presentations
Memberships
Consult with a CUA career counselor for advice if
you think that you should add additional sections
(besides those listed) on your resume.
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TYPES OF RESUMES
Chronological
The most commonly used resume
format. Your information is arranged
in reverse chronological order (i.e.,
most recent first). When in doubt,
use the chronological resume.
Combination
The best of both worlds, it combines
the chronological and functional
formats. It emphasizes your skill set,
while drawing attention away from a
lack of experience in the field.
Meanwhile, it also maintains the
chronological format that the
majority of employers still prefer.
Functional
This format places the emphasis on
your skill set, qualifications, and
related achievements. As a result,
you typically omit specific dates,
names, and places.
What’s the
best one for
me?
Each resume type offers a different perspective
on your information. The format you use will
depend on what you want to emphasize to
potential employers.
Chronological
Apply for an internship, an
entry-, mid-, or executive-level
position
Apply for graduate, medical, or
law school
Seek a job in a career field where
you have gained some
experience
Want to highlight your last place
of employment
Have little to no previous
experience (work and/or
internship)
Functional
Look to change careers
Want to highlight your abilities
and transferrable skills
Have a variety of experiences
that do not point to your target
job or internship
Have gaps in employment or
frequently changed jobs
Want to take the focus away
from your places of employment
Combination
Are an experienced professional
with an extensive work history
Look to change careers
Consider re-entry in the job
market
Immediately want to emphasize
your strongest credentials &
skills
USE THE FORMAT IF YOU:
4
L
E
n
g
t
h
Keep in mind that an employer spends an average of 20 seconds reviewing your resume, so your
resume needs to be concise. Typically, resumes should be no more than one-page. You can stay
within the one-page limit by following these guidelines:
Margins should be set between 1” and .5” on all four sides of the page.
Use 12-, 11-, or 10-point font. Do not go smaller than 10-point, as it becomes difficult for
employers to read.
Use an easy-to-read font style. Examples include: Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial.
Writing a Winning
Job Description
A winning job description goes into more detail to highlight your accomplishments effectively . USE
ACTION WORDS (see next page) to create concise statements that expand on what you did and
the results you achieved.
OK
Updated Facebook page
Organized charity event
Talked to clients about their finances
Helped sell office equipment to clients
Helped train new student employees
EVEN BETTER
Managed content of company’s social media
platform, including Facebook and Twitter
feeds
Organized local charity event, raising over
$1000 for new hospital wing
Recommended educational materials or
resources to clients on matters such as
financial planning, budgeting, or credit
Conferred with potential customers
regarding office equipment needs and
advised customers on types of equipment to
purchase
Assisted in teaching and training new
student employees on office procedures and
equipment
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Action Words
Administrative
Approved
Arranged
Assigned
Attained
Catalogued
Classified
Collected
Compiled
Dispatched
Executed
Generated
Implemented
Inspected
Monitored
Operated
Organized
Prepared
Processed
Purchased
Recorded
Retrieved
Screened
Specified
Systematized
Tabulated
Validated
Creative
Acted
Conceptualized
Created
Designed
Developed
Directed
Established
Fashioned
Founded
Illustrated
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Invented
Originated
Performed
Planed
Revitalized
Shaped
Communication
Addressed
Arbitrated
Arranged
Authored
Collaborated
Corresponded
Developed
Directed
Drafted
Edited
Enlisted
Formulated
Influenced
Interpreted
Lectured
Mediated
Moderated
Motivated
Negotiated
Persuaded
Promoted
Publicized
Reconciled
Recruited
Spoke
Translated
Financial
Administered
Adjusted
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Developed
Estimated
Forecast
Managed
Marketed
Planned
Prepared
Programmed
Projected
Reconciled
Researched
Saved
Helping
Adapted
Advocated
Assessed
Assisted
Coached
Counseled
Facilitated
Delivered
Demonstrated
Diagnosed
Educated
Encouraged
Guided
Mediated
Mentored
Modeled
Prevented
Reassured
Referred
Rehabilitated
Settled
Supported
Problem-
Solving
Analyzed
Clarified
Compared
Conducted
Critiqued
Determined
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Examined
Explored
Formulated
Gathered
Identified
Interpreted
Investigated
Measured
Researched
Reviewed
Solved
Summarized
Surveyed
Tested
Research
Clarified
Collected
Critiqued
Determined
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Examined
Explored
Extracted
Identified
Inspected
Interpreted
Interviewed
Investigated
Organized
Reviewed
Summarized
Surveyed
Systematized
Technical
Assembled
Built
Calculated
Computed
Designed
Devised
Engineered
Fabricated
Maintained
Operated
Overhauled
Programmed
Remodeled
Repaired
Solved
Trained
Upgraded
Training
Adapted
Advised
Clarified
Coached
Communicated
Coordinated
Developed
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained
Facilitated
Guided
Informed
Initiated
Instructed
Persuaded
Planned
Set goals
Simulated
Stimulated
Taught
Trained
Tutored
Utilized
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DO
Include your high school information
through your freshman year of college, and
consider excluding it by sophomore year.
Juniors and Seniors should remove it.
Use the correct verb tense. If a position is
current, use present tense. If it is a job or
activity you completed, use past tense.
Use action verbs. An action verb packs a lot
of information in one word. Also, try not to
use an action verb more than once. Use a
variety of verbs to hold the reader’s interest.
Use a bulleted format. While it takes up
more space, it’s easier for the employer to
skim and review your information.
Take the time to create a targeted resume.
Spend some time reading the position
description, highlighting any keywords and
phrases. Incorporate them into your resume
to illustrate how your experience clearly lines
up with their position.
Check for spelling and grammar errors.
Spellcheck is not enough. Proofread it
multiple times AND have someone else check
it for you. A simple misspelling or grammar
error can cost you an interview.
DON’T
Use personal pronouns (I or me) when
describing your experiences.
Simply use “Paid Employment” or “Work
History” to list your experiences. Instead, use
the title “Experience” because it allows for
more flexibility. Experiences can be paid or
unpaid.
Use complete sentences in describing your
job responsibilities. In concise statements,
concentrate on using action verbs to
emphasize your responsibilities/skills.
Keep using the same action verb. Your
reader will quickly grow disinterested.
Use a resume template. It is difficult to work
with if you want to change, move, or delete
categories. It also gives a cookie cutter
appearance.
Include the line “References Available Upon
Request” at the bottom of your resume.
Instead, create a separate reference sheet.
Instructions are provided.
List personal interests or hobbies (e.g.,
reading, playing an instrument, traveling).
We are here to help!
Contact Career Services for assistance on your resume. We provide two ways to assist you:
Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment to meet with a professional career counselor. Call (202-
319-5623) or drop by the Office (102 McMahon Hall) to schedule an appointment. No
email requests, please.
Stop by for Walk-In Hours. Check the Career Services website (http://careers.cua.edu/
AboutUs/CareerServicesStaff.cfm) for the time and days.
DO’s & DON’Ts of Resume Writing
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Name Phone Number
Email Address • LinkedIn Account Local Address: Permanent Address: Street Name Street Name City, State, Zip Code City, State, Zip Code
EDUCATION Degree and field of study Month and Year of Graduation The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC GPA (if 3.0 or higher): Optional items: study abroad, relevant coursework, academic honors EXPERIENCE Title Dates of Employment (Month and Year) Organization Name, Location
Specific and relevant accomplishments, projects, or experiences beginning with action verbs related to the job description, expected duties, and transferrable skills
See above
See above Title Dates of Employment (Month and Year) Organization Name, Location
Specific and relevant accomplishments, projects, or experiences beginning with action verbs related to the job description, expected duties, and transferrable skills
See above
See above COMMUNITY SERVICE Title Dates of Participation (Month and Year) Organization Name, Location
Specific and relevant accomplishments, projects, or experiences beginning with action verbs related to the job description, expected duties, and transferrable skills
See above
See above Title Dates of Participation (Month and Year) Organization Name, Location
Specific and relevant accomplishments, projects, or experiences beginning with action verbs related to the job description, expected duties, and transferrable skills
See above
See above SKILLS
Computer: List software, social media tools, databases, statistical analysis tools, and other technical programs Language: List language(s) and level(s) of proficiency
Chronological Resume Template
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ANTHONY GARCIA 220-123-4567
[email protected] • www.linkedin.com/anthonygarcia
Local Address: Permanent Address: 620 Michigan Avenue, NE 289 Main Street Washington, D.C. 20064 Springfield, CA 22212
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in English Expected May 2021 The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Honors: Catholic University Academic and Parish scholarships, Knights of Columbus scholarship Joseph’s Academy, Springfield, CA June 2017 GPA: 4.0, Valedictorian Honors: Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, National Honor Society, Key Club Award
EXPERIENCE: Camp Counselor Summers 2016 and 2017 Sunny Day Boys and Girls Camp, San Fernando, CA
Supervised up to 20 campers ages 5 through 7
Coordinated daily activities, including arts and crafts and swimming lessons
Disciplined campers on an as-needed basis; served as a mentor and positive role model
Communicated daily with parents about each child’s behavior and wrote progress reports Sales Associate January 2016-April 2017 Abercrombie and Fitch, Bakersfield, CA
Operated cash register; counted and reconciled drawer at the end of each shift
Interacted with customers in a professional manner
Assisted in closing and opening store
LEADERSHIP: Senior Class President 2016-2017
Student Government 2014-2017 Treasurer 2016
Varsity Tennis Team 2013-2017 Captain 2017
COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Ignatius Parish, Springfield, CA
Spring Mission Trip (building homes for the poor in West Virginia) 2016 and 2017
Youth Ministry Group 2013-2017
Altar Server 2008-present
Soup Kitchen, St. Mary’s Homeless Shelter, Bakersfield, CA 2012-2017
SKILLS: Languages: Bilingual in Spanish and English Computer: Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Social Media
Sample Resume—Freshmen
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PATRICIA COSTA
201-555-XXXX [email protected]
www.linkedin.com/patriciacosta Local Address Permanent Address 122 Hawaii Avenue, Apt. 23A 890 1st Street Washington, DC 20064 Medford, NY 11023 EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Concentration in Political Theory Minor in Philosophy, anticipated May 2020 The Catholic University of America (CUA), Washington, D.C. GPA: 3.79 Honors: Dean’s List with Distinction (Fall 2016 and Spring 2017), Dean’s List (every semester), Catholic University Parish Scholarship, University Honors Program, Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honors Society
Relevant Coursework: Modern Political Thought, American Public Opinion, Constitutional Law I
WORK Office Assistant, Office of Undergraduate Admissions EXPERIENCE: The Catholic University of America Washington, DC, August 2016-present ● Answer multi-line phone system, greet visitors, and field questions from prospective students and parents ● Assist admissions counselors in creating office recruiting schedule Head Server, Bob’s Steak House Medford, NY, May-August, 2015-2017 ● Strengthened communication skills by interacting with a variety of customers ● Developed the ability to prioritize and multitask responsibilities in a fast-paced environment ● Coordinated orientation and training of 15 new servers COMMUNITY Volunteer, So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) SERVICE: Washington, DC, January 2017-present ● Served breakfast and engaged in conversation with homeless individuals in need ● Developed materials and delivered presentations to incoming student volunteers on working with the organization Coordinator, Homeless Food Run Outreach Washington, DC, September 2016-December 2016 ● Processed and complied inventory of incoming food and clothing donations from the CUA community ● Organized student volunteers working in the DC-area homeless shelters CAMPUS CUA College Democrats, October 2016-present ACTIVITIES: CUA Women’s Basketball Team, Captain (2017), Member (2016-present) COMPUTER Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint SKILLS: Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn)
Sample Resume—Sophomores
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Heather Crawford
[email protected] ◊ www.linkedin.com/heathercrawford 202-123-4567
Local Address: Permanent Address 620 Michigan Avenue, NE 12345 Main Street Washington, DC 20064 Boston, MA 02108
Education Bachelor of Arts, History Expected May 2019 The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC GPA: 3.23 Relevant Coursework: Global Migrations to the New World (1492-present), The Making of America (1607-1877), The United States in the 20th Century
Experience Curatorial Intern Sept 2017– Present The National Museum of American History, Washington, DC Organize research goals for a team of 10 interns Investigate the origin of donated artifacts Review documents for upcoming exhibit proposals Maintain a database of artifacts using Microsoft Access
Archivist Assistant May 2016 – Aug 2016 The Mullen Library Collections, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
Researched and scanned photos onto the Content DM database
Filed and organized vital university documents in appropriate database
Assisted in organizing pictures for class reunions
Student Assistant Sept 2015– May 2016 Office of Career Services, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC Answered and directed all incoming calls Scheduled appointments for students with various office staff using Microsoft Outlook
Community Service Gardener, CUA Community Garden, Washington, DC Jan 2017 – May 2017 Companion, Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, DC Sept 2016 – Dec 2016 Tutor, DC Reads, Washington, DC Oct 2015 – Present
Skills Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access Social Media: Facebook, Twitter , Instagram, Pinterest Language: Intermediate German (oral, reading, and writing)
Sample Resume—Juniors
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CAROLINE AQUINO
Education
B.S.B.A in Finance, Minor in Spanish May 2018 The Catholic University of America (CUA) Washington, DC G.P.A.: 3.25 Honors: Parish and Alumni Scholarships Relevant Coursework: Investment Analysis, Corporate Finance I & II, Managerial Economics Study Abroad: Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain, Spring 2017
Relevant Experience Summer Analyst, Ballantine Group New York, NY, May 2017-August 2017
Developed experience in financial analysis and wealth management
Created Excel spreadsheets to track quarterly reports and check for discrepancies
Attended and observed weekly senior management meetings
Filed confidential documents
Intern, Bank of America Rockville, MD, June 2016-August 2016
Performed credit analyses of existing and prospective commercial buyers
Generated weekly written reports of the bank’s commercial real estate lending activities
Assisted in the development of an annual forecast report for a major real estate client
Additional Experience
Caregiver, White House Nannies Washington, DC, January 2016-May 2016
Organized and participated in recreational outings
Prepared food and served meals to children
Accompanied children to and from school, and provided transportation for after-school activities
Activities
F.O.C.U.S. (Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students), September 2015-present
SFAB (Student Fee Allocation Board), Catholic University, September 2014-present
Community Service
Spring Break Mission Trip to Belize, CUA Campus Ministry, March 2016 and 2017
Relay for Life (fundraiser for American Cancer Society), Catholic University, March 2016
Little Sisters of the Poor, Washington, DC, January 2015-present
Skills Language: Fluent in French; Intermediate Spanish (oral, reading and writing) Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access; Social Media
2XX 21st Road, Bethesda, MD, 20817 ♦ 301-111-2222 [email protected] ♦ www.linkedin.com/caroline2aquino
Sample Resume—Seniors
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Writing a Reference Page
The line “References available upon request” is outdated and no longer used. Instead, create a
separate reference page and submit it with your resume.
WHOM do I ask?
Someone who knows & can speak knowledgeably about the quality of your work, i.e. your work
performance, reliability, interaction with others, communication skills. Examples include:
◊ College Professors or High School Teachers (Do not use a high school teacher after your
sophomore year of college).
◊ Supervisors – from an internship, full- or part-time job, summer job, or work study
◊ Coach or Club Advisor
WHEN do I ask?
Before you submit your resume to an employer or with your application to graduate school, ask
potential references for their permission before you list them on your resume. Do not assume they
will say yes.
WHAT do I include?
Person’s name; Job Title; Professional Relationship to You; Name of Organization, Mailing Address;
Phone Number; Email Address
HOW many should I include?
Check the job announcement for instructions. If none are given, a minimum of 3 references is
appropriate.
KEEP IN MIND!
Typically a family member, family friend, or neighbor should not be used as a reference. These individuals are
referred to as “character references,” and are not considered “professional references”.
Take the time to develop a relationship with your professors, supervisors, coaches, etc.
Include your contact information on the reference page so employers can quickly reach you.
Update your references on your job-search process or the progress of your graduate school application.
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References for Catherine Cardinal 128 Upshur Lane, Washington, DC 20100
(202) 333-2256 ♦ [email protected] ♦ www.linkedin.com/catherinecardinal
Professor Jane Doe, PhD
Relationship: Professor for 2 English classes, including senior seminar
English Department, Summit University
1228 Main Street
Springfield, NY 22211
(201) 888-9999
Ms. Mary G. Smith
Relationship: Internship Supervisor
Lead Marketing Analyst, Time Warner, Inc.
825 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 100
New York, NY 11101
(212) 111-2222
maryg.smith@time_warninc.com
Father John Brown
Relationship: Advisor for Youth Parish Group
Associate Pastor, St. Michael’s Parish
228 Elm Branch Way
Greenville, NJ 00808
(302) 445-6678
Sample Reference page
