RESUME GUIDE
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOP MENT II
HERZING UNIVERSITY O NLINE
Written by Kelly Zugay, M.A.
Contents
About .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Step 1: Get to Know Yourself ............................................................................................................... 2
Step 2: Get to Know Your Audience ..................................................................................................... 2
Step 3: Choose a Format ...................................................................................................................... 3
Step 4: Develop Each Section of Your Resume ..................................................................................... 4
Contact Information......................................................................................................................... 4
Professional Profile .......................................................................................................................... 4
Education ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Professional Experience ................................................................................................................... 5
Optional Information ....................................................................................................................... 5
Step 5: Polish Your Resume ................................................................................................................. 6
Presentation .................................................................................................................................... 6
Formatting....................................................................................................................................... 6
Content............................................................................................................................................ 6
Action Words ................................................................................................................................... 7
Chronological Resume Checklist .......................................................................................................... 8
Functional Resume Checklist ............................................................................................................... 9
Chronological Resume Sample ........................................................................................................... 10
Functional Resume Sample ................................................................................................................ 11
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
About
A resume is a document that is used to represent who you are as a professional. From your
education to your professional work experience, a resume should effectively highlight your skills
and expertise. A strong resume can help you to secure an interview and provide you with an
opportunity to secure a position.
Step 1: Get to Know Yourself
When designing a resume, it is important to have a clear understanding of who you are and who
you hope to become as a working professional. Think about your strengths, weaknesses, likes,
and dislikes. Reflect upon your professional experience, and write down any information you
would like to highlight.
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What is your educational background like?
What is your professional background like?
Do you have any volunteer experience?
Are you a member of a professional organization?
What have you accomplished through your professional work?
Reflecting upon your professional experience will help to prepare you for resume writing.
Step 2: Get to Know Your Audience
Take a moment to think of or search for a job that is of interest to you. Ask yourself: What is the
employer seeking? How does my experience and education align with what the employer is
seeking?
Example:
The employer is seeking…
Leadership Experience
Accounting Coursework
Community Involvement
I have experience through…
Serving as Project Manager in a Class
Being an Accounting Major
Volunteering for Feeding America
It is important to understand how each skill you have practiced or obtained throughout your
professional or academic career can be “transferred” to the job you hope to obtain. These skills
are known as transferrable skills.
skills
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Step 3: Choose a Format
Your field of study or desired field of employment will often determine the format and style of
your resume. For example, a Graphic Design resume will differ from a Criminal Justice resume; a
Graphic Design resume may be very creative in format and design, while a Criminal Justice
resume may be traditional in format and design. Consult your Career Development Specialist if
you are uncertain of where or how to begin.
A resume can be written in a chronological or functional format:
Chronological Resume
A chronological resume is organized in reverse chronological order so that your most recent
work experience is listed first. This type of resume is used to emphasize employment and is best
suited for those whose job history demonstrates steady career growth within the same general
field.
Functional Resume
A functional resume is organized by functional skill. This type of resume is used to highlight key
qualifications which have been demonstrated through a variety of work. For those who are
seeking a career change, or those who are returning to the job market after a long absence, a
functional resume can help to organize a diverse job history.
The length of your resume may be determined by your professional experience or career.
OneOne-Page
A recent college graduate or entry-level job seeker should utilize a one-page resume. A one page
resume may also be appropriate for an applicant who is making a career change, in which much
of his or her professional experience is not relevant to the prospective role.
TwoTwo-Page
An applicant who is above entry-level, but below executive-level, may utilize a two-page resume.
A two-page resume may also be appropriate for an applicant who has abundant professional or
extracurricular experience (that relate to the position for which they are applying).
ThreeThree-Page
An applicant who is at the senior or executive-level may require a resume that is three or more
pages in length. Before creating a resume that is three or more pages in length, an applicant
should be certain that the resume will be accepted by the organization.
Remember: The goal of a resume should be to convey your experience in a concise and impactful
way. Avoid repetitive or extraneous information.
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Step 4: Develop Each Section of Your Resume
A resume can include a diverse array of information. A resume should include the following:
Contact Information, a Professional Profile, Education, and Professional Experience.
Contact Information
Contact information should be listed at the very top of your resume. Within this section, be sure
to include: Your Name, Your Mailing Address, Your Telephone Number, and a Professional E-Mail
Address.
Example:
Sally Classmate
123 Hickory Lane ▪ Madison, Wisconsin 12345
555.555.5555 ▪ [email protected]
Professional Profile
A professional profile is a brief statement of your experience and expertise. A professional profile
should grab the attention of the reader and showcase your expertise as a professional.
These 2-3 sentences should be centered on your educational and professional achievement.
Example:
Dynamic Medical Assistant with five years of experience within the healthcare field. Extensively
trained in patient processes and laboratory procedures. Enthusiastic and motivated with a
proven ability to provide compassionate patient care.
Education
All higher education (post-high school) must be included within your resume. Within this section,
be sure to include the following information for each institution: Institution Name, City and
State, Full Degree Name, and Graduation Date (Degree Awarded or Degree Expected).
Example:
Herzing University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Madison, Wisconsin
Degree Awarded May 2010
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Professional Experience
All professional experience should be included within your resume.
For a chronological resume, be sure to include the following information: Company Name, City
and State, Position Title, Dates of Employment, and 3-5 Job Duties.
Example:
ABC Financial
Madison, Wisconsin
Customer Service Representative
May 2010—Present
• Provide top-quality customer service to each client
• Manage a diverse array of financial information, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality
• Serve as a resource for each client; provide expertise regarding financial information
For a functional resume, be sure to include all of the above, with the exception of job duties.
Optional Information
A resume can also include additional information about your educational or professional
experience. This information should be active (in the case of certifications, memberships, etc.),
recent (conferences, trainings, etc.), and related to your field. You may choose to include:
Academic Training
Associations
Community Involvement
Computer Skills
Extracurricular Activities
Memberships
Professional Activities
Publications
University Activities
Volunteer Work
Additional Experience
Certifications
Community Service
Conferences
Key Competencies
Notable Achievements
Professional Development
Research
Volunteer Activities
Workshops Attended
Experience Affiliations
Coaching Experience
Computer Applications
Conventions
Language Skills
Presentations
Professional Training
Seminars
Volunteer Experience
Workshops Facilitated
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Step 5: Polish Your Resume
Always keep in mind that your resume is an evolving document. As you progress in your
academic and professional career, the content within your resume will change.
Presentation
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Print your resume on high-quality 8 ½” by 11” paper
Do not print your resume on colored paper
Your name should be typed in size 18-22 font
All other text should be typed in size 10-14 font
When submitting your resume in an envelope, submit it unfolded, in a large envelope
Formatting
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Provide a distinct heading for each section of your resume
Utilize bulleting whenever possible to make the resume easy to read
Use a common font style such as Calibri or Times New Roman
Use past-tense for past employment and present-tense for present employment
Content
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Using the position description, tailor your resume to the desired position
Be specific when describing each job duty or achievement; use action words (see below)
Be concise; eliminate any information that is not needed
Be professional in your writing, and be descriptive
Proofread your resume. Do not submit a resume that has errors in spelling or grammar
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Action Words
Addressed
Arbitrated
Arranged
Authored
Communicated
Composed
Conceived
Conceptualized
Conducted
Created
Designed
Accounted for
Administered
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Balanced
Centralized
Certified
Chaired
Changed
Commissioned
Committed
Achieved
Accelerated
Accomplished
Attained
Augmented
Contacted
Convinced
Corresponded
Developed
Directed
Drafted
Communication
Communication
Edited
Lectured
Formulated
Marketed
Influenced
Mediated
Informed
Moderated
Interpreted
Motivated
Interviewed
Negotiated
Networked
Persuaded
Presented
Promoted
Publicized
Published
Reconciled
Recruited
Referred
Reported
Translated
Wrote
Developed
Directed
Drafted
Established
Executed
Creative
Fashioned
Introduced
Founded
Invented
Improvised
Marketed
Instituted
Modernized
Integrated
Originated
Performed
Pioneered
Planned
Redesigned
Remodeled
Replaced
Revitalized
Shaped
Spearheaded
Started
Budgeted
Calculated
Controlled
Developed
Estimated
Financed
Analytical & Financial
Monitored
Rated
Planned
Reconciled
Procured
Reformed
Projected
Related
Purchased
Relieved
Raised
Remedied
Researched
Secured
Sought
Settled
Staffed
Strengthened
Submitted
Substantiated
Suggested
Supplemented
Sustained
Tailored
Concluded
Condensed
Confirmed
Consented
Contracted
Consolidated
Management & Leadership
Correlated
Evaluated
Cultivated
Executed
Delegated
Formulated
Determined
Founded
Developed
Fulfilled
Employed
Grew
Handled
Headed
Hired
Managed
Maintained
Organized
Oversaw
Planned
Prioritized
Produced
Proposed
Recommended
Proved
Reduced
Re-Established
Resolved
Restored
Stabilized
Standardized
Succeeded
Transformed
Validated
Decreased
Doubled
Effected
Eliminated
Enlarged
Drive, Motivation, and Results
Established
Lowered Costs
Exceeded
Maximized
Expanded
Measured
Improved
Obtained
Increased
Pioneered
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Chronological Resume Checklist
Step 1: Contact Information
___ First and Last Name
___ Full Mailing Address
___ Telephone Number
___ Professional Email Address
Step 2: Professional Profile
___ 2-3 Sentences Outlining Education & Experience
___ Use powerful language
___ Use industry-relevant language
Step 3: Education
___ List each institution in reverse chronological order
___ Include the city and state in which each institution is located
___ Include “Degree Awarded” or “Degree Expected” and your graduation date
Step 4: Professional Experience
___ List each organization in reverse chronological order
___ Include the city and state in which each organization is located
___ Include dates of employment, written in Month Year format
___ Below each organization, list 3-5 job duties
Step 5: Professional Membership
___ List each professional membership, including dates of membership
Step 6: Community Involvement
___ List recent volunteer work, including dates of involvement
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Functional Resume Checklist
Step 1: Contact Information
___ First and Last Name
___ Full Mailing Address
___ Telephone Number
___ Professional Email Address
Step 2: Professional Profile
___ 2-3 Sentences Outlining Education & Experience
___ Use powerful language
___ Use industry-relevant language
Step 3: Areas of Expertise
___ List 2-3 key areas of skill or expertise
___ Below each skill, list 2-3 ways in which the skill has been demonstrated
Step 4: Education
___ List each institution in reverse chronological order
___ Include the city and state in which each institution is located
___ Include “Degree Awarded” or “Degree Expected” and your graduation date
Step 5: Professional Experience
___ List each organization in reverse chronological order
___ Include the city and state in which each organization is located
___ Include dates of employment, written in Month Year format
Step 6: Professional Membership
___ List each professional membership, including dates of membership
Step 7: Community Involvement
___ List all volunteer work, including dates of involvement
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Chronological Resume Sample
SALLY CLASSMATE
123 Hickory Lane ▪ Madison, Wisconsin 12345
555.555.5555 ▪ [email protected]
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Dynamic Certified Medical Assistant with over four years of experience in the healthcare field.
Proven ability to provide outstanding patient and customer service. Committed to providing
top-quality organizational support within a healthcare setting.
EDUCATION
Herzing University
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services
Madison, Wisconsin
Degree Awarded May 2013
Degree Awarded May 2011
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Madison Clinic
Madison, Wisconsin
Certified Medical Assistant
May 2011– Present
• Provide top-quality patient care on a daily basis
• Manage patient record filing system and ensure that each file is accurate and up-to-date
• Prepare each patient for processes and procedures, following clinic safety protocol
Madison Nursing Home
Madison, Wisconsin
Certified Nursing Assistant
May 2009 – May 2011
• Provided top-quality patient care on a daily basis; conducted patient assessment and
care planning
• Assisted each patient with personal hygiene, grooming, and personal nutrition
• Provided emotional support to each patient through caring and compassionate
communication
CERTIFICATIONS
American Heart Association
BLS for Healthcare Providers
Heartsaver First Aid
Valid through May 2017
Valid through May 2017
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Functional Resume Sample
SALLY CLASSMATE
123 Hickory Lane ▪ Madison, Wisconsin 12345
555.555.5555 ▪ [email protected]
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Dynamic Certified Medical Assistant with expertise in providing top-quality patient and
customer care. Proven ability to provide compassionate patient care and support. Committed
to growth within the healthcare field; an asset to any organization.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Patient Care
• Compassionate and caring; able to offer support and guidance to each patient
• Strong attention to detail; proficient in a diverse array of patient and laboratory
procedures
Administrative Support
• Organized and efficient; able to effectively manage a multi-line telephone system
• Able to manage all patient documentation and ensure that each file is up-to-date
EDUCATION
Herzing University
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Madison Call Center
Customer Service Representative
Customer Care Associate
CERTIFICATIONS
American Heart Association
BLS for Healthcare Providers
Heartsaver First Aid
Madison, Wisconsin
Degree Awarded May 2013
Degree Awarded May 2011
Madison, Wisconsin
May 2011– Present
May 2009 – May 2011
Valid through May 2017
Valid through May 2017
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department