RESUME SUGGESTIONS BASED ON COMMON ERRORS

Resume: Level Three
For graduates with a resume and experience. Great for experienced candidates improving an existing resume. This is the
final step of resume development.
Your resume is a specially prepared sales presentation about you. Create your resume at Level 3 to show an employer you meet
their qualifications and get chosen for an interview. Your resume is your self-advertisement.
This packet of information will help you build a resume that outlines to an employer why they should hire you.
This Resume Packet includes:
▪ Resume Suggestions and Formatting Tips
▪ Resume Sections
▪ Action Verbs
▪ Resume Examples
RESUME SUGGESTIONS
Your resume is your sales brochure. Tailor your resume to the job you want.
Don’t confuse the reader by including irrelevant information.
■ DO NOT USE A TEMPLATE! If your resume is currently in a template you would be advised to
transfer that information into a Word document before making changes. You can tailor your
resume more easily when it is NOT in a template. Use CAPS, Bold, center justification, bullets,
and your tab button to organize your information.
■ At this point, an employer is looking for potential as well as past experience. Show them a
good picture of who you are, what can do, and what you have done through this resume, but
you will win them over in your interview.
■ This is not a biography! Give them only the info that is relevant to getting you in the door
for an interview and will provide the employer with an overall picture of you as a candidate!
Formatting Tips
■ Resumes should be one page and should be organized clearly for a potential employer
■ Use sections to organize your information
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Contact Information (Name, Address, Phone, Email)
Objective or Overview section (who you are and what you are “seeking”)
Education
Relevant Coursework (if you can’t fill a full page with your additional info)
Internships or Relevant Experience (you want to tailor this section to the job for which
you are applying)
Honors and Activities (community groups, scholarships, awards, volunteer activities,
etc.)
Skills list skills that will assist you in the job for which you are applying
■ You can add sections to make your resume more relevant to you, but the sections listed above will work for
most students and graduates.
■ TAILOR: example: if you are applying for a marketing job and have done an internship with a marketing
department, list that under a section called MARKETING INTERNSHIP. Or if you have done an internship
with a bank and are going for a finance job call the section FINANCE EXPERIENCE. This will highlight the fact
that you have relevant experience.
■ KEYWORDS: use wording provided in the job description whenever you can on your resume to increase
your keywords. This will increase your opportunity of getting called for an interview.
■ Spell Check and correct spelling errors; also check for grammatical errors!
■ Be consistent with punctuation, form of state names (TN or Tennessee), and date formats.
RESUME BUILDING WORKSHEET
1. Contact Information (Name, Address, Phone)
▪ Include a phone number with a professional sounding voicemail that would make a good
impression if an employer calls to set up an interview.
2. SUMMARY
▪ A SUMMARY states who you are, your skills, and your professional goals.
▪ Start with descriptive words: Hard-working, dedicated, energetic, outgoing, etc.
▪ What are you “seeking”, list the company name and job title.
Example: Creative and organized Lipscomb University graduate seeking Public Relations
position with Braden and Ward Public Relations in Nashville, TN
3. EDUCATION
▪ Haven’t graduated yet? Say “Anticipated Graduation (Year)”.
▪ Once you graduate it will say (Year) Graduate
▪ Start with the most recent first, but don’t include high school!
▪ Include the School Name, Graduation Year, Degree Earned, Major and Minor, and GPA if
over a 3.0.
TIP: If your major GPA is over 3.0, calculate it and include it on your resume as your major GPA.
This is totally acceptable IF you can substantiate where your numbers came from.
4. RELEVANT COURSEWORK
▪ List classes you have completed that relate the position, but only if you can’t fill a full page
with your other info.
5. HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
▪ This section should show the employer you are involved in the community and on campus.
▪ Club or Organization Memberships
▪ Community and volunteer activities and groups
6. SKILLS or QUALIFICATIONS
▪ Your goal is to present the employer with your BEST qualifications by labeling and
illustrating what you know you can do.
Note: This section can be covered in an overview section with your objective. See
examples to determine which format you prefer.
7. EXPERIENCE
▪ List part-time jobs, most recent first, highlighting the skills you used to do your job.
Example: “Utilized communication skills to assist customers with purchases” might
be a good way to describe a cashier job
8. REFERENCES
▪ Your actual list of references goes on a separate page and should include their Name,
Company Name, Title, Address, Phone, and Email. Employers typically ask for three
references.
Action Verbs
Clerical/Detail Skills
Approved
Arranged
Catalogued
Checked
Classified
Collected
Compiled
Confirmed
Copied
Detected
Executed
Generated
Implemented
Inspected
Monitored
Operated
Organized
Prepared
Processed
Purchased
Recorded
Retrieved
Scheduled
Screened
Specified
Communication
Skills
Addressed
Arranged
Authored
Collaborated
Composed
Convinced
Corresponded
Developed
Directed
Drafted
Edited
Enlisted
Acquired
Built
Converted
Calculated
Designed
Devised
Maintained
Operated
Overhauled
Presented
Publicized
Reconciled
Recruited
Reported
Spoke
Creative Skills
Acted
Built
Conceived
Created
Customized
Designed
Developed
Devised
Directed
Established
Fabricated
Fashioned
Founded
Illustrated
Initiated
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Invented
Originated
Performed
Planned
Revitalized
Shaped
Financial Skills
Administered
Analyzed
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Consolidated
Converted
Developed
Dispensed
Performed
Remodeled
Repaired
Retrieved
Solved
Upgraded
Training/Supervision
Skills
Adapted
Advised
Assembled
Clarified
Coached
Communicated
Managed
Marketed
Planned
Management Skills
Accomplished
Addressed
Administered
Allocated
Analyzed
Anticipated
Approved
Assigned
Attained
Completed
Conserved
Consolidated
Contracted
Controlled
Coordinated
Decided
Defined
Delegated
Delivered
Developed
Directed
Evaluated
Executed
Guided
Hired
Implemented
Conducted
Coordinated
Demonstrated
Developed
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained
Facilitated
Guided
Informed
Instructed
Persuaded
Set goals
Improved
Increased
Initiated
Led
Organized
Oversaw
Planned
Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Reviewed
Scheduled
Strengthened
Supervised
Research Skills
Analyzed
Clarified
Collected
Compiled
Conducted
Critiqued
Detected
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Examined
Experimented
Extracted
Gathered
Identified
Inspected
Interviewed
Investigated
Organized
Reviewed
Sampled
Summarized
Surveyed
Teamwork/
Interpersonal Skills
Clarified
Collaborated
Coordinated
Facilitated
Negotiated
Networked
Accomplishment
Verbs
Achieved
Acquired
Earned
Expanded
Improved
Resolved
Restored
Revamped
Solved
Helping Skills
Advised
Assessed
Assisted
Challenged
Clarified
Coached
Counseled
Demonstrated
Educated
Expedited
Facilitated
Guided
Lipscomb Bison One
▪ 1111 Edmondson Pike ▪ Nashville, TN 37211 ▪
615.111.1111 • [email protected]
Detail-oriented and organized Lipscomb University graduate with sales and management experience
Active volunteer committed to community involvement seeking Marketing opportunities in the Arts
Areas of Expertise Include:
□ Microsoft Office Suite and Internet
□ Adobe PageMaker
□ Multi-line phone system
□ Exceptional interpersonal skills
□ Excellent written and verbal communication skills
□ Punctual and dependable
EDUCATION
Lipscomb University
Bachelor of Science
Biology Major, Business Minor
Nashville, TN
May 2012
3.10 of 4.00 GPA
Honors: Beta Beta Beta Honorary Associate Member, Academic Scholarship, Leadership Scholarship
MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP
Business Office Intern
Nashville, TN
The Surgical Clinic, PLLC
Summer 2011
 Researched and compiled significant documents on healthcare management networks for CEO
 Overhauled organizational system in several areas of business department
 Became skilled at using billing software and completed vital tasks to assist manager
 Updated credentialed status for 17 physicians at over 15 healthcare companies demonstrating ability to
work efficiently and independently and intuitively learned new tasks
 Participated in manager’s organizational meetings, directed discussions dealing with health care
management and other aspects of the company
SALES EXPERIENCE
Sales Associate
Nashville, TN
Ann Taylor Factory Store
February 2008-Present
 Assisted and communicated with customers in a friendly and warm manner at all times
 Efficiently ran cash register and assisted managers with floor displays
 Maintained store appearance to increase sales
Achievements
 Consistently provided excellent customer service and met sales goals
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
 Junior High Basketball Assistant Coach
 Inner City Outreach
 Helping Hands Organization
 Environmental Club Publicity Chairperson
Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN
Present
2010-2011
2009-2011
2008-2010
Lipscomb Bison Two
▫ 1111 Holly Court ▫ Nashville, TN 37204 ▫ 111-111-1111 ▫
[email protected]
A results- driven Lipscomb University Accounting graduate with tax and audit experience
An effective team player seeking full-time position in accounting
EDUCATION
Lipscomb University
Bachelor of Science
Major: Accounting and Management double major
August 2012
Nashville, TN
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
▫ Intermediate Accounting I
▫ Cost Accounting
▫ Federal Income Tax
▫ Information Systems I & II
▫ Business Law I
▫ Principles of Management
ACCOUNTING EXPERIENCE
Genesco Inc.
Tax Assistant
June 2011 - Present
Nashville, TN
▫ Daily & monthly systems processing, validation & reporting of fixed asset transactions
▫ Communicate with departments requesting or purchasing fixed assets as needed
▫ Compile and analyze financial information for preparation of real estate related journal entries
▫ Prepare monthly balance sheet analysis to ensure proper statement of fixed asset and real estate accounts
▫ Preparation/assistance with bank reconciliations to ensure proper reporting of cash.
Healthcare Corporation of America
Internal Audit Intern
June 2010- May 2011
Nashville, TN
▫ Conducted audit testing of specified areas and identified reportable issues and risk
▫ Confirmed compliance with laws, regulations and Government Guidelines for clients
▫ Communicated findings to senior management and drafted comprehensive and complete reports
HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
Alpha Kappa Psi Member, International Business Fraternity
January 2008- May 2010
▫ Served as Vice President
▫ Scheduled speakers on business topics
Alpha Phi Chi Service Club Member
September 2007- May 2009
▫ Gutted houses in New Orleans for hurricane victims
▫ Cooked meals at Ronald McDonald House
▫ Participated in various fundraisers (car washes, bake sales, and variety shows)
NCAA Women’s Cross Country Team
▫ Balanced school, work, and game schedules effectively
August 2006- May 2009
Lipscomb Bison Three
Nashville, TN 37215
[email protected]/ 859-221-6713
Caring and hardworking Social Worker seeking opportunities to impact children, families and young adults
Excellent communicator prepared to support clients who experienced difficult life circumstances
EDUCATION
Western Kentucky University
Masters of Social Work Candidate
Cumulative GPA 4.0
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Honors and Awards:
Phi Alpha-Delta Mu Honor Society
Lipscomb University
Bachelors of Social Work
Minor: Human Resources
Cumulative GPA 4.0, Co-Valedictorian
Graduated May 2010
Honors and Awards:
Social Work Leadership Award, in recognition of demonstrated skills and promise as a professional
Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Provost’s List, Academic Scholarship
SOCIAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Adoption Support and Preservation Services
Fall 2010- Present
 Provide in home therapy to children and their families who have been adopted from state custody
using Parent Child Interactive Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
 Educated families on basic brain development and attachment theory
 Advocate for educational support services in school setting
The Hope Clinic For Women
 Manage daily pregnancy service operations
 Interview intake clients and crisis counseling
 Manage Bridge program including client reward points and library
 Retrieve and maintain volunteer paperwork and background information
August 2009- Present,
Fall 2008- Spring 2009
Tutoring in Bronx, New York
Spring Break 2008
 Coached elementary school aged students in reading, writing and math assignments
 Assisted primary teacher with implementing class assignments
Mercy Ministries Adoptions Department
June- August 2007
 Assisted with office work every Friday in the adoptions department
 Developed working relationships with professionals to learn more about the field
Always Home
 Assisted elderly clients in decision making and downsizing their home
 Served on team of movers to pack their belongings and set up their new home
June- August 2007
ADDITONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent Tennis Instructor
 Plan and implement tennis clinics for all ages
 Coached individuals and groups in France and the U.S.
 Learned to teach by modeling to overcome language barriers
2002-Present
Lipscomb Women’s Tennis NCAA Team
Fall 2006- May 2010
 Served as a team leader to motivate and encourage teammates
 NCAA Intercollegiate Association Scholar Athlete, Atlantic Sun All Academic Team, Athletic Scholarship
Fellowship of Christian Athletes President, as president for 2 years
 As president, provided mentoring for leadership planning team
 Plan and facilitate weekly meetings including scheduling speakers
 Organize service projects throughout the community
Fall 2006- Spring 2010