HOW TO WRITE A RESUME
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
ré·su·mé [rez-oo-mey] noun
1. a summing up; summary.
2. a brief written account of
personal, educational, and
professional qualifications
and experience, as that
prepared by an applicant for
a job.
In addition to summing up what you can do, your resume can…

Show your preparedness and professionalism to the reader

Illustrate your writing skills

Be a record of your experiences to refer to later

Increase your ability to articulate your skills and knowledge

Help you become more confident when you see what you
can do on paper
from www.dictionary.com
TYPES OF RESUMES
Chronological
lists experiences chronologically starting with
the most recent. Good for highlighting
increasing skills and knowledge in a particular
area.
Functional
organizes experiences in functional skill areas
to help the reader focus on specific abilities
rather than history of employment.
Combination
uses elements of both chronological and
functional resumes to organize information.
Most common type of resume used by college
students.
HOW MANY PAGES?
The length of the resume should depend on the amount of relevant experience you have and who is reading it.
Also consider that employers hiring for entry level or competitive positions will receive hundreds of resumes
and have limited time to sort through them. Many employers report their first look at an applicant’s resume
lasts only 10-35 seconds.
Typically, a college student will have a ONE PAGE resume.
However, in some cases college students may have more than one page. You may need more than one page
if…



You are a non-traditional college student with several years of relevant experience.
You are submitting a resume for a scholarship or leadership position on campus and they ask for a
complete listing of experiences.
You’ve been asked to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae), which is a complete listing of experiences,
typically used in academia and research.
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 1
WHO IS THE READER?
A very important part of preparing the resume
includes researching the reader. Understanding who
the reader is and what specific skills and knowledge
they are seeking will help you create an effective
targeted resume.
The job announcement can offer insight into an
employer’s needs as well as provide the vocabulary
you may wish to incorporate into your resume. Also,
learn as much as you can through an organization’s
website, trade journals, magazines, newsletters,
directories, talking to professors, and visiting your
career services office.
Writing a resume that
may be scanned for keywords?
Use the job description to help you
identify skills and knowledge needed for
the position. If possible use these specific
terms in your resume. Consider adopting
the vocabulary used in the job description
so the reader perceives you as having a
similar background.
HOW TO START…
(1). Write an objective statement. Decide what position you will be applying to. Is it an internship, part-time
job, mission trip? Where will this position be – in town or maybe out of state? What kind of company or
organization will likely be hiring this position?
(2.) Brainstorm and compile a list of experiences. Include as many experiences as possible. Gather old
resumes and/or career essays that you may have written. If you have applications from past jobs or old job
descriptions you may want to collect these things as well. Keep an eye out for experiences where you
developed skills relevant to your objective.
ORGANIZING INFORMATION (CATEGORY HEADERS)
Once you have gathered a complete listing of your experiences, memberships, activities, etc. - develop
categories that highlight your unique, relevant experiences and skills. Below are a list of possible category
headers that could be used in your resume, depending on your career field and experiences.
Summary
Career Profile
Objective
Areas of Effectiveness
Qualifications Highlights
Summary of Qualifications
Professional Overview
Areas of Expertise
Education
Certifications
Licenses
Flight Time
Pilot Credentials
Certificate/Ratings
Specialized Training
Additional Training
Workshops Attended
Seminars
Significant Accomplishments
Achievements
Related Activities
Related Experience
Employment History
Volunteer Experience
Community Service
Community Involvement
Campus Leadership
Leadership Activities
Experience
Professional Experience
Work Experience
Leadership Experience
Internships
Teaching Experience
Activities
Communication Experience
Sales Experience
Laboratory Experience
Job Shadowing
Presentations
Publications
Works-in-Progress
International Travel
Languages
Honors and Awards
Selected Awards
Selected Honors
Awards and Recognition
Research Interests
Professional Development
Scientific Societies
Professional Organizations
Memberships
Affiliations
Organizations
Office Skills
Computer Skills
Hardware/Software
Key Skills
Special Skills
Technology Skills
Additional Information
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 2
RESUME WRITING AND NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
Writing a resume is similar to writing a newspaper article. Newspaper articles are written in a specific way
because they have to convey important information in a limited word count. So journalists start with a “lead” to
grab the reader’s attention. The lead is usually only one sentence and summarizes the article. In a resume, the
“lead” is your objective statement or profile at the top of the page, which lets the reader quickly see what your
resume is about. Next, come the facts (who, what, where, why…) in order of importance. Writers want the
good stuff at the top because an editor will start “cutting” at the bottom if there is not enough room on the page.
Putting the most interesting and important information at the top also serves to keep the reader interested in
reading. So as you continue to develop your resume put the “good stuff” at the top. Following are some typical
components of a resume in the order they are most likely to be organized in a resume.
THE RESUME HEADER
At the top of the resume include (1) your name, (2) street address, (3) city, state, and zip code, (4) phone
number, and (5) email address.
Frank Eaton
219 Student Union
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
(405) 744-5000
[email protected]
Occasionally, it may be necessary to include two street addresses – for instance, if you are moving or applying
to a position during a time when you are between residences (ex. right before summer break). If you do need
to include more than one address, make sure to label them clearly.
Frank Eaton
School Address:
219 Student Union
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
(405) 744-5000
[email protected]
Home Address:
750 N. Main Street
Perkins, Oklahoma 74059
Here are a few more tips…






Your legal name is not required for the resume. Use the name you go by so as not to confuse the
reader. When it comes time to complete paperwork such as contracts or IRS documents, you can use
your legal name.
Try to use only one phone number to make it easier for the reader to keep track of.
Make sure your voice mail is appropriate and professional.
If others will be answering the phone during a job search make sure they know how to answer the
phone professionally and are reliable about relaying messages.
Use a professional email address. Your student email address is recommended.
Remove the hyperlink from your email. The hyperlink makes your email address blue and includes a
line that is difficult to read for some. Right click and “remove” or “edit” the hyperlink.
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 3
THE LEAD (OBJECTIVE / SUMMARY)
As mentioned earlier the lead is usually a summary at the top of the page that quickly lets the reader know
what your resume is about. This should be clear and specific. Most often this section includes an immediate
career goal and sometimes a summary of qualifications that are illustrated later in the resume through skill
descriptions and listings.
This is a list of category headers you might see in this section of the resume:




Summary
Career Profile
Objective
Areas of Effectiveness




Qualifications Highlights
Summary of Qualifications
Professional Overview
Areas of Expertise
Here are a few examples:
JOB TARGET: Assistant Wellness Coordinator
Objective: To obtain a clinical practice internship in a small, rural community school.
Summary: Reliable, self-motivated student seeking an internship with a major airline. Knowledge of airport
systems and security issues. Organized, detail-oriented, and able to solve problems effectively.
SEEKING: Entry level position in the Aerospace Logistics industry
OFFERING: Strong communication skills and knowledge of logistics
Objective: To secure a position as a Recreational Therapist in the Oklahoma City metro area.
Objective: To effectively demonstrate interpersonal communication skills in a professional environment with
opportunity for growth and advancement.
Objective: To acquire the position of a wellness educator and utilize knowledge in nutrition to help people in
adopting healthy habits.
Objective: To contribute strong communication and organizational skills in a leisure management role.
Profile: Dynamic college senior who utilizes creativity, leadership, and teamwork to design and execute health
education programs. Effective communicator with ability to create marketing material.
Professional Profile
Accomplished student with a proven ability to develop and implement physical education lessons. Experienced
working with students requiring lesson modification. Ability to assess students’ learning and communicate with
parents. Capable of managing K-12 students in a variety of learning environments.
Professional Profile
Respected leader, able to build highly motivated teams and maintain strong working relationships seeking a
position in pharmaceutical sales. Knowledgeable of medical issues and terminology. Keeps up-to-date with
changes in the industry through continuing professional development and conference attendance.
Areas of Expertise
 Airport Layout Design
 Marketing and Public Education Programing
 International Travel Issues
 Customer Service Experience
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 4
EDUCATION
In this section of the resume list your post-secondary degree(s) awarded (or are in the process of obtaining).
Include (1) the name of the degree, (2) option, emphasis, or minor, (3) the institution granting the degree, (4)
the location (city, state), and (5) date received (or anticipated). Do not include high school (secondary school)
information. It might look like this…
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Administration and Operations
Option: Professional Pilot
Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma
GPA: 3.78
Anticipated May 2017
This section may also include study abroad experiences, an associate degree, academic honors (Dean’s
Honor Roll) or distinctions (Magna Cum Laude). Your education might also be combined with other academic
pursuits such as specialized training, workshops, conferences, or certifications. It may even be appropriate to
include a listing of specific courses related to your objective.
In the example above note that the GPA was included (see last line). Listing your GPA is not required and in
fact is recommended only if is a 3.0 or above. Many employers who have to sort through numerous resumes
will use GPA’s as one way to narrow the applicant pool. For instance, they may choose to only look at
applicants who have a certain GPA or higher. Therefore, if your GPA is less than average (2.9 or below) it is
recommended that you don’t write about it.
What if I don’t
know what my
degree will be or
I change
majors?
It is not unusual for the name of your degree to change
while you are still in school. On the resume you want to
be as honest as possible. It is recommended that you
list the degree you believe you will most likely obtain. If
you later find yourself in an interview and your major has
changed, make sure you point out the change to the
interviewer. Provide them with an updated version of
your resume. Be prepared to explain why you changed
your major.
CERTIFICATIONS
Certifications, ratings, and/or licenses add to your credentials. If they are related to your objective place them
at the top of the resume – either below or combined with the EDUCATION section. Include (1) the name of the
certification, (2) the certifying organization (if appropriate), and (3) dates. Only list certifications or licenses that
have not expired. Most readers will assume if you list a credential that it is still valid.
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Listing specific coursework that you have completed can be important to the reader if you want to
communicate what specific knowledge you have acquired. This is especially helpful to an employer seeking an
intern and is attempting to identify what they know so far. You can also show the reader that you have
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 5
knowledge outside your major area by listing courses that are unrelated to your degree. For instance, if you
were applying for a camp counselor position and you had an elective course in outdoor education you could list
it to alert the reader of relevant knowledge. Do not include course prefixes and numbers. Dates are not
necessary.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
As a college student it is likely that you will have a wide variety of experiences in which you develop skills
and/or knowledge that is relevant to your immediate career objective. These experiences could include paid
work, volunteering, internships, observations/job shadowing, and others.
Keep in mind that employers are more interested in the skills and knowledge you develop (what you can do for
them) than whether or not you were paid. This is good news if you haven’t had a job yet. Write about significant
community service, projects completed in class, or extracurricular activities.
Depending on your experiences and the skills acquired this section of the resume might have a category
header like one of these…
Significant Accomplishments
Achievements
Related Activities
Related Experience
Employment History
Volunteer Experience
Community Service
Community Involvement
Campus Leadership
Leadership Activities
Experience
Professional Experience
Work Experience
Leadership Experience
Internships
Teaching Experience
Activities
Communication Experience
Sales Experience
Laboratory Experience
Job Shadowing
Each individual experience should contain (1) the name of the position or a couple of words describing
what you did, (2) the name of the organization, (3) the location (city, state), (4) the dates, and (5) the skills
and/or knowledge you developed. It might look like this…
Camp Counselor
Camp Willard – Stillwater, Oklahoma
 Planned and organized activities for children ages 8 to 12
 Supervised and monitored the safety of campers during free time
 Administered first aid and taught a survival skills workshop
Summer 2012
List experiences in reverse chronological order (most current first) so the reader sees your more advanced
skills first.
Bulleted skill statements beginning with action verbs illustrate the skills you have aquired. These
statements should be brief and concise. Avoid using phrases like “duties include” or “responsibilities are”.
An action verb list (like the one on pages 8 & 9) can be helpful. Read through the list of verbs and ask
yourself if you have done a particular action in a specific experience. Have you “supervised” before? When
was the last time you “communicated” with someone? You may even want to check the box for every
action you have done. Once you have identified what you can do, then you can explain that to a reader.
Take the action verb “create” for example. You have a part time job in a restaurant. What did you create
while working there? Maybe you created a new menu, training manual or timesheet form.
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 6
You have the start of a sentence that might look like this...

Created training manual.
Add more depth to your description by adding additional adverbs/adjectives. Quantify or qualify your skill.
How many?
How much?
How often?
What type?
What was the outcome?
Where you part of a team?
What else?
Your sentence might look like this...

Created new training manual for wait staff and a list of customer service resources.
On a resume it would look like this...
Lead Server, Eskimo Joe’s - Stillwater, Oklahoma
(August 2013 - Present)
 Greeted guests, answered questions, and suggested menu options.
 Created new training manual for wait staff and a list of customer service resources.
 Assisted manager with daily paperwork and helped prepare weekly work schedules.
What about stuff I did in High School?
I heard that you were not supposed to
include high school information on
the resume.
By the time you graduate from college your resume will most likely not include high school activities and
experiences. However, as you transition into college most of your experiences are from high school and can
be included in your resume. Typically, by your sophomore/junior year your high school information will no
longer fit on the resume.
When listing experiences from high school make sure that you clearly label them. For example if you have
several leadership experiences from high school you might include them in a category called
HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
College experiences might be listed in a category called
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
If you combine the experiences, make sure each listing clearly states where you provided leadership.
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 7
Action Verbs Categorized by Skill Areas
Management Skills
 Administered
 Analyzed
 Assigned
 Attained
 Chaired
 Consolidated
 Contracted
 Coordinated








Delegated
Developed
Directed
Enhanced
Established
Evaluated
Executed
Increased








Improved
Initiated
Instituted
Managed
Motivated
Organized
Oversaw
Planned








Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Reorganized
Reviewed
Scheduled
Strengthened
Supervised
Communication Skills
 Addressed
 Advertised
 Authored
 Called
 Circulated
 Coached
 Collaborated
 Communicated
 Composed
 Conferred
 Contacted
 Convinced












Corresponded
Directed
Discussed
Drafted
Edited
Elicited
Emphasized
Explained
Formulated
Influenced
Informed
Instructed












Interpreted
Lectured
Mediated
Moderated
Negotiated
Oriented
Persuaded
Presented
Promoted
Publicized
Recommended
Reconciled












Recruited
Redirected
Referred
Related
Represented
Resolved
Showed
Spoke
Translated
Transmitted
Tutored
Wrote
Research Skills
 Analyzed
 Clarified
 Collected
 Compared
 Conducted
 Critiqued
 Diagnosed
 Evaluated
 Examined
 Gathered
 Remodeled
 Repaired












Extracted
Identified
Interpreted
Interviewed
Investigated
Located
Organized
Researched
Reviewed
Solved
Replaced
Solved












Summarized
Surveyed
Systematized
Tested
Adapted
Applied
Assembled
Built
Calculated
Computed
Standardized
Studied












Designed
Developed
Devised
Engineered
Fabricated
Installed
Maintained
Operated
Overhauled
Programmed
Upgraded
Utilized
Teaching Skills
 Adapted
 Advised
 Coached
 Communicated
 Coordinated





Developed
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained





Facilitated
Focused
Guided
Individualized
Informed





Instructed
Persuaded
Stimulated
Trained
Tutored
Financial Skills
 Administered
 Allocated
 Analyzed
 Appraised
 Audited





Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Developed





Estimated
Forecasted
Managed
Marketed
Planned




Projected
Reconciled
Reduced
Researched
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 8
Creative Skills









Developed
Directed
Established
Estimated
Fashioned
Forecasted
Formulated
Founded
Illustrated









Initiated
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Invented
Investigated
Modified
Originated
Performed









Planned
Proposed
Researched
Revised
Revitalized
Set Up
Shaped
Solved
Studied
Helping Skills
 Advocated
 Aided
 Assessed
 Assisted
 Clarified
 Coached






Counseled
Demonstrated
Diagnosed
Educated
Encouraged
Expedited






Facilitated
Familiarized
Guided
Intervened
Motivated
Referred





Rehabilitated
Represented
Resolved
Supported
Volunteered
Clerical or Detail Skills
 Approved
 Arranged
 Catalogued
 Charted
 Classified
 Coded
 Collected
 Compiled
 Dispatched









Distributed
Executed
Generated
Implemented
Inspected
Maintained
Monitored
Operated
Organized









Prepared
Processed
Purchased
Recorded
Retrieved
Reviewed
Routed
Scheduled
Screened







Set up
Standardized
Systematized
Tabulated
Updated
Validated
Verified
Leadership Skills
 Administered
 Allocated
 Appointed
 Approved
 Assigned
 Authorized
 Awarded
 Conducted
 Controlled









Delegated
Designated
Directed
Disapproved
Discharged
Encouraged
Enforced
Evaluated
Executed









Governed
Hired
Led
Managed
Oversaw
Presided
Recommended
Regulated
Required







Selected
Settled
Signed
Specified
Sponsored
Stipulated
Supervised
Organizational Skills
 Arranged
 Analyzed
 Assembled
 Budgeted




Calculated
Coordinated
Organized
Planned




Prepared
Purchased
Recorded
Reorganized
 Reported
 Scheduled
Interpersonal Skills
 Accommodated
 Adjusted
 Advised
 Agreed
 Arrange
 Assisted
 Consulted







Contributed
Cooperated
Counseled
Facilitated
Guided
Influenced
Mediated







Moderates
Modified
Motivated
Negotiated
Personalized
Persuaded
Provided
















Acted
Adapted
Authored
Composed
Conceptualized
Created
Conceived
Customized
Designed
Reconciled
Related
Requested
Respected
Served
Sold
Taught
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
PAGE 9
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Leadership skills are developed in a variety of experiences. Holding an executive position or other title in a student club
or organization provides the opportunity to develop these skills. You might also develop leadership skills by serving as a
group leader during a class project. Remember to use action verbs when describing what you did.
Student Representative
OSU Student Conduct Review Board – Stillwater, Oklahoma


August 2013-Present
Received 46 hours of training on diversity issues, conflict resolution and college student development as an
orientation guide
Developed and presented four programs explaining OSU Rules and Regulations to students living on campus
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Military experience can be an important part of a resume. Relevant skills and abilities often include leadership, teamwork,
and positive work ethic. Include in your description your (1) branch of service, (2) position (use civilian terms), (3) type of
discharge (if appropriate) (4) year of separation or years served, and (5) a description of your skills, abilities and/or
knowledge developed. Focus on your skill development rather than specific military exercises or combat.
United States Army
Baumholder, Germany
Team Leader/Sergeant (October 2003 – April 2007)
• Organized schedules for 25 soldiers and led daily physical training exercises.
• Received first aid and emergency preparedness training.
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
A good way to demonstrate your commitment to a specific profession is by attending professional events and joining
professional associations. Highlight this on your resume by listing memberships, events attended, conference participation,
and papers or posters you have created.
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Student Oklahoma Education Association (SOEA)
Kappa Kappa Iota
August 2013-Present
August 2013-Present
August 2013-Present
SIMPLE LISTS – SKILLS, ACTIVITIES, HONORS, AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS, ETC.
A simple listing of skills quickly and efficiently shows the reader what you can do. Lists do not include bulleted skill
statements; instead they typically include very basic facts like the example above (Professional Involvement). Common
lists on a resume include languages, computer or technical skills, activities, community service, honors, awards,
scholarships, and certifications. This information is listed with dates (when appropriate) in reverse chronological order.
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
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Frank Eaton
REFERENCES
219 Student Union
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
(405) 744-5000
[email protected]
REFERENCES
Sometimes at the bottom of a resume you
might find a note telling the reader that
references are available upon request. This
sentence is not necessary but OK to include
in the resume. The actual references’
contact information should be listed on a
separate page, preferably a separate
document (see example to the left).
Name
Position
Company
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Phone
Email address (if appropriate)
Name
Position
Company
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Phone
Email address (if appropriate)
A reference page should have the same
header (name and contact information), font
style and size, and page margins as your
resume. The reference page should include
3-4 professional references.
Name
Position
Company
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Phone
Email address (if appropriate)
A professional reference is someone who
has knowledge of your skills and abilities
related to your objective. They could be job
supervisors, club advisors, professors, or
academic advisors. They are different from
personal references such as family, friends,
neighbors, youth directors, coaches, or
pastors who are familiar with your
personality and character.
Occasionally it is necessary to include one
personal reference until you gain more
experience and network with other
professionals. Make sure to always ask your
references for permission to use them and
confirm contact information.
THINGS TO AVOID IN THE RESUME…

Abbreviations that may or may not be familiar to
the reader

Charts or graphs

Early background information including
childhood stories

Salary requirements

Reasons for leaving a former position

Marital status

Personal pronouns
(writing in first person – I, my, me)

Mention of age, race, religion, sex or national
origin

Dishonest or misleading statements

Health or physical description including height
and/or weight
 SPELLING MISTAKES!

Photographs
 GRAMMAR ERRORS!
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
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VISUAL APPEAL
Page margins should be evenly
distributed and between ½ inch
to 1 inch in size.
Common fonts used on resumes include: Times New Roman,
Ariel, Georgia, and Cambria. Use a font that is not distracting and
can be read easily. Font sizes (excluding headers) are typically
no smaller than 10 pt. or larger than 12 pt.
Be consistent with
formatting.
This includes:







Category headers
Alignment
Capitalization
Dates
Font style & size
Use of periods
Bullets
Don’t overuse bullets.
They lose their
effectiveness if you have
too many.
Spell words out when
you can. The more
formal it looks, the more
professional it will look.
Make sure there is evenly
distributed white space
between categories. White
space helps balance the
information and makes it
easier for the reader to
scan parts of the resume.
A COUPLE OF FINAL
THOUGHTS…




Save your resume in a format that can be easily altered.
Always save a back-up copy on a disk or thumb drive.
Use high quality resume paper – get FREE RESUME PAPER at Career Services in 360 Student Union.
DON’T FORGET TO PROOFREAD YOUR RESUME!!!
–––––––––––––– OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CAREER SERVICES ––––––––––––––
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