Making Your Resume Work for You
Do you know how to get an interview in 30 seconds or less?
The secret is to perfect your resume. Thirty seconds is the average amount of time it takes most
employers to decide whether or not to consider an applicant for employment; therefore, you need to
make the most of your resume. It needs to be clear, compelling and to the point. Follow our “Do’s and
Don’ts” tips to get started.
Resume Do’s
Utilize a list of ‘action verbs’ when writing your resume (see page 10 of this guide).
Emphasize transferrable skills (such as computer skills or customer service), especially if you
don’t have much experience or are in the middle of a career change.
Make the resume attractive and eye-catching; be sure to line up the margins and consider using
bullets and bolding to separate sections and duties on your resume. Leave yourself enough
margin space so that the resume does not look crowded.
Emphasize specific accomplishments at previous positions; quantify these achievements
whenever possible.
Write in the proper tense. If you are presently at a job that is listed, use the present tense for
the job descriptions; if you are no longer at that job, use the past tense for the job descriptions.
Be consistent with the tense throughout.
Decide if you should use a chronological resume or a functional resume (most resumes will be
chronological-see next section for details about each).
Resume Don’ts
Lie or exaggerate; you will have to defend the content of your resume.
Have any spelling or grammatical errors; have at least two other people read your resume to
check for mistakes before submitting.
Include references or salary requirements unless requested.
Use personal pronouns (I, my, me) in your resume.
List your high school information; it is assumed that once you have graduated from an
undergrad program that you also have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Include hobbies or other irrelevant information.
Include personal information, such as gender, age, marital status or religion.
Use excessively small type or hard-to-read font.
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Which format works best for you? Use the guidelines below to decide:
Chronological Resume
This is the most commonly used resume format. It serves to highlight a good work history by listing your
education and job experience in reverse chronological order, with your most recent information first.
This format should be used when your work history shows growth and development and when there are
no large gaps in your employment history.
If you have less than 2-3 years of employment history and are still in school or have received a degree
within in the past two years, list your education information at the top of the page (in reverse
chronological order, omitting your high school information).
Functional Resume
The functional format should only be used if large gaps exist in your employment history or if you are
changing your employment direction. Rather than highlight past experience, this format emphasizes
your skills and qualifications. Each skill that you choose to list should be reinforced by specific
experiences that can exemplify your knowledge and ability for the specific position you are applying to.
Again, if you have less than 2-3 years of employment history and are still in school or have received a
degree within in the past two years, list your education information at the top of the page (in reverse
chronological order, omitting your high school information).
Combination Resume
A combination resume lists your skills and experience first. Your employment history is listed next. With
this type of resume you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for,
and also provide the chronological work history that employers prefer.
Have you figured out which resume format best suits you? Ready to get started? Check out the next
section, full of samples!
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SAMPLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
Student Name
Address
Pittsburgh, PA
Phone
Email
Education
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Master of Public and International Affairs; Major Security and Intelligence Studies
April 2009
Concentrations Maritime Security, Cybercrime, U.S. Military Force Development, and Terrorism
Relevant
Coursework
Espionage, Counterintelligence, and Covert Action, Criminal Operations in the Cyber World,
New Issues in Security Studies, Peacekeeping and Peacemaking, Issues in American
Intelligence, Intelligence Collection and Analysis, Strategy and Policy, Quantitative Methods,
Macroeconomics, Public Policy
Presentations
“Mac-codec.com Virus: Analysis and Interpretation,” For Criminal Operations in the Cyber
World, presented to National Cyber Forensic Training Association
“Street Gangs in the US Military,” For Public Policy course, presented to Local Public Policy
Professionals
“Morphing Rebel Groups: FARC and Tamil Tiger analysis,” presented to New Issues in
Security Studies class
Presented three intelligence style memorandums on Global Trends, Pakistan, and Maritime
Piracy for CIA Officer in Residence
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Bachelor of Arts in History and Geography
May 2007
Concentrations Modern US Foreign Policy, Geopolitics, and Latin America
Relevant
Coursework
Colonial Latin America, World Regional Geography, War and Revolution, Geography
of Latin America, Geopolitics, World War II, Seminar History of Modern US International
Relations, Cultural Geography, and American Civil War
Presentations
“Nathan Bedford Forrest’s recruiting tactics during the Civil War,” presented at Phi Alpha
Theta’s National History Honors Society Michigan Regional Conference to panel of
American History professors
“Mackinder and the Heartland Theory,” Geography Senior Seminar, presented to geography
professional
“Coca Trade and Latin America,” Geography Senior Seminar, presented to geography
professional
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Intelligence Analysis Experience
Greylogic, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Assistant
Open source analysis of Middle Eastern Cybercriminal operations, Project Grey Goose
Phase III
Center for Terrorism and Intelligence Studies, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Assistant
Identify thousands of possible terror incidents using large open source search engines
resulting in the coding and quantifying of hundreds of terror cases, from direct research
Responsible for administrating meetings with University of Pittsburgh research assistants
Present
2008
Interagency Government Experience
Department of State, Washington DC, Secret Clearance
Intern, Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of International Security Operations
Drafted and condensed talking points for Bureau Assistant Secretary
Organized and escorted a combatant commander and a functional commander on visit to
Department of State
Represented the Bureau of Political Military Affairs at a counterterrorism seminar and an
Iraq reconstruction seminar
Created a systematic welcome package for incoming military personnel to Department of
State
Researched military course offerings for junior officers within the Political Advisor
Reserve Corps, and served as Point of Contact for corps members
2007
Michigan State Senator Hardiman, Lansing, MI
Legislative Intern
Composed over 300 responses to constituents, helping the Senator to achieve a high
level of interaction with his district
Assisted Campaign Manager in execution and development of two campaign events
Researched Legislative bills to inform the Deputy Chief of Staff on topics important
to constituents
2006
Leadership Activities and Honors
President and Founder, GSPIA Fitness Corps, preparing graduate students for physical fitness
Casa de Esperanza, volunteer work, Honduras
Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies Award, GSPIA
Program Coordinator, Student Cabinet; Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Westminster Church Scholarship, Grand Rapids, MI
Vice President, Phi Alpha Theta National History Honors Society, Michigan State University
Phi Beta Delta Honors Society for International Scholars, Michigan State University
Phi Sigma Theta National Honors Society, Michigan State University
Dean’s List, Michigan State University
Michigan State Lacrosse, Defenseman, Michigan State University
Study Abroad, London and Scotland
2009
2009
2008
2008
2008
2007
2006-2007
2004-2007
2004-2006
2003-2006
2005
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Computer and Language Skills
I2 Analyst Notebook, Basic
Palantir, Basic
Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook
ArcGIS, 2006 Certification
Spanish, Intermediate level
Lexis-Nexis and Opensource.gov
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SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL RESUME
MARILYN NOLAN
22 Meadow Lane  Chicago, IL 00000  (555) 555-5555  [email protected]
 PROFILE
Conferences

Fund-raising

Trade Shows

Meeting Planning

Cultural Programs
Creative professional with expertise in all aspects of successful event/program planning, development and
management. Excel in managing multiple projects concurrently with strong detail, problem solving and
follow-through. Demonstrated ability to recruit, motivate and build cohesive teams. Sourced vendors,
negotiated contracts and managed project budgets. Superb written communications, interpersonal and
presentation skills.
 SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Special Events Management
Planned and coordinated conferences, meetings and events for companies, professional associations,
arts/cultural, and other organizations. Developed program content and administered budgets. Arranged
all on-site logistics, including transportation, accommodations, meals, guest speakers and entertainers,
and audiovisual support. Coordinated participation and represented companies at industry trade shows.
Recognized for creating and planning some of the most successful events ever held statewide.



Organized 5 well-attended conferences for 2 national professional associations.
Designed successful community educational campaigns promoting safety awareness.
Created cultural events for an arts organization that boosted membership enrollment.
Fund-raising and Public Relations
Created, planned and managed all aspects of several major fund-raising campaigns, resulting in a
significant increase in contributions raised for each function over prior years. Recruited volunteers and
developed corporate sponsorships. Generated extensive media coverage through effective promotional
and public relations strategies. Created newsletters distributed to employees, customers and others.



Co-chaired capital fund campaign, raising $3.5 million for new facility.
Coordinated 3 auctions, raising over $140,000 for an educational institution.
Initiated successful publication, generating $25,000 to finance community programs.
Sales and Marketing
Selected by management to spearhead opening of regional office, including all logistics, staff relocation
and business development efforts. Designed and implemented creative sales and marketing strategies to
capitalize on consumer trends and penetrate new market. Coordinated and conducted sales training.



Developed and managed 17 key accounts, generating $10 million annually.
Recognized for managing top revenue-generating program company-wide.
Consistently exceeded sales forecast and led region to ran #1 out of 6 in profitability nationwide.




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
 EXPERIENCE
Arts Council, Botanical Gardens & Cultural Exchange
Event/Program Coordinator – Chicago, IL
Marcon Financial Services Company
Regional Manager/Account Executive/Financial Underwriter – Chicago, IL
1998-Present
1998-2000
 EDUCATION
Springfield College – Springfield, MA
B.A. in Business Administration
1997
Sample resume from: Noble, David. The Gallery of Best Resumes. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works, 2007. Print.
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SAMPLE COMBINATION RESUME
MELINDA FORMAN
7765 Hazel Lane  Portland, OR 00000  (555) 555-5555  [email protected]
NONPROFT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Operations/Project Management: Proven record in conceiving and transmitting vision into reality, mission
into action and philosophy into practice. Strategic planning expertise combines with dynamic leadership,
resulting in the efficient operation of organizational programs. Focused problem solver who identifies
organizational needs and delivers effective solutions on time and under budget in both nonprofit and business
environments.
Human Resources/Training: Recruiting, mentoring and supervising staff in the delivery of quality programs.
Development and facilitation of staff development, leadership training and other workshops. Adept at
fostering cooperation and building successful cross-functional team relationships at all levels in multicultural
environments.
Fiscal & Grant Management: Planning and administration of all financial and budgeting activities related to
program operations, including preparation of audits and financial reports as well as securing grant funding.
Program Development/Community Relations: Experienced in designing and managing innovative programs
that achieve organizational goals. Effective in developing community partnerships and building awareness for
organizational activities/events through public relations, fundraising and outreach efforts.
CONSULTING EXPERIENCE
Forman Group – Portland, OR
Independent Contractor/Consultant , 1997- Present
Consult with companies to provide expertise in the areas of strategic planning, training and development,
operations, information technology, sales and customer service.
Lane-Brown Consulting Group: Designed content and facilitated various sales training programs for
management-level personnel of client companies in diverse industries. Created templates and
developed processes for core consulting projects; designed and implemented e-business website to
market organizational development products. Contributed to development and design of human
resources policy and procedural manuals.
McKenzie Worldwide: As consultant/liaison with 500+ staff members of the Business Consulting
Practice, provided strategic planning for technology projects, including ongoing technical support
coordination, research, resolution of high-end customer issues and continuous improvement.
Contributed to the development of an effective implementation process to assess resource
requirements, communications, and accountability procedures.
First Bank: Provided leadership support for an online banking project and trained 12 project
managers on desktop tools; maintained and authored key project database; maintained and audited
$250,000 in asset inventory. Assisted in defining project scope, scheduling of resources, and cost
controlling.
Morris Corporation: Contributed technical support and project management capabilities to ITS
Group Field Engineering, Professional Services and Sales. Effectively defined project scope,
scheduled resources and controlled costs. Produced key documents: critical path analysis, project
implementation plans and fault escalation procedures.
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NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
TJ Children’s Association – Portland, OR
Program Director, 1996-1997
Provided strategic planning and leadership in the administration of youth programs for boys and girls ages 518 of diverse multicultural backgrounds. Scope of responsibilities included operations, human resources,
financial/grant management, program development, fundraising, facilities, marketing, public relations and
community outreach. Recruited, trained and supervised staff of 10. Managed $300,000 annual budget.
Initiated and implemented innovative programs such as anger management, diversity awareness, book
club, boys’ programs, coed programs and girls’ program incorporating health/fitness, self-esteem and
related themes.
Led successful efforts in preparation for American Camping Association Accreditation; managed
programs that surpassed all government standards.
Redesigned, revitalized and expanded a floundering day-camp program, increasing attendance to 400
participants.
Built a cohesive team environment through training, staff/leadership development and diversity
initiatives.
Wrote grants and secured funding from a variety of private and governmental resources for new
programming.
Camp Rosen – Portland, OR
Program Director, 1994 – 1996
Initially managed the 8-week residential program and subsequently selected for the Program Director position
to increase minority participation and staffing as well as design and manage day-camp program. Directed all
aspects of approximately 50 youth programs annually serving 1,100 girls of all economic and social
backgrounds. Accountable for program design, development and delivery, staff recruitment and training, and
day-to-day management of facilities and operations. Program specialty areas included HIV/AIDS training for
adults and youths and life skills planning. Community continuing accreditation with local, state and camping
associations.
Designed and implemented leadership training program for teenage girls; program included mentoring
and job skills training.
Expanded the introduction of innovative programs in health and safety, HIV/AIDS awareness,
environmental education, conflict resolution, recreational and others.
Succeeded in building minority staffing by 50% and minority campers by 75% through active
recruitment efforts.
Designed and delivered training to national and international teams. Infused troops with new program
options, which were published in area newspapers.
Member of fund-raising council, planning and coordinating annual event generating $200,000.
EDUCATION
B.S. in Sociology, University of Oregon (Portland, OR), 1989
Participated in study-abroad programs in South America, France and Italy.
Completed Camp Training Courses
Previously certified to teach CPR/First Aid courses
COMPUTER AND OTHER SKILLS
Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Project
Foreign-language skills: Conversational Spanish and French
Sample resume from: Noble, David. The Gallery of Best Resumes. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works, 2007. Print.
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Action Verbs for Resumes and Cover Letters
Management Skills
Communication Skills
Administered Improved
Analyzed
Increased
Assigned
Organized
Attained
Oversaw
Chaired
Planned
Contracted
Prioritized
Consolidated Produced
Coordinated Recommended
Delegated
Reviewed
Developed
Scheduled
Directed
Strengthened
Evaluated
Supervised
Executed
Financial Skills
Addressed
Lectured
Arbitrated
Mediated
Arranged
Moderated
Authored
Motivated
Corresponded
Negotiated
Developed
Persuaded
Directed
Promoted
Drafted
Publicized
Edited
Reconciled
Enlisted
Recruited
Formulated
Spoke
Influenced
Translated
Interpreted
Wrote
Creative Skills
Approved
Arranged
Catalogued
Classified
Collected
Compiled
Dispatched
Executed
Generated
Implemented
Inspected
Monitored
Administered
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Acted
Conceptualized
Created
Designed
Developed
Directed
Established
Fashioned
Founded
Illustrated
Assessed
Assisted
Clarified
Coached
Counseled
Demonstrated
Diagnosed
Educated
Computed
Developed
Forecasted
Managed
Marketed
Planned
Projected
Researched
Research Skills
Clarified
Collected
Critiqued
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Examined
Extracted
Identified
Inspected
Interpreted
Interviewed
Investigated
Organized
Reviewed
Summarized
Surveyed
Systematized
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Invented
Originated
Performed
Planned
Revitalized
Shaped
Technical Skills
Assembled
Built
Calculated
Computed
Designed
Devised
Engineered
Fabricated
Maintained
Clerical Skills
Operated
Organized
Prepared
Processed
Purchased
Recorded
Retrieved
Screened
Specified
Systematized
Tabulated
Validated
Helping Skills
Expedited
Facilitated
Familiarized
Guided
Referred
Rehabilitated
Represented
Teaching Skills
Operated
Adapted
Overhauled
Advised
Programmed
Clarified
Remodeled
Coached
Repair
Communicated
Solved
Coordinated
Trained
Developed
Upgraded
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained
Facilitated
Guided
Informed
Initiated
Instructed
Persuaded
Set goals
Stimulated
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Professional Profile Examples
Accomplished international development graduate student with more than 5 years experience
in office environments, including non-profit organizations. Proven leadership qualities in
numerous settings, able to work effectively both independently and in teams. Strong research
and writing skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and several database systems. Strong desire
to learn and get firsthand experience with a development-oriented organization.
Self-motivated public affairs graduate with extensive background in financial cost analysis.
Demonstrated negotiation and computer skills. Resourceful, with ability to effectively solve
problems, prioritize and multi-task. Strong written and oral communication ability.
Accomplished international development student, with a strong research and writing
background. In-depth understanding and knowledge of Latin American culture. Fluent in both
English and Spanish.
Creative professional with demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to public service.
Background includes grant making, fundraising and social service. Outstanding communication
skills, encompassing proposal writing, grand review/stewardship, policy analysis and public
speaking. Proven community and program development skills. Accomplished collaborator, with
extensive service as organization representative. Managed expertise includes staff supervision,
as well as innovative project and program development.
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