Resume Writing:

Tips and Techniques

Samantha Garcia
Community Life Coordinator

Overview
Resume Format
Main Components of a Resume
Examples and Handouts

Resume Format
Use white or off-white (ivory)
resume paper
Use 8 x 11 inch paper
Black ink only
Avoid underlined words
Keep it short: 1 page only
Your name 14-16 font size
All other text 10-12 font size
Same font type throughout resume

Resume Format
Margins: min 0.7 and max 1.0
No vertical or horizontal lines,
graphics, or shading
Do not fold or staple your resume
If mailing, do not fold
Use bullets and start descriptions
with action verbs
Avoid abbreviations or acronyms

Resume Format
Do not include high school information
No personal pronouns (I, me, my)
Avoid spelling, grammar, and syntax
errors
Be honest
Ask your career services center to review
your resume
AND FINALLY
Detail
Consistency

Components of a
Standard Resume

Personal information
Objective (optional)
Education
Experience (Relevant and/or Work)
Leadership
Activities
Service
Honors and Awards
Professional Affiliations
Skills
References (on a separate page)

Personal Information
Name
Bold, 14-16 Font Size
If preferred, may use ALL CAPS

Current Address
Telephone Number
Email
Remove hyperlink
NOTE: Do not include age, gender, ethnicity,
nationality, marital status, date of birth, or
family background

Personal Information
Example #1
IMA T. EAGLE
1234 Eagle Drive
(123) 456-7890
Everett, Washington 98201
ite@tlc.edu

Example #2
Ima T. Eagle
1234 Eagle Drive Everett, Washington 98201 (123) 456-7890
ite@tlc.edu

Personal Information
Example #3
Ima T. Eagle
1234 Eagle Drive
Everett, Washington 98201
(123) 456-7890
ite@tlc.edu

Objective
A brief statement used to
inform the employer of your
SPECIFIC interests
Internship, Co-op, or Full-time?
If internship or Co-op, include
start date!
Optional

Objective
Example #1
To obtain a Summer 20xx internship in human
resource management, public relations, or
marketing
Example #2
Seeking an entry level position that will lead
to opportunities in sales within the oil, gas, or
chemical industries

Education

Name and location of institution

Degree level AND major
Graduation date
GPR
Overall
Major

May also include

Study abroad
Course work

Education
Example #1
Trinity Lutheran College, Everett, Washington
Graduation: May 20xx
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Minor in Business, Leadership, and Management
Major GPR: 3.55
Overall GPR: 2.98

Example #2
Trinity Lutheran College, Everett, Washington
December 20xx
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
Overall GPR: 3.50

Expected:

Work Experience
Company name, location, dates
of employment, and job title
Job description

Bulleted format
Statements, NOT full sentences
Start bullets with action verbs
Be Concise, Be Positive, Be
Persuasive

Work Experience
Use concrete numbers or
examples to highlight
accomplishments
QUANTIFY when possible
Ex. Trained approximately 15
employees

List most recent experience first

Use present tense for current
jobs and past tense for previous
jobs

Leadership
List organization, location, and
title held
Ex. President, Co-Chair, Treasurer,
Counselor, Director
See example resume

Describe the experience using

the same rules from work
experience
Use bullets to highlight
leadership skills

Activities
Include student organizations
where you do NOT hold a
leadership position
Maintain consistent format with
the rest of the resume
Depending on its importance,
either list OR describe it

Service
Any volunteer opportunities
that do not fit within the
Leadership or Activities section
Maintain consistent format

Honors and Awards

Scholarships
Deans List
Outstanding Achievements, etc.
Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold
Award

Include dates when applicable

Skills
Computer skills
Software, programming languages

Foreign language skills

Basic, intermediately proficient,
proficient, or fluent

Other skills
Certifications, licenses

DO NOT include broad or

unquantifiable skills such as detail
orientation or excellent teamwork
ability

References
DO NOT attach a reference list with
your resume
DO NOT mention References
available upon request
Bring them to an interview as a
SEPARATE document
2 or 3 references (NO family members)
Ask them before using them as a
reference

Thank You &

Questions