www.fhsu.edu/career
(785) 628-4260
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
DESIGNING YOUR
PROFESSIONAL RESUME
´
CAREER SERVICES, HELPING YOU BECOME CAREER READY.
DESIGNING YOUR PROFESSIONAL RESUMÉ
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Selecting a format .........................................3
Organizing your information.........................3
Strengthening the presentation......................4
Finishing touches ........................................ 6
Suggested categorical headings..................... 7
Action verbs..................................................8
Formatting your resumé ............................... 9
Sample resumés .....................................10-19
DOs and DON’Ts ......................................20
Resumé Checklist .......................................21
A Guide to the Reference Page.....................23
Career Services, Fort Hays State University
Sheridan Hall 214, (785) 628-4260
words, the resumé is a sales promotional tool designed to sell YOU to an employer.
-
strate capabilities for a particular position. A resumé should not be a full-edged autobiography. It should
resumé should always be current and contain relevant information.
2
3
ORGANIZING YOUR Information
HEADING
The following categories appear on most resumés:
Be sure to include your name, present address, e-mail address
and telephone number as well as a permanent address and
telephone number if you are a college student or will be moving
from your present address within a short time.
OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE:
EXAMPLES:
OBJECTIVE:
An objective is similar to a personal mission statement and, when
focused, but general enough that it doesn’t limit your options
within an organization. Many career counselors, in fact, advise
leaving out an objective altogether for two reasons: 1) writing an
on your resumé may be better used to highlight your experi-
each organization or position targeted in your job search.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Beginning with your most recent college degree, work back-
ward. Be certain to include your degree, major, date of gradua-
tion, school and location. You may elect to include additional
more years usually omit this information since their work
activities which demonstrate professional interests, leadership,
WORK EXPERIENCE
Starting with your most recent experience, work backward. Be
sure that you cover full-time, part-time, summer and volunteer
work; military service; internships (this could be a separate
category); and self-employment. Be sure to document job title,
name and location of employer, major accomplishments and
responsibilities, and dates of employment. Use action verbs in
describing your duties, responsibilities and accomplishments.
(See action verb list.)
SUMMARY OF SKILLS
functional format. Perhaps
you have been employed at the same location for a long period
of time or several locations performing similar functions;
identify your major skill areas and highlight them by using
action verbs to give an in-depth description of your duties,
responsibilities and accomplishments. A summary of skills
allows the reader to see precisely what strengths you possess.
Microcomputer programming in a network environment.
growth, challenge and responsibility.
SELECTING A FORMAT
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUMÉ
When selecting a format, you should consider readability, eye
appeal and a total positive impression. Generous spacing and
separation of components of your resumé will help achieve
headings, job titles, education, special skills, accomplish-
ments, etc.
choose:
Chronological resumés are the easiest to prepare and are a
popular style. Data is organized in time sequence in reverse
ADVANTAGE: This traditional form gives a clear picture of where
you’ve worked and what you accomplished there. It’s logical and
emphasizes continuity and growth.
DISADVANTAGE: Limited experience, any gaps in employment, or
format is most dependent on past experience and dramatizes
short-term employment.
FUNCTIONAL RESUMÉ
style de-emphasizes chronological listings and emphasizes
organized into categories, and this is especially valuable for
people who lack direct job-related experience or have an
interrupted work history.
ADVANTAGE:
highlights what you’re capable of doing. Your presentation is
organized according to your interests rather than your past
employment.
DISADVANTAGE:
chronological format. It plays down direct
experience. Some employers are suspicious that a candidate
may be trying to cover up something, such as a gap in employ-
ment.
COMBINATION RESUMÉ
With a combination resumé, data is organized according to
skills, as in the functional format, but includes a brief
functional and chronological formats, providing an opportu-
nity for you to present your skills and attributes up front.
4
ACTIVITIES/HONORS
motivation, initiative and organizational skills. Be careful to
select activities that are current and relevant to the position you
are seeking. Identify the organization(s) to which you belong and
the role you play in each. Highlight any activities which are
closely related to your career goals and/or the needs of the
employer. Additionally, include any honors and accomplishments.
INTERESTS
You may want to identify some of your personal interests if they
are pertinent to your career goals and/or the needs of the
employer. Do not include this information if it takes up space
needed for more relevant information.
REFERENCES
You may handle this section in one of several ways: 1) Indicate
“References Available Upon Request” at the bottom of your
resumé; or 2) Submit an additional reference page. If identify-
ing your references on a separate page, include the name, title,
organization address (including city, state, and zip code),
business telephone number and e-mail address of your referenc-
es. Always get permission from individuals before using them
as a reference.
JOB SEARCH TIP
VERBS FOR Positions you no longer hold should be past tense.
JOB SEARCH TIP
Be grammatically correct and check your spelling.
strengthening the presentation
Whether describing a paid position, volunteer work or
involvement in an organization, the language of your resumé
is very important in lending clarity and strength to your
up” your resumé.
BE RESULTS ORIENTED
Today’s employers are looking for accomplishments. You
may have been president of a student organization, but an
employer is more interested in what you did as president.
Include relevant skills and accomplishments applicable to
your career.
USE ACTIVE VERBS
Passive verb constructions — as well as phrases such as
“responsible for” and “duties included” — tend to be boring.
You should strive to use vivid language without succumbing
to any latent tendencies to over dramatize. A proven
is to start each sentence with an action verb.
(See action verb list.)
INSTEAD OF:
WRITE:
FOR EXAMPLE:
President, American Marketing Association,
September 20xx-May 20xx
• President of 60-member organization
INSTEAD OF:
Responsible for preparation of the sales tax
report each month for my superiors
INSTEAD OF:
Prepared and taught lessons to 25
third-graders during student teaching
WRITE:
Prepared monthly sales tax report for
management
WRITE:
While teaching 25 third-graders, developed
and implemented a new unit that utilized
cooperative learning
President, American Marketing Association,
September 20xx-May 20xx
• Raised membership 50 percent,
from 30 to 60 members
all goals and objectives
5
JOB SEARCH TIP
PUT YOUR
on it
When using a two-page format, ALWAYS put each page on a
separate sheet of paper. Fill at least half of the second
page and be sure your name is on it.
SHORT PHRASES ARE EASIER TO READ
INCORPORATE A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF YOUR ACTIVITIES
WHENEVER NECESSARY
Complete sentences, however well constructed, cannot be
read as quickly as fragments. Short phrases with strong
verbal excess, redundant auxiliary verbs or a clutter of
personal pronouns. How long can anyone sustain interest
when each sentence begins:
USE PROFESSIONAL, WORK-ORIENTED LANGUAGE
glance. For example, if you worked as a prep cook in the
kitchen of a local restaurant, it’s easy to surmise that you
mastered the art of chopping vegetables. A prospective
employer, however, is probably not as interested in that as
he/she would be that you were promoted from assistant prep
cook to prep cook in only two weeks.
USE THE SPECIFIC VOCABULARY OF THE INDUSTRY
Acquaint yourself with the acronyms, accepted abbreviations
and buzzwords that will help to give your resumé a familiar
industry and make note of words that come up during
informational interviews. Demonstrate that you are prepared
QUANTIFY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
For example:
and impressive by stating “supervised three junior sales
associates.”
You get the idea. Sentence fragments allow you to skip over
the repetitive personal pronoun and get directly to the
important part, the activity or accomplishment, and to lead
I have had the responsibility in April of each year for putting
together the Washington School talent show which earned
money for the general fund.
When you begin to interview for positions, you will already
have the habit of expressing yourself in language that makes
you sound vital, energetic and enthusiastic.
I was... I did... I have... I am... I made... I...
Suppose you found this on a resumé:
Look at the difference when an action phrase replaces a complete sentence:
• Planned, prepared and organized materials for thematic units
• Provided consistent enthusiasm and creativity in classroom
activities
• Individualized instruction for students at all levels and abilities
• Facilitated the implementation of writing and reading strategies
in ten elementary buildings
• Developed a training packet for portfolio assignment
• Instituted a new curriculum that included long-range plans to
incorporate computer literacy into daily instruction
By combining your activities with strong action verbs, the phrases on your
resumé might look something like this:
INSTEAD OF:
WRITE:
EXAMPLES:
Recipient of John Doe Scholarship
Recipient of John Doe Scholarship for
Exemplary Leadership Skills
INSTEAD OF:
WRITE:
President of Kappa Epsilon Gamma Fraternity
President of 80-member Kappa Epsilon Gamma
Fraternity, which is dedicated to undertaking
education-oriented public service projects
OCCUPATION:
INSTEAD OF:
WRITE:
EXAMPLES:
Waitress
Waited on tables
Ensured customer satisfaction through
prompt, cordial service
OCCUPATION:
INSTEAD OF:
WRITE:
Shoe Salesperson
Took inventory
Took charge of purchase and receipt of
merchandise and inventory control
NAME
6
JOB SEARCH TIP
ANSWER THE PHONE
PROFESSIONALLY
TELL FAMILY
TELL FRIENDS
Don’t forget to advise roommates and/or family members
that your job search has commenced. Stress the
importance of answering the phone professionally and
taking accurate messages
JOB SEARCH TIP
Make it easy for an employer to contact you. If you don’t
currently own an answering machine or a cell phone with
voice mail, consider investing in one. Many jobs have been
lost because someone could not be reached; you don’t
want to add your name to that list.
Additionally, innovative answering machine messages
such as, “I’m not here right now. The Rolls is in the shop,
and I’m at the stockbroker’s looking over my portfolio!”
may be fun to listen to but aren’t in your best interest
during the job search.
Potential employers don’t find them very amusing when
they are calling you for an interview. This doesn’t mean
that your message should be devoid of personality, but
it should be brief and professional.
FINISHING TOUCHES
DESIGN AN ATTRACTIVE LAYOUT
• Leave a one-inch margin on all sides.
• Use capital letters, bolding and indenting to emphasize
important information.
• Keep paragraphs short, and double- or triple-space
between them.
PROOFREAD CAREFULLY
• Check spelling, punctuation, grammar and word use.
• Have someone else with good language skills proofread
your resumé, too.
Make high-quality copies
• Have your resumé reproduced by a quality laser printer.
• Don’t use a photocopier to make copies.
TYPE OR PRINT YOUR RESUMÉ
• Each resumé should be individually written using a word
processing program.
• Use a program, fonts and output device that produce neat,
clean type (or hire a professional).
• Choose a typeface that is simple.
• Use high-quality bond paper (at least 20-pound weight).
Generally, employers are conservative, and a resumé
receive a more positive response.
7
CHECKLIST FOR A WINNING RESUMÉ
OBJECTIVES
•Visual appeal
• Well organized and easily skimmed
• Free of errors
• Does not exceed two pages
• Current information relevant to the position sought
• Information is centered and balanced on the page
• Name, address and telephone number are clearly visible
• Underscoring, bold type and capitals are used appropriately
• Career objective is clear and concise
• Dates and numbers are kept to a minimum
• Past experience is presented in positive, active terms
stressing achievements
• Include activities and honors which indicate leadership
skills and organizational abilities and avoid listing all
activities for the sake of making your resumé longer
• Action verbs are appropriate and are in the same tense
Job Objective
Teaching Objective
Career Objective
Professional Objective
Position Desired
Job Target
Career Goal
EXPERIENCE
Related Experience
Professional Experience
Practicum Experience
Teaching Experience
Coaching Experience
Experience Summary
Experience Highlights
Professional Background
Military Experience
ACTIVITIES & HONORS
Volunteer Activities
Related Activities
Civic Activities
Professional and
Community Activities
Community and Other
Activities
Extracurricular Activities
College Activities
Activities and Distinctions
Special Honors
College Distinctions
Honors and Distinctions
Honors/Awards
Organizations, Activities
and Honors
SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Exhibits
Publications
Current Research Interests
Presentations
Conferences Attended
TESTIMONIALS
References
Credentials
MEMBERSHIPS
Professional Memberships
Professional Organizations
PERSONAL
Special Talents
Special Skills
Interests
Travel Abroad Language
Competencies
Military Service
ACHIEVEMENTS
Career Achievements
Accomplishments
Achievements Related to
Job Objective
EMPLOYMENT
Other Work
Other Experience
Employment History
Work History
Part-time and Summer
Work Experience
EDUCATION
Educational Background
Educational Preparation
Educational Record
Academic Background
Academic Training
Related Coursework
QUALIFICATIONS
Special Training
Endorsements
SKILLS
Areas of Knowledge
Areas of Experience
Areas of Expertise
Capabilities
Educational Highlights
Course Highlights
Background Highlights
Career Highlights
Professional Skills
Educational Interests
EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
• Listing job duties rather than skills
• Flowery language
• Dishonesty
• Date you are writing the resumé
• Picture
• Salary requirement
• Names and addresses of references
• Personal data (marital status, date of birth, height,
weight, health, etc.)
• Reasons for leaving past positions
• Any negative information
SUGGESTED CATEGORICAL HEADINGS
8
ACTION VERBS
– avoid sounding arrogant or opinionated. Use concise phrasing rather than complete sentences. Quantify as much as possible.
ADDITIONAL
achieved
adjusted
expanded
improved
moved
pioneered
protected
reduced (losses)
resolved (problems)
restored
served
spearheaded
strengthened
synthesized
transformed
set up
shaped
HELPING
advised
assessed
assisted
coached
counseled
demonstrated
diagnosed
educated
expedited
facilitated
familiarized
guided
led
motivated
referred
rehabilitated
represented
CLERICAL/ DETAIL
approved
arranged
audited
cataloged
collected
compiled
dispatched
executed
generated
implemented
inspected
monitored
operated
organized
prepared
processed
purchased
recorded
retrieved
screened
systematized
tabulated
validated
wrote
explained
facilitated
guided
informed
instructed
led
persuaded
set goals
stimulated
trained
FINANCIAL
administered
allocated
analyzed
appraised
audited
balanced
budgeted
calculated
computed
developed
forecasted
handled
managed
marketed
planned
projected
recorded
researched
CREATIVE
acted
conceptualized
created
customized
designed
developed
directed
established
fashioned
founded
illustrated
initiated
innovated
instituted
integrated
introduced
invented
originated
performed
planned
revitalized
TECHNICAL
assembled
built
calculated
computed
designed
devised
engineered
fabricated
lifted
maintained
operated
overhauled
programmed
remodeled
repaired
solved
upgraded
Teaching
adapted
advised
coached
communicated
conducted
coordinated
developed
educated
enabled
encouraged
evaluated
enlisted
entertained
formulated
interpreted
interviewed
lectured
mediated
moderated
negotiated
persuaded
promoted
publicized
reconciled
recruited
referred
reported
spoke
translated
wrote
MANAGEMENT
administered
analyzed
assigned
attained
chaired
conducted
consolidated
contracted
coordinated
delegated
developed
directed
evaluated
executed
handled
implemented
improved
increased
managed
organized
oversaw
planned
prioritized
produced
proposed
recommended
reviewed
scheduled
strengthened
supervised
COMMUNICATION
addressed
arbitrated
arranged
authored
collaborated
convinced
corresponded
developed
addressed
arbitrated
arranged
authored
collaborated
convinced
corresponded
developed
directed
drafted
edited
encouraged
9
FORMATTING YOUR RESUMÉ
(Optional) This section is used by many students to target the resume to a specific position/employer as well as to summarize how
they can benefit that employer.
Permanent Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
E-mail
YOUR NAME
OBJECTIVE
Degree (Bachelor of Arts/Science), Major, May 20XX
Include minors and concentrations here
School (Fort Hays State University), Hays, KS
GPA if above 3.0/4.0 (If below a 3.0/4.0 consider GPA in major); include Latin honors here
List most recent first, if you have attended more than one school. Don’t list high school unless you are a freshman or sophomore
and you have had high school experience that enhances your candidacy.
Study experience abroad can be included here or highlighted in a separate section.
EDUCATION
HONORS/ACTIVITIES
List noteworthy academic, athletic, community, club and employer recognition here.
Professional affiliations
List membership in professional affiliations, including contributions or offices held.
ACTIVITIES/LEADERSHIP
This optional section can be used for activities, leadership, campus involvement and community service. List name of organization,
dates, responsibilities and offices held (if any.)
ACHIEVEMENTS
(Optional) This section may be re-named “Accomplishments,” “Abilities” or “Capabilities.”
Community service/volunteer experience
List any volunteer or community service activities participation.
Qualifications
Foreign languages.
Computer languages and skills.
Other special abilities that are relevant.
RELATED Experience
Position Title, Dates
Organization Name, City, State
•bInclude quantifiable accomplishments. Prospective employers are interested in how well you performed at your internship, not
just the tasks you completed.
• Use action words to describe your skills and accomplishments.
• Whenever possible, use numbers and give specific examples of results and achievements.
INTERNSHIPS
Position Title, Dates
Organization Name, City, State
•bInclude quantifiable accomplishments. Prospective employers are interested in how well you performed at your internship, not
just the tasks you completed.
• Use action words to describe your skills and accomplishments.
• Whenever possible, use numbers and give specific examples of results and achievements.
LICENSES
(Optional) This section may be re-named “Certifications.” Include when applicable.
Relevant Coursework
If your degree includes a unique combination of courses and projects in areas relevant to the position for which you are applying,
indicate these course titles.
10
FORMATTING YOUR RESUMÉ
Your Name
600 Park Street (785) 628-4000
Hays, KS 67601 name@mail.
su.edu
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a law enforcement-related posi
on in a metropolitan se ng.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Jus
ce, May 20xx
Minor: Sociology
Cer ficate: Leadership Studies
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.70 on
a 4.0 scale
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Cybercrime & Behavior Gender, Race & Inequality in Criminal Jus
ce
Criminal Law and Procedure Technical & Report Wri
ng in Criminal Jus ce
QUALIFICATIONS
• Fluent in German
• Strong analy
cal, organiza onal, problem solving and interpersonal skills
• Computer experience with Microso
Office; Adobe Acrobat and PageMaker
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Sheriff’s Intern, Fall 20xx
Rooks County Sheriff’s Department, Stockton, KS
• Rode with depu
es on various inves ga on assignments
• Observed officers in various se
ngs throughout Rooks County
• Assisted jailer with organiza
on of inmate files
Deten
on Specialist, Summer 20xx
Southwest Kansas Regional Juvenile Deten
on Center, Garden City, KS
• Managed safety program for juveniles
• Gained knowledge and understanding of juvenile laws and policies
• Educated juvenile offenders on finances, employment, and housing op
ons
WORK EXPERIENCE
Farm Hand, 20xx-Present
Freeman Farms, Ellis, KS
• Operate and perform maintenance on large farm equipment
• Repair cale panels and fence and monitored livestock food supply
HONORS/ACTIVITIES
Dean’s Honor Roll
Academic Award of Excellence
Na
onal Criminal Jus ce Associa on
Delta Tau Omega
11
SAMPLE RESUMÉ
Taylor Smith
555 Marjorie Drive • Hays, Kansas 67601
785-555-1234
smith@mail.
su.edu
Educa on
Bachelor of Business Administra on in Management, May 20xx
Concentra
on: Human Resource Management
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.32 on a 4.0 scale
Qualifi ca ons
• Excellent communica on skills and organiza onal skills
• Familiar with Microso
Office programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access
Internship Experience
HR Store Specialist Internship, January 20xx - Present
Dillon Stores, Hays, KS
• Support and coordinate recogni
on programs with corporate office
• Assist with scheduling and communica
on of annual health screenings
• Payroll administra
on, including submission of accurate and mely informa on
• Oversee comple
on of all new hire paperwork
Work Experience
Member Services Representa ve, May 20xx - January 20xx
Center for Health Improvement, Hays, KS
• Responsible for implemen
ng sign ups with new members
• Coordinate tours, adver
sing, and snack bar sales
Student Assistant, August 20xx - May 20xx
Student Affairs, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
• Assisted with promo
ng Student Affairs division and events through social media
• Answered phones, filed documents, and provided cordial customer service
Lifeguard, Summers 20xx – 20xx
Hays Aqua
c Park, Hays, KS
• Ensured safety of patrons of the aqua
c facility
• Prevented and responded to emergencies
Ac vi es/Volunteer Experience
• Alpha Kappa Psi, Secretary
• Tiger Deb Dance Team, Captain
• Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters
References
Available upon request
12
Kameron Johnson
1234 Marjorie Drive 620-555-3333
Hays, KS 67601 kjohnson@mail.
su.edu
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Educa
on, May 20xx
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.62 on 4.0 scale
Associate of Applied Science in Child Care,
May 20xx
Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, KS
SPECIAL SKILLS
Proficient with PC and Macintosh computer systems, as well as all Microso
Office applica ons
Experience u
lizing programs including Kidspira on, Adobe Photoshop, and eZedia
Excellent communica
on, teamwork, me management, and problem solving skills
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Student Teacher, Spring 20xx
Roosevelt Elementary School, First Grade, Hays, KS
Transi
oned from observa on to full teaching responsibili es including lesson planning and
implementa
on for reading, language arts, math, and science content areas
Maintained a posi
ve classroom environment, while managing classroom disciplinary issues
A
ended and assisted with Parent/Teacher Conferences
Planned spring field trip to the Rolling Hills Zoo
Literacy Internship, Spring 20xx
Wilson Elementary School, Hays, KS
Observed coopera
ng teacher and assisted with
administra
on of spelling tests and supervising reading groups
Social Studies Internship, Fall 20xx
Hays Middle School, Hays, KS
Observed coopera
ng teacher and worked with sixth grade students in the social studies
curriculum
Math Internship, Spring 20xx
Victoria Elementary School, Victoria, KS
Observed coopera
ng teacher in the
math ac
vi es
Science Internship, Fall 20xx
Victoria Elementary School, Victoria, KS
Observed coopera
ng teacher in the fourth grade classroom and assisted students with science
projects
SAMPLE RESUMÉ
13
Kameron Johnson Page 2
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Youth Basketball/Soccer Referee, October 20xx - Present
Hays Recrea
on Commission, Hays, KS
Ensure games are conducted in a safe and orderly manner
Communicate with players, coaches, and other referees
Maintain current knowledge of rules and regula
ons
Pharmacy Clerk, June 20xx - December 20xx
Dillon’s Pharmacy, Hays, KS
Greeted customers and handled cash and credit card transac
ons
Assisted with unpacking shipments of pharmaceu
cal supplies
Handled nursing home prescrip
on deliveries
HONORS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Member of Kappa Delta Pi Educa
onal Honor Society
Member of KNEASP
Fort Hays State University Dean’s Honor Roll
Kansas State Scholar
Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges
Na
onal Dean’s List
Praxis Award of Excellence PLT Exam
Outstanding Future Teacher – Pra
Community College
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Member of Stafford County Extension Council Execu
ve Board
Member of Martha Rebekah Lodge Number 425
Member of St. John High School Booster Club
Ac
ve Volunteer for St. John School func ons
Kansas Guardianship Program Volunteer
Chris
an Educa on Instructor (K – 2)
Church Treasurer
REFERENCES
Available upon request
14
Jason L. Sport
500 Main Street • Hays, KS 67601 • 785-628-4000 • jlsport@mail. su.edu
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, July 20xx
Major: Recrea
onal Sports Management
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
QUALIFICATIONS
• Proven leadership quali es, communica on and organiza onal skills
• Ability to work well with groups to accomplish an assigned task
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Game Day Internship, April 20xx-June 20xx
Wichita Baseball Inc., Wichita, KS
• Assisted with game management dues, on field promoons, and fundraising iniaves
• Provided exceponal customer service through cket sales and merchandising
• Coordinated team travel accommodaons
• Performed website maintenance
RELATED EXPERIENCE
General Manager Assistant, June 20xx-September 20xx
Wichita Baseball Inc. & Wichita Wranglers (Double A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals), Wichita, KS
• Assisted General Manager with daily ac
vi es
• Organized the Na
onal Baseball Congress Tournament
• Managed staff and coordinated game day events
• Developed promo
onal informa on for future events
Golf Instructor, Summer 20xx
Gove County Extension, Quinter & Grinnell, KS
• Instructed boys and girls on proper golf techniques
• Organized summer golf tournament
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Manager/Bartender, September 20xx -Present
Gella’s Diner & Liquid Bread Brewery Co., Hays, KS
• Manage all areas of the restaurant
• Prepare and serve drinks, maintain liquor inventory
• Responsible for infusion of homemade liquors
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Youth Basketball Coach
Hays City Shootout Basketball Tournament
Intramural Recrea
on Club
Special Olympics
SAMPLE RESUMÉ
15
Ima Sample
123 4
th
St. (785) 628-4000
Hays, KS 67601 isample@mail.
su.edu
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, May 20xx
Concentra
on: Agronomy
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with maintenance and opera
on of heavy farm equipment
• Knowledge of how to safely and effec
vely use chemicals
• Strong problem solving and leadership skills
• Computer experience with Microso
Office programs and GPS so ware
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Crop Consultant Intern, Summer 20xx
Seaman Crop Consul
ng, Hugoton, KS
• Inspected cropland to find disease, insects, and weeds
• Examined soils for nutrient and moisture deficiencies
• Offered recommenda
ons to improve crop yields
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Lab Assistant, August 20xx – Present
Kansas State Ag Research Center, Hays, KS
• Plan and set up plot maps, assist in the harves
ng of plots, and gather soil samples
• Assist in running various samples through an AQ2
• Operate a variety of farm machinery
Farm Laborer, Summers 20xx – 20xx
Smith Farms, WaKeeney, KS
• Assisted with plan
ng and harves ng various crops
• Operated and maintained equipment including combines, grain carts, and tractors.
ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS
Agronomy Club, President
Crops Judging Team
Collegiate Farm Bureau
Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity
VOLUNTEER WORK
Ellis County 4-H; United Way of Ellis County; Adopt-A-Road; Special Olympics; Ronald McDonald House;
Tiger food Exchange Supply Drive; Meals on Wheels; Swipe Out Hunger; Relay for Life; Carrico Gi
Wrapping; Trunk-Or Treat
REFERENCES
Available upon request
16
SAMPLE RESUMÉ
Kacey Brown
4321 Autumn Lane (620) 555-5555
Hays, KS 67601 kbrown@gmail.com
Educa on
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, May 20xx
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.91 on a 4.0 scale
Bachelor of Science in Communica on Sciences and Disorders, May 20xx
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.65 on a 4.0 scale
Professional Experience
Speech-Language Pathologist, 20xx-Present
Coffey County Special Educa
on Cooperative, Burlington, KS
• Evalua
on and treatment of children in the infant-toddler program, elementary school, middle school,
and high school.
• Provide services to children with ar
cula on disorders, phonology disorders, language disorders,
fluency disorders, voice disorders (hypernasality), Au
sm, Developmental Verbal Apraxia of Speech,
and Down Syndrome.
• Perform evalua
on report wri ng and IEP wri ng using computerized IEP program.
• Schedule and conduct IEP team mee
ngs.
• Consult and collaborate with speech-l
anguage pathologists in private and hospital se
ngs.
• Report children’s quarterly progress to parents and counsel parents.
Externships
Hutchinson Public Schools, USD 308, Hutchinson, KS (Spring 20xx)
• Full-
me clinical externship experience las ng eight weeks..
• Evalua
on and treatment of children (preschool through sixth grade). Included children with
ar
cula on, language, voice, and fluency disorders.
Hutchinson Hospital, Hutchinson, KS (Spring 20xx)
• Full-
me clinical externship experience las ng eight weeks..
• Evalua
on and treatment of in-pa ents and out-pa ents with aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, dysphagia,
and cogni
ve deficits.
Prac cum Experience
Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, Hays, KS (Fall 20xx-Spring 20xx)
• Provided services to an adult with Broca’s aphasia, apraxia of speech, and dysarthria; focused on
guiding the client to increase her length of u
erance, use self-cueing strategies in order to increase
naming skills, and to decrease apraxic episodes.
• Assisted an adult with Wernicke’s aphasia; focus
ed on improving their ability to follow commands,
appropriately answer yes/no ques
ons, and improving a en onal skills.
•
Worked with a college-age client with a trauma c brain injury and history of learning disabili es;
focused on increasing the client’s memory and organiza
onal skills, and phonemic awareness skills.
17
Kacey Brown Page 2
•
Assisted a child with an oral myofunc onal disorder with deficiencies in speech, swallow, and rest
postures.
•
Provided evalua on and treatment of adults of varying ages with voice disorders, including paradoxic
vocal fold mo
on and essen al tremor.
•
Facilitated hearing screenings and complete audiological evalua ons of children and adults.
•
Provided treatment to two college students with fluency disorders.
•
Evaluated children and adults with speech and language delays/disorders.
•
Provided group and individualized aural rehabilita on to adults; focused on improving auditory and
visual skills, increasing asser
veness, and improving communica on strategies.
Tiger Tots Nurtury Center, Hays, KS (Spring 20xx)
•
Planned and carried out language-enhancing ac vi es with children.
•
Provided individualized language and speech services to two preschool children.
Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS (Fall 20xx)
• Evalua
on and treatment of in-pa ents and out-pa ents with aphasia, dysarthria,
dysphagia, and cogni
ve deficits.
Professional Organiza ons/Licenses
Kansas Speech-Language Hearing Associa on
American Speech-Language Hearing Associa
on
- Cer
ficate of Clinical Competence (CCC)
Licensed in Kansas and Hawaii
Honors/Awards
Deans Honor Roll
Mortar Board Senior Honor Society
Geneva Herndon Scholarship
Geneva Herndon Scholar Award
Wooster Scholar Award for Undergraduates
References
Available upon request
18
REBECCA MARTINEZ
999 Hillcrest Drive (414) 351-0000
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53200 mar
nez@mail. su.edu
PROFESSIONAL REVIEW
Accomplished human resources professional with field and corporate management experience. Highly
specialized skills in compensa
on, benefits, staffing and organiza on changes. Decisive problem-solver able
to operate effec
vely with lean staff in developing prac cal approaches that reduce costs, improve
produc
vity and build teams. Adept at performing under growth, decline or turnaround condi ons.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
VICE-PRESIDENT OF PERSONNEL
Eaton Corpora
on, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 20xx to Present
Plan, direct and manage the total corporate human resources func
on. Responsibili es include strategic
plan development, employee rela
ons, organiza on and management development, staffing,
compensa
on and benefits. Supervise ten employees.
Business Planning and Execu on
Contributed to development and execu on of company’s reorganiza on in 20xx resul ng in a
$30 million pre-tax profit in 20xx with an ROI of 16.2 percent. Results to date reflect a 90-percent
profit improvement over last year.
Halted annual profitability drain of $1.7 million by reversing excessive employee turnover and
produc
vity problems. Turnover was double the industry average prior to grooming management
talent, upgrading compensa
on and benefit packages, and establishing performance standards.
Established highly confiden al support rela onship with president and line managers which provided
basis for developing and implemen
ng human resources strategies that influenced and shaped
corporate business goals.
Compensa on, Benefits and Employee Rela ons
Designed and implemented a compe ve salary administra on and benefits program which improved
morale, upgraded the quality of new hires and reduced company-wide turnover by 25 percent.
Launched employee savings, dental insurance and educa
on reimbursement plans.
Recommended, implemented and administered cost-effec ve automobile lease program for
80 traveling supervisors. Leases averaged $320,000 annually and was managed with no addi
onal staff.
Crea vely developed, packaged and marketed a series of comprehensive “How To” manuals for branch
and home office personnel from opera
ons execu ves to branch clerks. Training was credited for
improving communica
ons, produc vity and branch profitability.
Launched responsive EEO/AA program that reduced annual legal fees by $30,000 and liability poten al
by $300,000. Program heightened management’s awareness of responsibili
es and liabili es,
significantly improved minority promo
ons and reduced discrimina on charges by 50 percent per
annum.
SAMPLE RESUMÉ
19
Rebecca Mar nez Page 2
CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
20xx – 20xx
Manchester Health Care Inc., Chicago, Illinois.
Responsible for corporate-wide compensa on and benefit program, performance evalua ons and incen ve
systems.
Developed, implemented and managed these programs.
Centralized several highly diversified compensa on programs which established salary equity, rewarded
fast track producers and reduced administra
on costs by $900,000 annually.
Designed and executed performance incen ve systems for field sales personnel which generated aggregate
increases of $16.5 million in revenues and $5.5 million in net opera
ng profit.
Successfully developed and managed Union Avoidance strategies for three non-union opera ons which had
become vulnerable. Facili
es employed 3,500 people in a heavily unionized industrial community.
Developed equitable pension fund distribu on of $4.5 million to 700 UAW employees affected by plant
shutdown and out-of-state reloca
on.
CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
20xx – 20xx
Hoffenmerit Corpora
on, Prospect Heights, Illinois.
Formulated and managed pension plans, compensa on systems, incen ves, stock op ons, profit sharing,
liability, and benefit insurance and performance improvements throughout the company. Consulted with
13 separate household companies na
onally, performing compensa on audits, establishing salary/benefit
systems and implemen
ng programs that impacted employees.
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administra on, 20xx
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 20xx
Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas
Post-graduate work: Counseling and Psychology
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Personnel Management Associa on Illinois Training Directors Associa on
Community Fund of Chicago Chicago Compensa
on Associa on
American Financial Services Associa
on American Management Associa on
American Compensa
on Associa on Human Resources Associa on of Chicago
American Society for Personnel Administra
on
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
DOs and DON’Ts
FOR DESIGNING YOUR PROFESSIONAL RESUMÉ
DO
• Make it visually appealing
• Make it well organized and easily skimmed
• Check that it is free of spelling and grammar errors
• Make certain it does not exceed two pages
• Ensure that information is current and relevant to the
position sought
• Have information centered and balanced on the page
• Make certain that name, address, e-mail address, and
telephone number are clearly visible
• Sparingly use underscoring, bold type, capitals and
typographic emphasis
• Make sure your career objective is clear and concise
• Keep use of dates and numbers to a minimum
• Stress and present your achievements and past
experience in positive, active terms
• Include activities and honors which indicate leadership
skills and organizational abilities and avoid listing all
activities for the sake of making your resumé longer
• Check that your action verbs are appropriate and are
in the same tense
• Make sure the resumé sells what you want it to sell
• Use “I” statements
• List job duties rather than skills
• Be dishonest
• Include the data on the resumé
• Include a picture
• Discuss religious and political
• Discuss salary requirement
• List names and addresses of
references
• Include personal data (marital status,
date of birth, height, weight,
health, etc.)
• Discuss reasons for leaving past
positions
• Any negative information
DON’T
CAREER SERVICES
SHERIDAN HALL 214
600 PARK STREET
HAYS, KS 67601
(785) 628-4260
20
21
Resumé Checklist
• A resumé is a marketing tool, not a comprehensive job history. Include only those things that will help
• Do not use personal pronouns like “me” or “I.”
• Do not include a reference list or a cover letter as part of your resumé – these should be maintained as
separate documents.
• Use consistent and proper punctuation. Run a spell check and proofread.
General Studies
_1. Name in a font as large as or larger than the largest font in the resumé so that it stands out.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Include the following contact information:
_2. Current address. No need to list permanent address unless the employer should contact you there.
_3. Home phone number. Be sure to have your voice mail in working order with a professional message.
_4. E-mail address. Many employers make contact through e-mail. List an appropriate email address
such as your FHSU email.
for connecting with employers.
Specific Resumé Categories
“Searching for position that will use my background and education and provide potential
for promotion.” Try: “Seeking position related to a year of experience in public relations and
Bachelor’s in Marketing. Consistently recognized as a person that goes above and beyond.”
_2. Specify industry and / or job title or area of interest, see example above.
Objective — Optional
_1. Put your education section in reverse chronological order directly after your job objective,
especially when searching for an internship, unless your experience is more important.
_2. Spell out degrees i.e. Bachelor of Science not B.S.
_3. Put month and year of graduation, do not put exact dates, do not put “expected” or “projected”
graduation i.e., if you are graduating in May 2020, put May 2020.
_4. Emphasize your degree by placing it before your university and in bold.
_5. Include GPA if it is 3.0 or above, use GPA abbreviation not G.P.A., and do not round to more the 2nd
decimal place i.e., 3.25 not 3.249.
resumé to include college experience and activities.
75% of tuition.”
Education
your resumé yourself. When revising your resumé, if there is anything you are unsure about, you may discuss these things when you talk
available in Sheridan Hall 214 or online at http://www.fhsu.edu/career/resumé/.
22
_1. List your experience in reverse chronological order.
_2. Include full and part time jobs, paid or unpaid internships or practicum’s, and volunteer work especially if it
is related to your desired job.
_3. Do not include whether the jobs were full or part time.
_4. Put past employment experience in past tense.
_5. Put present employment experience in present or past tense.
_6. Include month and year or just years of employment, not exact dates.
_7. Include only city and state for employer location not complete address.
_8. Include numbers to quantify experience where possible, for example - # of employees supervised, size of
budget managed, # of workshops taught or projects coordinated, $ amount saved by your ingenuity.
_9. Be consistent with use of periods. Use them or don’t use them on every phrase/sentence.
_10, Accentuate skills that relate to job target and major — listing the most important skills and
_11. Focus your descriptions on what you accomplished and how you made yourself valuable to past employers
rather than your responsibilities. Instead of: “Responsibilities included implementation of policies and
procedures, training of new employees, interfacing with subordinates and vendors.” Try : “Worked with
whom were rapidly promoted.”
Experience
_1. Include if applicable.
_2. Non-native English Speakers should not include English, this is assumed.
Language Skills
Include some of the following categories in addition to those listed: Memberships, Honors, Awards, Course
Projects, and Volunteer or Community Activities.
Optional Categories
_1. Include a section on computer skills unless you have none.
Computer Skills
23
Prospective employers utilize the process of checking references as a method to validate your skills and abilities for a
your work ethics and capabilities. Your job in obtaining references is to make sure your references present the very best about your
attributes and abilities. Employers will vary in their requirements regarding the number and type of references you provide, as well as
when they request reference information.
A Guide to the Reference Page
• Identify potential individuals to use as a reference early in your college career. Get to know your professors
and advisors and let them get to know you. Impress them!
• Your potential list of references should include a balance of academic, employer, and personal references.
select which references best support your abilities for the position you are applying.
positively, as well as in a timely manner, about your abilities to a prospective employer.
• Do not list references on your resume. Indicate “References available upon request” at the bottom of your
resumé, if room allows. Otherwise, this is understood. Only include a reference page if it has been requested.
Basic Guidelines...
• Ask for permission. For example, “Would you be willing to serve as a reference for me as I pursue my
job “search?”
• Tell them why you want them to be one of your references. Emphasize what they know about your skills
and abilities.
• Tell them what career path you are pursuing and what information you feel would be valuable for them to share
with a prospective employer.
• Tell them when you need the reference. Give them adequate time to write a letter of recommendation,
• When possible, provide your reference contact with a description of the job you are applying for and how you
feel you meet or exceed that criteria. Make sure they know what you expect for their recommendation. For
example, insight into your professional growth in a certain area.
your employment process. A call from a prospective employer should not be a surprise to any of your references.
search process.
preferably two weeks. You may need letters of recommendation at the time you apply for a position or they
may be requested at a later time during the employment process. If you are asking the individual to mail a
letter of recommendation, be sure to provide them with a self-addressed envelope or a correct email address.
When Asking Someone to Serve as a Reference...
24
References for John B. Jones
Cassandra S. Smith
President
First Bank
(785) 628-0000
520 S. Main Street
Hays, KS 67601
csmith@bank.com
Morgan Freeman
Vice President
First Bank
520 S. Main Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
mfreeman@bank.com
Dr. Joe Johnson
Professor
Department of Business Administration
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
jjohnson@college.com
Scott J. Robbin
Head Football Coach
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
scottrobbin@college.com
Sharon Hinkle
Professor
Department of English
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
shinkle@college.com
www.fhsu.edu/career
(785) 628-4260
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
DESIGNING YOUR
PROFESSIONAL RESUME
´
CAREER SERVICES, HELPING YOU BECOME CAREER READY.
