Résumé Writing Guide
Updated August 2018 Page 1 of 8
Your résumé is often the first contact with a prospective employer. It should present the best possible picture of your
skills, abilities, and interests. The purpose of a résumé is to convince an employer to select you for an interview. Your
ability to communicate in a clear, concise way is one of the most important aspects of your job search. Since most
employers spend between 10-30 seconds scanning a résumé, it is important to be succinct and to emphasize your skills
and accomplishments.
BE CONCISE
Choose your words carefully and present your most relevant experiences and accomplishments clearly. Employers
want and expect a one-page, concise document. Exceptions to this rule include an extensive work history, multiple
clinical or field experiences, and related experiences that require more explanation.
BE HONEST
The most crucial element in any job search is trust. Don’t sell yourself short but never include anything in your
résumé that you cannot back up during an interview.
AVOID TEMPLATES
Start from a blank Word document with one-inch margins and enter your information using bolding, capitalization,
and underlining to emphasize titles and headings. Templates are difficult to edit and do not always upload properly
into an online application system.
BE WELL ORGANIZED
It is important that you organize your sections and information carefully so that it is easy to read and best
demonstrates your strong points at a glance.
BE PROFESSIONAL
Do not use color, photos, or graphics, unless you are seeking an artistic or design position. If you e-mail your résumé,
send it as a PDF so the formatting is preserved.
DO NOT USE PRONOUNS
It is standard résumé writing practice that instead of using pronouns like I, my, and me that you drop the pronoun and
start all sentences with a descriptive action verb.
DO NOT INCLUDE PERSONAL OR HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
High school information is not necessary once you’ve finished your freshman year in college unless it is directly
relevant to the position. Do not include personal information about gender, race, religion, age, etc.
TAILOR AND REVISE
Your résumé should be tailored to the position for which you are applying. Larger companies will do a key word
search of your résumé to match their job description.
BE CAREFUL & PROOFREAD
Is it completely free of spelling errors, and are you using correct grammar and punctuation? Is your font size and style
consistent throughout the entire document?
Be sure to have your résumé reviewed by Career Center staff during
Walk-In Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Examples of specialized and industry specific résumés can be found on the Career Center website at
www.indstate.edu/Specialized-resumes
Résumé Writing Guide
Updated August 2018 Page 2 of 8
ACTION VERBS
Accounting
Record
Assess
Audit
Prepare
Maintain
Forecast
Calculate
Estimate
Figure
Appraise
Examine
Measure
Verify
Administration
Ensure
Monitor
Track
Assess
Coordinate
Organize
Requisition
Access
Receive
Process
Serve
Furnish
Analysis
Qualify
Clarify
Quantify
Infer
Discover
Conceptualize
Discern
Interpret
Dissect
Review
Observe
Assess
Emphasize
Arts
Choreograph
Design
Create
Build
Entertain
Perform
Draw
Render
Illustrate
Compose
Conceive
Photograph
Communication
Address
Answer
Clarify
Correspond
Define
Discuss
Edit
Explain
Interview
Listen
Present
Report
Summarize
Consulting
Advise
Troubleshoot
Problem Solve
Recommend
Arrange
Determine
Guide
Counsel
Refer
Serve
Contribute
Motivate
Train
Counseling
Consult
Facilitate
Listen
Sense
Intuit
Assess
Analyze
Assist
Align
Help
Understand
Inform
Design
Organize
Explore
Formulate
Sketch
Draw
Draft
Layout
Create
Incorporate
Plan
Style
Pattern
Build
Editing
Review
Analyze
Check
Compare
Comment
Correct
Condense
Rewrite
Revise
Rework
Amend
Improve
Initiate
Finance
Analyze
Invest
Budget
Inventory
Evaluate
Eliminate
Appraise
Construct
Develop
Acquire
Manage
Project
Reconcile
Fundraising
Research
Analyze
Strategize
Program
Develop
Contact
Inquire
Inform
Motivate
Persuade
Monitor
Coordinate
Healthcare
Diagnose
Communicate
Evaluate
Administer
Monitor
Dispense
Track
Operate
Perform
Record
Coordinate
Develop
Human
Resources
Assess
Survey
Screen
Analyze
Interview
Select
Train
Mediate
Appraise
Coordinate
Align
Attain
Information
Appraise
Program
Link
Coordinate
Manage
Process
Document
Categorize
Design
Structure
Inventory
Critique
Appraise
Innovating
Adapt
Create
Change
Upgrade
Improve
Invent
Design
Activate
Restructure
Establish
Stimulate
Implement
Transform
Investigate
Assess
Survey
Pursue
Interrogate
Question
Analyze
Intuit
Seek
Search
Probe
Coordinate
Explore
Language
Translate
Interpret
Lecture
Converse
Negotiate
Understand
Comprehend
Understand
Proficiency
Fluency
Teach
Tutor
Leadership
Create
Lead
Enforce
Enlist
Manage
Organize
Inspire
Represent
Govern
Direct
Prevent
Revitalize
Management
Coordinate
Combine
Expedited
Facilitate
Plan
Shape
Schedule
Delegate
Mediate
Evaluate
Strategize
Develop
Marketing
Review
Survey
Advertise
Promote
Identify
Announce
Publicize
Advertise
Advance
Boost
Improve
Mechanical
Analyze
Construct
Craft
Troubleshoot
Create
Design
Engineer
Repair
Align
Coordinate
Manipulate
Examine
Organizing
Simplify
Classify
Organize
Prioritize
Maintain
Liaison
Assist
Maintain
Arrange
Systematize
Schedule
Coordinate
People Skills
Cooperate
Counsel
Elicit
Encourage
Collaborate
Inquire
Listen
Volunteer
Consider
Introduce
Coach
Support
Persuading
Present
Articulate
Clarify
Challenge
Debate
Negotiate
Propose
Reason
Influence
Convince
Arbitrate
Mediate
Program
Development
Analyze
Design
Construct
Develop
Prepare
Strategize
Coordinate
Formulate
Persuade
Implement
Investigate
Institute
Suggest
Public
Relations
Assess
Prepare
Coordinate
Present
Negotiate
Publicize
Strengthen
Promote
Handle
Participate
Facilitate
Troubleshoot
Research
Identify
Evaluate
Review
Calculate
Conduct
Test
Compare
Analyze
Survey
Quantify
Collect
Inspect
Formulate
Sales
Inform
Educate
Persuade
Provide
Assist
Serve
Trade
Vend
Handle
Sell
Convince
Service
Advocate
Anticipate
Aid
Defend
Discuss
Enhance
Follow
Help
Initiate
Invite
Perform
Relate
Share
Welcome
Teaching/
Training
Educate
Tutor
Demonstrate
Stimulate
Inform
Instruct
Facilitate
Awaken
Explore
Advise
Counsel
Entertain
Technical
Conceptualize
Design
Troubleshoot
Inspect
Locate
Edit
Modify
Analyze
Implement
Construct
Modify
Operate
Supply
Writing
Authored
Conceive
Craft
Compose
Integrate
Capture
Abstract
Express
Inform
Summarize
Conclude
Revise
Write
Résumé Writing Guide
Updated August 2018 Page 3 of 8
WRITING SUCCESSFUL BULLET POINTS
Emphasize accomplishments and results.
Bullet points should highlight measurable accomplishments that you have achieved in previous or current positions.
Quantify your results. Use numbers (#), percentages (%), and dollar amounts ($) to demonstrate success.
Begin each bullet point with a different & strong action verb.
Ensure your starting action verb is in the correct tense; past jobs in past tense; and current jobs in present tense.
3-5 bullet points under each job is standard
Incorporate the skills and experiences requested in the job description into your bullet points.
It’s not enough to simply list what you did. You must convey to the reader why what you did was important.
Highlight your transferable skills (teamwork, leadership, communication, problem solving, etc.)
Always ask yourself these questions as you write each bullet point:
WHAT: What were your most significant responsibilities or accomplishments?
HOW: How did you do them?
WHY: Why was the task important?
WHEN: When or how frequently (quantify) did you do it?
WHO: Who did you interact with (type of client, ages, number of people)?
IMPACT: How did you impact the business, company or organization?
BASIC
: Used strong communication skills Ask yourself
HOW
and
WHEN
?
WELL DEVELOPED:
Developed communication skills with students through more than 20 one-on-one meetings and by facilitating 7
interactive workshops each semester.
BASIC
: Cleaned the restaurant Ask yourself
WHY
?
WELL DEVELOPED:
Maintained a clean kitchen, dining room, and restrooms for the safety of the customers and employees and to
provide a positive dining experience.
BASIC
: Worked with customers Ask yourself
WHEN
and
WHO
?
WELL DEVELOPED:
Provided excellent customer service to 30+ clients monthly via phone and email while discussing potential
investment products and portfolios.
BASIC
: Prepared invoices and receipts Ask yourself
WHY
and
WHO
?
WELL DEVELOPED:
Prepared invoices and receipts allowing the Accounts Receivable Department to maintain up to date records for
250 customers.
BASIC
: Planned golf outing Ask yourself
WHY, HOW
,
and what
IMPACT
?
WELL DEVELOPED:
Organized alumni golf outing to enhance positive relations and increase alumni donations. Increased donations
by 13% over last year’s event.
Planned and coordinated all logistics of event including securing golf course, catering, and sponsorships as well
as invitation and RSVP lists, prizes, and volunteers for the day.
Résumé Writing Guide
Updated August 2018 Page 4 of 8
RÉSUMÉ FORMAT
FIRST NAME LAST NAME
Street Address
ISU Email Address
Mobile Phone Number
List a link to your LinkedIn page if it is complete and up to date.
OBJECTIVE
An objective is an optional statement that gives you the opportunity to identify the type of position you want, the industry
you are interested in, and the skills and experiences you have to offer. Keep it to 1 or 2 direct and concise sentences, but
do not use I or first person. If your résumé is accompanied by a cover letter, you do not need an objective.
EDUCATION
Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN
Bachelor of Science (or Bachelor of Arts), Major Expected May 20XX
Minor in XXX
GPA: (3.0 or above ONLY)
List the school(s) you are attending and any other school from which you earned a degree (Associate’s, 2
nd
Bachelor’s),
starting with the most recent first. High school is not necessary once you’ve finished your freshman year in college.
WORK EXPERIENCE (Can also be called Relevant/Related Experience, Internship Experience, etc.)
Company Name, City, State
Title of position (Month year - Month year, starting with your MOST RECENT position first)
Use bullet points to describe primary responsibilities. Do not write in paragraphs as they are harder to read.
Use a 1-sentence phrase starting with an action verb. Line them up with the most relevant point first.
List 2-4 bullets for each job and/or company.
Statements should highlight skills, accomplishments, achievements, and results. Quantify your results when
possible – use numbers (#), percentages (%), and dollar amounts ($) to demonstrate success.
COLLEGIATE INVOLVEMENT (Can also be listed as Activities or Leadership)
Organization Name
Role (Month year – Month year)
Include clubs, organizations, business or social fraternities/sororities, professional associations
Use bullet points to describe leadership responsibilities, accomplishments, or projects and events.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES – Optional Section. If pertinent to your field, list this information.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Organization Name (dates of service)
Optional section. Include sustained or repeated volunteer work (not just a one-time service project)
SKILLS - Optional section. Focus on hard skills such as language proficiency or specialized computer programs in
which you have advanced knowledge. Avoid soft language such as hard worker, team oriented, dependable, etc.
HONORS & AWARDS
Optional section - If you received any significant awards or made special contributions to work/school.
STUDY ABROAD – Optional section.
University, Program, City, Country (Month year – Month year)
Use bullet points to describe what you learned and what skills you used to navigate the foreign environment.
Do not list references here. They go on a separate page.
Résumé Writing Guide
Updated August 2018 Page 5 of 8
Jim Sycamore
111 Tree House Ave., Apt 123
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(812) 123-4567
OBJECTIVE
To obtain an internship in the nonprofit sector utilizing proven abilities in program creation, writing press releases, and
marketing that can contribute to the success of an organization that serves community members.
EDUCATION
Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN
Bachelor of Arts, Communication (Concentration in Public Relations) Anticipated May 2020
Minor: Psychology
GPA: 3.3/4.0
Vincennes University Vincennes, IN
Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts Dec 2017
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Vigo County Youth Project, Terre Haute, IN May 2018 – Present
Volunteer
Create and deliver innovative programming on topics such as managing your online profile and stress
management to more than 25 at-risk youth, ages 10-17.
Inform families about the variety of programs the organization offers.
Coordinated the planning and marketing for CASA 5K Race in which 335 people participated.
Vincennes University Office of Admissions, Vincennes, IN
Campus Tour Guide Jan 2017 – Dec 2017
Lead groups of prospective students and families through campus to showcase unique features and highlight
academic strengths.
Connected with students and families about the challenges of college transition.
WORK EXPERIENCE
ISU Cunningham Memorial Library, Terre Haute, IN Jan 2018 – Present
Student Worker
Assist in overall operations of circulation desk including checking out books and managing phone calls leading to
an increase in customer service skills and ability to multitask.
Coordinate student schedules for staff of 50 student workers.
Kroger, Vincennes, IN & Terre Haute, IN
Stock Person Oct 2015 – Dec 2017
Utilize inventory management system to unload up to 3 trucks nightly which can include anywhere from 400-600
individual items in a prompt and efficient manner to minimize damage to goods.
Assemble product displays according to company specifications and locate display/product in area of the store
that will see most customer traffic.
Operate cashier station when needed during peak times of the week.
Résumé Writing Guide
Updated August 2018 Page 6 of 8
Rachel Bruce
3453 W. Poplar St.
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(812) 123-4567 rbruce34@sycamores.indstate.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertbruce
Education
Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology May 2018
Minor: Business Administration
GPA: 3.56/4.00
Relevant Coursework
Advanced CAD Design
Thermo Systems
Quality Systems and Tools
Engineering Design and Management
Manufacturing Process and Materials
Fluid Power Technology
Internship Experience
GM Fort Wayne Assembly Facility Fort Wayne, IN
Summer Engineering Intern May 2017 – August 2017
Compiled and analyzed bid packages totaling over $100 million for conveyor renovations at Fort Wayne
Assembly Facility.
Assisted in the design of new conveyor system to be used throughout all GM assembly facilities in the assembly
of hybrid engines to better ensure quality control.
Designed modification to seat assembly system using Auto CAD.
Collaborated with a supervisor to manage construction crews of 50+ workers through several phases of conveyor
renovations.
Collegiate Involvement
ISU Chapter of Society of Manufacturing Engineers, President August 2016 – May 2018
Led student chapter of 25 members in various professional development activities including site visits, webinars,
conferences, and other events.
Kappa Kappa Gamma, Member/Recruitment Chair October 2012 – May 2018
Led new member recruitment in Fall 2016 and 2017 resulting in the largest classes in chapter history.
Directed and delegated five (5) recruitment events each Fall to promote membership and values.
ISU Club Soccer January 2014 – December 2016
Other Work Experience
ISU Department of Applied Engineering & Technology Management Terre Haute, IN
Student Assistant September 2015 – May 2018
Answered phones speaking with prospective students, employers, faculty, and staff regularly exceeding 30 calls
per six (6) hour shift.
Worked with faculty/staff coordinating event set up for programs such as Women in Engineering.
Résumé Writing Guide
Updated August 2018 Page 7 of 8
REFERENCE SHEET SAMPLE
Jamie Leaf
222 12
th
Street, Apt. 323
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(812) 789-1011
References
Name
Company/Organization
Job Title
Street Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
Name
Company/Organization
Job Title
Street Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
Name
Company/Organization
Job Title
Street Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
DO NOT state “References available
upon request” on your résumé.
Do not send reference information with
your résumé unless it has been requested.
Ask people to be your references who
have a positive opinion of you and who
can describe your work-related qualities
and personal characteristics.
Past and present supervisors, faculty,
advisors, and coaches are all good
references; do not include family
members or friends.
Always ask their permission before
putting people down as references
Give each reference a copy of your
résumé and the job description; keep
them informed about your job search
progress.
Header should
be exactly the
same as your
résumé header.
Résumé Writing Guide
Updated August 2018 Page 8 of 8
