Creating a

RESUME

Resume Writing

Formatting Options & Examples

Adjective & Adverb List

Student Employment Services Appleton Campus – Room E135

(920) 735-JOBS (5627) (920) 231-JOBS (5267)

www.fvtc.edu/ses ses@fvtc.edu

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RESUME WRITING: Your Resume Goal, Purposes, and Needed Resources

Why are you writing a resume? Are you:

looking for your first job?

looking for a job in the same or a similar field?

looking for a job in a different field?

applying for a specific position, or sending resumes of general inquiry?

wanting to document all of your jobs, work-related experiences, and skills?

You need to have a clear picture of why you are writing your resume. If you aren’t certain of what you want, your uncertainty will be reflected in your resume. You get ONE chance to make an impression, whether good or bad. Therefore, you want that

impression to show focus and motivation. You will be much more successful in your job search if your goals are clear in your mind and on your resume.

What’s the purpose of developing a resume? The resume is a tool to market yourself so that you get the interview! It’s a formal, organized summary of your job and job-related experiences, education, and skills. This summary should celebrate you for the purpose of sparking employers’ interest so that

they will want to know more about you and call you for an interview.

As you are developing your resume, try to look at it from an employer's point of view. Ask yourself, “If I were an employer, would I want to interview me based on my resume?” By doing this, you will be more likely to include information in your resume

that will take you to the interview level. Your resume probably won’t lead to a job offer on its own, but you want it to open the door for dialogue and consideration by an

interested employer.

So what do you need to create your resume? A lot! You’ll need:

an accurate list of the jobs you’ve held and dates you’ve held them;

your employers’ names and addresses;

titles of your positions and descriptions of your responsibilities, work achievements,

special projects, and results;

your important and relevant educational and training data;

copies of school transcripts, certificates, licenses;

records of relevant conferences or seminars you’ve attended;

performance reviews from the jobs you’ve held;

letters of reference and appreciation from professional colleagues, clients, customers;

a list of action verbs that you can refer to when writing the Work Experience section;

samples of various resume types to assist you related to content and format.

With these assembled resources, you will be prepared for your resume writing task. You won’t necessarily use all of this information, but reviewing it and noting it will help you

make the many decisions that go into the creation of a resume.

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RESUME WRITING:

Three Resume Formats to Consider

You have three resume formats to choose from.

There are reasons to use and not use each of these three formats. So consider your options before making your final decision.

1. Chronological resume format – This format is the traditional resume format and the most preferred format by human resource managers because it

connects job responsibility to job experience most directly. It is an excellent

format for job seekers who want to focus on their job histories. A chronological resume presents your education and work experience in a straightforward

manner, typically in reverse chronological order from the most recent to the least recent.

In the samples that follow, Elena Gonzalez’s and Sara K. Smith’s resumes are examples of a chronological resume format.

2. Functional (skills-oriented) resume format – This format allows you to

emphasize your strengths and minimize your flawed or absent employment

record. Recent graduates with little professional experience in their fields but with relevant academic work and training may want to consider this format. It

relies on grouping key skills and accomplishments into different categories to demonstrate your qualifications and expertise for a particular job. You should

know that some human resource managers prefer the chronological or combined format over the solely functional format because in a functional resume your

skills and achievements are not matched with specific job titles.

In the samples that follow, Sean Jones’ resume is an example of a functional resume format.

3. Combined (chronological and functional) resume format – This format

combines the chronological and functional (skills-oriented) formats. It is effective if you have at least some professional related experience in your field

of interest and want to feature your skills related to your stated objective. Here

your skills and accomplishments are in one section and work experience is in another, listed in reverse chronological order.

In the samples that follow, Ryan P. Williams’ resume is an example of a

combined resume format.

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Elena Gonzalez 1234 First Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911

(920)555-5555 gonzalez@netnet.net

Objective A full-time Claims Cost Management Specialist position with Humana

processing claims, providing data analysis, and delivering exceptional customer service to increase business efficiency and customer satisfaction

Professional Skills

▪ Medical business accounting ▪ Employee training

▪ Customer service ▪ Data reporting and analyzing

▪ Claims processing ▪ Accounting software

▪ PC Microsoft Office XP operations ▪ Written communication

Education and Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI Training Accounting Associate Degree 5/2010 Phi Theta Kappa Academic Honors Society

Humana De Pere, WI

Medical Insurance Certificate 12/2009

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WI Medical Business Specialist Certification 5/2008 Work Medical Services Assistant 5/2009 - Present Experience Davis Eye Clinic Green Bay, WI ▪ Perform patient customer service for 4 physicians related to office,

testing, and surgical appointments ▪ Maintain patient and insurance billing spreadsheet records ▪ Develop new clinic patient data spreadsheet to replace outdated tracking

system Retail Clerk 1/2007 – 4/2009 Sporting Goods, Inc. Appleton, WI ▪ Provided customer service to the general public in-store and by phone ▪ Managed cash sales, cashiering, and minor accounting duties ▪ Wrote weekly sales reports ▪ Worked within a sales team to schedule work and market sales on floor.

▪ Performed on-floor training for all new clerks Waitress 2/2005 – 1/2007 Joy’s Pizza and Family Restaurant Kimberly, WI ▪ Provided customer service related to ordering, servicing, and billing in an

80-customer restaurant with expansive take-out component ▪ Created and wrote procedures for take-out customer service ▪ Assisted in training of over 20 new waitresses

▪ Performed cashiering duties Volunteer Accountant and Tax Consultant 2009 – Present Experience Appleton Community Church Appleton, WI Professional Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants 2007 – Present Associations National Institute of Accountants 2007 – Present

Chronological Resume Format Example

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Sara K. Smith

123 Pleasant Drive 920-555-5555 Home

Appleton, WI 54915 920-999-9999 Cell

Practical nurse with 6 years of CNA experience in multiple settings seeking a

practical nursing position in a northeastern Wisconsin medical clinic that emphasizes passionate quality

patient care and team work

Education

Fox Valley Technical College – Appleton, WI

Practical Nursing Technical Diploma Expected graduation: May 2012

Practical Nursing Clinical Experience

3/2012 – 5/2012 Waupaca Area Medical Clinic Waupaca, WI

Under supervision provided care for patients in family practice department

Assisted physicians through patient interviewing, assessment, and treatment

Entered patient related information on EPIC medical software system

1/2012 – 3/2012 Riverside Medical Center Waupaca, WI

Provided assistance to full-time staff in the Coronary Care Unit

Participated in a 4-member team

Maintained complete awareness of monitored patients

Did care, assessment, charting, and monitoring of IV fluids and medications

Relevant Work Experience

2/2010 – Present Resident Assistant, Valley VNA Neenah, WI

Assist elderly residents with personal care, meals, cleaning, and other personal needs

Function when needed as acting CNA manager for facility of 60 assisted living residents

Administer medications, injections, and process medication orders

2/2009 – 1/2010 Direct Support Provider, Clarity Care Oshkosh/Neenah, WI

Worked in 2 group homes and assisted residents with personal care and needs, including those

with brain injuries, autism, learning disabilities, and rehabilitation needs

Trained clients in appropriate behaviors and social skills in various community settings and took

them on outings

Administered medications

6/2006 – 2/2009 CNA, Clearview Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Juneau, WI

Assisted residents with activities of daily living (ADL), served meals, and helped with personal

needs

Assisted in transportation of residents to medical appointments, therapies, and personal

appointments

Chronological Resume Format Example

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Sean M. Jones 222 E. Glory Rd., Appleton, WI 54911

(920) 999-2222

Employment Objective An automotive mechanic position involving testing and diagnosis of engine problems, parts

replacement, and repair for an auto dealership focused on providing superior customer service

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, WI GPA: 3.50 Automotive Technology Associate Degree Expected: May 2011

ATCP Air Conditioning Certified

Professional Skills Technical

Interpret manuals, computer programs, and procedures provided by manufacturers in the service and repair of highly technical vehicles

Demonstrate technical abilities in the areas of electrical/electronic systems, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, heating and AC, and engine performance and repair

Diagnostic

Analyze vehicle problems by listening and testing to tell which vehicle parts need repair or replacement

Achieved competency in the operation of the chassis dynamometer for diagnosis of problems

Problem-solved FVTC drag car operational problems to achieve higher performance Safety

Use the safety procedures and practices in all phases of service and repair of machinery, test equipment, chemicals, and solvents

Computer and Communication

Test and diagnose vehicle operation using appropriate computer software

Produce quality written documents using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access Customer Service

Demonstrate positive and professional communication skills dealing with customers so that needs are met in a timely and courteous manner

Work Experience 2008 – Present Fox Banquets Rivertyme Catering Appleton, WI

Dishwasher

2009 – Present Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI Student Ambassador

2009 Summer PDQ Express Lube Appleton, WI Lube Technician

Awards and Volunteer Activities 2009 Amateur Sports Authority Scholarship 2009 – Present Beat the Heat Auto Club

Assist in organizing various auto club events every year as class representative

Work on the FVTC drag car that the school races In the summer and fall

Functional Resume Format Example

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Ryan P. Williams 345 Main Street (920) 444-4444

Menasha, WI 54956 rpwilliams@aol.com

Objective An IT position involving network design, desktop assembly and upgrades, and resolution of user problems for a mid to large size business in the Fox Cities area focused on providing quality solutions in a strong team environment

Education 2009 - 2011 Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI

Associate Degree, Network Specialist, December 2011 Associate Degree, Microcomputer Specialist, December 2011

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, member, G.P.A. – 3.95

Work Experience 2/1999 – Present Ryan’s Computers – Owner Kaukauna, WI

Troubleshoot hardware/software problems by phone and in person Upgrade and build computers to customer specifications Restore systems and solve software problems Troubleshoot and resolve hardware conflicts Design and implement home and small business networks

Provide personalized training and follow-up support

12/1994 – 5/2007 Riverside Paper Corporation – Mill Worker Appleton, WI Handled materials and stock Operated various converting machines Participated as active member of Safety and Cost Improvement Committee Organized and facilitated Peer Counselor Program

Military Experience

6/1989 – 6/1992 United States Navy – Crewmember USS Raleigh Norfolk, VA

Associations Association of Information Technology Professionals, member Veterans of Foreign War, member American Legion, member

Technical Skills Hardware

Upgrade desktops and servers

Assemble desktops and servers

Resolve hardware conflicts

Web Design

Design websites using HTML

Knowledgeable in XML

Design Web sites using CSS

Application Installation and Use

Microsoft Office Suite 97-2010

Visual Basic .NET

Visio 2010

Operating Systems

Install and repair Windows XP, Windows 9X, Windows 7

Install and administer Windows Server 2008 and 2010

Knowledgeable in DOS and Linux Networking

Design small networks

Implement network cabling and routers

Troubleshoot user and group problems

Configure and manage Active Directory

Implement group policies

Additional Skills

Ability to verbally communicate technical information so that others understand

Effective active listener with excellent oral and written communication skills

Combined Resume Format Example

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Resume Checklist Overview

Is your resume professional looking, error free, and a statement of honesty?

Does your resume demonstrate that you have kept your objective in mind?

Does the language positively market your qualifications and achievements?

From the perspective of the employer, is your resume an impressive, easy-to-read document

that provides enough reasons to invite you for an interview?

Organization Using the proper format: chronological, functional, or combined?

Your contact information complete and

ALL at the top of the page? Experience entries listed most recent first?

The most relevant or professionally

impressive sections toward the top of the

page?

Education entries listed either highest or

most relevant first?

Content

Gives a complete and sharply focused

picture of why you should be called for

an interview?

Experience includes jobs usually from the

past 10 years only?

Includes at a minimum: objective, skills

or qualifications, education, and

experience sections?

Uses bulleted verb phrases to describe your

accomplishments/duties, NOT hard-to-read

paragraphs?

Includes additional RELEVANT

sections: honors, awards, volunteer

experience, professional interests, and

memberships?

Does NOT include lists of unrelated duties,

references, work addresses, supervisor

names, photos, and salary information?

Uses keywords and key phrases from your career field and action verbs to make your

experience and training jump from the page?

Appearance

Neatly printed on spotless, quality, bond,

paper of ivory, light tan, or light gray?

Appealing to the eye with enough white

space to make it easy to read AND not a

template?

One page? – unless you have lots of

relevant experience.

Resume sections highlighted by names

using “normal” fonts?

100% error free of spelling,

capitalization, punctuation, and spacing

errors?

Consistent use of dates, dashes, font,

character size, and style (bold, italic,

underline)?

Centered (top, bottom, and side margins)

on the page?

Tabbed margins and bullets line up

perfectly?

If you left any box unchecked, you need to continue to improve your resume before actively using it in your job search. Make an appointment with a FVTC Student Employment Services Employment Advisor to help you. This is a free service. Call the Appleton campus at (920) 735-5627 or the Oshkosh campus at (920) 231-5627.

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John J. Jones 1234 E. Harrison Street

Appleton, WI 54912 (920) 555-5555

References

Gerald Smith Susan Miller Accounting Program Lead/Instructor Accounting Instructor Fox Valley Technical College Fox Valley Technical College 1825 N. Bluemound Drive 1825 N. Bluemound Drive Appleton, WI 54913-2277 Appleton, WI 54913-2277 (920) 735-1234 (920) 735-4321 smithg@fvtc.edu millersu@fvtc.edu Gary Morgenson Michael Graziano Manager Production Manager Radio Shack 01-6201 LS & S, Inc. 695 S. Green Bay Rd. 2822 Industrial Blvd. Neenah, WI 54956 Neenah, WI 54956 (920) 722-3911 (920) 722-4311 garymorg@radioshack.com mgraziano@lls.com

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Communication/People Skills

Addressed Advertised Arbitrated Arranged Articulated Authored Clarified Collaborated Communicated Composed Condensed Conferred Consulted Contacted

Conveyed Convinced Corresponded Debated Defined Developed Directed Discussed Drafted Edited Elicited Enlisted Explained Expressed

Formulated Furnished Incorporated Influenced Interacted Interpreted Interviewed Involved Joined Judged Lectured Listened Marketed Mediated

Moderated Negotiated Observed Outlined Participated Persuaded Presented Promoted Proposed Publicized Reconciled Recruited Referred Reinforced

Reported Resolved Responded Solicited Specified Spoke Suggested Summarized Synthesized Translated Wrote

Creative Skills

Acted Adapted Began Combined Composed Conceptualized Condensed

Created Customized Designed Developed Directed Displayed Drew

Entertained Established Fashioned Formulated Founded Illustrated Initiated

Instituted Integrated Introduced Invented Modeled Modified Originated

Performed Photographed Planned Revised Revitalized Shaped Solve

Data/Financial Skills

Administered Adjusted Allocated Analyzed Appraised Assessed

Audited Balanced Budgeted Calculated Computed Conserved

Corrected Determined Developed Estimated Forecasted Managed

Marketed Measured Netted Planned Prepared Programmed

Projected Qualified Reconciled Reduced Researched Retrieved

Helping Skills

Adapted Advocated Aided Answered Arranged Assessed Assisted Clarified

Coached Collaborated Contributed Cooperated Counseled Demonstrated Diagnosed Educated

Encouraged Ensured Expedited Facilitated Familiarized Furthered Guided Helped

Insured Intervened Motivated Prevented Provided Referred Rehabilitated Represented

Resolved Simplified Supplied Supported Volunteered

Management/Leadership Skills

Administered Analyzed Appointed Approved Assigned Attained Authorized

Chaired Considered Consolidated Contracted Controlled Converted Coordinated

Decided Delegated Developed Directed Eliminated Emphasized Enforced

Enhanced Established Executed Generated Handled Headed Hired

Hosted Improved Incorporated Increased Initiated Inspected Instituted

Action Verb List

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Led Managed Merged Motivated Navigated

Organized Originated Overhauled Oversaw Planned

Presided Prioritized Produced Recommended Reorganized

Replaced Restored Reviewed Scheduled Secured

Selected Streamlined Strengthened Supervised Terminated

Organizational Skills

Approved Arranged Catalogued Categorized Charted Classified Coded Collected Compiled

Corrected Corresponded Distributed Executed Filed Generated Incorporated Inspected Logged

Maintained Monitored Obtained Operated Ordered Organized Prepared Processed Provided

Purchased Recorded Registered Reserved Responded Reviewed Routed Scheduled Screened

Submitted Supplied Standardized Systematized Updated Validated Verified

Research Skills

Analyzed Clarified Collected Compared Conducted Critiqued Detected

Determined Diagnosed Evaluated Examined Experimented Explored Extracted

Formulated Gathered Inspected Interviewed Invented Investigated Located

Measured Organized Researched Reviewed Searched Solved Summarized

Surveyed Systematized Tested

Teaching Skills

Adapted Advised Clarified Coached Communicated Conducted

Coordinated Critiqued Developed Enabled Encouraged Evaluated

Explained Facilitated Focused Guided Individualized Informed

Instilled Instructed Motivated Persuaded Simulated Stimulated

Taught Tested Trained Transmitted Tutored

Technical Skills

Adapted Applied Assembled Built Calculated Computed Conserved

Constructed Converted Debugged Designed Determined Developed Engineered

Fabricated Fortified Installed Maintained Operated Overhauled Printed

Programmed Rectified Regulated Remodeled Repaired Replaced Restored

Solved Specialized Standardized Studied Upgraded Utilized

Taken from website: http://www.quintcareers.com/action_skills.html#manage

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Adjective & Adverb List

academic (ally) frank (ly) precise (ly) accurate (ly) friendly progressive (ly) active (ly) generous (ly) prudent (ly) adventurous (ly) good-natured (ly) purposeful (ly) aggressive (ly) healthy quick (ly) alert helpful (ly) quiet (ly) ambitious (ly) high (ly) rational (ly) analytical (ly) honest(ly) realistic (ally) artistic (ly) huge reflective (ly) assertive (ly) humorous (ly) relaxed attractive (ly) imaginative (ly) reliable (ably) bold (ly) imposing reserved broad-minded (ly) independent (ly) resourceful (ly) businesslike individualistic responsible (ibly) calm (ly) industrious (ly) robust (ly) capable (ably) informal (ly) self-confident(ly) careful (ly) intellectual (ly) self-controlled cautious (ly) intelligent (ly) sensible (ibly) challenging inventive sensitive (ly) cheerful (ly) Kind (ly) serious (ly) clever (ly) Large (ly) significant (ly) competent (ly) leisurely sincere (ly) competitive (ly) liberal (ly) sociable (ably) confident (ly) likable spontaneous (ly) conscientious (ly) logical (ly) stable conservative (ly) loyal (ly) steady (ily) considerate (ly) mammoth strong (ly) consistent (ly) mature (ly) strong-minded cooperative (ly) methodical (ly) successful (ly) courageous (ly) meticulous (ly) supportive creative (ly) mild (ly) tactful (ly) curious (ly) moderate (ly) teachable deliberate (ly) modest (ly) tenacious (ly) determined motivated thorough (ly) dignified natural (ly) thoughtful (ly) discreet (ly) obliging (ly) tolerant (ly) dominant (ly) opportunistic tough eager (ly) optimistic (ally) trustworthy easygoing organized unaffected efficient (ly) original (ly) understanding (ly) energetic (ly) outgoing unexcitable (ably) enormous (ly) painstaking (ly) uninhibited (ly) fair-minded patient (ly) verbal (ly) farsighted persevering versatile firm (ly) pleasant (ly) warm (ly) flexible (ibly) poised wise (ly) forceful (ly) polite (ly) witty (ily) formal (ly) practical (ly)

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Transferable Skills for Your Resume and Cover Letter

Doing a good job of marketing your job skills within your resume and cover letter can increase the likelihood of obtaining an interview or job offer. Job skills can be organized into various categories or skill sets that can be used to demonstrate how skills that have been learned and applied in one job situation can be transferred and applied to a similar or new job or career.

Below is a list of five broad skill areas, which are divided into more specific job skills:

Communication: Speaking effectively Writing concisely Listening attentively

Expressing ideas Persuading Editing

Negotiating Interviewing Facilitating discussion

Reporting information Describing feelings Providing feedback Presenting information

Research and Planning: Forecasting, predicting Creating ideas Identifying problems

Brainstorming alternatives Identifying resources Gathering information

Solving problems

Defining needs

Setting goals

Analyzing

Extracting important information

Designing

Concluding

Prioritizing Developing evaluation strategies

Human Relations: Developing rapport Working on a team Perceiving feelings

Listening Providing support Conveying feelings

Motivating Delegating with respect Asserting

Entertaining Representing others Cooperating

Counseling Teaching Supervising

Training Selling/Marketing Mediating

Negotiating Translating Delegating

Organization, Management, and Leadership: Initiating new ideas Coordinating tasks Managing groups

Handling details Delegating responsibility Teaching

Coaching Counseling Promoting change

Selling ideas or products Decision making Managing conflict

Analyzing Diagnosing Troubleshooting

Building/Leading a team Holding others accountable

Prioritizing

General Work: Implementing decisions Cooperating Enforcing policies

Being punctual Managing time Attending to detail

Meeting goals Enlisting help Accepting responsibility

Setting and meeting deadlines

Developing databases, spreadsheets

Making decisions

Organizing

Calculating Keyboarding Desktop publishing

Troubleshooting Researching Sketching/Drawing

Budgeting/Accounting Gathering data Maintaining equipment

Assembling Repairing