Career Center & Writing Center, Spring 2020 Page 1 of 12
How to Write a Resume
A collaboration of Metropolitan State University
Career Center and CAE Writing Center
Resumes state qualifications and explain how you are a good fit for a position.
Think broadly and confidently: most jobs build skills that transfer to professions.
Relevant coursework, volunteering, associations, clubs or activities could also support
your story. Evaluate and update resumes regularly; revising professional materials is an
excellent way to explore possibilities and think intentionally about your working life.
Checklist
-Consistent style: Capitalize proper nouns. Write out numbers between one and nine,
use numerals for numbers above 10. Write out an acronym the first time it is used:
“Management Information Systems (MIS).” Choose one date format and stick with it:
“2018”, or “July 2019”, or “7/22/19.” Avoid first person: I, me or my as much as
possible. Standard fonts: Calibri or Arial are easy to read on a screen; Times New
Roman is space efficient and looks good in print. Even spacing, turn on the “show/hide”
paragraph mark button on the toolbar to see spaces and returns. Verb tenses: Write
about current jobs in present tense: “manage projects.” Write about past experiences in
past tense: “managed projects.”
-Mistake free: Read every word. Spell check does not correct incorrect words, only
spelling. Take a break. Proofread again. Have a friend proofread. Check for accurate
contact information, that the email address is professional, all addresses and links are in
the same font as the rest of the document. Save it in a number of different places, use
.docx and .pdf formats.
-Clean formatting: Underlining and italics may not show up if the document is
converted. Email and URLs should be the same font color as the rest of the resume. Use
some bold and some bullet points to emphasize items like job titles, degrees, and
employers. Confirm that your documents upload without alteration.
-Organization: Generally, “Header – Summary – Education – Experience.” Highlight
technical skills or coursework if applicable. Consider your audience; focus on
transferrable skills if changing careers. Most impressive information toward the top:
Employers spend an average of 6 seconds on a resume so keep it to one to two pages.
-Use vivid vocabulary to describe qualifications and experience: Make use of
employer’s terminology that demonstrates your close fit for the job. Be clear, concise
and specific. Favor active voice over passive voice.
-Accomplishment statements: Describe skills relevant to the application. For example,
a restaurant job could focus on customer service, communications, and training instead
of food preparation if seeking a marketing position. Use specific statements wherever
relevant: Numbers, percentages, amounts, etc. Format numbers consistently: “60%” or
“60 percent,” but not both.
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-Check if it passes the 20 second test: Give it to someone to read quickly then take it
back after 20 seconds. Can they tell what kind of work you seek?
Headers
Contact information: name, phone number, e-mail, links to portfolios or sites such
as LinkedIn; a street address is optional. Use the same header and fonts for different
materials to present a cohesive set of documents. As a rule, use the same font
throughout the resume.
SAMPLE ONE
AHMED ABDI
651-630-2222 www.ahmedabdi.com
Saint Paul, MN linkedin.com/in/amedabdi ahmed.abdi@gmail.com
SAMPLE TWO
MARY SEVERSON
SAMPLE THREE
JAI-LIN JOHNSTON, RN, PHN
Summaries / Profiles
Summaries, also called profiles, capture attention with a quick snapshot of who
you are and where you see yourself going professionally. The rest of the resume
supports the summary. Summaries take a bit of effort to craft, but will serve as a
cornerstone for your case to get hired. Use five questions to build a draft summary:
What do I want to call myself? A work related title and descriptive adjectives like detail
oriented, creative, or effective; use a word or two that best describes you professionally.
Do I have experience in my field? If so, mention the number of years. What fields have
you worked in already? If not, don’t worry, just leave it out.
What is my purpose for this search? Weave a job objective into the profile: “
seeking
an entry level management position with a dynamic financial services company
.”
What are my professional strengths? Write about your skill set and any expertise,
training, or coursework you want to feature. Start a sentence with “Background
include
s…”
What are my personal strengths that translate to the workplace? Mention degrees
earned, special skills, achievements or attributes
.
SAMPLE ONE
Laboratory Specialist • Medical Researcher
Self-starting Senior Lab Technician with extensive experience in medical research and
manufacturing industries. Background includes system and process creation, supervision and
management. Recognized for excellent technical, organizational, communication, and
interpersonal skills. Completing a biology degree and seeking an internship prior to applying to
graduate school.
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SAMPLE TWO
Corporate Meetings • Project Coordination • Communication Skills
Highly organized and creative Meeting and Event Planner with five years of nonprofit and
corporate experience. Detail oriented team member known for excellent communication and
listening skills as well as building and maintaining strong client and vendor relationships. A
poised, self-motivated professional who enjoys new experiences and challenges.
- Project Coordination -Vender and Supplier Partnerships
- Budget Preparation -Employee Training and Team Leadership
SAMPLE THREE
Profile
Dedicated Master’s Level Counseling Student seeking challenging practicum opportunity.
Background includes extensive experience in volunteer and corporate environments with strong
interpersonal, communication, and team management skills. Empathetic and intuitive
professional who has been recognized for building effective relationships with clients, colleagues,
and management. Completed 34 credits towards Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with
4.0 GPA at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
SAMPLE FOUR
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Publishing, editing and writing professional with significant experience in print and online
publishing using a wide variety of software and managing multiple projects. Experienced
journalist and photographer with a focus on business and community journalism for niche or
general audiences. Completing a master’s degree and seeking opportunity in technical writing.
Education
Include the city and state of all institutions; this makes it easier for potential
employers to verify your education. Including the year of graduation is optional for
degrees already earned—many leave it out as it is often irrelevant. GPA is also optional,
if it is over 3.5 consider adding it. Some also choose to add related classes. You might
eventually have a section for Continuing Education and Training.
SAMPLE ONE
Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN
Master of Science: Technical Communication
Honors: summa cum laude
SAMPLE
TWO
Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN
Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPNA), Anticipated May 2019
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, 2015
SAMPLE THREE
St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
Coursework in Biology
SAMPLE FOUR
Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts, English, Minor, Spanish In Progress; GPA 3.5/4.0
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Experience
Also called Work Experience, Professional Experience or Career History. Start
with your most recent position. It may include internships and volunteerism. Indicate
actions and results, make achievements concrete. Show what you have done and might
be able to do for an organization; around three to five bullet points for each job. List
years worked; months are optional and usually not relevant.
SAMPLE ONE
RETAIL INC., Minneapolis, Minnesota 2006–present
Assistant Manager
• Prioritize work of three sales representatives to meet deadlines and increase sales by 15
percent in three consecutive quarters.
• Coordinate over 12 shipping schedules with operations team to deliver product ahead
of time by an average of three days.
• Train customer service group to respond in a pleasant and effective way to inquiries and
complaints. Resolve 90 percent of customer complaints within 48 hours.
• Oversee the staffing and opening of two new branches at out-of-state locations.
SAMPLE TWO
Randolph Heights Elementary, St. Paul, MN 2016–2018
Student Teacher – 1
st
Grade
- Assisted teacher of 27 students with building lesson plans and creating
individualized education plans for students identified with autism spectrum
characteristics
- Developed classroom activities and graded assignments
- Provided tutoring and homework assistance for students who missed school
SAMPLE THREE
Jefferson Elementary School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 2014–2018
Volunteer Tutor
- Worked with learning-challenged eight-year-old on reading and writing; used
flash cards and reading and math assessment tools. Reading speed improved
from 20 wpm to 53 wpm in two months.
- Tutored preschool children for school preparation with primary focus on reading,
writing, and math, resulting in greatly improved grasp of number grouping
concepts and letter recognition.
Other Sections
Relevant coursework, specialized experience, volunteerism, associations, clubs or
activities that support your story may deserve their own section. Here are some
suggested headings:
-Honors and Achievements -Computer / Technical Skills -Community Service -Volunteer
Experience -Military Service -Languages -Publications -Professional Affiliations
-Licensures and Certifications
-Workshops and Conferences -Coursework
Career Center & Writing Center, Spring 2020 Page 5 of 12
Resume Samples
James Johnston
(612) 729-1999 j.johnston@outlook.com www.j.johnston.com
Summary
Adaptable Computer Support Specialist with extensive experience in customer service, trouble
shooting and database management. Background includes inbound and outbound customer
service Help Desk, Web development and hardware installation. Resourceful problem solver
with superb interpersonal communication.
Technical Skills
Operating Systems: Vista, XP, Server 2016/2019, Novell, NetWare, UNIX, Linux
Hardware: Servers, Hubs, Routers, Switches, Tape Backup Drives, Cloud Backups
Software: MS SQL Server, FileMaker Pro, pcAnywhere, MS Exchange, EnCase
Languages: Python, Visual Basic, C, C++, HTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript
Education
Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, Minnesota Anticipated May 2020
Bachelor of Arts: Computer Science
Minneapolis College, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Information Technology Courses 2017–2018
Professional Experience
Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, Minnesota 2018–present
IT Help Desk Student Staff
• Configure 100 new accounts monthly, adding e-mail and access to online learning
• Recognized as a key player in the conversion from Windows 7 to Windows 10
• Assisted with migration of 10,000 user accounts from GroupWise to Microsoft
• Troubleshoot and repair PCs, projectors and networking throughout the campus. Work
with students and faculty to resolve a wide variety of software and network issues
US Bank, St. Paul, Minnesota 2016–2018
Account Processor
• Monitored, audited and checked documents for accounts receivable for timely deposit
• Resolved account discrepancies and assisted credit analysts with collections
• Recorded daily deposit information for accounts receivable systems at 20 bank branches
• Cross-trained other accounts receivable employees to efficiently handle staffing needs
Memberships
Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence (ITCOE)
The League of Professional System Administrators, student member
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Julia T. Chavez
Summary
Adaptable Computer Support Specialist with extensive experience in customer
service, trouble shooting and database management. Background includes inbound and
outbound customer service Help Desk, Web development and hardware installation.
Resourceful problem solver with superb interpersonal communication skills and ability to
handle multiple projects and requests.
Education
Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN
Bachelor of Science: Computer Information Technology December 2018
Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis, MN
Information Technology Courses
Work Experience
Inver Hills Community College, Inver Grove Heights, MN 2008–Present
Assistant to the Registrar
• Streamlined registration process by combining software features.
• Supplied students with registration information in a courteous and quick manner.
High Jump Software, Bloomington, MN 2002–2008
Implementation Consultant
• Oversaw software platform design and custom solution delivery for six accounts.
• Earned a 4.9/5.0 customer-satisfaction rating.
• Reputation for providing consistently outstanding customer service.
Technical Skills
Operating Systems: Vista, XP, Server 2016/2019, Novell, NetWare, UNIX, Linux
Hardware: Servers, Hubs, Routers, Switches, Tape Backup Drives, Cloud Backups
Software: MS SQL Server, FileMaker Pro, pcAnywhere, MS Exchange, EnCase
Languages: Python, Visual Basic, C, C++, HTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript
Professional Affiliations
Advance IT Minnesota
Student member, The League of Professional System Administrators
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ALIAH CHAU
651-630-2222 Saint Paul, MN
SUMMARY
Adaptable College Graduate seeking an entry-level opportunity in the medical research
industry. Expertise includes:
• Laboratory assistant for organic chemistry course that volunteered to conduct
outreach workshops to several area high schools
• Improved students’ grades as tutor and mentor for biology, chemistry and algebra
courses
• Recognized in the biology department as a committed research associate
EDUCATION
Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN
Bachelor of Science: Biology, cum laude May 2017
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Related Courses
• Pollution Ecology, Biology of Cancer, Plant Physiology, Ecosystem and Global
Ecology, and Molecular Biology
• Extensive research in environmental biology and ecosystems
Leadership
• Facilitated over 20 student projects with meticulous attention to detail
• Organized events and created community outreach promotional materials
Teaching and Training
• Tutoring, mentoring and training students in laboratory techniques and technology
• Assisted professors with research by documenting and analyzing results
WORK HISTORY
US Bank, St. Paul, MN 2009-Present
Account Processor
Dave’s Tax Service, Mendota Heights, MN 2004-2009
Accounting Assistant
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Jai-lin Lang
(952) 968-7561
LAB TECHNICIAN • RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Adaptable Biology Student completing a bachelor’s degree and seeking employment in a
laboratory or research setting. Expertise includes:
• Completing an internship at the NMR Laboratory at the University of Minnesota.
• Courses and laboratory work including Organic Chemistry, Genetics,
Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. Additional courses in
Anatomy and Physiology.
EDUCATION
Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN
Bachelor of Science: Biology, GPA: 3.71 Anticipated December 2021
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
LABORATORY SKILLS
• Experienced both in Internship and Classroom settings.
• Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry: HPLC, TLC, GC, Size Exclusion, Ion
Exchange, Protein and Enzyme Assays, Centrifuge, Gel Electrophoresis.
• Genetics: Mating Drosophila, agarose electrophoresis.
• Microbiology: Maintenance of E. coli cultures, liquid and agar media
preparation, bacteria identification.
TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP
• Tutoring and mentoring students in biology and chemistry courses, improving the
confidence and the grades of 25 students.
• Several years of hospital experience, training new employees to follow safety and
serving as a liaison among doctors, nurses and patients as a health unit
coordinator.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN April 2012-Present
Intern – NMR Laboratory
• Assist scientists with academic microbiology research in environmental science.
• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail while conducting experiments.
Fairview Ridges Hospital, Burnsville, MN 2003-Present
Health Unit Coordinator
• Maintain communications and supervise new employees at a 35-patient post-
operative unit. Known for ability to ensure confidential and prompt patient care.
• Recognized with a Fairview Alive award in 2011 for excellence in the workplace.
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ANDREW McGRAW
651-630-2222 linkedin.com/in/amcgraw
Profile
Technical Writer: Motivated college student in advanced design and rhetorical theory
with marketing and copywriting experience. Expert in communicating with clients,
colleagues and stakeholders to ensure high quality outcomes.
Technical Skills
-Illustrator -HTML 5 -CSS -WordPress -Druple
Education
Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN
Bachelor of Arts: Technical Communication Anticipated May 2021
Experience
ABC Marketing Communications, Inc., Bloomington, MN 2011–Present
Marketing Copy Writer
• Create marketing materials for clients from start to finish.
• Collaborate with graphic designers on large projects.
• Test and review new software systems being considered by the company.
• Support clients in publicizing 10 special events.
Thomson Reuters (Formerly: West Publishing), Eagan, MN 2008–2011
Marketing Assistant
• Compiled market information to support marketing campaigns in three company
divisions.
• Checked marketing materials for accuracy and timeliness.
• Updated and organized databases, most containing over 50,000 records.
• Generated new sales leads through Internet research.
Dolan Media, Minneapolis, MN 1999–2008
Public Information Coordinator
• Gathered public records from five county courthouses using a variety of software
systems.
• Ensured accuracy of data files through validations and spot checking.
• Coordinated publication of data in over 10 databases.
Volunteer Experience
Independent School District #196, Rosemount, MN 2004–Present
Document proofreader
• Verified and edited tutoring materials and handouts.
• Collaborated with teacher teams on the design process.
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ASAD ABDULLAHI, R.N.
612-872-9899 | [email protected]
OBJECTIVE
Multi-lingual, dedicated Registered Nurse with an entry-level Master of Science in Nursing and
several years’ experience in healthcare management. Seeking a challenging position in a clinical
or hospital setting with Allina.
• Fluent in Somali, Spanish, Hmong, and English
• Geriatric and Pediatric specialization
• Highly experienced with multiple EHR systems
EDUCATION
Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN
Master of Science: Nursing, 2018
Coursework in: Geriatric Nursing, Advanced Nursing Research, Leadership in Health Care
Systems, Nursing Care of Children and Families, Psychological/Mental Health Nursing
R.N. License, MN #494944
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Bachelor of Science: Biology, 2005
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Children’s Hospital of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Student Nurse, April 2016–August 2016
• Provided total care of children from premature infant to teen
• Preceptorship: Neonatal Intensive Care, 120 hours
• Clinical Rotation: Medical Surgical, 80 hours
Fairview Hospital, Burnsville, MN
Student Nurse, December 2014–May 2015
• Assisted with total care of patients recovering from surgery in a 75-bed unit
• Preceptorship: Medical Surgical, 120 hours
• Clinical Rotation: Geriatric Care, 80 hours
• Clinical Rotation: Neonatal Intensive Care, 120 hours
WORK EXPERIENCE
Fairview Hospital, Burnsville, MN
Health Unit Coordinator, 2008–Present
• Provide doctors and nurses with prompt access to patient records
• Ensure privacy policies are followed by staff
• Maintain an organized office and assist with schedule creation
Ebenezer Homes, Burnsville, MN
Activities Director, 2003–2008
• Fostered an environment of recovery to keep residents physically and mentally active
• Stimulated residents with activities that complimented physical therapy program
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One Page Networking Summary
For networking, in addition to business cards, a single page summary can be
useful. Creating one is helpful for professional exploration, job fairs, or preparing
for informational interviews. It provides a snapshot of your skills, education,
career goals and target companies. This document is focused on networking and
doesn’t go into detail about work history, education, volunteerism or other topics.
• Use the same header and style as your resume, cover letter and
references
• Summarize your skills and career history
• Highlight positions and companies you would like to target in your job
search
• Focus on skills and transferrable experience or qualities
• For information and links to other resources, including Bureau of Labor
Statistics data on job growth and salary outlooks, check out sites like:
www.onetonline.org
www.CareerOneStop.org
www.MySkillsMyFuture.org
www.positivelyminnesota.com
Career Center & Writing Center, Spring 2020 Page 12 of 12
NETWORKING SUMMARY EXAMPLE
JUN YI LIU
Marketing Professional
Increasing value with effective and measurable creative tactics, strategies and solutions.
Creative Marketing Professional with expertise in a broad spectrum of Sales and
Marketing competencies. Proven ability to create new business opportunities and
grow revenue through the development and implementation of marketing
solutions for new and existing client relationships. Detail-oriented and innovative
team player with keen business insight, demonstrated planning and organization
skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple and shifting priorities.
Expertise includes:
• Marketing
• Strategic Planning
• Relationship Management
• Communications
• Brand Development
• Web Marketing
• Effective Presentations
• Manufacturing Sales
CAREER HISTORY
Graco Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota 2017–Present
Assistant Manager
Fastenal, Winona, Minnesota 2010–2016
Account Manager
ThermoKing, Bloomington, Minnesota 2009
Marketing Intern
TARGETED POSITIONS
Marketing Manager/Associate, Sales & Marketing Strategist, Web Marketing
Specialist
TARGETED COMPANIES
Latitude Technology
Group
3M
Premier HealthCare
Services
Public Affairs Co. Boston Scientific Incisive Surgical Inc.
Tactile Systems
Technology
St. Jude Medical Proto Labs Inc.
GetWireless 7-SIGMA, Inc. HealthPartners
Amcom Software
InnovaGraft Biologics,
Inc.
Allina Health Care
