HOW TO PREPARE AN EFFECTIVE RÉSUMÉ
A résumé is a short summary of your skills and
experiences. It should be focused and clearly
demonstrate why you are qualified for the position or
program to which you are applying. Therefore, the
format, content and style need to highlight why you are
deserving of an interview.
Office of Career Services
201 Peabody Hall | Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
[email protected] | 207.404.5618 | husson.edu/careerservices
1 COLLEGE CIRCLE | BANGOR, ME 04401 | husson.edu
COMMON RÉSUMÉ FORMATS
Chronological: This is the most common and
recognizable format to employers. This format lists your
educational and employment experiences in reverse
chronological order (most recent first).
Combination: Combines the best features of the
chronological and functional formats by highlighting
related skills and strong work experience.
Functional: This format is well suited for those who are
trying to change fields and have strong transferrable
skills. It focuses on your qualifications/skills and places
less emphasis on previous employers or job progression.
This is the least common format used by applicants.
RÉSUMÉ BASICS
Do not use a résumé template. Start with a blank Word
document. The simpler the better!
A one page résumé suits most students. People with
more experience can expand to two pages.
No typos, grammatically correct, and no full
sentences.
Avoid the use of personal pronouns “I”, “my”, “me”, “our”.
Keep it results oriented with quantifiable, truthful
information. Honesty is key.
Use short, concise phrases beginning with action
verbs. (See examples on next page)
Margins can be as small as 0.5" on all sides.
Use of bullets can highlight a particularly important
section, as does bolding or italicizing words.
You do not need to list everything, only things relevant
to the position, unless directions say differently.
Have your résumé reviewed by many people (i.e.,
Career Services, faculty, parents, alumni).
Did you know? it takes 8 to 15
seconds for the average person to
read a résumé for the first time.
Résumés
CONTENT OF YOUR RÉSUMÉ
Heading: Your name should be in a larger (up to 14-16
point) font. Make sure you have the correct contact
information including address, phone, and email without
the link enabled.
Professional Summary: Brief statement at the
beginning of your résumé that states your strengths for
the position to which you are applying.
Education: Include the name of your degree, major,
school, city, state, and date of completion or intended
completion. You can include your GPA and relevant
coursework.
Skills: (optional) Skills should be relevant to the position
and can be pulled from any of your experiences. This
section will be placed near the top of the page to be
seen first.
Experience: You may include paid, unpaid, full-time, part-
time, internships, and volunteer positions. Use action
verbs and short phrases to explain your qualifications and
catch the reader’s attention. Using numbers can validate
your skills and experience.
Extracurricular Activities: Include membership in clubs,
organizations, professional societies, sports, and
committees, etc. You can describe your responsibilities
and leadership positions, but it is not necessary if you are
struggling with space.
Technology and Foreign Language Skills: For foreign
languages, provide a level of proficiency (i.e. advanced
proficiency, fluency, conversational). List any software
that you can use, database skills, and any others related
to the job.
ACTION VERBS
Begin each descriptive bullet with a strong action verb. If you have a job description to which you are applying, try to use the
words that are used in that description to describe your experience. Do not overstate your responsibilities and stay truthful.
Administration
Approved, arranged, catalogued, classified, collated,
compiled, conducted, coordinated, documented, initiated,
inspected, monitored, operated, organized, prepared,
prioritized, purchased, recorded, rectified, resolved,
spearheaded, specified, supervised, systematized,
transformed, terminated
Analysis
Amplified, analyzed, calculated, compiled, computed,
detected, diagnosed, disapproved, evaluated, examined,
forecasted, formulated, identified, investigated, measured,
programmed, researched, solved, studied, surveyed
Communications
Acted as liaison, advised, advocated, arbitrated, authored,
counseled, corresponded, commented, consulted, displayed,
edited, guided, instructed, interviewed, interpreted,
informed, lectured, lobbied, moderated, marketed, mediated,
negotiated, published, presented, promoted, recommended,
referred, taught, trained, translated, wrote
Manual
Assembled, built, constructed, delivered, installed,
maintained, navigated, operated, rejuvenated, repaired,
replaced, restored, rewired
Planning and Development
Created, designed, developed, drafted, devised,
discovered, estimated, initiated, improved, modified,
planned, proposed
Management
Audited, allocated, balanced, charted, collected,
documented, expedited, invested, inventoried, logged,
maximized, procured, processed, scheduled, updated
General
Accomplished, achieved, completed, contributed,
enhanced, evaluated, expanded, handled, increased,
originated, performed, provided, served, strengthened,
transformed
Sample Résumé #1
Chronological Format
Managed a staff of 40 people (front and back of house) to ensure prompt and courteous service
Prioritized customer needs and satisfaction
Handled customer concerns with respect and problem-solved solutions on the fly
Served parties of 25 to 400 guests alongside a team of coworkers
Coordinated the set-up and breakdown of 10 large events
Supervised a crew of 2 to 15 servers during busy events
Taught English to Indian, Thai, and Pakastani children ages 4 to 8
Worked with children one on one and in groups to promote academic achievement
Incorporated art, music, cooking and immersion into lesson plans
Frank Burns
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (555) 555-5555
Professional Summary
Husson University graduate with three years of experience in the hospitality field. Strong customer service
and communications skills developed in the restaurant business. Goal is to transition these skills into event
planning opportunities.
Education
B.S. Hospitality and Tourism Management, Husson University, Bangor, ME May 2021
Relevant Coursework
Business Management, Accounting, Event Planning, Hospitality Facilitation and Design Management,
International Business, Business Ethics, Supervision in Hospitality
Work Experience
Floor Manager, Applebee's Restaurant, Bangor, ME May 2020 - May 2021
Banquet Server, Ramada Inn and Conference Center, So. Burlington, VT Aug. 2018 - May 2020
Conversational English Instructor, JET, Bangkok, Thailand Sept. 2016 - Jul. 2018
Volunteerism
Member, Sigma Nu 2020 - present
Volunteer, Good Shepard Food Bank Oct. 2020 & 2021
Treasurer, Husson Hospitality Club Dec. 2020 - May 2021
Sample Résumé #2
Chronological Format with Related Experience First
Researched and recommended new stocks, bonds, and money markets to supervisors
Provided strong customer service and referred calls to the appropriate contact
Initiated a survey to research client buying habits of seafood products
Created a 20-page report on research results that was published for clients
Developed a newsletter with three colleagues to promote the seafood industry
Drafted marketing materials using InDesign
Provided excellent customer service in a high volume restaurant
Answered staff and faculty questions and referred them to the resources in the office
Nancy Drew
(207) 992-1234
Professional Summary
Business Administration graduate with experience from internships in financial services and marketing that
developed strong writing, creative, and designing skills. Looking to do marketing in a financial services
company.
Education
B.S., Business Administration (GPA: 3.75) Expected May 2022
Husson University, Bangor, ME
Relevant Coursework:
Accounting, Financial Markets, Marketing
Internship Experience
Financial Services Intern, Janus Funds, Portland, ME Jan.- May 2021
Marketing Intern, Diversified Communications, Portland, ME May - Aug. 2020
Other Work Experience (Financed 75% of college tuition)
Waitress, Longhorn Steakhouse, Bangor, ME Aug. 2018 - Jan. 2021
Student Assistant, Husson University Human Resources, Bangor, ME Aug. 2019 - Aug. 2021
Extracurricular Activities
Student Representative, College of Business Council May 2020 - Present
Member, Intramural Softball Team May 2019 - Present
Volunteer, United Way of Bangor May 2018 - Present
Sample Résumé #3
Combination Format with Relevant Experience First
Collaborated with a teacher team of three to develop new teaching tools for math classes
Developed a curriculum for 7th grade algebra and geometry
Taught concepts through real-life scenarios and games
Received exemplary reviews from supervising teacher and principal
Taught algebra and geometry to four sections of 7th graders
Utilized Google Classroom and Zoom to serve remote students
Instructed children and adults in safety techniques and correct sailing procedures in 15-foot vessels
Created a curriculum for a healthy eating workshop and presented three times to 75 fourth and fifth
graders
Seth Davis
(207) 555-5555
Mathematics Teaching Experience
Education
B.S., Secondary Education, Husson University, Bangor, ME May 2021
Certification: Mathematics 7-12 Teaching Endorsement (300S), Maine Department of Education
Related Experience
Student Teacher, Nokomis Regional High School, Newport, ME Jan. - June 2020
Sailing Instructor, Dutch Harbor Marina, Bar Harbor, ME June - August 2020
Nutrition Educator, Healthy Androscoggin, Lewiston, ME May - August 2019
Student Activities
Math Tutor, Husson Academic Services Jan. 2020 - Present
President, Husson Math Society 2020 - 2021
Volunteer, Spurwink, Bangor, ME Jan. 2020 - Jan. 2021
Member, Husson Baseball Team 2020 - 2021
Computer Skills
Blackboard, Google Classroom, Zoom, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher
Sample Résumé #4
Functional Format
Drafted interrogatories and client correspondence for assignments
Researched legal cases to find precedents
Collated trial notebooks for class project
Observed jury selection and trials in Penobscot County Court
Proofread correspondence and other important communications
Filed a large amount of paperwork quickly and accurately
Ordered office supplies for all employees and monitored spending
Monitored and managed the schedules of three insurance agents
Resolved client appointment conflicts in an effective manner
Communicated with other companies to schedule meetings
Informed clients of the disposition of their insurance claims
Referred clients to more appropriate resources for their issues
Baldwin Eagle
(207)-555-5555
Objective
An entry-level paralegal position with a law firm focusing on employment law
Education
B.S., Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies (May 2021)
Husson University, Bangor, ME GPA: 3.57
Professional Qualifications
Legal Experience from Coursework
Administrative Experience
Communication Experience
Employment
Administrative Assistant, White and Jankowski, Denver, CO May 2020 - Present
Student Worker, Husson University Bookstore, Bangor, ME May 2018 - Dec. 2019
Activities/Awards
Secretary, Student Activities Association Aug. 2019 - Aug. 2020
College Scholarship, Colorado Bar Association 2018
Member, Husson Chess Club 2018 - 2020
Résumé Example - Physical Therapy
Magnum Cum Laude
Evaluated and planned treatment for trauma and brain injury patients ages 12-58 years
Trained in and administered electrotherapy, thermal therapy, and hydrotherapy
Participated in physical therapy and occupational co-treatment sessions
Gained experience in assessing patients with traumatic brain injury
Performed assessments and developed treatment and discharge plans for patients ages 2- 10 years of age
Utilized a collaborative approach to patient treatment planning
Communicated clearly with patients, physicians, PT, OT, nurses, and case managers
Assessed and treated traumatic brain injury patients on the Intensive Care Unit
Collaborated with a team in co-treatment sessions including OT, PT, and Speech Therapists
Participated in Acute Care Department weekly multi-disciplinary Trauma Team meetings
Maximus Patella
207-700-1234
Professional Summary
Soon to be licensed physical therapist with recent experience in an outpatient rehabilitative setting. Critical
thinker and team player with a reputation for excellent patient communication skills.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Husson University, GPA 3.98 Expected May 2021
BS Kinesiology, Husson University, Bangor, ME May 2017
Clinical Experience
Outpatient Rehab, Maine Integrated Rehab, Bangor, ME (month/date)
Pediatric In-Patient, Portland Children’s Orthopedics, Portland, ME (month/date)
Inpatient Rehab, Seton General Hospital, Waterville, ME (month/date)
Level I Experiences from (date to date): Maine Sport Rehab, Spurwink, Mountain View Retirement and
Rehab Center
Extracurricular Activities
Husson Student Representative, Physical Therapy Association (dates)
Member, Physical Therapy Club, Husson University (dates)
Member, American Heart Association (dates)
Forward, Husson Varsity Soccer (dates)
Résumé Example - Education
Taught a Magnetism and Electricity unit for 5 weeks
Led language arts unit and tests
Taught a math chapter on introduction to Algebra
Planned daily lesson plans for a classroom of 18 students
Led and facilitated reading groups
Managed the behavior of students and developed effective methods to create less disruption
Created weekly math stations for 18 students
Taught a social studies lesson and a literacy lesson
Led and planned reading groups and three literacy lessons
Documented student progress using Running Records
Heather Hawthorne
11 Curfew Street | Bangor, ME 04401 | 555-555-5555 | [email protected]
Professional Summary
Elementary Education graduate with experience in several grades. Strong skills in curriculum development, using
different approaches for learning styles, and managing the behavior of large classes.
Education
B.S., Elementary Education (Expected May 2022)
Husson University, Bangor, ME. Dean’s List (2020-2022)
Relevant Knowledge: Strong familiarity with Charlotte Danielson’s work and utilized Marizano’s 9 essential
instructional strategies in student teaching.
Student Teaching Experience
Fifth Grade, Mary Snow School, Bangor, ME March – May 2022
Kindergarten, Asa Adams Elementary, Orono, ME January - March 2022
Teaching Practicums
Sixth Grade, Cohen School, Bangor ME Fall 2021
Grades 3 and 4, Bangor Christian School, Bangor, ME Spring 2021
Professional Development
Secretary: Elementary Education Association at Husson University (2020)
Member: Maine Education Association and SEAM (2019-Present)
Literature Conference: Attended 2021 conference in Portland, ME
MEA Conference: Attended 2020 conference in Augusta, ME
Language and Computer Skills
Languages: Fluent in Spanish and English
Computer: Running Records, Google Classroom, Excel, PowerPoint, Prezi
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer: Child Care at Bar Harbor Baptist Church August 2021
Member: Husson University Volleyball Team Fall 2019 - Spring 2022
Volunteer: 20 hours in schools Fall 2019 - Spring 2020
Résumé Example - Nursing
Advocated for patient’s rights and ability to understand patient’s needs and concerns
Adapted easily to environment change and work schedules
Developed critical thinking skills to provide competent patient care
Communicated well and with positive attitude to patients, families, and colleagues
Led teams in a creative and positive work environment to uplift patients’ spirits
Magna Cum Laude; Dean’s List (2016-2018)
Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society Omicron Xi Chapter (2018)
Acted as Charge Nurse in several cases
Provided prescribed medications and treatments
Documented and assessed patient care based on plan
Initiated age appropriate therapeutic interactions
Provided prescribed medications and treatments
Documented and assessed patients
HENRY JUNG_________________________________________________________________________________
542 Stonewall Rd. Holden, ME04429 555-555-5555 [email protected]
NURSING QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
B.S., Nursing, Husson University, Bangor, ME. May 2018
HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE
Psychiatric Nurse, Acadia Hospital, Bangor, ME April 2020 - Present
Staff Nurse, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, ME Oct. 2018 - April 2020
Emergency Medical Technician/Fire Fighter, Holden, ME June 2016 - Present
·Responded to emergency situations and triaged patients
·Provided night coverage for fire department
CLINICAL ROTATIONS
Partnership, ICU/CCU & Emergency, St. Joseph’s Hospital. Spring 2018
Medical/Surgical: St. Joseph’s Hospital. Fall 2017
Labor & Delivery: Eastern Maine Medical Center. Spring 2017
Pediatrics: Eastern Maine Medical Center. Fall 2016
Community Mental Health: Dorothea Dix & Acadia. Fall 2016
Community Health: Waldo County Home Health & Hospice Care. Spring 2016
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
President, Husson University Organization of Student Nurses: Fall 2017 - Spring 2018
Mentor, Husson Nursing Mentors
Team Leader, Husson 1st Year Orientation program
COMPUTER SKILLS
Advanced Nursing Information Courses, Access, Excel, PowerPoint
Résumé Example - Occupational Therapy
Magna Cum Laude
Provided skilled occupational therapy to a caseload of eight to ten patients
Conducted evaluations, treatment, and discharge plans for all patients
Engaged in communication with COTA’S, physical therapists, CNA’s, nurses, and case managers
Interacted with families and assessed their needs for additional education
Attended and contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings for all clients
Performed skilled occupational therapy to a caseload of six to eight patients
Completed evaluations, treatment, and discharge plans for all patients
Communicated effectively with COTA’S, physical therapists, speech therapists, CNA’s, nurses, doctors, and
case managers
Assessed needs for in-home modification prior to discharge
Participated in and contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient outcomes
HOLLY SMITH
555-555-5555
Professional Summary
Occupational Therapist with strong patient education, evaluation, and team work skills developed through
clinical experiences and Master’s program at Husson University. Developed treatment plans, wrote excellent
soap notes, and communicated with health care colleagues to help patients.
Education
M.S. Occupational Therapy, Husson University, Bangor, ME Expected May 2022
B.S. Psychology, Husson University, Bangor, ME May 2019
Occupational Therapy Clinical Experience
Integrated Rehabilitation, Augusta, ME March – June 2022
Inland Hospital – Rehab Institute, Waterville, ME January – March 2022
Level I Experience from 2021: Crisis and Counseling, Senior Spectrum, Genesis Rehab, Children’s Center
Student Activities and Certifications
Member, Occupational Therapy Student Association May 2020 - Current
Secretary, Husson Outing Club May 2018 - May 2020
CPR Certified, Red Cross Current
