What is a Resume?A resume is a snapshot of the education,

experience, and skills you have that are

valuable to an employer. Its main purpose is

to convince a potential employer to invite you

for an interview – to make them want to learn

more about you. Resumes are used to screen

applicants and determine which candidates

have the background most closely matching

the employers’ needs. It answers the

questions: “have you,” “can you” and “will you

do the job.”

Before Writing a Resume, You Should• Do your research on the industry, field, company/

organization, and the job itself so you fully understand

what the employer is seeking.

• Learn to speak the employer’s language. While doing

your research, pay attention to the vocabulary that is

particular to the industry.

• Learn about trends that are developing within the

industry.

• Identify the core skills required in the job, so as to best

highlight and emphasize your relevant prior experiences

and skills.

To Craft a Successful Resume, You Should• Quickly and succinctly capture an employer’s attention

and interest. Most employers spend only 30 seconds

reviewing a resume.

• Emphasize and quantify accomplishments rather than

just listing responsibilities. Be specific whenever possible.

For example: “Designed and delivered 20 math tutoring

lessons to a group of seven fifth and sixth graders.”

• Incorporate transferable skills, i.e. skills you acquired in

one context or situation that are valuable in another.

Examples of transferrable skills include: communication,

teamwork, organizational, etc.

Resume Dos• Be specific and quantify whenever possible

• Proofread multiple times for proper grammar, spelling,

etc. (and don’t rely just on Spell Check)

• Be consistent with formatting

• Organize the information in your resume in reverse

chronological order

• Pay close attention to verb tenses in your bullets

• Keep your resume to one page

• Be truthful about your accomplishments without

undervaluing your experiences

Resume Don’ts• Use resume templates from word processing programs,

such as MSWord

• Use phrases like “Responsible for” and “Was in charge of”

• Say what you were supposed to do; say what you did

• Begin bullets with “I” or use complete sentences

• Include personal information such as your social security

number, age, or nation of origin

• List unrelated, minor duties such as “opened mail” or

‘filed documents”

• Limit yourself by including only paid experiences

• Lie or exaggerate on your resume

If you would like more information or have questions about this document, feel free to speak with a Career Advancement counselor. You can make an appointment by calling 773-702-7040.

Writing Resumes: A Guide for Undergraduate Students

Ida Noyes Hall | 1212 E. 59th Street | Chicago, IL 60637 | 773.702.7040 | careeradvancement.uchicago.edu

Resume Headings Students can use a variety of headings to summarize and

chronicle information for an employer.

Sample headings include:

Education Leadership Experience

Skills Relevant Experience or Experience

Related Projects Activities

Interests Relevant Coursework

Honors/Awards Community Service/Volunteer

Experience

Resume Sections

CONTACT INFORMATIONBasics

• Name, address, phone number, and email address should

always be at the top of the page

• Always include area and zip codes.

• For current students, list both a college and home

address and phone numbers if you are applying for jobs

back home. You can use just your college address if

applying for positions in Chicago.

• Make sure the address and phone number is somewhere

you will readily be able to receive notification or calls

from a potential employer.

Suggestions

• Be sure your answering machine message and email

address are business-appropriate.

• If you have roommates or if someone else could

be answering your calls, make sure they use proper

etiquette and relay the message to you.

EDUCATIONBasics

• Begin with your most recent educational experience.

Include the degree you expect to earn/have earned, your

major/minor, university, expected date of graduation, and

GPA.

• Add course highlights as an option (titled “Relevant

Coursework”).

Suggestions

• Generally list GPA if it is a 3.00 or above, and carry out

to 2 decimal places. You may want to list your GPA in

your major as well, provided you have had more than 1-2

courses in your major completed.

• List any study abroad experiences or other colleges you

have attended for a significant period of time.

HONORSBasics

• Include academic honors such as the Dean’s List,

scholarships, or honors societies.

Suggestions

• Honors may be listed under a separate heading or as a

subsection under “Education.”

SKILLSBasics

• Foreign languages, computer skills, and other relevant

skills should be included

• Suggestions

• List level of fluency/proficiency with languages and

computer skills (Don’t overstate your competence).

• Be prepared to fully communicate in any language to

declare to have fluency. Anything on your resume is fair

game!

EXPERIENCEBasics

• Include any employment, internships, significant campus

leadership offices, volunteer work, and relevant class/

research projects.

• Include title (including multiple titles at one organization

if applicable), name of organization, location, and dates

for each position.

• Emphasize duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and

accomplishments appropriate to the position for which

you are applying.

Suggestions

• Use phrases beginning with action verbs rather than

sentences.

• Do not use pronouns in your job descriptions.

• You do not need to restrict your resume to paid

experience.

• You may which to separate this section into multiple

sections such as “Leadership Experience”, “Work

Experience”, “Related Experience”, and “Other

Experience.”

Career Advancement Services and ResourcesSee a Career Advancement CounselorAll students are encouraged to see a Career Advancement

counselor at some point in their university career. Counselors

are able to offer assistance with job application materials,

including resumes and cover letters. Staff is also able to help

discuss broader plans like graduate or professional school.

Students are encouraged to make an appointment and can

either call 773-702-7040 or do so online.

Walk-In Appointments

Throughout the year, Career Advancement counselors make

themselves available for short, walk-in appointments. The

hours vary from quarter to quarter but the website is always

up-to-date with current hours. Students looking for brief

assistance are encouraged to use these appointments as a

way to quickly move forward in their search.

Career Advancement Programs and ResourcesCareer Advancement offers programs throughout the year

designed to educate students about career options in a

variety of fields, as well as build crucial job search skills

(informational interviewing, networking, etc.). View the

Career Advancement event calendar online to learn more.

Be sure to browse our Career Resource Library as well as our

website for additional resources.

Chicago Career Connection (CCC)Accessible via the Career Advancement website, this online

tool – specifically for University of Chicago students and

alumni – lists full- and part-time jobs and internships, in

Chicago, nationally, and even internationally. Jobs and

internships listed are in business, government and nonprofits.

UChicago Careers In…These series of University of Chicago programs helps

undergraduate students learn about and prepare for

careers in the arts, business, communications, education,

health professions, journalism, law, non-profit/public service,

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTSBasics

• List college-related activities including student

government, fraternities/sororities, student clubs, and

sports activities, etc. not mentioned elsewhere.

Suggestions

• Be sure to note the offices you held and committee

involvement you had in each of your activities.

COMMUNITY SERVICEBasics

• List organizations and the skills and abilities utilized.

Suggestions

• Come into Career Advancement and speak with a

counselor if you need help deciding if and/or how to

include potentially controversial information (i.e. religious

or political affiliation, etc.).

science and technology, and social work. Some programs

are selective and others are open to all students. To learn

more about this great University of Chicago offering, visit the

UChicago Careers In… section of the Career Advancement

website.

Email ListhostsJoin the Consulting Career Advancement email list to

get regular updates on career-related programs and

job postings. You might also join the general business

management listhost. Sign up via Chicago Career

Connection (accessible via the Career Advancement

website) and edit your profile to start receiving these emails.

Employer Information SessionsEmployers looking to hire students in consulting come to

campus each year to host information sessions. This is a

great way to learn about particular companies and network.

View the Career Advancement event calendar online to learn

more and see the schedule.

Researching Organizations Know who the dominant players within the sector are as

well as all the companies that are going to participate in

on-campus recruiting. You can obtain first-hand accounts

of the company’s culture and philosophy by talking to

University of Chicago alumni who are working at the firm

(see networking and informational interviewing above). A

good understanding of the work environment will go a long

way in answering “fit” questions during the interview process

and will help you differentiate the firms to enable you to pick

those that best fit your personality.

Networking and Informational InterviewingWhether you just want to learn more about a career in

consulting or you’re ready to apply for jobs, conducting

informational interviews and networking with individuals

already working in that field is a crucial part of the process.

Career Advancement counselors can show you how to

use the online alumni directory to identify University of

Chicago alumni in this field; how to set up and prepare for

an informational interview; and how to network effectively.

Make an appointment by calling 773-702-7040.

Practice Your InterviewingPractice Interviewers: Career Advancement has practice

interviewers on staff to conduct mock behavioral and case

interviews. To schedule a practice interview call 773-702-

7040.

Career Advancement Super Interview Walk-In Days:

Career Advancement holds “Super Interview Walk-In Days”

for undergraduate and graduate students at the beginning of

fall and winter quarters. Students interested in participating

in a short, walk-in appointment style interview should

attend. These days will be listed on the Career Advancement

calendar online.

On-Campus Recruiting (OCR)Every year employers come to campus to recruit University

of Chicago students. In order to participate in OCR, you

must be activated in Chicago Career Connection, which will

allow you to view OCR-specific job postings. To become

activated in CCC and to learn more about OCR, speak with a

Career Advancement counselor.

MANAGEMENTAdministered Analyzed Assigned Attained Chaired Consolidated Contracted

Coordinated Delegated Developed Directed Evaluated Executed Improved

Increased Organized Oversaw Planned Prioritized Produced Recommended

Reviewed Scheduled Strengthened Supervised

COMMUNICATIONAddressed Arbitrated Arranged Authored Collaborated Convinced Corresponded

Developed Directed Drafted Edited Enlisted Formulated Influenced

Interpreted Lectured Mediated Moderated Negotiated Persuaded Promoted

Publicized Reconciled Recruited Spoke Translated Wrote

RESEARCHClarified Collected Critiqued Diagnosed Evaluated Examined Extracted

Identified Inspected Interpreted Interviewed Investigated Organized Reviewed

Summarized Surveyed Systematized

TECHNICALAssembled Built Calculated Computed Designed Devised Engineered

Fabricated Maintained Operated Overhauled Programmed Remodeled Repaired

Solved Upgraded

TEACHINGAdapted Advised Clarified Coached Communicated Coordinated Demystified

Developed Enabled Encouraged Evaluated Explained Facilitated Guided

Informed Instructed Persuaded Set Goals Stimulated Trained

FINANCIALAdministered Allocated Analyzed Appraised Audited Balanced Budgeted

Calculated Computed Developed Forecasted Managed Marketed Planned

Projected Researched

CREATIVEActed Conceptualized Created Customized Designed Developed Directed

Established Fashioned Founded Illustrated Initiated Instituted Integrated

Introduced Invented Originated Performed Planned Revitalized Shaped

HELPINGAssessed Assisted Clarified Coached Counseled Demonstrated Diagnosed

Educated Expedited Facilitated Familiarized Guided Motivated Referred

Rehabilitated Represented

CLERICAL OR DETAIL ORIENTEDApproved Arranged Cataloged Classifed Collected Compiled Dispatched

Executed Generated Implemented Inspected Monitored Operated Organized

Prepared Processed Purchased Recorded Retrieved Screened Specified

Systematized Tabulated Validated

Resume TemplateYOUR NAMEStreet Address

City, State Zip CodeTelephone Number

youremail@uchicago.edu

EDUCATIONInstitution, City, StateDegree, expected Month YearGPA: X.XX/4.00Relevant Courses: [Note: Include list of courses in which you’ve done substantive work that you might want to describe in an interview. This is optional. Awards and honors can also be listed here.]

Name of High School, City, StateDiploma, Month Year[Note: Include GPA, class rank, or any other exceptional academic honor that might inform employers of your scholastic achievements, but High School will probably drop out of your resume as you gain more experience. Some employers do NOT want to see it by the time you’re a 3rd year student but some name recognition might other times be a plus.]

EXPERIENCEOrganization, City, State Title, Month Year – Month Year [Note: you can bold your title or your organization – whichever is more relevant/important and switch which is on top, but be consistent and keep the location with the organization] • Describe your experience, skills, etc. in bullet form[Note: Include bulleted description above. Start with action verbs describing your skills and include details that will help employers understand your accomplishments, skills, knowledge, personal characteristics, and experience level. Include quantity, frequency, or impact of your work whenever possible. Consider answering the following questions to help you write more effective bullet points but do not use sub-bullets in the resume; longer descriptions may lend themselves to using sentence fragment/paragraph style instead of bullets:• What did you do? What were the results of your work?• What were your accomplishments?• How did you help the organization? What impact did your tasks have on your colleagues, your department, or the

organization as a whole?• What did you learn? What skills/knowledge did you enhance?• How does this experience relate to your internship/employment goal?]

ACTIVITIES, COMMUNITY SERVICE or LEADERSHIP [Examples of descriptive headings] Title, Organization, City, State, Dates[Note: This section can be formatted exactly like your experience section or you can omit a description. If this section’s experience is more relevant to the type of work you’re pursuing, consider putting it above experience.]

SKILLS[Note: List computer, language, and any other technical skills you possess. Other types of skills (e.g., communication skills, organizational skills) should not be listed, but rather incorporated into your descriptions above.]

David Maroondmaroon@uchicago.edu

773-555-12345454 S. Kimbark Ave., Apt. 5

Chicago, IL 60615EDUCATION

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Chicago, ILBachelor of Arts in Political Science Expected, June 2008Cumulative GPA: 3.62/4.00 Dean’s List 2004-2007

EXPERIENCE

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO Chicago, ILTechnical Support Intern, Economic Research Department June 2006-presentPerform risk assessment of research department and its classifications of data• Create searchable Paradox database, update information, and construct linked forms for three departments• Use SAS to create graphs to support seven risk assessment projects

MORNINGSTAR, INC. Chicago, ILIntern, Electronic Products Group June 2005-Oct 2005• Created and administered software databases designed to increase communication and efficiency between

development teams• Researched optimal equity and mutual fund portfolios by weighing risk against return using information

technologies• Collaborated with project manager to test accuracy and usability of Morningstar pre-release software; advanced

its development

JOSEPH REGENSTEIN LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Chicago, ILCirculation Assistant Sept. 2004-June 2005• Trained patrons in use of newly-implemented online cataloguing system• Located and charged out material for patrons, discharged and shelved returned books

LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES

Varsity Basketball, University of Chicago Sept 2004-presentReceived NCAA Division II tournament bids, 2002 and 2003

Student Government, University of Chicago Sept 2005-June 2006• Organized more than 20 campus activities and functions for student body as a member of the Student Affairs

Committee• Consulted on the renovation of a student union for undergraduates as well as other projects to improve student

life on campus

SKILLS Fluent in German and PolishMS Word, Word Perfect, Excel, Minitab, Powerpoint, SAS, and Quicken

Coursework is very important when trying to demonstrate a familiarity with a particular topic that may not come out in your job experience. If you choose to include coursework, choose at least three and no more than five. Include your BA thesis or MA thesis if it is relevant to the job your are applying to.

The default GPA is cumulative. If a GPA is not marked, one will assume it is your cumulative GPA. If you are giving a major GPA also, mark it as such. Provide GPA to 2 decimal places.

“Experience” does not just mean paid experience, but includes volunteer experience, RSOs, community-based work, etc...

“Leadership” means being an active participant, ie coordinating an event.

Mark your knowledge of languages as “conversant,” “proficient,” and “fluent.” If it is a dead language, then instead of “conversant” write “beginner.” Computer skills: Usually use terms like

“experienced,” “proficient,” and “expert knowledge.”

Sally Smithsmith@uchicago.edu

School Address: Permanent Address:5412 S. University Ave. 123 Main StreetChicago, IL 60637 Stevens Point, WI 54481(773) 555-7864 (715) 456-2222

EDUCATIONThe University of Chicago, Chicago, ILBachelor of Arts, expected June 2014Enrolled in core liberal arts courses with plans to pursue pre-med curriculum. GPA: 3.45/4.00

SPASH High School, Stevens Point, WI Diploma, June 2007Honors Included: President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Special Corporate National Merit Scholarship sponsored by Pfizer, Inc., and National Council of Teachers of English Nomination for Excellence in Writing

EXPERIENCEJoseph Regenstein Library, University of Chicago, Chicago, ILSerials Assistant, October 2007 – present• Guide patrons through the newly-implemented online cataloging system• Locate and check out books, audio-visual equipment, and microfiche for patrons• Shelve returned books accurately and efficiently

LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIESAssistant Chair, Model United Nations at the University of Chicago, October 2007 – present• Research and write 10-page papers on political and economic problems such as vaccine financing and urban health• Collaborate with team to plan two-day conference for more than 1,500 high school studentsPresident, Students against Destructive Decisions, SPASH High School 2006 – 2007• Led executive board members in coordinating four large campaigns and raising more than $3000• Increased active membership by 30% through innovative membership drive efforts• Served as spokesperson to local community, raising awareness of violence and injury prevention strategiesVice President, Student Council, SPASH High School, 2005 – 2006• Planned and facilitated weekly student council meetings• Represented 1500 students in meetings with administrators; lobbied for and implemented spirit weekCaptain, Varsity Tennis Team, SPASH High School, 2006 – 2007• Managed time required for 20-hour/week of tennis plus activities and rigorous academic courses• Placed 3rd in doubles at Wisconsin State Tennis Tournament• Varsity Team member 3 years, Junior Varsity 1 yearMember, Spanish Club, SPASH High School, 2003 – 2007

SKILLSComputer: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as HyperStudio and Adobe Photoshop; Basic knowledge of HTMLLanguage: Proficient in reading and writing SpanishCertifications: Adult and Infant CPR

INTERESTSDigital photography, skydiving, and sports medicine

Once you determine your major, state “BA in ____” and DROP the High School listing unless it will help your job search.

It is best to include a GPA if it is a 3.00 or higher.

Volunteer and student activities can be just as impressive to an employer as work experience.

Your interests aren’t qualifications for a job necessarily, but they provide employers with topics about which they can inquire at the beginning of an interview. This often helps you relax and leads to a better interview but can easily be dropped if space is an issue.