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, eld, company/
organization, and the job itself so you fully understand
what the employer is seeking.
Learn to speak the employers 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 employers attention
and interest. Most employers spend only 30 seconds
reviewing a resume.
Emphasize and quantify accomplishments rather than
just listing responsibilities. Be specic whenever possible.
For example: Designed and delivered 20 math tutoring
lessons to a group of seven fth 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 specic and quantify whenever possible
Proofread multiple times for proper grammar, spelling,
etc. (and dont 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 Donts
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
led 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 INFORMATION
Basics
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 notication 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.

EDUCATION
Basics
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 signicant period of time.

HONORS
Basics
Include academic honors such as the Deans List,
scholarships, or honors societies.
Suggestions
Honors may be listed under a separate heading or as a
subsection under Education.

SKILLS
Basics
Foreign languages, computer skills, and other relevant
skills should be included
Suggestions
List level of uency/prociency with languages and
computer skills (Dont overstate your competence).
Be prepared to fully communicate in any language to
declare to have uency. Anything on your resume is fair
game!

EXPERIENCE
Basics
Include any employment, internships, signicant campus
leadership ofces, 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 Resources
See a Career Advancement Counselor
All students are encouraged to see a Career Advancement
counselor at some point in their university career. Counselors
are able to ofer assistance with job application materials,
including resumes and cover letters. Staf 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 Resources
Career Advancement ofers programs throughout the year
designed to educate students about career options in a
variety of elds, 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 specically 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 nonprots.

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-prot/public service,
ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
Basics
List college-related activities including student
government, fraternities/sororities, student clubs, and
sports activities, etc. not mentioned elsewhere.
Suggestions
Be sure to note the ofces you held and committee
involvement you had in each of your activities.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
Basics
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 afliation, 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 ofering, visit the
UChicago Careers In section of the Career Advancement
website.
Email Listhosts
Join 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 prole to start receiving these emails.
Employer Information Sessions
Employers 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 rst-hand accounts
of the companys culture and philosophy by talking to
University of Chicago alumni who are working at the rm
(see networking and informational interviewing above). A
good understanding of the work environment will go a long
way in answering t questions during the interview process
and will help you diferentiate the rms to enable you to pick
those that best t your personality.
Networking and Informational Interviewing
Whether you just want to learn more about a career in
consulting or youre ready to apply for jobs, conducting
informational interviews and networking with individuals
already working in that eld 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 eld; how to set up and prepare for
an informational interview; and how to network efectively.
Make an appointment by calling 773-702-7040.
Practice Your Interviewing
Practice Interviewers: Career Advancement has practice
interviewers on staf 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-specic job postings. To become
activated in CCC and to learn more about OCR, speak with a
Career Advancement counselor.
MANAGEMENT
Administered Analyzed Assigned Attained Chaired Consolidated Contracted
Coordinated Delegated Developed Directed Evaluated Executed Improved
Increased Organized Oversaw Planned Prioritized Produced Recommended
Reviewed Scheduled Strengthened Supervised
COMMUNICATION
Addressed Arbitrated Arranged Authored Collaborated Convinced Corresponded
Developed Directed Drafted Edited Enlisted Formulated Inuenced
Interpreted Lectured Mediated Moderated Negotiated Persuaded Promoted
Publicized Reconciled Recruited Spoke Translated Wrote
RESEARCH
Claried Collected Critiqued Diagnosed Evaluated Examined Extracted
Identied Inspected Interpreted Interviewed Investigated Organized Reviewed
Summarized Surveyed Systematized
TECHNICAL
Assembled Built Calculated Computed Designed Devised Engineered
Fabricated Maintained Operated Overhauled Programmed Remodeled Repaired
Solved Upgraded
TEACHING
Adapted Advised Claried Coached Communicated Coordinated Demystied
Developed Enabled Encouraged Evaluated Explained Facilitated Guided
Informed Instructed Persuaded Set Goals Stimulated Trained
FINANCIAL
Administered Allocated Analyzed Appraised Audited Balanced Budgeted
Calculated Computed Developed Forecasted Managed Marketed Planned
Projected Researched
CREATIVE
Acted Conceptualized Created Customized Designed Developed Directed
Established Fashioned Founded Illustrated Initiated Instituted Integrated
Introduced Invented Originated Performed Planned Revitalized Shaped
HELPING
Assessed Assisted Claried Coached Counseled Demonstrated Diagnosed
Educated Expedited Facilitated Familiarized Guided Motivated Referred
Rehabilitated Represented
CLERICAL OR DETAIL ORIENTED
Approved Arranged Cataloged Classifed Collected Compiled Dispatched
Executed Generated Implemented Inspected Monitored Operated Organized
Prepared Processed Purchased Recorded Retrieved Screened Specied
Systematized Tabulated Validated
Resume Template
YOUR NAME
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Telephone Number
youremail@uchicago.edu
EDUCATION
Institution, City, State
Degree, expected Month Year
GPA: X.XX/4.00
Relevant Courses: [Note: Include list of courses in which youve done substantive work that you might want to describe in
an interview. Tis is optional. Awards and honors can also be listed here.]
Name of High School, City, State
Diploma, 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 youre a 3rd year student but some name recognition might other times be a plus.]
EXPERIENCE
Organization, 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 efective 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: Tis section can be formatted exactly like your experience section or you can omit a description. If this sections
experience is more relevant to the type of work youre 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 Maroon
dmaroon@uchicago.edu
773-555-1234
5454 S. Kimbark Ave., Apt. 5
Chicago, IL 60615
EDUCATION
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Expected, June 2008
Cumulative GPA: 3.62/4.00
Deans List 2004-2007
EXPERIENCE
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO Chicago, IL
Technical Support Intern, Economic Research Department June 2006-present
Perform risk assessment of research department and its classifcations 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, IL
Intern, Electronic Products Group June 2005-Oct 2005
Created and administered software databases designed to increase communication and efciency 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, IL
Circulation 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-present
Received 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 Afairs
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 Polish
MS 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 ve. 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, procient, and uent.
If it is a dead language, then instead of
conversant write beginner.
Computer skills: Usually use terms like
experienced, procient, and expert
knowledge.
Sally Smith
smith@uchicago.edu
School Address: Permanent Address:
5412 S. University Ave. 123 Main Street
Chicago, IL 60637 Stevens Point, WI 54481
(773) 555-7864 (715) 456-2222
EDUCATION
The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts, expected June 2014
Enrolled 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 2007
Honors Included: Presidents Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Special Corporate National Merit
Scholarship sponsored by Pfzer, Inc., and National Council of Teachers of English Nomination for Excellence in Writing
EXPERIENCE
Joseph Regenstein Library, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Serials Assistant, October 2007 present
Guide patrons through the newly-implemented online cataloging system
Locate and check out books, audio-visual equipment, and microfche for patrons
Shelve returned books accurately and effciently
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Assistant 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 fnancing and urban health
Collaborate with team to plan two-day conference for more than 1,500 high school students
President, 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 strategies
Vice 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 week
Captain, 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 year
Member, Spanish Club, SPASH High School, 2003 2007
SKILLS
Computer: Profcient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as HyperStudio and Adobe Photoshop; Basic
knowledge of HTML
Language: Profcient in reading and writing Spanish
Certifcations: Adult and Infant CPR
INTERESTS
Digital 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 arent qualications 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.