Resume Writing: Section by Section Approach
A section by section approach is the best way to write your resume. By focusing on each section separately, you will think about every aspect of your high school and college education and experience.
By listing information in resume sections, you (and those reading your resume) will recognize the significance of everything you’ve done. Don’t worry if you have little or nothing to write for certain sections. Include whatever information you can now. Then get busy! Find activities and courses that appeal to you and are worth adding to your resume.
Example Section Order for Recent Graduates:
SECTION 1 – CONTACT INFORMATION
SECTION 2 – JOB OBJECTIVE
SECTION 3 – EDUCATION and ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
SECTION 4 – WORK EXPERIENCE
SECTION 5 – ACTIVITIES and AWARDS
SECTION 6 – VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
SECTION 7 – SKILLS
SECTION 8 – INTERESTS Le adership and Career Development, Miss Mann 2013
Section 1: Contact Information
Contact Information is designed to catch the attention of the employer. It is always the first section on a resume and should always include your signature name, home address, email address, and phone number.
ü Show your creativity by choosing a font style and size that matches your personality.
ü Font Size for your name should be large enough to allow the name to “jump off the page”.
ü Font size for the home address, email address, and phone number should be small (between 10-12)
ü Utilize features such as Bold, CAPS, Italic s , and Underline
ü Choose whether you want your information to be Left, Right, or Center Aligned.
ü Always list an appropriate email address!
Jonathan Hughes
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
/412-873-3812
Jonathan J. Hughes
128 Pleasant Hills Email:
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-873-3812
Jonathan James Hughes
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219//412-873-3812
Jon Hughes
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219//412-873-3812
JONATHAN J. HUGHES
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
/412-873-3812
Jonathan J. Hughes
128 Pleasant Hills
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-873-3812
JONATHAN JAMES HUGHES
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219//412-873-3812
Jonathan Hughes
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219//412-873-15219
Jon J. Hughes___________________________
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
412-873-1521
Section 2: Job Objective
The job objective is the only sentence on the resume and the purpose is to clearly explain to the employer WHY you want the job. When writing your objective, use phrases that relate to the actual job you’re applying for – the descriptions you found during your job search. Try also to work in your best skills, if they apply to that job. Even if you have had little paid work experience, you can still select words that high-light volunteer or educational experiences in which you developed useful skills. Above all, when working on your objective, be positive!
ü Do not use the word “I”.
ü List the specific field and/or position.
ü List the name of the company
ü List one or two skills you have that make you qualified for the position.
ü Never exceed more than two sentences in length.
JOB OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position as a Nurse in the field of Pediatrics at Mercy Hospital using my compassion for others, communication and conflict resolution skills, and my BSN degree from the University of Pittsburgh nursing program.
Career Objective: To become a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School in order to strengthen families and enable communities through education and application and to be part of the faculty in a SMART Showcase school.
OBJECTIVE: Desire position as Social Activities Coordinator at Manor Care Nursing Facility using my home care physical and occupational training experience, my communication skills, and my organizational proficiency.
Objective:
To contribute to a powerful global competitor, Westinghouse Electric Company, as a Nuclear Engineer with a clear vision to be a part of the leading nuclear company worldwide while using my BSN degree from the University of Pittsburgh and my internship experience.
Section 3: Education and/or Achievements
The education section is listed after the objective to show employers the steps you have taken to become qualified for the career. This section will give employers an understanding of your motivation and determination to succeed. Always list the most recent education first. Do not list your high school when completing a career resume unless the job you are applying for is directly linked to that high school.
ü List most recent school first
ü Include City and State of school
ü List Major and/or Degree Earned
ü Only list GPA if it is a 3.0 or higher
ü I recommend using bullets to separate your information.
Education and Achievements
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PA Fall 2009 – Spring 2013
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
§ Cumulative Grade Point Average: 4.0
§ Graduated Summa Cum Laude
§ Provost Scholar
§ Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Member
o Must be in the top 5% of your graduating class
Education
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Expected to Graduate Spring 2013
GPA: 3.2
Special Courses: Accounting I, II
Management
Economics
German I, II, III, IV
American Red Cross, Cranberry, PA
Lifeguard Training, 2012
CPR Training, 2012
EDUCATION:
Seneca Valley School District, Harmony, PA
§ Expected to Graduate in June 2013
§ GPA: 3.0
Academic Honors
§ Voted best speaker, English Class 2012
§ Raider Award, 2011
o Teacher selected award for outstanding students
EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Master of Science in Nursing 2009-Present
· Expect to Graduate June 2013
· GPA: 3.8
Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2005-2009
· GPA: 3.8
· Summa cum Laude graduate
Education and Awards
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA Fall 2009 – Present
o Master of Science in Forensic Science
o GPA: 3.75
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA Fall 2005 – Spring 2009
o Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
o GPA: 3.50
o Graduated Magna Cum Laude
o Provost Scholar
Section 4 : Work Experience
Usually, you wouldn’t include any job you held for less than six months. However, if you are still in school or finished recently, you probably don’t have long-term jobs to list. So go ahead and include all your work experience, even short-term employment. Having work experience allows you to demonstrate the following:
- Type of skills and industry experience
- Level of responsibility and capability
- Ability to communicate and work with others
- Ability to handle multiple tasks
- Interest in helping pay for personal expenses (personal motivation and responsibility)
ü Include the place of employment, city and state
ü Be sure to list the dates you were employed (Present to Past)
ü Describe your position and responsibilities
WORK EXPERIENCE
Erie Insurance, Pittsburgh, PA Summer 2012
Office-Assistant – Utilized PC with Windows and Microsoft Word to produce correspondence and policy-holder reports. Answered telephone, screened calls, and took detailed messages.
Researched customer inquiries.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Professor’s Assistant, University of Pittsburgh, PA 2010 – Present
· Responsible for presentations to incoming students in engineering major
· Answer telephone and assist wherever needed
Intern, Westinghouse Electric Company, Pittsburgh, PA 2012 - Present
· Completed the nuclear technology and engineering training programs
· Provide fuel, services, technology, plant design, and equipment to utility and industrial customers
Work Experience
Teacher’s Aide, Seneca Valley School District, Harmony, PA Part-Time, 2009 – Present
v Assist teachers with afterschool activities of 35 second-grade students.
v Plan activities and program materials.
v Provide one-on-one and group instruction and stories.
v Created a mini-theater activity involving student actors using their imaginative ideas for the play.
Server, Montour Country Club, Robinson, PA Summer of 2007, 2008
v Greeted Families
v Placed and Delivered Orders
v Calculated Checks
Section 5 : Activities
Activities can give you valuable exposure to future careers. For example, participating in the Forensics club could lead to a law or political career; participating in Future Teachers of America could lead to a career in education; or being active in sports could lead to a future career in coaching or athletics. These activities may give you an advantage when applying for jobs in your field of interest.
Through your high school and college activities, employers will determine your characteristics and skills. For example, these activities indicate certain qualities:
§ Sports: leadership, competitive, team player, meets schedules, performs under pressure
§ Theater and Public Speaking: communication skills, ability to work with others, articulate.
§ Journalism/Yearbook/Poetry: writing, research, editing, interviewing skills, meets deadlines
ü List all of your principal activities including sports and clubs.
ü Always list dates and list the most recent activities first
ü Include the positions held, dates you participated, and a description for each.
ü Combine the ‘Honors’ section with the ‘Activities’ section if you do not have many to list
Activities
Key Club President, Seneca Valley School District, PA, 2011 - Present
· 100 hours of community service each school year
· Responsible for 100+ students
· Activities include feeding the homeless, visiting senior citizens and decorating nursing homes during Christmas, planting trees and gardening
ARIN Adult Literacy Tutor, Cranberry Township, PA, 2011
· Responsible for teaching Reading, Math, Science, and Writing (57 hours)
Track and Field, Seneca Valley School District, PA, 2005 – 2010
· Developed team work, problem-solving, and leadership skills
· 1st Place 100m Sprint, 2010
Sports and Clubs
Ski Club, Seneca Valley School District, PA 2009 – Present
§ Participant and Member
§ Traveled to various ski resorts to participate in skiing and snow-boarding
§ Learned how to organize activities and trips
Varsity Football, Seneca Valley School District, PA 2010 - Present
§ Wide Receiver
§ Demonstrated leadership, determination, willingness to succeed
§ Learned conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
§ Most Valued Player, 2008
Section 6 : Volunteer Experience
ü List all of your principal community service hours
ü Always list dates and list the most recent volunteer work first
ü Include a description for each
ü If you have only volunteered at one may it may be beneficial to combine your volunteer hours with your activities section
Community Service
Camp Counselor, The Woodlands Foundation, Wexford, PA 2010 – Present
§ 30 hours helping children with Spinal Bifida participate in activities such as golfing, swimming, and camping.
§ Supervised play and lunch for more than ten children ages 7 to 14.
§ Organized and facilitated camping trips.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA 2010 – Present
Candy Striper - Responsible for transporting wheelchair-bound patients,
handling basic medical tasks, answering phones, and filing papers in hospital recovery room.
Northway Christian Community Church, Wexford, PA 2008 – 2010
Babysitter - Supervised children ages one to six during church services.
Volunteer Experience
Pittsburgh Food Pantry, Pittsburgh, PA 2009 – Present
o Assisted with activities of nonprofit service organization, including office duties, inventory, direct mail distribution, and fund-raising.
o Responded to telephone inquiries regarding needs and services.
Section 7 : Skills (Hard and Soft)
Employers are looking for employees who possess specific skills. If you have space on your resume it would be beneficial to include a list of the skills you possess.
You should include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are skills that can be observed such as the ability to speak another language, play a musical instrument, build a computer or use computer software.
Soft skills are skills that can be proven over time or with references from others. Soft skills include being creative, patient, compassionate. Other skills include leadership, problem-solving and communication.
***Do not actually write “hard” and “soft” skills. Just label it as skills or qualifications.
SKILLS
· Proficient in Microsoft Office
· Programming Computers
· Flexible
· Determined
· Quick-learner
· Work well under pressure
Section 8 : Interests
An interests section is important if you have the space on your resume. This section allows you to show the employer your passions outside of work. Record only those that have a relationship to your job/career objective, qualifications, or educational background and achievements. If your skill at golf has nothing to do with the job you want, don’t put it on your resume. If you’re having trouble making your resume fit on one page, you can leave out all personal interests to make room for more important information.
ü Make sure your interests are appropriate!
INTERESTS
· Building computers
· Planning vacations
· Playing the guitar
· Running marathons
· Designing….
· Creating….
Resume Reminders:
ü Keep it short. Only one page in length.
ü No more than two font styles. No smaller than size 10.
ü Include accurate personal data. Update every 6 months.
ü Select and contact all references before you complete your resume. Do not include these names on the resume. Simply type “References available upon request” at the bottom of the resume.
ü Proofread carefully!
ü Aim for quality appearance. Use resume paper and a laser printer. Do not ever send an employer a resume that has blurred or faded ink.
ü Make extra resume copies. You can distribute these at career fairs.
What does a completed resume look like?
Jonathan James Hughes
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
412-873-3812
JOB OBJECTIVE _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To obtain a position as a server at Bravo’s restaurant using my hard work ethic, time-management, communication and conflict resolution skills.
EDUCATION _______________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Seneca Valley School District, Harmony, PA 2009 - Present
o Expected to Graduate in June 2013
o GPA: 3.0
Academic Honors
o Voted best speaker, English Class 2012
o Raider Award, 2011
o Teacher selected award for outstanding students
ACTIVITIES______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Varsity Football, Seneca Valley School District, PA 2008 - Present
o Wide Receiver
o Demonstrated leadership, determination, willingness to succeed
o Learned conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
o Most Valued Player, 2008
Ski Club, Seneca Valley School District, PA 2009 – Present
o Participant and Member
o Traveled to various ski resorts to participate in skiing and snow-boarding
o Learned how to organize activities and trips
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pittsburgh Food Pantry, Pittsburgh, PA 2009 – Present
o Assisted with activities of nonprofit service organization, including office duties, inventory, direct mail distribution, and fund-raising
o Responded to telephone inquiries regarding needs and services
SKILLS___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
o Proficient in Microsoft Office
o Excellent communication, conflict-resolution, and leadership skills
o Quick-learner
INTERESTS______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
o Working evening or weekend hours
o Interacting with the public and community members
o Being part of a team and developing professional skills
*Excellent references available upon request.*
JONATHAN HUGHES
128 Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219//412-873-3812
JOB OBJECTIVE:
To contribute to a powerful global competitor, Westinghouse Electric Company, as a Nuclear Engineer with a clear vision to be a part of the leading nuclear company worldwide while using my BSN degree from the University of Pittsburgh and my internship experience.
EDUCATION:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 2009 - Present
· Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering
· Expect to Graduate in June 2013
· GPA: 3.6
WORK EXPERIENCE