Introduction.
Learning how to write a professional resume is one of the most useful skills that you can have. You should always think of a resume as a way to advertise yourself and the skills that you possess while also highlighting your best character traits and why you would be a good fit for the position or scholarship that you desire.
This might come as a surprise, but learning how to create a professional resume is the first step towards achieving a scholarship and getting into your favorite university.
This is why today we want to present a couple of guidelines that everyone needs to follow when creating a resume. Not just that, but we will also go over some great resume examples that you can modify and make them your own. Without any further ado, let’s get into it.
Basic Guidelines
As previously mentioned, your resume will reflect how much of a hard worker you are and what skills you possess. However, no one will get to read that information if you don’t follow a couple of basic guidelines that will ensure your resume stands out and looks professional. Here are the rules:
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Don’t use too much information
Even though this guideline might seem counter intuitive, you should still avoid introducing too much information. This is the biggest mistake that you will find in resumes or scholarship letters and it can be simply avoided by sticking to the point.
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Template and Fonts
Obviously, you want your resume to look professional and this is why you need to stay away from crazy templates or fonts such as Comic Sans. This is why we are advising everyone to keep things simple and formal.
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Good Grammar Is Essential
You will never make a good impression on the interviewer or scholarship provider if you don’t use good grammar. Just make sure that your resume is “bulletproof” by proofreading it a couple of times before you mail it.
Examples
Now that we have checked out the three most essential guidelines when writing a resume, let’s get to the fun part and see some amazing examples that you can easily modify.
#1 Example
Amanda Student
123 College Street
State College, PA 12345
(123) 456-7890
amanda.student@school.edu
ADVERTISING PROFESSIONAL
Developing creative ad campaigns that meet clients’ goals
People person experienced at selling advertising and working on all aspects of successful campaigns.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ABC COMMUNICATIONS, New York, NY
SUMMER INTERN (June 2018—August 2018)
Partnered with design intern to create and execute two sell sheets, one print ad, and one postcard. Wrote radio script submitted with campaign proposal and assisted in other writing assignments.
Notable Accomplishment:
- Awarded Best Campaign of competing teams
123 COFFEE SHOP, State College, Pa.
SHIFT SUPERVISOR/BARISTA (May 2016—Present)
Train new employees, open and close store, handle sales, build positive customer relationships, design promotional fliers for company events, and help maintain store web page.
XYZ RESTAURANT, Washington, D.C.
SERVER/HOSTESS/EXPEDITER/BUSSER (May 2014—August 2015)
Provided prompt service for more than 75 customers per shift.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
STATE UNIVERSITY, State College, Pa.
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising; Minor: Spanish; GPA: 3.35, anticipated in May 2019
Notable Accomplishments:
- Dean’s List: Fall 2017, Spring 2018
- Awarded Best Advertising Campaign Proposal for Health Committee, State University, Spring 2017
Certifications:
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Information Technology Skills:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- ADP / Workforce Now
- HRMS
#2 Example
Name. First and last.
Phone Number. List just one.
Professional Email. No spongebobnopants127789@hotmail.com. Try something more pro-level like john.doe@gmail.com
Social Media. LinkedIn, GitHub, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest? Just pick the one or two with the best evidence you fit the job. Don’t include any if you use them to only share dank memes. We love ‘em, employers don’t.
Personal Website. Got a portfolio site? Write for a blog that shows you know the job? That’s gold on a resume for teenagers. Add it.
#3 Example
Kenneth Applicant
8907 Greentree Avenue
Louisville, KY 40201
email@email.com (000) 123-4567 (cell)
ACCOUNTANT PROFILE
Highly analytical and detail-oriented emerging professional, poised to excel within entry-level Accounting role requiring strong mathematical and organizational acumen.
- Accounting: Well-studied in financial and managerial accounting, tax preparation, variance analysis, and FASB / GAAP best practices.
- Information Technology: Adept in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel macros), QuickBooks, Turbo Tax, NetSuite, and Concur.
- Communications: Communicate well both orally and in writing, effectively explaining complicated financial data to clients and stakeholders.
- Key Strengths: Work well both independently and as a dedicated team member. Natural and proactive problem-solver, diligently reviewing work products to identify and eliminate errors.
EDUCATION
BSBA in Accountancy (May 2018); 3.79 GPA UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, Louisville, KY
Dean’s List; Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society; Agnes Avery Accounting Scholarship; Accounting Society Secretary
EXPERIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, Louisville, KY
Student ~ Accountancy, 09/2014-06/2018
Completed comprehensive studies in Accountancy. Completed coursework included: Advanced Accounting Problems, Advanced Managerial Cost Accounting, Auditing Theory and Practice, Advanced Taxation, and Advanced Accounting Information Systems. Accounting co-op experiences:
- Bardstown Physicians Associates(Spring 2016): Performed accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger accounting for physicians’ business office.
- German Manufacturing(Spring 2017): Honed expertise in payroll accounting for a 700-member workforce.
- Stengel Enterprises(Winter 2018): Helped senior accountant and CPA to compile financial and tax records during IRS audit.
OFFICE SUPPLIES CO., Louisville, KY
Seasonal Retail Sales Consultant, Summers 2016 and 2017
Provided attentive customer service to patrons of high-volume office supply store. Helped customers with product selection, stocked shelves, and operated point-of-sale system.
Key Achievements:
- Earned “Most Valued Associate” two summers in a row.
- Rehired by management in recognition of punctuality, attention to detail, and excellent work ethic.