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W r i t i n g A S ta n d o u t R e s u m e
W H AT I S A R E S U M E ́ ?
A resume is your personal marketing tool, whether you
are applying for an internship, job, or graduate school.
Its purpose is to promote your unique combination
of education, experiences, skills, qualifications, and
activities; grab the reader’s attention; and generate an
interview.
Writing a resume is an art form, not a science. There is
no one way to write your resume, only guidelines and
best practices. Your resume is not so much about you,
but more about how you, your talents, and experiences
match the organization’s needs or requirements. You may
want to compose several versions tailored specifically
for different opportunities, positions, industries, and
organizations.
G E T S TA RT E D
Personal File – Brainstorm and collect information for
a personal file that includes projects that demonstrate
academic excellence and skill competencies; awards
and honors; accomplishments; leadership information;
performance reviews; clubs and organization memberships
and activities; volunteer work; and other documents and
data. You may want to refer to this file when writing the
resume, as well as when building your portfolio.
Drafting the Resume – To help you build your resume,
use our interactive tool OptimalResume, which can be
found on the Career Development Center’s homepage at
www.loyno.edu/careerservices. This program will guide
you through the resume-building process: providing
different strategies, offering lots of examples, helping you
personalize the document, and storing multiple copies of
your resume on the Internet for safe keeping. After creating
your resume in OptimalResume, you can download it into
a Word document for even more personalization and
design options. The program also offers tools for writing
cover letters, web-based resumes, and video resumes,
as well as ways to practice interviewing skills.
Getting Support – After creating your resume in
OptimalResume, we recommend you make an appointment
with a career coach or come to our walk-in hours for a
one-on-one review.
D E L I V E R Y O P T I O N S A N D F I L E S AV I N G
Naming Your File – Make filing your e-mailed resume
easy on the recipient. Include your name and possibly
some information on the opportunity in the document’s
file name, e.g. “resume_MPorter_biochemist.” A common
complaint of recruiters is that they receive file names
with another organization’s name on it, e.g. “resume_
kpmg” when it was sent to DeLoitte & Touche.
PDFs – Consider converting your document into a PDF
for any Internet-based posting or e-mailing. This will
protect it from formatting mishaps and tampering.
Most newer Word programs and Mac computers offer
PDF conversion in the print options. If you don’t have
PDF capability on your computer, there are several free
programs available on-line.
E-mailing – E-mail your resume and cover letter as
one or two attachments. If you did not convert your
documents into PDFs, test your resume by sending it to
several friends to make sure the formatting survives the
World Wide Web and different computer settings.
In the body of the e-mail, type a brief note explaining
that you have attached a cover letter and resume. Also
include your phone number and e-mail address for
them to contact you should there be a problem with the
attachments. Do not make this simple e-mail another
cover letter.
In the subject line, state some directional information
so the recipient will know it is a safe document to open,
e.g. “resume _public relations assistant.”
Mailing or Hand-Delivering – If you are hand-
delivering or mailing your resume through the postal
service, use good quality, cotton paper in white or cream.
This can be found at Loyola’s bookstore, an office supply
store, and most stationary stores. Most good quality
papers have a watermark; make sure yours is in the
correct position with the printed copy of your resume.
Many recruiters look at this to see if you have an eye
for detail.
Use the same paper for the resume, cover letter,
reference page, thank you notes, and all interviewing
correspondence. Send hard-copy resumes in large
9x12-inch, flat envelopes (white ones work best,
especially if your paper is white) with the send to and
return addresses typed onto white or clear labels.
 Philip Des Gravelles
1234 Calhoun Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 � (504) 555-1680 � Desgravelles86@loyno.edu Audry Allain
2304 Sho rt S treet, Kenn er, LA 70062 • (504 )555-9706 • aa lla in@ loyno.edu

ACADEMIC / RESEARCH INTEREST

Immunology and Nutrition
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION � Marketing and management graduate with experience in direct sales and training employees
Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA � Strong interest in business-to-business sales, relationship building, and consumer behavior
Bachelor of Science anticipated December 2008 � Time management skills developed by working full-time during most of academic career
Major: Biology � Eager to learn and participate in professional development
GPA: 3.858 � Meticulous and very organized
� Honors: Dean's List, five semesters; Beta Beta Beta, biological honor society; and Alpha
Sigma Nu, honor society of Jesuit institutions of higher education EDUCATION
� Relevant Coursework: 34 hours of biology, including Cells and Heredity, Anatomy and Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA
Physiology, Genetic Analysis, and Immunization; eight hours of chemistry, including Organic I Bachelor of Business Administration December 2007
and II; eight hours of physics, including General Physics I and II � Double Major: Management and Marketing
� Service Learning: served on a medical mission to Mexico for one month � Dean’s List
� National Scholars’ Honor Society
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
L. Thibodaux, R. Landry, and P. Des Gravelles, “The Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Vegetarian RELEVANT PROJECTS AND COURSEWORK
Cultures,” the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology and Medical Journal, 2007, 59 Consumer Analysis and Research Contemporary Management and Decision Making
3965-3999 Marketing Research Advanced Business Communications
Global Marketing Entrepreneurship and New Ventures
“Early Signs of Lupus in Mayan Children,” presented at national meeting, American Society for Nutritional
Sciences, Dallas, Texas, March 2006 • Market Analysis and Marketing Plan: Composed a comprehensive plan for Kate Spade handbags
• Marketing Plan: Generated marketing plan for Garden Lane Assisted Living
RELATED EXPERIENCE
• Business Plan: Created and developed business plan for VIP Travel Corporation
National Institutes of Health Atlanta, GA
Research Intern Summer 2008
EXPERIENCE
� Worked side-by-side performing research on Grave’s disease with renowned immunologist,
Telecom Media Sales New Orleans, LA
Dr. Perry Reardon of Emory University Medical Center
Local Sales Manager Summer 2008
� Attended weekly lectures on medical research topics by internationally respected physicians
� Broke company-wide sales record by 32% (previous record was set in 1997)
� Participated in semi-weekly lunch discussion groups facilitated with other research interns
� Sold almost $108,000 in print media ads in less than three months
Touro Infirmary New Orleans, LA � Exceeded Loyola’s sales goals by 67% and Tulane’s by 21%
Emergency Room Medical Assistant Summer 2007 � Completed an average of more than 30 direct sales calls per day
� Assisted with taking histories and vital signs during triage � Won numerous regional incentive contests: i.e. Battle of the Sexes, Add-on Sales, Color Sales, Big
� Observed physicians during procedures and family consultations Easy vs. Big Cheesy
� Transported patients to laboratories, x-ray, and hospital rooms � Developed most leads independently
� Helped stock medical supply inventory
Houston’s Restaurant Metairie, LA
Internal Medicine Specialists Kenner, LA Server December 2006 to present
Medical Assistant Summer 2006 � Execute the superior standard of service that drives this thriving company
� Communicated phone messages from patients to physicians � Maintain these standards through voluntary participation in weekly meetings designed to improve
� Took blood pressure and temperature of patients customer service relations
� Transmitted doctors’ orders to labs, medial facilities, and vendors � Recognized for accuracy and attention for detail
� Set patients’ appointments
Byblos Restaurant Metairie, LA
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND LEADERSHIP Certified Trainer, Hostess, Server, and Bartender April 2005 to December 2006
Loyola University Health Professionals Organization, member � Taught training seminars and provided on-site training to new employees
Medical Mission Aid Society, secretary � Practiced working in high-energy, high-stress environments
� Provided excellent customer service
ACTIVITIES
Sigma Alpha Kappa, social fraternity, member ACTIVITIES
Loyola Intramural Golf, member Delta Sigma Pi, professional business fraternity, member, pledge class president
American Marketing Association, member
Financial Management Association, member: assisted with fundraising ideas to send team to national conference
 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118
Matthew Rhodes Lillian Guillot (303) 555-5135 § LoyolaLilli@gmail.com

300 La Sall e Ct., Ne w Orleans, LA 70118 � (625) 555-6523 � marhodes@loyno.edu

EDUCATION
Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA
Bachelor of Arts, Honors Program expected May 2010
OBJECTIVE Double Major: Political Science and International Business Minor: French
To bring proven teaching, research, and language skills to the Wilson School and help in the Current GPA: 3.163
rebuilding of New Orleans’ educational system in a post-Katrina environment. Will contribute to
the students’ and school’s success with excellent communication, leadership, and teambuilding HONORS AND AWARDS
skills. Outstanding Service to the Loyola Honors Program Award 2006

Regional Policy Debate Tournament, winner 2006

EDUCATION
Loyola University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA Model United Nations Outstanding Delegate Award 2004
Bachelor of Arts May 2008
� Major: Spanish Minor: Biology Federal Bureau of Investigations Recruitment Conference Washington, D.C., January 2007
Chosen as one of 20 nationwide to attend recruitment event at FBI headquarters.
� Major GPA: 3.76, Cumulative GPA: 3.46, Dean’s List, three semesters
� Sigma Delta Pi , Spanish honor society: Secretary, E-board Officer Baylor University’s Youth Theological Initiative Waco, TX, Summer 2005
� Study Abroad: University of Navarre, Navarre, Spain Selected as one of 53 students in the U.S.A. to study theologies, religions and philosophies in conjunction with
public policy. Received full scholarship for attendance in the institute. Aided the program coordinators with
EXPERIENCE research.
Loyola University Annual Fund New Orleans, LA
LEADERSHIP
Student Associate February 2006 to present Loyola Honors Program Executive Board, Freshman Representative 2006 to present
� Made fundraising calls during the annual phone-a-thon for the university Mediate between honors students and honors program advisor, plan intellectual and cultural opportunities for
� Regularly exceeded shift goals; one night personally raised almost $2,500 (avg. approx. students, consult regarding curriculum selection.
$1,500)
� Built rapport with alumni, sharing updates about university and strategies post-Katrina Loyola Student Library Advisory Committee, Freshmen Representative 2006 to present
Advise the dean of the library on materials to add and actions that should be taken to meet students’ needs and
maintain the library’s ranking as one of the 10 Best in the Nation (Princeton Review).
LSU Health Sciences New Orleans, LA
Research Intern Summer 2008 Alpha Chi Omega, social sorority, Membership Chair 2006 to present
� Conducted surveys on post-Katrina, public health needs Lead chapter to a 20% increase in pledges over previous year. Organize recruitment activities. Make assignments
� Compiled 200 source bibliography using Excel matrix to members. Produce outcomes documents for university’s Panhellenic Council and Alpha Chi Omega’s national
board.

Loyola University Biology Lab New Orleans, LA SERVICE EXPERIENCE

Assistant Fall 2006 Hispanic Apostolate, Volunteer New Orleans, LA, 2005 to present
� Oversaw equipment upkeep and safety Teach English as a second language to Latin American immigrants.
� Assisted students with cellular-molecular experiments
World Affairs Council of New Orleans, Student Volunteer New Orleans, LA, Fall 2007
Maintained organization’s website. Assisted with event planning and promotions, including identification of guest
Camp Natawa Big Sandy, TX speakers and promoting events on Tulane and Loyola campuses.
Counselor Summers 2006 and 2007
� Managed the care and safety of 36 teen campers EXPERIENCE
� Taught activities to campers, including archery and diving Loyola Admissions Office, Ambassador New Orleans, LA, 2006 to present
Assist with communication between the university and prospective students, give speeches (large and small groups),
� Communicated regularly with campers’ parents throughout the summer direct campus tours, answer questions, and help differentiate Loyola from other universities.

Self-employment New Orleans, LA Sacred Heart High School, French Teacher’s Assistant New Orleans, LA, Spring 2008
Tutor Spring 2006 Helped teach French to more than 40 female students. Graded papers, tutored individually, and lead class.
� Provided academic assistance to a 15-year-old biology student
More than two years’ experience providing customer service, sales, financial transactions, and opening/closing
duties (deposits, organization, etc.) at retail stores.
ACTIVITIES
Dean’s Student Advisory Council, Student Representative for Modern Foreign Languages
Loyola University Sailing, Team Member
Phi Kappa Psi (social fraternity), Treasure and V.P. of Education
Loyola Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Vice President and Secretary
 C o m m o n R e s u m e M i s ta k e s
Inappropriate E-mail Addresses
– If your e-mail address is
sweetcheeks1558@hotmail.com, it is time
to create a professional identity. If you
are e-mailing your resume or posting it on
a webpage, keep your e-mail address in
a hyperlink; if you are using a hard-copy
resume, remove the hyperlink.
Misuse of Capital Letters – Capitalize
proper nouns, initials, acronyms, headings,
titles of publications, and a sentence (not
a fragment or list) after a colon. If you do
not remember the rules of proper nouns,
we recommend you review some style
books. Here are two samples to consider
for correct usage of capitalization:
Job Titles: If the title is part of the
person’s name, it is capitalized.
•Prepared PowerPoint presentations
for the president of the company.
•Wrote biographical pieces on
President Carter and President Sadat
for the trade summit.
Courses: If speaking about the formal
name of a course it is capitalized.
•Learned about juvenile delinquent
behavior in a criminal justice course.
•Honed skills in critical writing and
analysis in Criminal Procedure.
Incorrect Formatting of Numerals – If
the number is nine or less, spell it out; for
10 and up, you may use numerals. This,
of course, does not apply to GPA, street
numbers, and such.
Incorrect Verb Voice and Tense – Use
active voice and action verbs. You can
find a long list of action verbs inside the
OptimalResume program. Ensure verb
tenses are correct to the timeframe that
you are documenting.
Typos – If you are sloppy on your resume,
the reader has the right to assume your
work for the organization will be the
same. Use Spell Check and ask friends,
professors, family members, etc. to read
the documents again and again. However,
be wary of Spell Check; this resource is not
always correct and does not catch correct
spellings of the incorrect word. Consider
the possible errors with “there, they’re,
and their.” Additionally when making edits,
always recheck the document. Formatting
errors and misspellings can occur easily
when you change a section.
Being Too General – Speak in specific
details regarding experiences and
accomplishments; use terms that are
meaningful to the organization.
Not Using Numbers – Whenever it is
possible support skills, experiences, and
achievements with numbers. Numbers
provide tangibility to your claims and link
the theoretical to the practical.
Not Knowing the Vernacular – Use
the language of the industry. This makes
your resume easy to scan for keywords,
but lets the reader know you understand
the industry.
Lazy Writing – E-mailing, text
messaging, and writing on e-walls have
trained us all to become lazy, informal
writers. Remember this is a formal,
marketing document; avoid lazy writing.
Beware of the following:
•Ampersands: The “&” symbol is an
ampersand. Use it in the proper name
of a group or other proper title; do not
use it in lieu of “and.” “Sanford & Sons”
is correct. “Crawfish, shrimp, & crab”
is not.
•Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initials:
Use these with great caution; not only
is it lazy writing, but you are assuming
your reader will know what they mean.
•And/or: Often when this is used, we mean
one or the other. Use more powerful
language and clearer sentences.
Inconsistent Bullets – Either create
bullets with no punctuation or with
periods; just be consistent throughout the
document.
Listing References – Do not add
“References Available” or your references’
contact information. Instead create
a reference sheet with full contact
information (See Strategic References
handout for more information). Bring this
document to the interview; only send this
sheet with your resume if it is requested
in the application.
Using Hyperboles – Do not use overly
effusive language or make claims you
cannot prove.
Parallel Construction – Carefully
review your verb tenses, style choices,
spacing, tabs, and other formatting for
consistency.
Pronouns – Resumes are written with an
understood “I.” Avoid pronouns.
Not Knowing Your Audience – Ensure
the style of your resume fits the industry
and organization you are targeting.
AUTHORED BY JAN MOPPERT - DESIGN BY LAUREN NAVARRO
Using High School Information – Do
not list high school information, even if you
graduated from a school that has cachet
or a powerful alumni network. There are
other ways to optimize this relationship.
There are a few exceptions, but typically
only if you accomplished something
extraordinary in high school, such as
“winner of National Debate Tournament”
or you received experience in your select
field.
Personal Information – Do not list
anything that could put the employer in
any sort of Equal Employment Opportunity
trouble. This includes age, marital status,
sexual orientation, family information,
health, ethnicity, and religious affiliation.
Never list your social security number,
bank information, or other private
information.
Not Understanding Resume Practices
in a Different Country – Resume
guidelines and protocols vary by country.
If you are sending your resume outside of
the United States, visit our website and
go to GOINGGLOBAL for information on
international resumes.
Forcing a Resume to One Page – Most
students’ resumes will be one page.
However, if you make a compelling case
to read more than one page and you’ve
used your white space well, the reader will
read more than one. Very few students
are able to make a compelling case, so try
to get yours to one page.
Poor Use of Resume Real Estate –
Utilize your white space well; the resume
should be attractive and easy to scan. Be
very mindful not to extend your margins
too far or use too small a font (recommend
a 10 to 12-point font). Also avoid style
elements that make the page lopsided or
the resume look like one big column down
the middle.
Over Design – Do not hide weak
content with too much design. Also
some formatting may be lost in scanning
software, fax machines, and with older
versions of Word. Do not bold, all cap,
and italicize the same word or phrase; this
is screaming. One, maybe two, emphatic
design elements should work for the same
word or phrase. Color is not appropriate
on your resume, unless you are applying
to a position in the arts or other creative
industry.