WHAT IS A RESUME?
A resume is a summary of your experience and skills as they pertain to employment goals. Effective resumes:
• Emphasize relevant accomplishments and potential contributions to an organization
• Focus on the skills and requirements necessary for a specific job
• Are concise, well-organized, and error free
• Are easy to read and grab the reader's attention in 30-seconds
KEY TIPS
▶ Format
• Appropriate length is 1-page, with 1-inch margins. Margins can be made narrow, to 0.5, if needed.
• 11-12 point font with an easy to read font style, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or Garamond.
▶ Write a targeted resume
• Use your target job description
to uncover specific needs and industry buzzwords. If your resume includes
language and skills from the job description it is more likely to be selected.
• Targeting your resume with keywords from the job description is especially important as employers often use
Applicant Tracking Systems to first scan your resume and filter job applicants.
▶ Organization
• Key sections to include: Education, Experience, Skills, Leadership or Involvement (see examples on reverse).
• Include name and contact info at the top of the resume, typically followed by Objective or Education section.
• List experiences in reverse chronological order within each section (i.e. most recent experience first).
▶ Write accomplishment statements (bullet form is recommended)
• In Experience section(s), statements should focus on accomplishments. Avoid generic, vague statements.
• Do not use first-person pronouns (I, me, my) or articles (a, an, the). See the Writing Accomplishment
Statements Worksheet:
GET STARTED
1. Self-evaluation. Self-evaluate and identify what you should include and what you can omit in your resume. Use
the Self-Evaluation Worksheet to brainstorm and match your experiences to a particular job description.
2. Write your first draft, revise, then get feedback. Use the examples (see reverse) to guide your first draft. Read
each section over carefully and be sure you have effectively conveyed the skills you
wish to emphasize. Proofread
for spelling, capitalization or punctuation errors. Have your resume critiqued at the Career Center.
3. Create multiple versions. You may need to have multiple versions of your resume for different industries or
positions. Keep an updated master document with all your experiences so that you can pull from it as needed.
4. Save in multiple formats. When submitting as an email attachment or uploading through an online application,
send the resume as a PDF to avoid formatting issues and save the file as yourname.pdf. You may also wish to
convert the document to a text-only/non-formatted version suitable for copying into applications.
How to Write a Résume
Self-Ev
aluation Worksheet:
Resume/Cover Letter/Interview Prep
It is crucial to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your qualifications that are relevant for each position you
apply for to increase your chances of getting an interview. This worksheet can help you self-evaluate and identify what
you should include and what you can omit. It can also help you improve your effectiveness and success at job fairs and in
interviews by helping you anticipate questions to communicate your relevant background to employers. See completed
example on next page.
Responsibilities, Duties, Required Skills and
Experience
(for the job you are applying for)
Your Related Experience
(work experience, internships, class projects,
student organizations, technical skills, etc.)
Self-Ev
aluation Worksheet: Complete Example
Responsibilities, Duties, Required Skills and
Experience
(taken from a job posting description for a Medical
Assistant position)
Your Related Experience
(taken from work experience, internships, class
projects, student organizations, skills, etc.)
Affinity for people; can establish rapport with patients
3 years customer service experience
Volunteer greeter at hospital
Commitment to team and strong worth ethic
2 years on leadership team for Holistic Health Club
as Treasurer
Team presentations for classes
Schedule patient appointments
Training in computerized appointment books and
patient management systems
Experience with common insurance inquiries
Basic knowledge of the three government insurance
cards gained through VC courses
Develop and create flyers, order forms, and brochures
Created flyers to advertise annual events for club
using Publisher
Assisted in creating order forms using Google forms
through internship
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
(written and verbal)
Experience at VC giving oral presentations using
PowerPoint
Experience creating written reports for technical
writing class and capstone course
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Analyzed patient data and health trends for market
research project and made recommendations
Use project management apps to organize class
projects and team responsibilities for student org
Familiarity with computer applications including MS
Word/Excel/PowerPoint, PhotoShop
Experience using MS office suite for work and
school assignments
Experience using similar design platform (Publisher)
through leadership role
Pefereed bilingual in Spanish
Fluent in Spanish
Required enrollment in a AA/AS, BA/BS, or
certification program
Enrolled in Associate of Science in Medical Assisting –
Administrative at VC; expected to be completed in May
2019
Writing Accomplishment Statements Worksheet
The point of the resume is to showcase your brand. Your brand is used to demonstrate who you are and what
matters most to you.
By showcasing your accomplishments on a resume, you can help the prospective employer assess your ability
to do the job. Use “Accomplishment Statements” to describe your achievements in the experience section.
Quantify your work whenever possible. Avoid generic and vague statements.
EXAMPLE
Generic, vague statement:
Local Philanthropy Society
Event Coordinator
• Planned charity events
Strong, descriptive, quantified statement:
Local Philanthropy Society
Event Coordinator
• Coordinated three fundraising events for local shelters which raised over $8,000 (20% over goal) and
greatly improved community awareness
Coordinated three fundraising
events for local
shelters
Result
which raised over
$8,000 (20% over
goal) and greatly
improved community
awareness
Accomplishment
Coordinated three fundraising events
for local shelters which raised over
$8,000 (20% over goal) ad greatly
improved community awareness
Action verb
+
Project
Try It Yourself!
Write an example of an accomplishment statement that showcases the above:
Action verb:
+
Project:
+
Result:
=
Accomplishment:
+ =
Resume checklist adapted from George Mason University March 2018
ACTION VERBS
Each bullet statement on your resume should start with an
action verb.
Accelerated
Accompanied
Achieved
Acquired
Adapted
Addressed
Administered
Advised
Analyzed
Anticipated
Appreciated
Arranged
Aspired
Assembled
Assisted
Audited
Budgeted
Built
Calculated
Centralized
Changed
Clarified
Collab
orated
Commanded
Completed
Compo
sed
Conceived
Conden
sed
Conducted
Constructed
Contracted
Controlled
Converted
Cooperated
Coordinated
Correlated
Created
Cultivated
Decided
Delegated
Demonstrated
Designed
Determined
Developed
Devised
Directed
Discovered
Displayed
Doubled
Drafted
Earned
Edited
Educated
Effected
Eliminated
Enacted
Encouraged
Enforced
Engin
eered
Enhanced
Established
Evaluated
Exceeded
Execu
ted
Exhibited
Expan
ded
Explained
Facilitated
Finalized
Finan
ced
Forecasted
Formalized
Formed
Formulated
Founded
Generated
Governed
Gradu
ated
Guided
Handled
Headed
Hired
Identified
Implemented
Impro
ved
Improvised
Increased
Induced
Influenced
Informed
Initiated
Innovated
Inspired
Installed
In
structed
Insured
Integrated
Inten
sified
Interpreted
Interviewed
Invented
Justified
Keyed
Keynoted
Launched
Led
Licensed
Located
Maintained
Managed
Manufactured
Marketed
Mastered
Minimized
Monitored
Motiv
ated
Negotiated
Nominated
Nor
malized
Obtained
Officiated
Operated
Ordered
Organized
Originated
Oversaw
Participated
Perceiv
ed
Perfected
Performed
Piloted
Pinpointed
Pion
eered
Placed
Planned
Prepared
Presided
Prevented
Procured
Produced
Promoted
Proposed
Prov
ed
Provided
Publicized
Published
Recommended
Recon
ciled
Recruited
Reduced
Reinforced
Related
Reorganized
Reported
Researched
Resolved
Reviewed
Revised
Scheduled
Secured
Selected
Separated
Served
Serviced
Set
up
Simplified
Solv
ed
Spark
ed
Staffed
Streamlined
Structured
Succeeded
Supervised
Supported
Surv
eyed
Taught
Tested
Trained
Transferred
Transformed
Unified
Used
Utilized
Verified
NOUNS
Ability
Amb
ition
Confidence
Div
ersity
Economy
Excellen
ce
Harmony
Honor
Imag
ination
Ingenuity
Judgment
Merit
Prestige
Progress
Recog
nition
Stability
Success
ADJECTIVES
Accelerated
Active
Capable
Comprehensive
Conscientious
Detailed
Determine
Distinctiv
e
Educated
Effective
Efficient
Exceptio
nal
Exclusive
Goal
Oriented
Helpful
Honest
Lasting
Loyal
Mutual
Notab
le
Permanent
Popular
Practical
Proficien
t
Punctual
Reasonable
Reliable
Resp
on
sible
Revamped
Satisfied
Simplified
Substantial
Superior
Unified
Useful
Top Skills Employers Want
1. Communication skills
2. Strong work ethic
3. Teamwork skills/Collaboration
4. Initiative/Entrepreneurial Mindset
5. Analytical skills/Problem Solving
Skills
6. Computer skills/Digital Fluency/Technical
Skills
7. Flexibility/Adaptability/Resilience
8. Interpersonal skills /Empathy
9. Resilience/Self-Awareness
10. Social/Diversity Awareness
F
irstName LastName
(805) 555-5555
FirstNameLastName@gmail.com
EXAMPLE RESUME
OBJECTIVE
Seeking (insert position here) at (insert company or industry) utilizing (insert skills you will
contribute to the company).
EDUCATION
Associate of Science, Business Management Expected graduation date: May 20xx
Ventura College - Ventura, CA
EXPERIENCE
Position Title, Company Name Month/Year – Month/Year
City, State
• Add bullet points that summarize accomplishments and skills related to the job/position for
which you are applying, not simply duties of position.
• Bullet points do no need to be full sentences but should have enough detail to get the point
across; include numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts where applicable.
• Start bullet point with an action verb using the proper tense.
• Periods are an optional punctuation on a resume, but if you are going to use them be
consistent throughout your resume.
• Within a category (i.e. Experience) show most recent activity first, and then go back in time.
Supervisor and Server, El Tecolote Restaurant April 20xx – January 20xx
Camarillo, CA
• Promoted to supervisor after six months due to excellent performance and customer reviews
• Managed frequent changes to staff scheduling for team of 10 and trained new employees
• Ensured adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards and policies
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Vice President , Associated Student Body September 20xx – June 20xx
Adolfo Camarillo High School, Camarillo, CA
• Organized monthly social events and a fundraiser that raised over $800 for an animal shelter
• Attended weekly cabinet meetings and collaborated with team to conduct student outreach
• Reported monthly to President and staff supervisor on funds, objectives, and event planning
Camp Tutor, STEM Summer Program June 20xx – August 20xx
Camarillo, CA
• Provided one-on-one and small group tutoring to sixth grade students in Math and Biology
• Created study guides for students which improved test scores by 5% in three months
SKILLS
Computer: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Excel, and Google Analytics
Languages: Fluent in Spanish and English
Include your phone number and an
appropriate email address (ideally
an email with your first and last
name). Your physical/mailing
address is optional.
As you move forward in your career, remove
older or less relevant experience (i.e. high school
experience) and replace with more recent
experience and skills related to your field.
Display language skills and
technical skills, specifically
those important in your
industry. Be sure to indicate
level of proficiency/fluency.
EXAMPLE RESUME
Michelle Mills
(805) 555-5555 ∙ FirstNameLastName@gmail.com ∙ www.linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
California Certified Medical Assistant 2018 – Present
The California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting – Administrative 05/2017
Ventura College – Ventura, CA
Relevant Coursework: Medical Coding, Electronic Health Records, Medical Insurance
SPECIAL SKILLS
• Medical screening
• Patient charts
• Medical record
management
• Administrative
support
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Medical Assistant, Corner Health Clinic – Ventura, CA 02/20xx – Present
• Answer office phones and schedule appointments
• Greet patients and prepare them for examinations
• Obtain patient medical history and vital signs
• Assist physician during patient examinations
• Perform routine laboratory tests and administer injections
Front Office Assistant, Optometry Office – Santa Paula, CA 09/20xx - 08/20xx
● Answered patient inquiries and resolved complaints on the telephone and in person
● Coordinated appointment scheduling and handled patient fees and transactions
● Retained accurate office records with correct filing, ensured patient confidentiality, and
administered patient pre-tests and exams
● Assisted with new employee training and educated coworkers on office procedures
● Supported diverse clientele with eyeglasses selection, creating a welcoming environment
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Assistant Coach, AYSO – Camarillo, CA 07/20xx – 9/20xx
• Helped coordinate three regional tournaments annually and organized travel schedules
• Initiated and implemented text messaging tree to improve communication among players,
families, and coaching staff
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE & ACTIVITIES
Member, Alpha delta Nu (Nursing) – Ventura College 09/20xx – Present
Member, Holistic Health Club – Ventura College 03/20xx – Present
Volunteer, American Heart Association – Ventura, CA 05/20xx – 11/20xx
Do you have a LinkedIn
profile or professional
website/portfolio?
Share the public URL.
Notice how the first job lists generic, vague
tasks. Now, notice how the second job
elaborates on accomplishments and
strengths using action-oriented
accomplishment statements. Your goal is to
write statements like the second job.
You can create multiple “experience”
categories and organize them to
highlight more relevant experience
higher on your resume.
CHARLIE FUJIMOTO
(805) 555-5555 ∣ FirstNameLastName@gmail.com ∣ 1234 Street Address, Ventura, CA 93003
EXAMPLE RESUME
OBJECTIVE
To utilize my leadership, military, and criminal justice experience as full-time employee with the
Ventura County Sherriff’s Office.
EDUCATION
Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Justice Expected May 20xx
Ventura College – Ventura, CA
Relevant coursework:
• Legal Aspects of
Evidence
• Crimina
l
Investigation
• Juvenile Law a
nd
Procedures in CA
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Intern, Ventura County Probation Office – Ventura, CA March 20xx – Present
• Conduct initial interviews of individuals to obtain personal history for court records
• Provide referrals to counseling groups for drug and alcohol treatment
• Identify community service sites and monitor service hours of 10 individuals on probati
on
Team Leader, United States Army National Guard – San Diego CA May 20xx – 20xx
• Served two combat tours of active duty service overseas and managed 5 employees
• Provided ongoing training and evaluations for employees regarding performance
• Managed United States Army equipment worth ove
r $1,000,000
• Po
ssess current Department of Defense Secret Clearance
WORK EXPERIENCE
Student Assistant, Veteran Resource Center, Ventura College – Ventura, CA April 20xx – Present
• Provide a welcoming environment to incoming veteran students and lead campus tours
• Assist with office tasks and direct students to resources such as V.A. educational benefits
Research Analyst, ABC Company – Ventura, CA June 20xx – August 20xx
• Maintained and entered data from customer satisfaction surveys and ran reports using Excel
• Created web-based tutorials and handouts to support staff training on database usage
• Designed flyers to promote research and community outreach using Adobe Photoshop
Of
fice Assistant, Neighborhood Nonprofit – Ventura, CA February 20xx – May 20xx
• Entered relevant data into organization’s online database to prepare for quarterly reports
• Created and maintained monthly schedule of up to 100 volunteer for 10 community events
INVOLVEMENT
Member, Pre-Law Club – Ventura College September 20xx – Present
SKILLS
Computer: Basic knowledge of Data Visualization Software and creating charts and graphs
Languages: Fluent in English and intermediate fluency in Spanish
If you
include an
objective,
specify
what you
will
contribute
to the
company.
Within each section, list
experiences in reverse
chronological order,
starting with the most
recent first.
Your name
should be at the
top, 2 points
larger than the
rest of resume.
Resume checklist adapted from George Mason University March 2018
Resume Review Checklist
Layout & Appearance
Yes
No
Comments/Notes
Is my name at the top of the page, 2 points larger than
rest of resume and in bold?
Are my address, phone number and email easy to read
and accurate?
Do you have an appropriate email address and have you
changed your cell phone message to be professional?
Is my resume an appropriate length?
Is formatting (e.g. bold, font, bullet sizes, heading styles)
consistent throughout the resume? 11-12 point font
Are the headings and statements evenly spaced?
Are verb tenses in the present tense for current jobs?
Are verb tenses in the past tense for previous jobs?
Do I have approximately 2-6 statements per job?
(Bullet form is recommended.)
Content
Yes
No
Comments/Notes
Did I include the following content: Highlights,
Education, Experience, Related Activities,
Accomplishments and Skills?
Does my education section state my degree and expected
graduation date? Did I include a highlight about my
education?
Is my education section in the best location on my
resume?
Do my statements demonstrate major accomplishments
rather than routine tasks/duties? Did I DESCRIBE
what I did rather than just LIST or TELL? (See list of
Adjectives)
Did you include relevant courses that you took in school
to show your skills and abilities or a Technical Skills
section?
Do my accomplishment statements start with action
verbs? (See list of Verbs)
Do my accomplishment statements demonstrate the use
of key skills? (See top skills employers seek on the next
page and review job title and industry for key words.)
General Comments and Suggestions or Questions
WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?
A cover letter is your personalized, one-page sales pitch or introduction to an employer and should:
• Explain why you are sending the resume and how you heard about the position
• Link your skills, experience, and education to the requirements of the position
• Focus on your interest in the organization and what you can contribute to the team
• Convince the reader to look at your resume
▶ Format
• Cover letters are often submitted as an email attachment or uploaded as part of an online application. Just
like with your resume, send the cover letter as a PDF to avoid formatting issues.
• Always include a personalized introduction in the body of an email in addition to attaching a formal letter.
▶ Target to the particular organization and position
• Tailor each letter to show the connection between your qualifications and the employer’s requirements.
Use the Self-Evaluation Worksheet to help you prepare.
• Demonstrate your knowledge about the organization and your passion for the industry.
▶ Appropriately address your letter
• Target an individual whenever possible when addressing your letter. If a name is not available, use a
professional greeting such as “Hiring Manager” or “Internship Coordinator.”
▶ Mention referrals
• If someone has referred you to the position or organization (e.g. an alumni contact, faculty, etc.), mention
this at the beginning of the letter.
GET STARTED
1. Begin your narrative. Briefly share your major, degree anticipated and how you found the opportunity. You
may choose to get creative to “hook” in the reader.
2. Express your interest. Demonstrate enthusiasm for the position and organization.
3. Share your experience. Use specific examples. Match your experience with the position requirements
whenever possible.
4. Convince the employer. Show that you possess the skills and abilities they are looking for and that they
should offer you an interview.
5. Express gratitude. End the letter by thanking the reader for their time and consideration. Be sure your
contact information is included in your letter header or following your signature line.
Each resume you submit for a job opportunity should be accompanied by a cover letter, unless otherwise directed.
Some industries and recruiters weigh cover letters heavily in the application review process. Do not submit a
vague or general cover letter, be sure to tailor the letter to the job opportunity.
KEY TIPS
How to Write a Cover Letter
EXAMPLE COVER LETTER
Jaime Castillo
(805) 555-5555 ∣ FirstNameLastName@gmail.com
April 30, 2018
Jane Smith
ABC Hospital
1234 Ventura Road, Ventura CA 93003
Dear Jane Smith:
I am excited to apply for the part-time Medical Assistant position with ABC Hospital. I recently
completed the Medical Assisting program at Ventura College and have one year of internship
experience in a medical setting. I am passionate about the medical field and eager to contribute
my skills to the team at ABC Hospital.
Through my medical assistant internship, I gained experience communicating with patients and
medical professionals. I also used the Microsoft Office Suite daily to track office tasks and
streamline communication with a team of interns. Through my coursework, I have
strengthened my knowledge of insurance protocols, electronic patient records management
systems, lab test requisitions, and medical terminology. Additionally, I have exceptional
customer service skills, which I developed through 5+ years in retail and food service. My
combination of patient and customer service experience, along with my knowledge of the
medical field, will allow me to immediately contribute to your team.
I am confident my skills and prior experience make me an excellent candidate for this position.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to interview for
the Medical Assistant position.
Sincerely,
Jaime Castillo
Jaime Castillo
This is an example of a traditional cover
letter. Feel free to get more creative (as
appropriate in your industry).
If you are submitting a hard copy cover letter in
person, include a signature before your printed
name. When submitting a cover letter
electronically, omit the signature and conclude
your letter with your printed name.
EXAMPLE COVER LETTER
Michelle Mills
(805) 555-5555 ∙ FirstNameLastName@gmail.com ∙ 1234 Street Address, Ventura, CA 93003
O
ctober 2, 2017
Human Resources Department
Family Care Center
4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura CA 93003
Dear Selection Committee:
I will be completing my Associate in Science in Child Development at Ventura College this semester,
after which I will be available for full-time teaching assistant positions. I was referred to the Teaching
Assistant position at Family Care Center by my professor, Jane Good, and I am excited to submit my
application.
I am well qualified for the part-time Teaching Assistant position for several reasons:
• I have 3+ years of experience within child development and early education. Through my
positions as an aid for toddlers and as an after school tutor for elementary students, I excelled in
providing support to professional staff. I also have experience integrating developmentally
appropriate teaching methods into the classroom.
• I c
onsistently demonstrate professionalism and I am a strong communicator. My previous
employers and professors can attest that I demonstrate professionalism when collaborating wit
h
colleagues and administrators. Further, I take pride in ensuring effective communication with
parents in both English and Spanish, and I have volunteered to translate for parents on several
occasions.
• Early childhood education is my passion and I am involved in the field. I enjoy researching
the latest trends in the field and I am knowledgeable about curriculum planning consistent with
California Early Learning System for Infants-Toddlers and Preschool. Additionally, I am
involved in National Association for the Education of Young Children and co-presented at
a
r
egional event for new professionals
.
T
hank you for your time and consideration. I hope to speak with you further about how I can contribute
my skills and prior experience to support the Family Care Center.
Sincerely,
Michelle Mills
When sending a cover letter and resume by email,
attach the files as PDFs. In the body of the email,
write a basic introduction and include your
contact information. For example:
“
Dear Jane Smith:
I am excited to apply for the part-time Medical
Assistant position with ABC Hospital. Please see
my attached resume and cover letter.
T
hank you,
Michelle Mills
805-555-5555
FirstNameLastName@gmail.com”
Your cover letter header should
match your resume header. Think of
this as part of demonstrating your
brand and attention to detail.
Cover Letter Review Checklist
Layout & Appearance
Yes
No
Comments/Notes
Is my name at the top of the page, 2 points larger than
rest of cover letter and in bold?
Are my address, phone number and email easy to read
and accurate? Do I have an appropriate email address
and have I changed my cell phone message to be
professional?
Is my cover letter an appropriate length, not exceeding
one page?
Is my format (e.g. font, size) consistent throughout? 11-
12 point font
Is the contact information and address of the company I
am applying to left aligned at top of page after the date?
Did I insert a space after company contact information
then address the hiring manager by name (if possible)?
Are margins standardized, matching those of attached
resume (e.g. 1-inch, no smaller than 0.5-inch)?
Did I use appropriate line spacing, between single and
1.5?
Is my document free of any pictures/graphics or colors?
Content
Yes
No
Comments/Notes
Is my opening paragraph brief and direct?
Did I identify the company name and position, and
include why I am applying to the position?
Did I state where I discovered the position or who
referred me, if applicable?
Is the body of my cover letter brief, with two or three
short paragraphs (or targeted bullet points)?
Did I include keywords, skills, and requirements from
the job description to describe my fit for the position?
Is my closing send-off professional?
Did I include a hand written signature in addition to my
typed name in the closing (for cover letters that will be
submitted hard copy)?
