Resume Lab – Tips to help your resume get noticed and snag an interview.

A resume only gets a 7 second look, so make it great.

The only goal of a resume is to hook an interview. That’s it. Resist the temptation to cram tons of useless

information into a resume. It will only clutter it up.

Useless information includes:

- Work experience you aren’t really good at

- Work experience you don’t like

- Work experience that doesn’t substantiate your stated your career direction

- Work experience that doesn’t highlight your skills

- Excessive volunteer and community experience, or awards

There are 2 audiences for your resume:

The company’s software system which recognizes keywords

The human reader who is looking for something easy to understand

Build your resume with the following 3 keys:

1. Focus

2. Format

3. First Words

Focus means:

You have to tell the reader what you want! You don’t have to pinpoint the EXACT JOB, but you must be able to

communicate the skills you wish to employ, and the field in which you want to use them.

Format means:

Make it easy on your reader! Write a resume so it’s easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to like you. All

you need to do is get them interested in you, enough to meet with you for an interview or call.

First Words means:

The HEADLINE at the top of your resume, and any of the lead-in words of a new line. The first few words of each

entry are THE MOST EXPENSIVE REAL ESTATE on your resume. Make them strong.

Do not take these tips lightly. They are the 3 keys to getting your resume

noticed, set aside, and used to zero in on you as a possible candidate.

KEY #1: FOCUS

If you don’t know where your career is headed, it will show in your resume and you will lose the reader. Capture

their attention with a clear statement about your career goals, supporting evidence for your qualifications, and

what level of position you are aiming for.

Examples:

TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER / SALES ENGINEER

Mid-level Technical Project Manager with 5 years of experience supporting the coordination of major technology projects in mid-sized companies. Particular expertise bridging gaps between technical and non-

technical teams. Focused on efficiency, streamlining and continuous improvement, team communication and the careful monitoring of every project’s performance and budget.

SPORTS MARKETING COORDINATOR / ASSISTANT Recent college graduate with a degree in Communication Studies and extensive internship experience in sports

promotions and experiential events. Energetic and organized with a goal to create optimal fan/customer experiences. Currently seeking an entry level position on an experiential or sports marketing team.

CONTENT COORDINATOR / MANAGER

Content and Media Coordinator with professional experience managing databases in the media industry proactively communicating with teams as point of contact for gathering and managing data. Particular expertise ensuring complete and accurate content management systems, with specialized experience coordinating heavily

between departments to move client requests and projects forward. Highly organized and efficient, excellent communication skills, and an eye for detail and accuracy.

PROGRAM SPECIALIST / PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Recent college graduate with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development with robust professional and

volunteer experience implementing programs that serve individuals, communities and customer groups.

Particular expertise planning and coordinating resources, maintaining and communicating the status of projects,

and making presentations to families. Hard working and organized with a strategic approach to solving problems

and excellent interpersonal communication skills.

How to build it:

1. A BOLD headline naming the general job title(s) you are aiming for

2. Sentence #1 – A broad statement giving an overview of your experience

3. Sentence #2 – Your particular expertise, what makes you really good at what you do

4. Sentence #3 – A style statement showing the reader about you and how you get the job done

A BOLD headline naming the general job title(s) you are aiming for: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Sentence #1 – A broad statement giving an overview of your experience ___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Sentence #2 – Your particular expertise, what makes you really good at what you do ___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Sentence #3 – A style statement showing the reader about you and how you get the job done ___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

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___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

KEY COMPETENCIES

Look for 6 to 8 short bullet points you can lay across the page just below your summary to show your reader

quickly what key areas of strength you can offer them. People’s competencies range from jobs to industries, so

be sure to choose ones that are unique to your industry and will catch the eye of your prospective employer.

The reader should be able to quickly glance at these bullet points and get a feel for the technologies,

methodologies or skills you will bring. Here are some examples:

Coordination

Project Planning

Gap Analysis

Requirements Gathering

Training

Issue Resolution

End User Testing / Help Desk

Customer Satisfaction

Stakeholder Analysis

Change Readiness & Impact

Project / Portfolio Management

Training / Employee Engagement

Consulting & Communication

Strategic Planning & Execution

Client Relationship Management

OD / Change Management Facilitation

Research Management

Industry Studies

Surveys

Trend analysis

Marketing Planning

Brand Positioning

Direct Response / Database Marketing

Brand Management

Multi-Channel Marketing

Advertising Campaign Development

Member Retention / Loyalty Marketing

Media Management

KEY #2: FORMAT

I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is to lay your resume out in a beautiful format.

FORMATTING IS EVERYTHING. No one wants to read fine print, business jargon, or confusing text.

Keep it simple

Keep your words clear

Shorten, condense and simplify

Resumes are not for reading, they are for glancing

Use a sans serif font (I like Calibri 11) so their eye can bounce around the page

Use white space and bullet points

Eliminate useless information like company location, unless it’s relevant. (If you worked at a

high tech startup in Silicon Valley, that’s relevant. If you worked in Investment Banking in NYC,

that’s relevant. If you worked in Pharmaceuticals in New Jersey, that’s relevant. If you worked at

Disneyland in Orlando, that’s relevant.)

The following page is an example of a nicely formatted resume that is simple to understand and easy to

read. It has incorporated:

Focus

Format

First Words

What is your first impression?

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What do you like about the resume enough to inspire yours?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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Address (555) 555-5555 yourname@gmail.com

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR / EMPLOYEE RELATIONS / DIVERSITY / INCLUSION

Experienced Human Resources professional with specialized skills in employee relations and building high performing diversity and inclusion programs within an organization. Particular expertise maintaining a

safe, productive culture by successfully mitigating employee relations issues and focusing on documentation and legal risk. Highly professional with core values of respect and dignity for all.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Diversity / Inclusion Programs

Management / Employee Training

Documentation / Workers Comp

Program Administration

Employee Relations / Mediation

Harassment / Discrimination / ADA

Policies / Procedures / Programs

Leave Laws / Labor Laws / Legal

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

XYZ Family Services, Inc. 9/2004 – 9/2016

Human Resources Director (7/2013 – 9/2016) Human Resources Manager (3/2008 – 7/2013) Human Resources Specialist (6/2006 – 3/2008) Human Resources Assistant (9/2004 – 6/2006)

Progressively promoted over 12 years from HR Assistant through senior positions with final responsibility overseeing all facets of HR including full cycle recruiting, workers compensation, ADA/FMLA/CFRA, primary source verification and all employee relations and diversity programs.

Successfully mitigated significant company risk by reducing exposure on ADA, harassment and unemployment claims

Reduced EDD unemployment claims from $45K to $10K, the lowest in company since 2009

Actively managed workers compensation claims to reduce the likelihood of litigation, keep costs low and services to injured workers maximized

Provided employee relations counsel and structure to employees and managers to reduce company risk, increase productivity and promote a highly functional diverse culture

Collaborated with Legal Counsel and created employee handbook to communicate enterprise-wide policies, procedures and protocols and promote compliance with State/Federal/Local laws

Reduced annual expenses from $60K to $8k/year by streamlining the full-cycle recruiting process to include employee branding and diversity measures relating to sourcing, recruiting and training for over 100 positions per year

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

B.A. Human Services – XYZ University (summa cum laude, GPA 3.9, Honors Program) Certificate, Human Resources Management – XYZ University Certificate, SHRM (expected 3/2017) Member, PIHRA and SHRM since 2011 Certificate, Facilitative Leadership

KEY #3: FIRST WORDS

Location, location, location.

The HEADLINE at the top of your resume is the most expensive real estate on your resume. Be sure it is

focused and reflects a general career direction that will appeal to anyone in that field reading your

resume.

The next most expensive real estate is the lead-in to any sentence or bullet point. Make the first 3-5

words begin to tell the compelling story that will follow.

Do this by starting each sentence with an ACTION VERB. Action verbs are underlined in the following

examples. Connect the action verb to the accomplishment or description in your bullet.

Then, follow up with informative words that describe the most relevant parts of your experience. Write

it so that your reader doesn’t really need to finish the rest of the sentence to understand what you did.

Examples:

Selected from a field of Intern applicants to … Planned 10+ community outreach events for … Maintained records on all students including …

Wrote comprehensive reports using Excel/Word/PowerPoint and …

Taught language classes in both Spanish and English …

Coordinated team of 6 Interns and …

What action words describe your role in the positions you’ve held?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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_____________________________________________________________________________________

Build the Resume Body

Put your job title first, then the name of company, then the dates of employment on one line IN BOLD and UNDERLINED If possible, show how you got the job or any progressive promotion, and give a brief overview of your main responsibilities. Use bullet points to describe your accomplishments in that position. EXAMPLES:

Executive Team Leader – XYZ Corporation 5/2012 - present

Responsible for the overall management of single store with a direct team of 60 employees consisting of 7 Team Leaders and 50+ employees. Primary duties include managing all aspects of the Clothing Departments and daily operations of Guest Experience across all departments in the store.

Improved credit application metrics from .7% to 3.1% by designing and implementing employee motivational programs. This program has been adopted by all Regional stores.

Hire, promote, train and terminate all personnel

Exceeded corporate sales objectives by .3%

Achieved above 80% rating on Guest Satisfaction survey for 7 months trailing

Senior Marketing Intern - XYZ Media 6/2013 - 6/2014

Selected to support VP Marketing by coordinating special projects and events.

Coordinated entire event and promotion planning lifecycle including brainstorming, pre-production, implementation and recap to Promotions, Programming, Sales, Media and Marketing

Researched, compiled and created weekly reports for Marketing and PR teams

Produced bi-weekly competitive reports to evaluate current LA radio market

Generated weekly promotion activity reports on texting platforms to show advances/declines

Verified all prize winners and managed distribution and pickup

Resume Examples

The following pages are examples of resumes ranging in experience levels and career interests.

Please read through them carefully to generate ideas for your own resume. Look closely for:

Wording

Layout

Presentation

Use of action verbs

Bullet Point styling

Accomplishments

Descriptions

Spacing

Readability

Your career experience may be at the same level as one of these sample resumes, or it may not.

Your career interests may be entirely different. That’s okay. These samples are designed to

stimulate your thinking and offer ideas from a variety of others.

With careful attention on focus, format and first words, you will craft a perfect resume.

Good luck!

About the author:

Julie LaCroix earned a Masters Degree in Educational Counseling, a Bachelors Degree in

Psychology from UCI, and holds the Master Career Counselor designation from the National

Career Development Association. She has a private practice in Southern California where

she serves adults of all ages, and works remotely with clients all over the world. She is

passionate about helping people figure out their true path and secure meaningful work.

“To find what one is fitted to do, and secure an opportunity to do it, that is the key to

happiness.” - John Dewey

Address (555) 555-5555 yourname@gmail.com

HUMAN RESOURCES / RECRUITING COORDINATOR

Recent college graduate with a degree focused on Communication and extensive internship, athletic and professional experience coordinating and managing projects and organizing administrative processes. Strong

coordination skills with proven ability to effectively communicate, organize and manage responsibilities between departments. Currently seeking an entry level Recruiting or HR Coordinator position.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Excel / Database Management

Coordination / Liaising

Interdepartmental Communication

Client Relations / Conflict Resolution

Documentation / Filing

Outgoing / Incoming Phone Calls

Transaction / Document Processing

Payroll / HR Administration

PROFESSIONAL AND INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

Sports Manager – XYZ Games 2/2016 – 4/2016

Managed the budgets, schedules, and marketing for 6 sports for a non-profit organization that focuses on large, multi-sport events.

Made over 100 cold calls to prospective donors to solicit donations

Centralized all paperwork in organized binders including waivers and insurance

Created, updated and maintained databases in Excel to track data for hundreds of participants

Team Manager – XYZ University 8/2015 – 5/2016

Administrator for Women’s Rowing team, coordinating between coaches, equipment staff and athletes. Developed interpersonal skills and an understanding of what motivates people to commit and perform.

Performed new athlete orientation, escalated and resolved conflicts, organized and distributed equipment and uniforms, and created spreadsheets in Excel to track equipment use

Hosted recruits and promoted the school through tours, dinners, and overnight stays and events

Sales Associate – XYZ Department Store Summer 2014, 2015

Completed formal and comprehensive 3-day training to perform sales, customer service, returns, transactions, outgoing calls to customers, and merchandising to company standards.

Acted as face of the company to customers, servicing their needs and gathering relevant data, and interfacing between HR, management and other departments to satisfy all customer needs

Consistently exceeded selling goals, efficiently processed transactions, and handled all customer issues within a busy, fast-paced retail environment

Administrative Intern – The XYZ Group Summer, 2013

Gathered and organized data in Excel to create detailed property profiles for clients including comps, location information, zoning, and any data relating to repurposing commercial properties.

Performed basic payroll duties, answered and transferred calls, and assisted with ad hoc projects

EDUCATION

B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Communications and Economics – XYZ University (2016)

Scholar-Athlete Award, Women’s Rowing Team (3 years), Student Manager of the Women’s Rowing Team, and Member of the Student Athlete Advisory committee

Address (555) 555-5555 your.name@gmail.com

TECHNICAL PROJECT COORDINATOR / ASSISTANT

Recent college graduate with a degree in Math with a strong desire to secure a full time professional position

as an entry level Project Manager or Coordinator. Particular expertise breaking down complex instructions and creating a system of sequential steps. Responsible, punctual and reliable with excellent verbal

communication skills and a proven ability to work well with a variety of personalities in a professional environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Critical Thinking / Reasoning

Judgment / Decision Making

Time / Resource Management

Coordination / Communication

Project Management

Sequencing / Steps / Timelines

Complex Problem Solving

Goal Setting / Attainment

Collaboration / Technology

Project Monitoring

PROJECT MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to manage projects from start to finish given scope, sequence and timeline

Ability to coordinate and communicate between multiple teams

Ability to develop and update project plans, specifications, delegate teams, and manage others

Ability to confer with managers to identify and resolve issues

Ability to develop and manage work breakdown and structure work plans

Ability to prepare status reports and establish a project communication plan

Knowledge of basic computer networking, coding (C++), and information systems projects

EDUCATION B.A. Mathematics, University of California at Riverside (2013)

Member, Honors Society (2009 - 2011)

Member, Knitting Club (2009 - 2012)

WORK EXPERIENCE

2010 – Present Math Instructor - XYZ Tutoring Math, calculus and stats tutor for students in 1st through 12th grades. Raised awareness and prospected for new clients at community events. Maintained customer records, developed personalized learning plans and worksheets, and led study groups.

2015 Customer Survey Associate - XYZ Research

Made over 400 cold calls per day to conduct product surveys in the medical equipment industry. Repeatedly invited back due to strong performance and highest response rate.

2014 – 2015 Customer Service Associate - XYZ Cinemas

Interfaced with 200 - 3500 customers per day, ensured proper inventory levels, managed cash and addressed customer questions and complaints.

Address (555) 555-5555 your.name@gmail.com

PROGRAM COORDINATOR / HIGHER EDUCATION

Recent college graduate with a degree in Family and Human Services, experience managing student programs and a strong desire to establish a career in Student Services programming for a University, Study Abroad, or nonprofit

student program. Particular expertise overseeing and managing staff and program elements to ensure the effective deployment of services. Responsible, thoughtful and thorough with the ability to actively listen to

students and faculty to determine best course of action. Conversational Spanish.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Program Implementation / Management

Communication / Community Outreach

Program / Activities Development

Creative Program Design

Negotiation / Collaboration

Scheduling / Department Coordination

Presentations / PowerPoint

Student / Nonprofit Programs

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE

International Language Teacher – Escuela XYZ (Santa Maria, Spain) 1/2014 – 6/2014

Selected from 25 teachers to serve adult language learners ages 18 -70. Assisted in program development, service delivery, curriculum design, quality control, teacher training and leadership.

Worked closely with School Director via daily meetings to ensure all program goals were met including the acceleration of students, skills of teachers, and quality of curriculum

Developed curriculum, PowerPoints and in-class learning activities and collaborated with all teachers

Performed 1:1 individual tutoring with 8 students with diverse ages and learning needs Programs and Activities Coordinator – XYZ Resort 5/2012 – 3/2013

Hired to propose, implement and manage ideas for new activities and guest programs leveraging the assets and amenities of the resort. Reported to Director of Recreation and oversaw 15+ programs and activities.

Managed all program administration including ticketing, attendance tracking, scheduling, staff training, promotions and database management

Created new phone contact list to be used by guests in each room for easy access to programs

Utilized SMS scheduling software to track, manage and report the activities of each guest

Trained 3 incoming Concierge Associates and reached out to local businesses to create promotions Program Coordinator Intern – XYZ Boys and Girls Club 3/2011 – 5/2012

Hired as Intern to manage Teen Room, mediate student conflicts, lead groups and 1:1 counseling sessions.

Created “Passport to Manhood,” a 10 week program for adolescent teen boys on the topics of education, careers, sex education, substance abuse, self-esteem, personal wellness and leadership

EDUCATION, ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE, AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

B.A. Family and Human Services – XYZ University (2012)

Alternative Spring Break, Youth & Community Development – Participated in the completion of new elementary school in Negril, Jamaica via the Holden Student Leadership Center

Study Abroad, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina 500+ hours of volunteer training through various organizations including 1:1 with at-risk teens Volunteer of the Month, Eugene Register Guard Newspaper (May, 2012) CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: Valet – Montage Resort (12/2014 – present)

Address

(555) 555-5555 your.name@gmail.com

ACTIVITIES / MARKETING / RETREAT COORDINATOR

Versatile Marketing Coordinator with a degree in Communication Studies and 6 years of experience supporting professional marketing and wellness programs with a strong desire to enter the field of Wellness

Travel. Adaptable with a wide variety of core marketing skills and a strong history of certifications to lead activities for guests and travelers. Outgoing and friendly with outstanding customer service skills and an eye

for ensuring customer satisfaction.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Client Service / Sales

Team Leadership / Training

Inventory / Membership / Cashier

Event Planning / Management

Yoga / Fitness / Instruction

Activities Planning / Data Admin

Media / PR / Marketing

Spas / Retreats / Hospitality

PROFESSIONAL AND INTERN EXPERIENCE

Senior Marketing Intern - XYZ Media 6/2013 - 6/2014

Selected to support VP Marketing by coordinating special projects and events.

Coordinated entire event and promotion planning lifecycle including brainstorming, pre-production, implementation and recap to Promotions, Programming, Sales, Media and Marketing

Researched, compiled and created weekly reports for Marketing and PR teams

Produced bi-weekly competitive reports to evaluate current LA radio market

Generated weekly promotion activity reports on texting platforms to show advances/declines

Verified all prize winners and managed distribution and pickup

Data Processor – XYZ Tax, LLC 1/2010 - 7/2011

Responsible for verifying and ensuring accurate information on all loan borrowers including social security number, proper name and address, and sending complete packages to the IRS.

AMENITIES EXPERIENCE

Front Desk Sales Associate – XYZ Yoga (6/2015 - 11/2015, College) Assistant General Manager - XYZ Deli (12/2014 - 6/2015, College) Front Desk Sales Associate - XYZ Cycle (11/2013 - 7/2014, College) Front Desk Sales Associate – XYZ Inc. (3/2012 - 10/2012, College) Front Desk Sales Associate - XYZ Fitness Center (9/2011 - 3/2012, College)

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

B.A., Communication Studies - XYZ University (2014, GPA: 3.2) Marketing and Content Creator - XYZ Charitable Fund (2015, 2016)

FITNESS AND ACTIVITIES CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

2016 Yoga Certification, Yoga Alliance (200 Hours) 2016 Certification, Natural Bee Keeping Certification (in progress) 2014 Schwinn Certified Spin Instructor, Scuba Diving Certification (Level I)

Address

(555) 555-5555 your.name@gmail.com

EVENT COORDINATOR / ADMINISTRATOR / ASSISTANT

Junior Event Coordination professional with a degree in Communication Studies, strong administrative and coordination skills, and 3 years of experience at Disney interfacing with Special Event staff and guests. Highly efficient and resourceful Supervisor with the ability to prioritize and resolve issues quickly, plan methodically,

and manage multiple administrative tasks in a fast paced environment. Currently seeking a professional position as an Event Coordinator or Administrative Support in New York City for a publishing, media or

entertainment company.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Administrative Management

Special Event Operations / Coordination

Time Management / Scheduling

Documentation / Filing / Organization

Vendor Coordination / Public Contact

Interdepartmental Communication

Collaboration / Teamwork

Resourceful / Efficient / Dependable

EVENT OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE

Walt Disney Company 2/2012 – 6/2016

Progressively promoted 3 times to Supervisor with a focus on Special Events, responsible for overseeing the daily activities of up to 30 staff, resolving all guest complaints, and routing escalations to appropriate departments. Selected from elite group to complete “Disney College” Leadership Program.

Guest Relations Supervisor (2/2016 – 6/2016) Played key role as Point of Contact and staff manager for Special Events up to 5,000 guests.

Supervised team during attendance surge including Disney’s 60th Anniversary, Grad Night, Make a Wish Foundation, and Corporate Events

Managed accurate staffing and labor targets and ensured all staff followed special event procedures including break schedules, time records and special event training

Acted as point-of-contact for all external event teams to welcome guests, conduct tours, and provide the overview of special perks, attractions and benefits of their special event

Collaborated with department managers from ticketing, food and beverage, merchandise and facilities to recover guest concerns

Guest Relations Host and Tour Guide (11/2014 – 6/2016) Served as tour guide and hostess, maintaining communications with guests to meet their needs and provide a top-tier, VIP experience.

Attractions Host (2/2012 – 11/2014) Interfaced directly with over 5,000 guests per day accessing the park for leisure and Special Events.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies - XYZ University (2016)

News Associate Intern: Shadowed fast-paced news environment, attended brainstorming meetings and shadowed production and camera crew

Mousters Degree, Disney College Program Leadership and Blended Learning Series – Walt Disney Co. (2013)

BONUS RESUME TIPS:

Show progression in any way you can. Promotions, how you got the job (Promoted to…, Hired to…, Selected to…, Recruited to…, Chosen from a pool of 3 candidates to…)

Use simple words, short sentences, and eliminate industry jargon and company specific “internal speak”

Leverage the power of highlighting and lowlighting experience, based on its importance. If your experience is significant but it is the second or third entry on your resume, LOWLIGHT the first two job entries so the eye naturally sees the girth and importance of the HIGHLIGHTED job. This is especially important if you have a BIG NAME or PEDIGREED COMPANY on your resume (Google, Microsoft, Apple, Disney, or any company that is a leader in your particular industry).

If you don’t feel like YOU are focused in your career, then your resume will not be focused. Look to professional associations to research fields of interest. Knowing about a field is the best way to get focused on what you really want to do in your industry/role.

Once you have focused on your role or industry, then use the internet to research job descriptions to see what the market is looking for, what language to use, and what bullets you can use in your KEY COMPETENCIES

For each entry, put job title first, then company name.

Substantiate, substantiate, substantiate. Don’t include all of your experience unless it substantiates the focus of your resume. Make sure your resume describes only the experience that is relevant to where your summary says you’re headed.

Add Interests, Professional Affiliations, or Certifications if there are any of significance. Don’t be afraid to combine these categories into one to save room. Example: EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Example: EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES, AND INTERESTS Example: EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

If you were an athlete, include it. No matter what. Corporate America loves someone who can train hard, who is coachable, and who thinks competitively. You should also talk about those characteristics in an interview, and if you had a certain edge in a position, describe that. For instance, a soccer midfielder is someone who is very good at strategy, reading the field, knowing the positioning of the team, and using his/her resources the most effectively. They usually are excellent communicators as well. If you were a team captain, include that. Include sports, even if it was 20 years ago.

The top of resumes are usually read, then the body is scanned for layout, job titles and company name, and then the eye usually bounces to the bottom to read for something interesting. Put a talking point down there in the form of an interest, certificate, study abroad, volunteer activity, sport, or hobby. If you have sailed your family around the world, make sure you include it and don’t bury it – put it at the VERY BOTTOM so they can see it. You will want it to stand out.