Afghan Jobs: Resume Structure & Format

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Resume Structure and Format

Employers may spend less than a minute evaluating your resume. They prefer resumes that are easy to read and created in a familiar format. Use the following guidelines as you create or edit your resume.

FORMAT

• Templates: Avoid resume wizards and resume software templates. They are difficult to edit and do not allow you to present information in the most effective format.

• Length: Experienced graduates can use a two-page resume while recent college graduates should continue to use a one-page resume.

• Font: Choose a basic, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica in 10-12 point size. Use black font color.

• Paper: To print, use 8 ½” x 11” resume-quality paper in a light color such as white or off-white. Use matching paper for a cover letter.

• Spacing: Margins of 0.7 to 1 inch and double-spacing between headings improves readability.

• Layout: Use bullets, bold, capitalization, and underlining sparingly to call attention to the most important information. Leave some white space to create an uncluttered look.

• Reverse Chronological Order: Present most recent information first.

• Professionalism: Eliminate all errors by using spell check first, and then by asking several other people to proofread.

• Document Title: Use your name in the document title when emailing your resume as an attachment. Example: Tom.Torero.doc

CONTENT
• Image: Decide what overall impression you want your resume to communicate. Does it show that you are a leader, a team player, a counselor, an innovator, a fundraiser, or something else?

• Style: Start phrases with action verbs to convey enthusiasm and achievement. Sample verbs include: Advised, Analyzed, Assisted, Coordinated, Created, Developed, Evaluated, Guided, Handled, Implemented, Increased, Led, Maintained, Managed, Organized, Performed, Planned, Presented, Processed, Researched, Served, Sold, Taught, Trained, Wrote. See handout entitled “Resume Action Verbs” for more ideas.

• Objective: Using an objective is optional. If you include an objective, make it brief and specific to a particular job or career field.

• Summary of Qualifications: A candidate with significant experience in a career field may choose to start a resume with a brief overview of professional skills.

• Section Headings: Group your experience to reflect your strengths. Common headings include:

EDUCATION	LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE	COMMUNITY SERVICE
SKILLS	ATHLETICS
ACTIVITIE	PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• High School: Omit high school information from a resume at the graduate school level.

• References: List your references on a separate page: see handout entitled “Reference Lists for the Job Search.”

• Cautions: Never reveal confidential data on your resume such as your social security number or date of birth. Do not list a personal website if it includes any nonprofessional content.

EDUCATION

University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Master of Arts in Counseling

• Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Eligible for NCC status; passed National Counselor Exam April 2010

Expected May 2011

Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

May 2006

EXPERIENCE

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern The Burn Institute San Diego, CA • Conduct intakes and assessments with clients • Meet with counseling staff to develop treatment plans • Co-lead weekly burn survivor group counseling sessions with up to 12 clients • Conduct ongoing individual counseling sessions with burn survivors and family members • Keep detailed and confidential case notes • Facilitate fire and burn prevention education sessions in the community	9/10 to present
Graduate Assistant University of San Diego, Student Leadership San Diego, CA • Coordinate and implement Emerging Leaders program for 50+ first-year students • Assist Director with developing curriculum and arranging for speakers • Meet individually with 12 first-year students to develop personal leadership goals • Identify students with transition concerns and refer them to the appropriate services on campus	9/09 to present
English Teacher Colegio de Amigos de San Juan San Juan, Costa Rica • Taught daily and weekly English lessons to adolescents and adults • Developed curriculum, selected textbooks, and assessed student needs • Used cultural sensitivity to work effectively while living abroad • Completed TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification	9/08 to 5/09
Special Events Assistant Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Encinitas, CA • Ensured smooth running of special event fundraisers through detailed planning • Worked closely with development staff and volunteer board to raise money • Coordinated and motivated more than thirty volunteer committee members and part-time staff • Organized and processed large amounts of data into logical and accessible forms while maintaining attention to detail • Promoted to full-time coordinator after three-month internship due to excellent performance	2/06 to 6/08

AFFILIATIONS and COMMUNITY SERVICE
Student Member, Association for Clinical Mental Health Counselors
Crisis Volunteer, American Red Cross, 2009 to present
• Completed 26 hour training

SKILLS
Fluent in Spanish
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Familiar with SPSS statistical software.

Guide Source: USD Career Services

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