Lighty Student Services • Room 180 • ascc.wsu.edu • 509-335-6000 • ascc@wsu.edu
Resumes and
Cover Letters
Informational Packet
1
ELEMENTS OF A RESUME
Heading
•
Contact information: Your name, email address, phone number and LinkedIn profile URL. Do not provide
information that employers have no legal right to such as age, sex, race, religion, marital-status, or sexual
orientation.
Example: Madison Cougar
Madison.Cougar@wsu.edu
509.335.0000
Linkedin.com/in/madisoncougar-1234
Skills Summary/Summary of Qualifications
•
The skills summary tells the prospective employer your most sought-after skills, abilities, accomplishments,
and attributes. This should be tailored to the position for which you are applying. Mirror key words in the
job description.
Education and Related Coursework
•
Degrees earned
• Your major/minor areas of study
• College, city and state where located
• Month and year of graduation
• GPA/Class Rank (if above a 3.0).
• If you are a member of the honors college, on the Dean’s List, attended any special programs, elective
coursework, trainings, courses, or participated in study abroad, you can also list them in this section. List
in reverse chronological order with most recent experience first.
Example: Washington State University Pullman, WA
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Expected May 2022
GPA 3.5
Related Work/Internship/Practicum Experience
•
Position title, the organization’s name, city and state where located, when and how long you worked
there, and what you accomplished while you worked there. Don’t just list, your responsibilities, write
about what your unique skill set and personality enabled you to accomplish. Describe your experiences in
a way that highlights on the skills & abilities acquired, how you contributed to a team, or how you went
above and beyond. Quantify your descriptions (how many people you managed, how much money you
handled, workload, etc.) when possible.
Leadership
•
Use this section to highlight any leadership roles you have held both in and out of school. This can
include offices held, projects led, groups led, etc. Describe the skills you have as an effective leader.
Quantify your accomplisments (number of people you led, number of projects you were in charge of, etc.)
to demonstrate the scope of your responsibility.
2
Professional Development/Certifications
•
Highlight additional training and certifications relevant to the position. This includes conferences,
workshops, and seminars attended, as well as certifications or licensure.
Publications
•
Use this section to list any abstracts or articles you have had published during your education.
Honors/Awards
•
List any honors, scholarships, honorary organizations and awards received (both academic and non-
academic related).
Clubs/Organizations
•
List any clubs or organizations in which you are an active member. Describe your role and the length of
time you were involved.
Volunteer/Community Service
•
List your role and contributions to various organizations within your community.
•
3
GENERATE A LIST OF YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Employers want to know what you have achieved in past jobs to see how you can contribute to their organization.
Use this page to compose your skills summary and related work sections with strong and detailed statements. Be
specific and descriptive about your experience.
Use the acronym CAR (Challenge/Context-Approach/Actions-Results):
Challenge (or Context) - Consider the problems you have faced
Approach (or Actions) - Your unique contribution
Results - Benefits that you have imparted
Ask the following questions to compose your own accomplishment statements:
What did you do that…
• Was faster, better, less expensive?
• Increased membership/participation/sales?
• Saved your organization time, money, or eliminate waste?
• Identified and/or helped solve problems?
• Instituted any new methods, systems, or procedures?
• Suggested a new service, product, or project?
• Re-organized or improved an existing system?
• Maintained a consistently high level of performance?
• Demonstrated leadership skills and exhibit good team player skills?
• Achieved results with little or no supervision?
• Accomplished something others thought could not be done?
• Involved in coordinating an event or project?
• Required training another person?
• Acquired industry-specific knowledge?
Important aspects of resume writing:
• Focus on starting your accomplishment statements with strong action verbs. These action words will
provide powerful examples of your skills and experience.
o DON’T: Jane Doe is an excellent wedding planner and never went over budget.
o DO: Managed numerous small and large events, always staying within budget.
• Do not use complete sentences! The shorter, more concise, the better. Bullet points are preferred!
• Quantify as much as you can! How many, how much, how often? This helps you demonstrate your value
to the company. Prove you can get the job done faster, better, or most cost effective.
• Remember to use present tense for current experience and past tense for prior experience.
• Always include start date and end date when describing past work experience.
Examples: Key phrases for powerful resume statements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• First-hand experience with a wide range of cultures.
• Skilled a developing rapport with all types of people.
• Able to resolve conflicts in a diplomatic manner.
• Effective working independently and as a member of a team.
• Highly motivated and goal oriented.
• Diplomatic and tactful with both professionals and nonprofessionals.
• Poised and competent as a professional representative.
• Enthusiastic, creative, and willing to assume increased responsibility.
• Effective in developing programs which reach goals.
4
CHOOSE ACTION WORDS CAPTURING YOUR PAST CAREER EXPERIENCES
Action Words - Use powerful, skill-based action verbs to start bullet points on your resume.
Management Skills
Communication Skills
Clerical/Detailed Skills
Administered
Assigned
Consolidated
Coordinated
Delegated
Executed
Improved
Organized
Oversaw
Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Strengthened
Supervised
Addressed
Corresponded
Directed
Drafted
Enlisted
Influenced
Interpreted
Mediated
Moderated
Motivated
Negotiated
Promoted
Publicized
Recruited
Approved
Arranged
Classified
Collected
Compiled
Dispatched
Monitored
Prepared
Processed
Purchased
Recorded
Retrieved
Specified
Validated
Research Skills
Technical Skills
Teaching Skills
Collected
Diagnosed
Examined
Extracted
Identified
Inspected
Interpreted
Interviewed
Investigated
Organized
Reviewed
Summarized
Surveyed
Systematized
Assembled
Built
Calculated
Designed
Engineered
Fabricated
Maintained
Operated
Overhauled
Programmed
Remodeled
Repaired
Solved
Upgraded
Adapted
Advised
Coached
Communicated
Developed
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained
Informed
Initiated
Instructed
Persuaded
Stimulated
Financial Skills
Creative Skills
Helping Skills
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Devised
Estimated
Forecasted
Planned
Projected/Researched
Acted
Conceptualized
Created
Designed
Established
Illustrated
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Originated
Performed
Planned
Revitalized/Shaped
Assessed
Assisted
Clarified
Coached
Counseled
Demonstrated
Diagnosed
Educated
Expedited
Facilitated
Familiarized
Guided
Referred/Rehabilitated
\
5
NACE Competencies
(Non-technical skills)
Continuous research conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2015) has
shown that employers consider more than the technical skills of potential employees.
Employers want to know you possess certain non-technical competencies that make you a well-
rounded person able to function in a team environment. You can incorporate these competencies in
the skills summary, in your cover letter, or the work experience section of your resume.
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
• Objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement. This skill shows
employers that you are able to make logical and informed decisions free from influence and
based on factual information on behalf of your company or industry.
Oral and Written Communication
• Transfer of information from sender to receiver by means of verbal and visual aid. Body
language, clarity, pitch, tone, eye contact, completeness, correctness, and detail are all
important aspects of oral and written communication. Examples of these are presentations,
speeches, discussions, letters, memos, emails, reports, and research papers.
Teamwork/Collaboration
• Collective effort of a group of interdependent individuals working together to successfully
achieve a common goal. Healthy dynamics, conflict resolution, shared leadership, and open
communication are critical to cohesive teamwork and collaboration.
IT (Information Technology) Application
• Knowledge and experience with applications that produce, manipulate, store, communicate
and/or disseminate information. These applications are designed to carry out tasks and
functions for the assistance of the user. Examples of IT applications are wide ranging and
include word processors, database programs, web browsers, drawing/imaging programs,
spreadsheets, and photo editing software. There is high demand for this skill across many
industries and it is becoming increasingly important as technology advances.
Leadership
• The ability to motivate a group of people to cohesively reach a common goal. Each leader
has their own style, but many good leaders possess qualities such as creativity, innovation,
accountability, honesty, integrity, good decision-making skills, commitment, is a good
communicator, inspires others, and is able to delegate.
Professionalism/Work Ethic
• How you conduct yourself within your industry or business affairs. Professional employees
have a well-groomed appearance, confident demeanor, are reliable, competent, poised,
courteous, organized, accountable, respectful, and polite. In addition, a good work ethic
entails integrity, discipline, a sense of teamwork and responsibility and showing pride in your
work.
Career Management
• Conscious planning and management of your own professional career. This is shaped by
developing goals and objectives, a general strategies to accomplish your goals, ways to
implement those strategies, and systematic evaluations of your progress.
Global/Intercultural Fluency
• The ability to successfully operate and communicate within different cultural contexts. As the
workplace is becoming increasingly globalized, being able to operate and communicate
within a multicultural context is an invaluable skills
6
CHOOSE YOUR RESUME OR BUILD YOUR OWN
First Name _____________ Middle Initial (optional) ______________ Last Name ______________
Phone Number _____________
● Email ______________ ● LinkedIn URL ______________
EDUCATION
Degree, Certification or Diploma Title ____________ Month and Year of Graduation
Name of School or University ___________________ City and State
GPA if greater than 3.0, important classes
EXPERIENCE
Class Work Example
Role Title Month and Year Start and End Dates
Organization Name City and State
• Detail 1
• Detail 2
Field Work Example
Role Title Month and Year Start and End Dates
Organization Name City and State
• Detail 1
• Detail 2
Child Care Example
Role Title Month and Year Start and End Dates
Organization Name City and State
• Detail 1
• Detail 2
Club or Sports Example
Role Title Month and Year Start and End Dates
Organization Name City and State
• Detail 1
• Detail 2
7
BUTCH T. COUGAR
509-335-6000 ● butchtcougar@wsu.edu ● www.linkedin.com/butchtcougar
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Communication December 2020
Washington State University Pullman, WA
• GPA 3.3
High School Diploma June 2015
Pullman High School Pullman, WA
• GPA 3.1, 15 credits fine arts and creative writing classes
EXPERIENCE
Class Work Example
Student, Biology 10 November-December 2014
Pullman High School Pullman, WA
• Organized study group visit to local plant museum to research local grass species.
• Composed paper with group of 3 class members which earned a grade of 92%.
Field Work Example
Work Team Member Summers 2011 – present
XYZ Farms Sequim, WA
• Contribute to household income by picking strawberries and harvesting lavender for
farm in 4 different locations.
• Demonstrate efficiency and strong work ethic by working 8 hour days 6 days a week,
and meeting 100% of business harvesting goals.
Child Care Example
Child Care Provider September 2011 – present
Anderson, Cook, Martinez Families Pullman, WA
• Organize educational and social activities for 4 children ages 3-6 years after school.
• Develop positive relationships and communication with parents about children’s daily
activities.
Club or Sports Example
Soccer Team Member September 2013- present
Palouse Soccer League Pullman, WA
• Participate in 4 weekly practices and 6 competitions, team placed 2
nd
in local League.
• Provide transportation for team members to and from practices and games.
8
SAMPLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
Name
Phone number • Email • Linked In Profile URL
Objective:
A trainee position leading to Branch Management/Operations for a major financial services
organization.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Option in Finance May 201X
Washington State University, GPA 3.15 Pullman, WA
Relevant coursework: Financial Institutions and Markets, Commercial Bank Management,
Advanced Financial Management, Investments and Security Analysis, Portfolio Theory and
Management, Operations Management, Database Management Systems, Professional and
Technical Writing
Work Experience:
Financed 100% of higher education costs through the following part-time and summer jobs:
Managing Editor, Daily Evergreen 9/201X – Present
Washington State University Pullman, WA
Supervise a staff of 35 people, maintaining the lowest turnover rate in five years. Coordinate
editorial and art production schedules, oversee budget, recommend cost- cutting procedures to
campus advisor. Developed a training program for new employees resulting in increased
productivity. Wrote an orientation handbook. Initiated an on-campus recruitment program
which generated 40% more applicants.
Assistant Manager, Pullman Franchise
1/201X - 12/201X
McDonald’s Pullman, WA
Supervised a staff of 10 part-time employees. Arranged work schedules. Taught orientation
program for over 50 new employees. Reduced customer complaints by 25%. Balanced daily
cash register receipts and sales. Oversaw work flow. Promoted to assistant manager position
within first six months of employment.
Leadership: President, Finance Club 201X-201X
Vice President, Beta Sigma Epsilon 201X-201X
Clubs: Member, Finance Club 201X-201X
Member, Business Administration Club 201X-201X
Honors and Donald Gates Outstanding Leader Scholarship 201X-201X
Awards: WSU Writing Portfolio “Passed with Distinction”
9
SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL RESUME
Name
Email
Current Address (until May 20, 200X) Permanent Address
Address Address
City, State Zip code City, State Zip code
Phone Phone
Food science and human nutrition major graduating in May 2020 looking for a position as a dietician
utilizing my skills in effective nutritional screening and development of nutrition plans as well
experience in customer service.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition, General Dietetics Option
Washington State University, Pullman, WA, GPA 3.15 May 201X
Relevant coursework: Eating Disorders, Global Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Nutritional Assessment,
Medical Nutrition Therapy, Prenatal-Infant and Child Nutrition, Nutrition and Aging, Sport Nutrition
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
▪ Performed effective nutritional screening to assess status and develop nutrition care plans for patients
▪ Provided counseling and diet instruction for inpatients and outpatients in hospital setting
▪ Attained first-hand clinical experience in renal, ICU, diabetic, cardiac, and geriatric rotations
▪ Developed presentations for outpatient nutrition education programs including diabetes, cardiac care,
weight loss and pregnancy
▪ Provided nutrition counseling to university students
▪ Established proficient charting procedures
▪ Developed precision, confidence and ability to manage patient loads
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
▪ Developed nutrition education materials for teaching individuals in the community
▪ Organized nutritional components of “Eating Disorders Awareness Week” on campus
▪ Participated in Food Bank and Meals on Wheels community programs
▪ Co-directed a station of the “Body Walk” program (regional 4
th
grade nutrition education program)
organizing staffing, scheduling, props and nutrition education
FOOD SERVICE EXPERIENCE
▪ Planned theme dinner for WSU dining centers
▪ Participated in budgeting, requisitioning and ordering procedures for public school food service
▪ Conducted in-service training for full-time food service staff
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Student Dietician, WSU Nutrition Clinic, Pullman, WA 1/201X - present
Food Service Manager, Pullman School District, Pullman, WA 8/201X - 5/201X
Food Service Worker, Sweet Sensations, WSU, Pullman, WA 8/201X – present
Student Dietitian, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 8/201X – 5/201X
HONORS AND LEADERSHIP
Member, American Dietetic Association 1/201X - present
Treasurer, Student Nutrition Awareness Club 1/201X - present
ADA Outstanding CUOGD Dietetic Student Nominee 1/201X - present
10
SAMPLE TECHNICAL RESUME
Name
Street Address Email
City, State Zip code Phone
Languages
• Visual Basic
• COBOL
• C, C + +
• Pascal
Operating Systems
• Windows (all versions)
• Mac OS
• UNIX
• Novel NetWare
Applications
• Microsoft Office
• Adobe PageMaker
• Adobe Photo Shop
• Corel DRAW
Networking
• Ethernet card installation
• TCP/IP
• Telnet
• FTP
• Fetch
Database
• SQL
• Microsoft Access
• Oracle8
Web Development
• HTML
• Microsoft FrontPage
• Macromedia Dreamweaver
• ASP Programming
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration,
May 201X
Emphasis: Management Information Systems
Washington State University, Pullman, WA
GPA: 3.3
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Web Coordinator, Student Computing Services
8/201X – 5/201X
• Created and maintained public and internal
website
• Worked with other departments as a team
member
• Installed and maintained NT server
Lab Monitor, Student Computing Services
8/201X – 5/201X
• Created user accounts with Novell Network
• Helped customers regarding software or
hardware, providing optimum customer
service
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Food Service Handler, Compton Union
Building 8/201X –5/201X
Food Service Handler, Regent Dining Center
8/201X – 5/201X
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Career Development Specialist, Career
Services 8/201X – 5/201X
• Planned programming to assist students
with career counseling
• Directed outreaches and presentations to
new and potential Washington State
University students
Peer Advisor, College of Business & Economics
8/201X – 5/201X
• Provided academic advising and support to
student advisees
• Acted as role model and promoted
responsible behavior to advisees
• Participated in extensive training in listening
skills and advising issues
11
SAMPLE SCIENCE RESUME
Name
Email
Address Phone: (###) ###-####
City, State Zip code Cell: (###) ###-####
QUALIFICATIONS Five semesters working in commercial and academic biological research
labs. Proficiency with electrophoresis, media preparation and a variety of
other lab techniques. History of working while attending classes full-
time.
EDUCATION Bachelor in Science in Biology
Washington State University May 201X
Member of Honors College
GPA: 3.65
Study Abroad at University of Lancaster, England Spring 201X
LABORATORY Radioimmunoassay, Microscopy, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis,
SKILLS Media Preparation, Animal Injections (chickens), Spectroscopy,
Lotus 1-2-3 Software, Macintosh Computer
RESEARCH Hypothyroidism in male chickens: Investigated the effects injections of
thyroid hormone and drugs that inhibit thyroid hormone production
had on body weight and bone growth replacement May 201X
• Proficient at IM injections for chickens
• Ran 80 blood samples through gas chromatograph to check T1
levels
• Prepared bone growth media for 8 sets of experiments
EXPERIENCE Earned $10,000 towards education through employment
Laboratory Assistant Pullman, WA
Washington State University August 201X- May 201X
• Assisted students with weekly lab projects and answered student
questions
• Prepared gel electrophoresis equipment for 10 students
• Arranged tutoring circles for students who scored low on exams
Moisture Analyst, Quality Assurance Dept. Allentown, PA
ALPO Petfoods, Inc. Summer 201X
• Measured moisture and physical constants of newly produced dog
food and adjusted content when necessary so variables remained
within specified parameters
• Trained on and became proficient with Electronic Moisture Analyzer
• Calibrated moisture injection equipment
Preparation Room Attendant Pullman, WA
Washington State University Fall 201X
• Prepared various laboratory courses
• Prepared solutions and media and performed autoclaving
HONORS Treasurer, Mortar Board, August 201X- May 201X
Dean’s List, Fall 201X, Spring 201X, Fall 201X
12
CHOOSE REFERENCES AND ASK THEIR PERMISSION TO LIST THEM
SAMPLE REFERENCE LIST
Your Name Here
Phone: (###) ###-#### Address
Email: ________@wsu.edu City, State Zip Code
Name of Reference Person
Job Title
Address (include zip)
Phone (include area code)
E-mail address
Relationship to you (optional)
Name of Reference Person
Job Title
Address (include zip)
Phone (include area code)
E-mail address
Relationship to you (optional)
Name of Reference Person
Job Title
Address (include zip)
Phone (include area code)
E-mail address
Relationship to you (optional)
Note:
• List 3-6 references. Remember, you must ask your reference people, in advance, if they are
willing to provide recommendations for you. Ask your references if they prefer you list both
their home and/or work phone numbers.
13
CREATE A COVER LETTER SPECIFIC TO THE JOB
COVER LETTER FORMAT
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, ZIP
Phone
E-mail
Date
Name of Contact Person
Title
Organization
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Dear (Contact Person’s Name):
Opening Paragraph: Why you are writing.
• State why you are writing. Name the position or type of position for which you are applying.
• Mention how you learned of the position.
• Mention the name of any referring person.
• Briefly describe why you are interested in this particular position.
Body of the Letter: Sell yourself.
• Introduce yourself.
• Briefly describe the skills and/or experiences you possess that fit the requirements of the position.
• If you have related experiences, mention your qualifications and achievements.
• This is your chance to give the reader more insight as to who you are as a person. Do not repeat your
resume. This is the time to mention personal qualities or special experiences and motivators.
• Refer the reader to your enclosed resume.
Closing Paragraph: Request an interview.
• Directly, but politely, indicate your desire to further discuss your qualifications in an interview.
• Make it easy for the reader to contact you by providing your phone number(s), email, and the best
time to reach you.
• Thank the contact person for his or her time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
(4 spaces)
Your typed name
(2 spaces)
Enc(s).
14
SAMPLE COVER LETTER
NAME
123 Anywhere Street
Pullman, WA 99163
509-123-4567
stillnschool.wsu.edu
February 18, 200X
Dr. Mark Green
Owner
Reno Lights Clinic
1234 Casino Road
Reno, NV 99999
Dear Dr. Green:
As a current third year student at Washington State University, I am flourishing in the College of Nursing
program. Before beginning senior clinical practicum in August, I am interested in returning to a clinical
setting and would like the opportunity to visit your practice and discuss the possibility of either summer
employment or a senior internship.
I am a well-rounded student, recognized on the Dean’s List and active in many extracurricular activities
and clubs. Throughout nursing school, I have experienced many opportunities that foster teamwork,
leadership, diagnostic skills, and problem solving. My studies have included courses such as
pharmacology, pathophysiology, anatomy and physiology, psychiatric and mental health, chronic illness
in adults, and laboratory values and analysis. In addition to my curriculum, I developed and
implemented a thesis project on the positive effect of exercise on insulin levels in severe diabetics. At the
end of the project, I presented the successful results at the state nursing convention in Seattle, WA and to
the College of Nursing at Washington State University.
My past clinical experience includes two multi-doctor practices in which I fulfilled certified nursing
technician duties. Beyond medical knowledge, I gained a great appreciation for a sound staff, teamwork,
and respect in the work place. These experiences have shaped my work ethic and my definition of a
successful practice. I also have a wide variety of experience working with obese and diabetic
populations. My future career interests reflect my diverse background.
I will be in Reno during the third week of March and would like the chance to introduce myself in person
and visit your practice. I can be reached at your convenience through the contact information listed
above. I will follow up with a phone call during the first week in March. Thank you for taking the time to
look over my resume. I look forward to hearing from you soon and meeting with you in March.
Sincerely,
Still N. School
Still N. School
Enc. Resume
