You've heard the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" but without a good resume you won't even get the chance to make a first impression. A resume is what gets you in the door, it tells employers that you're different than everyone else out there. It lets employers know that you have what it takes to succeed. There is a lot more to making a resume than listing everything you have ever done. You need to use action words that make your accomplishments and past work experience stand out. You should mention that you were a student-athlete and highlight the skills you developed through participation in collegiate athletics that can transfer to whatever job you are applying for.

Included in this handout is a list of skills that you have proven that you possess just by being a collegiate athlete as well as a list of action words you can use to "jazz up" your resume and suggestions on how to use action words.

SAMPLE RESUME WORKSHEET

Resume Preparation (PDF)
Sample Resume with Little Experience (PDF)
Sample Resume with Experience (PDF)

RESUME TIPS

• Make sure there is enough white space throughout the resume to create a pleasing format.
• Do not abbreviate except your middle name.
• Use action verbs (see list) and be specific when describing each job responsibility.
• Instead of using paragraphs, use bulleted statements, it is easier to read.
• Do not overdo bold and italic type.
• Avoid ornate fonts and fonts where the characters touch.
• Use nothing smaller than 10-point type, 12 is preferred.
• Avoid using "I".
• Use past tense for past jobs and present tense for present jobs.
• Be concise and clear in job descriptions. Do not list every minor duty just the most important ones.
• Be consistent. Have similar types of information in similar places on the page - dates, names, employers and positions. Keep dates the same by using number of month, spelling out entire name, or using abbreviation of month.
• Do not include personal data or references unless they are requested.
• Be honest.
• Use 8.5 x 11" paper, 20 pound weight at least.
• Use white or lightly tinted paper in conservative colors. Envelope should match in pound and color. Keep it simple, clean, and neat.
• Make sure that your resume reflects who you are and make sure that you are prepared to explain in more detail what you mean by a statement.
• References - It is more appropriate to have a typed reference sheet and to present this information at the end of your interview.
• Proofread!! Spell check, but remember spell check does not catch everything.

USING ACTION WORDS

Here are some suggestions for selecting action words and phrases:

• Use action words in short, clear phrases.
• Use the minimum number of words necessary to convey accurately what you wish to say.
• Select words that will mean something to the person reading your resume. Use the jargon of your chosen field where appropriate.
• AVOID introductory phrases such as "my duties included" or "I was in charge of."
• List accomplishments whenever possible rather than just describe duties.
• Always keep the needs of your employer in mind and put them ahead of your own desires

Possible Ways to Use Action Verbs on a Resume

• Able to communicate and interact effectively with individuals of all levels.
• An experienced team player, bringing enthusiasm and energy into group efforts.
• Assertive, self-motivated, goal-oriented, organized and efficient.
• Able to work with others toward a team goal.
• Able to direct and lead others to produce desired results.
• Able to meet deadlines efficiently.
• Able to visualize solutions to bring about changes.
• Able to work independently.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Capable of handling multiple projects at once.
• Demonstrated effective leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Professional demeanor.
• Proficient in the use of various computer software including (list programs)
• Self-starting, goal-oriented strategist whose confidence, perseverance and vision promote success.

Action Statements with Accomplishments-Oriented Results TThis chart demonstrates how to use action words to create an accomplishment-oriented resume. Basic duties and responsibilities are described in the first column and have been converted to include accomplishment-oriented results. Adding results lengthens paragraphs. Selectively choose the best attributes you can bring to a chosen position.

Passive	Accomplishment-Oriented
Duties included teaching art lessons	Prepared creative art activities, increased students' interest and abilities. Awarded four blue ribbons at District Art Show.
Customer Service	Provided customer service through resolution of problems, explanation of bank services and policies, and knowledge of financial planning, resulting in greater customer satisfaction.
Responsible for Clerical Duties	Successfully developed and implemented systems to streamline office procedures, increasing productivity.

Positive Action Verbs
Accomplished	Coached	Distributed	Helped	Mentored	Reinforced
Achieved	Collected	Documented	Hosted	Met	Related
Acquired	Combined	Drafted	Identified	Modeled	Reorganized
Acted	Commended	Dramatized	Illustrated	Monitored	Replaced
Adapted	Communicated	Drove	Implemented	Motivated	Reported
Addressed	Compiled	Edited	Improved	Observed	Represented
Adjusted	Completed	Educated	Improvised	Offered	Resolved
Administered	Complied	Effected	Incorporated	Operated	Revamped
Advised	Conceived	Eliminated	Increased	Ordered	Reviewed
Advocated	Concluded	Empathized	Indexed	Organized	Saved
Aided	Conducted	Endorsed	Informed	Oversaw	Scheduled
Allocated	Consulted	Enforced	Initiated	Participated	Screened
Analyzed	Contracted	Enlarged	Influenced	Perceived	Selected
Applied	Contributed	Enlisted	Inspected	Perfected	Served
Appraised	Controlled	Established	Installed	Performed	Shipped
Arranged	Coordinated	Evaluated	Instituted	Persuaded	Sighted
Assembled	Corrected	Exhibited	Interpreted	Prepared	Solved
Assigned	Corresponded	Expanded	Interviewed	Presented	Specialized
Assisted	Counseled	Expedited	Introduced	Presided	Specified
Assumed	Created	Experienced	Invented	Processed	Studied
Attained	Credited	Experimented	Investigated	Produced	Streamlined
Audited	Decided	Extracted	Involved	Programmed	Strengthened
Awarded	Defined	Facilitated	Joined	Projected	Submitted
Balanced	Delegated	Filed	Judged	Promoted	Substantiated
Bought	Delivered	Financed	Kept	Proposed	Suggested
Briefed	Demonstrated	Focused	Launched	Proved	Summarized
Budgeted	Designed	Forecast	Lectured	Purchased	Supported
Built	Detected	Formulated	Led	Pursued	Targeted
Canceled	Determined	Founded	Lifted	Qualified	Taught
Catalogued	Developed	Gathered	Listened	Recommended	Tested
Caused	Devised	Generated	Maintained	Reconciled	Trained
Chaired	Diagnosed	Governed	Managed	Recorded	Translated
Checked	Directed	Guided	Manipulated	Reduced	Utilized