ResumeWS

Resume
Writing
Miranda Lawell
Peer Advisor
WPI Career Development Center

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Today’s Workshop
Resume Basics
Sections of your
Resume
Your Transferable
Skills

Resume Basics

What is the purpose of a resume?
How is it used in
job
search process?
Why should you
plan for your
resume?

Resumes are a Personal Marketing Tool
Your resume should…
Convey who
you are
Highlight
your
qualifications
& strengths
Minimize
your dislikes
Organized by
relevance

When creating your resume, consider the
employer’s perspective
1. Employers don’t READ resumes
2. Employers search for key buzz words
3. Resume SCANNING software is being
used (keywords are pre-set in filters)

Formats/Styles
“Resume” vs. “Curriculum Vitae (CV)”
RESUME CURRICULUM VITAE
(CV)
Who uses it?
• Bachelor’s/Master
’s
What is it for?
• Industry
• Internships/Entry
-Level Jobs
How long is it?
• 1 page (2 pages
MAXIMUM)
Who uses it?
• Doctorate/Masters
What is it for?
• Research/Academia
• Highly specialized
Additional sections?
• Publications,
Presentations
How long is it?
• 2+ pages
Reverse
Chronological
Objective/
Education/
Project/Work
Experiences

The layout and design of your resume are
JUST as important as the content!
Keep to 1 page,
light-colored paper
Absolutely NO
spelling or
grammar mistakes
Be consistent in
formatting
No acronyms - spell
out instead!
Most employers
read top to bottom
- rank sections!
Use action verbs!
(analyzed, designed,
advised, etc.)

Consistency in formatting is essential to
creating an attractive resume
Formatting Essentials
Font
Type, Size,
Color
Bullets
Type, Size,
Alignment
Bolding
Indent
Margins
0.75”-1” on
all 4 sides;
make sure
all bullets
align
Dates
Style,
Alignment
Spacing
Single
space
What
NOT to
do/Use
Borders,
Underlining,
Italics,
Hyperlinks

Sections of Your Resume

Resumes are typically organized
into the following sections:
Contact Information
Objective
Education
Skills
Projects/Research
Experience
Activities (and/or Leadership)
Honors/Awards

Your contact information is the first
“section” at the top of your resume
Contact Information
Name
Address
School and/or
Permanent
Phone
Number
Don’t forget
professional
message!
Email
Address
Make sure it’s
professional!
Website
Optional
Portfolio,
LinkedIn,
Github, etc.
School Address:
100 Institute Rd, Box 1234
Worcester, MA 01609
Gompei Goat
gompei@wpi.edu
508-831-5260
Permanent Address:
1234 Main Street
Framingham, MA 01701
Gompei Goat
100 Institute Road, Box 1234 • Worcester, MA 01609 • 508-831-5260 • gompei@wpi.edu

The “Objective” tells the employer what
you are applying for
What do you want to do???
• Can focus on skills, desired tasks, industry
• Use “full-time”, “co-op”, “summer internship”,
“part-time” to identify type of position
• Be clear and concise!
OBJECTIVE: Summer Internship in Biochemistry with a focus on Health
and Medical Sciences
OBJECTIVE: Co-op in Biomedical Engineering beginning in January 2016
OBJECTIVE: Full Time Design Engineer. Interested in relocating.
Write 2 or 3 versions of your own resume objective that reflects your career
objective.

Resumes for all types of positions
• 8-12 weeks (less than 4 months) over the summer
• Industry
• Research, Institutes, Federal Government Agencies
• Programs (i.e. Mass Life Sciences Challenge)
Internships
• 4+ months (Summer + 1-2 Terms)
• Company/Industry
Co-ops
• Agencies & Organizations
• Universities
• International
• Ex: SURF, REU, etc.
Summer
Research
• Industry
• Universities
Full Time
Opportunities

Information to elaborate on when
applying to IQP
15
Writing/Survey
Experience
Community Service/
Volunteering
International
Experience
Group Project
Experience

“Education” highlights your higher
education experience and degrees
TIPS:
1. Most
recent
school first
2. After
sophomore
year,
removed
high school
informatio
n
MUST
Include:Degree
Major
Graduation
Date
MAY Include:
Concentration, Minor
GPA (if 3.0 and above)
Transfer Information
Related Courses
EDUCATION: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Worcester, MA
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, GPA: 3.4/4.0, May 2019
Concentration: Tissue Engineering, Minor: Chemistry
Related Courses: Biomedical Engineering Design, Biomedical
Instrumentation Design, Biomaterials* (* to be completed by May 2017)

BS/MS Education Example
Master of Science in Fire Protection Engineering, GPA: 3.7/4.0, May 2018
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, GPA: 3.4/4.0, May 2017
EDUCATION:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Worcester, MA
Master of Science in Information Technology, May 2017
Shandong University (SU), Weihai, China
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, May 2015
MS (with non-WPI BS) Example
EDUCATION:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Worcester, MA
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology, May 2017
Successfully transferred credit from University of Massachusetts (UMass) at Amherst
Transferred into WPI Example
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology, GPA: 3.3/4.0, May 2020
Amity Regional High School (ARHS), Woodbridge, CT
High School Diploma, GPA: 4.0/4.0, May 2016
Related Courses: Calculus I-IV, Differential Equations, AP Biology, AP Chemistry
1st Year/Sophomore w/High School Example

The “Projects” section shows relevant
hands-on coursework & projects
• Great Problems Seminar
• College course projects, lab work
• AP class projects, labs/high school projects, Gold/Eagle
Scout Awards
• Science or engineering projects (e.g., FIRST robotics,
science fairs, etc.)
First Year/ Sophomore
• IQP, MQP
• Research projects, course projects
• Laboratory volunteer projects
Junior/ Senior
• Thesis
• Laboratory work
• Independent research
• Class projects
Graduate Student
Other titles for
this section
could be:
“Research
Experiences”
or “Laboratory
Experiences”

Employers want to know specifics about
your project work
PROJECTS
Name of Course, WPI, Month Year – Month Year
WHAT did
you do?
- Focus on action
- Quantify when possible
- Focus on your role
HOW did you
do it?
-Process
- SKILLS used (programs,
techniques, methods, etc.)
With WHOM
did you do it?
- “on a team of …”
- “on an interdisciplinary team”
What was
the
OUTCOME?
- Presentation
- Report/Publication
- Patent
- Award/Prize
Every phrase/bullet should begin with an action verb!!!
Use these thinking points to guide you as you write your
descriptions!

Project Examples
PROJECTS:
Major Qualifying Project (MQP), WPI, 09/2015 – 05/2016
Proposed a system to use photovoltaic cells as active filters in a group of three students. Outlined a
high level block diagram. Simulated likely circuits on Multi-Sim. Implemented Direct Current (DC) to
Alternating Current (AC) stage. Presented findings to faculty panel.
Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), WPI/Switzerland, 01/2014 – 05/2015
Researched current and future electrical transmission systems, power sources and the decision
making process in Switzerland in an interdisciplinary team of three. Led interviews, in Switzerland
and Germany, with experts and stakeholders from the utility industry, environmental groups,
research institutes and regulatory agencies. Developed proposal on energy initiatives to protect
environment and presented findings to government officials.
Chemistry I: Amino Acid Project, WPI, 08/2015 – 12/2015
Analyzed unknown sample to identify specific amino acid. Used Solubility, Density, Melting Point,
Thin Layer Chromatography, Titration, UV Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic
Resonance Spectroscopy, and Synthesis of Cu+2 Adduct characterized by UV Spectroscopy, Infrared
Spectroscopy and Jobs Method. Determined the unknown amino acid to be Phenylalanine via
writing a final lab report.

The “Experience” section tells an
employer your work history
• Skills, accomplishments, achievements
• Might separate RELEVANT experience
• Include:
Job Title, Company Name, Location, Dates
─ Description of what you did
• Use Action Words (e.g., analyzed, created,
completed, designed, advised)
• List duties according to importance and include
achievements and results of your efforts
EXPERIENCE CAN BE:
Paid/Volunteer
Related/Not Related
Summer Internship
Co-Op
Part-Time
Work Study
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
Summer Associate, BME Company, Worcester, MA, June 2013 – August 2013
Cultured cells to develop and test nanoparticles for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Plated cell lines, dosed cells with
increasing concentrations of drugs, and performed a MTT Assay to analyze percent cell viability and determine the IC50
value (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of the drug used. Used two drugs on the cell lines simultaneously to
determine CI (combination index) and discover if drugs are synergistic, additive, or antagonistic.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Camp Counselor, YMCA, New Haven, CT, June – August 2010
Reverse-
Chronological
Order!

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
Hospital X, Worcester, MA, May-August 2013, 2014
Research Intern, May-August 2014
• Worked in a team of two to identify genes that playa role in melanoma development
• Used online databases of genes to find the human homologs of zebrafish oncogenes
• Implemented Java programs and classes for data mining of gene databases
Summer Intern, May-August 2013
• Conducted research in a team of three in characterizing proton conductivity of organic polymers
• Utilized impedance spectroscopy to determine the proton conductivity of organic polymers
• Found a polymer to be used for possible alternative energy fuel using informatics analysis of results
2 Different Jobs at 1 Company Example
Same Job for 2 Summers’ Example
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE:
Technical Intern, Aero Plane, Schenectady, NY, May-August 2014, 2015
Held a government issued Secret Security Clearance. Assisted in the stress analysis of a future wing for the E-2D
aircraft. Applied Finite Element Modeling and determined the fastener stiffness on crucial component of the
aircraft wing.
Very Long Job Title/Company Example
RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Assistant Site Manager Intern, June 2014 – August 2014
Gordon Research Conferences, Lewiston, ME
• Coordinated and organized on-site meeting logistics for scientific conferences.
• Provided assistance to and interacted daily with internationally preeminent scientists
• Registered attendees, made presentations, and was available to answer conferee questions.

“Skills” is a concise list of tangible abilities
that you’d use on the job
SKILLS:
Software: LabView, ImageJ, Solidworks, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
Laboratory Techniques: Sterile technique, serial dilutions, cell staining techniques, compound light
microscopy, fluorescent staining/microscopy, cell culture, animal surgery
Foreign Language: Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Use
categories!
Computer or
Technical
Software or
Programming
Languages
Equipment Lab
Techniques
Foreign
Language(s)

“Activities” allows you to show the
groups in which you are involved
• Clubs/Organizations
• Professional Affiliations
• Sororities/Fraternities
• Sports (varsity, intramural, club)
• Community/Volunteer Work
ACTIVITIES:
Men’s Tennis Team, WPI August 2015-Present
Floor President, Morgan Hall, WPI August 2015-Present
Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity, WPI October 2015-Present
Captain, Varsity Wrestling, Amity High School September 2014-May 2015
Volunteer, Yale Hospital, New Haven, CT September 2013-May 2014

ACTIVITIES: Student Government Association-Senator, WPI, Aug. 2015-Present
Global Humanitarian Alliance, WPI, Aug. 2015-Present
LEADERSHIP: Residence Hall Council, WPI, Aug. 2014-Present
Programming Chair (Aug. 2015-Present): Assist in creation and execution of
campus-wide program events. Collaborate with Public Relations Chair to
advertise and coordinate budgets.
Treasurer (Aug. 2014-May 2015): Managed $x,xxx budget. Assisted chairs with
understanding and allocating for expenses.
LEADERSHIP: Residence Hall Council, WPI, Aug. 2014-Present
Programming Chair, Aug. 2015-Present
• Assist in creation and execution of campus-wide program events.
• Collaborate with Public Relations Chair to advertise and coordinate budgets.
Treasurer, Aug. 2014-May 2015
• Managed $x,xxx budget. Assisted chairs with understanding and allocating for
expenses.
2 Leadership roles in 1 organization
or
Athletics
ACTIVITIES:
Varsity Swim Team, WPI, August 2015-Present
LEADERSHIP:
Varsity Football Team-Captain, WPI, August 2013-Present
Combining Leadership & Non-Leadership Involvement

“Awards” section is optional and lets you
show off your accomplishments
Awards:
Dean’s List, December 2013-Present
Charles O. Thompson Scholar, WPI, August 2013-Present
Chemistry Regents Scholarship (Highest Grade), Troy High School, June 2010
National Honor Society, Troy High School, April 2009-June 2010
Presidents
Awards
Scholarships
Honor
Societies
Dean’s List Eagle Scout
IQP/MQP
Award
Science Fair/
Robotics
Award
Academic
Competition
Selected to
participate
in…
Awards can
also be included
as a descriptive
bullet

Resumes can be customized to your unique
experience and may include other sections, if
relevant to the position!
Military Experience
Research
Experience
Professional
Affiliations
Publications
International
Experience/Travel
Poster
Presentations

Cite your publications & presentations
properly if including them
PUBLICATIONS
Shepard, J., I.M. Spamalot, and E.C. Aimigdala. 20xx. Behavioral
effects of elevated corticosterone in sub-regions of the medial
prefrontal cortex. Psychopharmacology 34: 111-114.
PRESENTATIONS
American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Convention Poster Presentation, Boston, MA, Month Year

Add patents and certifications in their
own sections
PATENTS
Job, Anita. 2013. Patent Title Here. U.S. Patent #, filed September 18, 2013,
and issued September 15, 2014.
Doe, J. 2012. Title of Patent Here. U.S. Patent Application #, filed January
2012. Patent Pending.
CERTIFICATIONS
Lean Green Belt, WPI, February 2014
Professional Engineer (PE)-Civil-#1234, MA, May 2013

Resume FYI’s
RBE & IMGD resumes:
>1 page (jr, sr.)
Put On Campus Roles in
Experience, Leadership,
or Activities sections
Captain positions in
sports can go in
leadership; elaborate
on your role
Keep a master resume
using Handshake Profile
sections & LinkedIn
30
First Robotics & other
programs goes in Projects
until more WPI experience
gained
Government Agencies
require special resume
format; visit
gogovernment.org for info
GoinGlobal provides resume
examples for other
countries
Proofread and get an
annual critique!

Your Transferable Skills

Think about transferable skills when
choosing/describing experiences
What skills,
experience,
or qualities,
are needed
to perform
this job?
What skills,
experience,
projects, or
qualities
do I have?
Use the same verbs and words in job posting on your resume.

Incorporate these key points in your
descriptions to catch the employers’ attention

Resume Do’s & Don’ts
34
In small groups
Contact
Information
Education
Work
Experience
Projects
Activities Skills

Remember…
Layout
Relevant
Consistent
Content
Specific
Detailed
Examples
35

How to get your resume critiqued by
the CDC:
Drop Ins (Mon-
Fri, 10-4pm)
Dropbox in
the CDC
Email
cdc@wpi.edu
Paper copies
required for
critiques

Questions?
37
wpi.joinhandshake.com: Upcoming Events
www.wpi.edu/+cdc: CDC Information
www.wpi.edu/+cdctipsheets: Advice & Sample Resumes
www.wpi.edu/+coop: More information on co-op

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