TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESUMES
Resume Guidelines 1
Word Template 2
Chronological Resume Example 3
Technical Resume Example 4
Combination Resume Example 5
Hospitality Resume Example 6
ATS Resumes, Modern Resumes, and Resume Writing Worksheet 7
COVER LETTERS
Cover Letter Format 8
Sample Cover Letter 9
LINKEDIN
LinkedIn Guidelines 10
Using LinkedIn for Your Job Search 11
LINKS TO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 11
1
NAME (bolded, all caps)
Address (optional)
Phone Number(s)
Email Address
LinkedIn Address
OBJECTIVE: Specific type of job you are seeking or aspire to (optional). Can be useful when downloading your
resume on a job board so the reader will know the type of job you are seeking.
SUMMARY
Summary of your education, experience, and qualifications related to the job you are seeking. Include
general transferrable skills or traits (e.g., organizational skills; reliability) with
specific skills related to the job
can be listed under a skills section. See How to Write a College Student Resume Summary and How to
Write a Resume Summary Statement.
SKILLS
• Key words or technical skills as listed in the job description or that are common to the job you are seeking.
See http://bit.ly/skillslistedbyjob and/or O*NET (click on “Find occupations,” type title in search box, and
select title to see tabs of required skills and abilities).
• Format as a bulleted list.
EDUCATION
• Title of degree bolded (ex: Bachelor of Arts, History), name and city/state of college/university, month
and year of completion or expected completion. Courses completed if they are specific to your goal. See
samples on pages 3 and 4 for formatting options
• High school diploma is optional but can be helpful if you have high school activities to highlight.
EXPERIENCE
AFFILIATIONS, MEMBERSHIPS OR VOLUNTEER SERVICE (if applicable)
Sectional headings
centered in all
caps and in bold
RESUME GUIDELINES
CHRONOLOGICAL FORMAT
• Experience in reverse chronological order.
• Title, Name of Employer, City and State,
Dates of Employment by month and year or
season (e.g., Summer 2018).
• Action verbs of duties - present tense for
current job; past tense for former jobs. See
also O*NET .
• Include accomplishments
• The format preferred by employers.
• See samples, pages 3 & 4.
See here for best font choices
If resume is 2 pages, use footer
with your name and page x of y
Click here for more information on formats
2
WORD TEMPLATE
With the guidelines and resources on page 1 in mind, use this Word document as a “template” for formatting
and writing your chronological resume.
NAME
City and State
Phone Number
Email Address
Linked Address
OBJECTIVE:
SUMMARY
SKILLS
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
AFFILIATIONS/MEMBERSHPS/VOLUNTEEER SERVICE
3
JOHN DOE
Columbia, Maryland
(443) 555-1234
[email protected]om
linkedin.com/in/john-doe00000
OBJECTIVE: Financial Planning Internship
SUMMARY
College student majoring in Business Administration with interests in financial investments and
money management. Friendly and approachable with enthusiasm for creating welcoming first
impressions on customers in retail settings.
SKILLS
• Numerical aptitude
• Cash handling
• Conversational Spanish
• MS Word and Excel
EDUCATION
Currently pursuing Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration, Howard Community College,
Columbia, MD. Expected graduation May 2020 with plans to earn Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
EXPERIENCE
Cashier, Target, Columbia, Maryland, June 2016 - Present
• Provide professional and friendly customer service to all patrons entering the store.
• Process customers’ purchases via cash, checks and credit/debit cards.
• Engage in suggestive selling of Target credit cards.
• Achieved cash award for the highest number of new credit cards opened.
Greeter, Walmart, Catonsville, Maryland, March 2014 - June 2016
• Greeted customers entering the store.
• Directed customers to location of store merchandise.
• Consistently received ratings of 5 out of 5 on surveys for providing exceptional customer service.
HONORS/AFFILIATIONS
• Member, Rouse Honors Scholars Program, Howard Community College, 2018-Present.
• Treasurer, Business Club, Howard Community College, Fall 2018 semester.
• Inductee, National Honor Society, Centennial High School, Junior & Senior years, 2016-2018.
CHRONOLOGICAL
RESUME EXAMPLE
4
JORDAN JOBSEEKER
Columbia, MD 21042 │443-555-1212 │jordanjobseek[email protected] │www.linkedin.com/jordanjobseeker
SUMMARY______________________________________________________________________________
Current Cybersecurity student with work experience in IT and customer service. Excellent communication and
interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and independently. Proven technical
skills in Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics, Network Security, and Quality Assurance.
TECHNICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES____________________________________________________________
• Programming/ Languages: Java, C, C++, Visual Basic, HTML
• Databases: Oracle 8, SQL, MS Access
• Operating systems: Windows XP/ 2000
• Software: Microsoft Office (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)
EDUCATION______________________________________________________________________________
Associate of Arts in Cybersecurity, May 2020 GPA: 3.6
Howard Community College, Columbia, MD
• Plan to transfer to University of Maryland for Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Relevant Courses:
• Intro to Network Security Systems
• Intro to Firewalls and Internet Security
• Intro to Intrusion Detection & Prevention
• Intro to Programming with JavaScript
• Intro to Unix and Linux
• Encryption and Secure Communications
Class Projects:
• Developed a payroll software program in C++ and Visual Basic that accurately gathers and calculates
hours, rate, and overtime and produces gross pay.
• Used C++ to convert Fahrenheit into Celsius and Celsius into Fahrenheit.
• Designed software that allows a teacher to store student grades in an array and displays the max grade
along with the average of the grades.
• Built a relational database in SQL that created tables that allows school administrators to procure
student personal information, course schedules, aptitude test scores and teacher table.
• Conducted threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments in Physical and Personnel Security course
• Created and planned a system that allows a company to detect, delay and respond to threats.
EXPERIENCE_____________________________________________________________________________
IT Intern, Village Park Apartments, Columbia, MD 09/2019 – Present
• Troubleshoot, solve, and repair tenants’ connectivity issues.
• Rewire, assemble, and test circuit boards and their components.
• Ensure circuit boards meet state and federal guidelines.
Team Member, Target, Columbia, MD 06/2017 – 08/2019
• Provided efficient and excellent customer service.
• Accurately handled cash and credit card transactions.
• Cross-sold Target credit cards.
HONORS AND ACTIVITIES__________________________________________________________________
Howard Community College:
• Member, Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter 09/2018 - Present
• Vice-President, Student Government Association 02/2018 - Present
TECHNCIAL RESUME
EXAMPLE
5
ROBIN BYRD
(777) 888-9999
[email protected]om
linkedin.com/in/robin-bird0000
SUMMARY
Human Resources professional with background in business management within varied industries. Recognized
for implementing HR policies and benefits that improved organizational outcomes and employee satisfaction.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Online Recruiting
• Benefits Administration
• Compensation
• Staff Development/Training
• HR Policy Development
• Employee Relations
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business with a concentration in Human Resources May 2000
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
EXPERIENCE
Human Resources
Managed Human Resources for a business that grew from 50 to 100 employees in five years.
• Developed polices that streamlined the process for getting job vacancies approved for posting,
resulting in a reduction in unfilled positions by an average of 25%.
• Negotiated with IT staff to increase visibility of opening on the company’s web page and
implemented incentive employee referral program. Cut costs for advertising in outside media by
50% in one year.
• Gained approval from senior management for using savings in recruiting costs to increase the
benefits budget, thereby improving benefit offerings and increasing staff morale and satisfaction.
• Developed and delivered in-house training and orientation sessions and hired contract trainers.
• Gained reputation for excellence and promoted to HR manager position within 3 years of hire.
Office Administration
Provided sole administrative and clerical assistance to a Human Resources office of a Fortune 500
company.
• Assisted the HR Director with maintaining records of employee relations concerns.
• Revised and improved filing system for confidential personnel files.
• Produced documents on MS Word, developed budget spreadsheets on Excel and designed
presentations for executives on PowerPoint.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Human Resources Manager, Association of Bank Executives, Anytown, MD, 2008-Present.
Human Resources Representative, Association of Bank Executives, Anytown, MD, 2005 to 2008.
Office Assistant, Commercial Creditors, Inc., Anytown, Maryland, 2000-2005.
ACTIVITIES
Member, Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Summers 2005-Present.
COMBINATION
RESUME EXAMPLE
6
ROBERT JONES
(443) 555-1212
[email protected]om
SUMMARY
College graduate with a degree in hospitality management and experience in hotel operations and sales.
Active listener and problem solver with a “can-do” attitude for ensuring guest satisfaction. Commended
for having a welcoming manner toward all guests and ability to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful
situations. Proficiency with MS Office and ability to learn new computer systems.
SKILLS
• Guest services
• Reservation management
• Conflict resolution
• Knowledge of corporate sales
• Conversational Spanish
• Cultural awareness
EDUCATION
Associate of Applied Science, Hotel, Restaurant, and Event Management, Howard Community College,
Columbia, MD. Anticipated graduation May 2023. Courses include:
• The Travel and Tourism Industry
• Lodging Management and Operations
• Food/Beverage Management & Service
• Hospitality Purchasing and Cost Control
• Foodservice Safety and Sanitation
• Meetings, Conventions, and Expositions
EXPERIENCE
Hospitality Intern, Marriott Guest Services, Columbia, MD, August 2022-Present
Work under the supervision of hotel manager to gain experience as part of degree requirements.
• Greet, register, and assign rooms to guests.
• Confirm reservations over the phone.
• Review accounts and charges with guests during the check-out process.
• Arrange for room service when requested by guests.
• Attend sales presentations for group events and banquets. Assist with reserving catering and ensuring
rooms are prepared and technology is working properly.
Sales Associate, Macy’s, Columbia, MD, June 2019-July 2022
Provide customer service and sales support in the children’s clothing department.
• Processed payments for purchases via cash, credit cards and checks.
• Assisted customers regarding merchandise availability and suggested accessories for customers’
purchases.
• Informed customers about Macy’s credit card toward encouraging them to open an account.
• Consistently met quarterly sales goals of new credit cards.
• Awarded sales employee of the month, January 2022 based on feedback from customers.
HOSPITALITY RESUME
EXAMPLE
7
Simple, ATS-friendly Resumes:
• https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/why-a-simple-resume-is-a-successful-resume
• https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/ask-amanda-resume-ats-readability
Modern Resume Samples
• Canva samples
• Google Doc Resumes
Resume Writing Worksheet
• https://www.themuse.com/advice/fill-in-the-blank-resume-worksheet
8
Your Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date
Name of person receiving letter
Title
Name of organization
Street address, Suite #
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr. /Ms. (last name):
OPENING PARAGRAPH: State the title of the opening and the source where it was listed. If someone referred
you, mention his/her name.
MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S): Briefly describe how your background is suited to the job requirements and/or the
company's needs. Summarize but don’t repeat your resume. In this paragraph or a 3
rd
paragraph indicate why
you are interested in the position (e.g., how the position and/or company's product/mission is in line with your
career goals). Address any additional issues that were requested in the ad (e.g., salary requirements,
availability date). If salary requirement was requested, indicate that it is negotiable and/or that you would be
happy to discuss salary after you have had the opportunity to learn more about the position Otherwise, you
can omit any reference to salary.
CLOSING PARAGRAPH: Thank the reader for his/her consideration and give them instructions on how the
recipient can contact you.
Sincerely,
Your name
Enclosure(s): if requested
COVER LETTERS
See example next page
If recipient’s name cannot
be found, address letter to
Hiring Manager
Center letter vertically on the page
9
Jane Doe
1111 Main Street
Washington, DC 00000
February 1, 2019
Mr. John Jones
Association of Widget Manufacturers (AWM)
1000 Industry Lane
Washington, DC 00000
Dear Mr. Jones:
This letter is in reference to the position of Director of Meetings as advertised on AWM’s web page. My
background includes a combination of training and experience that is uniquely suited to the position’s
requirements.
For the past five years I have worked as Associate Director of Meetings for a national trade association. In that
capacity, I developed expertise in vendor negotiation and contracting, excellent supervisory skills, and the
ability to handle both the day-to-day and strategic planning responsibilities of a meetings office. Also, as a
former account executive for two international hotel corporations, I am knowledgeable of the hotel and resort
industry in the U.S., including operations of sales offices and the incentives they use to gain repeat business.
I am aware of the critical role that meetings play in the work of associations, and I would enjoy using my skills
to provide excellent and cost-effective meeting planning services for AWM. Moreover, I am aware of your
company’s reputation for integrity in the association industry, and I would be honored to join your staff. The
position you have open is the type of challenge I am seeking, and therefore my salary requirements are
negotiable.
I look forward to meeting you in person to discuss my qualifications and your needs. You may contact me at
(777) 555-1229 or jan[email protected] to schedule an interview. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Enclosure: Resume
SAMPLE COVER LETTER
10
Your Profile:
1. Use a good photo:
a. Current.
b. Only you! No background distractions or group picture.
c. Professional for your industry.
d. Friendly (smile).
2. Your Headline (next to your picture):
a. Go beyond your job title – use a “keyword” statement that summarizes your functional areas of
expertise.
b. Can also include commendations from others.
3. Summary – Your introduction/commercial:
a. What you do, how you do it, and the value you offer – the “so what” of what you do. Give examples.
b. What motivates you?
c. Type of environment you work or thrive in (e.g., fast paced; customer focused).
d. Highlight important work experiences and list 3-5 accomplishments. Break experiences and
accomplishments into blocks or headings and subheadings instead of long paragraphs.
e. Make sure your headline and summary use industry-specific key words.
4. Experience – Similar to your resume:
a. Experience can be paid jobs, internships or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your
qualifications.
b. Include accomplishments.
c. Link photos or videos if appropriate.
5. Education:
a. Start with your highest level of education and work backward.
b. Include specialized training or certifications.
6. Your vanity URL – customize the URL instead of using the one assigned by LinkedIn:
a. Click on your picture.
b. Under settings: edit your profile.
c. The URL automatically assigned by LinkedIn appears below your picture. Click edit.
d. In the upper right corner of the next screen, click “ Customize your public profile URL.” Choose a URL
to match your name. Example: www.linkedin.com/in/johndoe.
7. Recommendations – Ask colleagues, clients or customers to write recommendations about you.
8. Build your network/connections:
a. Send personalized LinkedIn connection requests to everyone you know - friends, family, neighbors,
teachers, colleagues, classmates, and more.
b. LinkedIn defines your connections by degrees of separation. 1
st
degree connections are people who
have agreed to connect with you. 2
nd
degree connections are mutual connections you have with your
1
st
degree connections but have not connected with you yet.
c. Give back to your network by offering ideas/suggestions.
d. Join groups/associations for your profession or industry.
9. Regularly update your profile, including your skills, endorsements and projects.
LinkedIn - See also
https://convertkit.s3.amazonaws.com/landing_pages/incentives/000/469/750/original/LinkedIn_Guys_
Profile_Checklist.pdf?1652480170 (PDF)
11
Using LinkedIn for Your Job Search:
1. Put your LinkedIn URL address on your resume after your phone number & e-mail address.
2. Your headline could include the type of job being sought.
3. Use your connections. 70% of jobs are found through networking.
a. Send customized messages (not mass emails) to your connections to let them know you are job-
hunting.
b. Ask your connections for advice, an informational interview, or referrals to anyone they know in your
desired field.
4. To generate more connections, use the alumni feature for the school(s) you attended (or any school). Click
here for instructions.
5. Recruiters search LinkedIn for candidates. Use keywords from job descriptions or profiles of people in jobs
you want. Use these keywords in your headline, summary, and skills sections.
6. Get Connected to Companies:
a. If you have targeted one or two companies to work for, follow the company.
b. Use the alumni feature mentioned in #4 to find people from your school who work in companies you
are interested in.
c. For any company you apply to or are targeting, see if any of your first- or second-degree connections
work for that company. If your 1
st
degree connection has a connection to someone in the company
(especially a recruiter or the hiring manager), use the “Get introduced” feature to ask your 1
st
degree
connections to introduce you to 2
nd
degree connection.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Resume samples by major: https://www.internships.com/career-advice/search/resume-
examples#internshipresume. Includes one sample for a student with no experience (#4).
• Cover letters for internships: https://www.internships.com/career-
advice/search/coverletter-examples.
• Cover Letter Builder: https://resume-place.com/resources/cover-letter-builder/.
• Accomplishments Builder: https://resume-place.com/resources/ccar-accomplishment-
builder/.
• https://resumegenius.com/blog.
• https://zety.com/blog/how-to-write-a-cover-letter.
• https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-31-tips-you-need-to-know.
• https://www.jobscan.co/learning.
• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/resume-writing-guide-2063189.
• https://resumegenius.com/how-to-write-a-resume.
• https://novoresume.com/career-blog.
• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/employment-skills-listed-by-job-2062389
• http://online.onetcenter.org – verbiage for duties under “Find Occupations.”.
• Cover Letter guide: https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/how-to-write-a-cover-
letter.