WRITING EFFECTIVE SKILL PHRASES

The most effective resumes are those that show results or accomplishments, which are reflected in the skill phrases you use to describe your experiences. Consider the following questions to help you qualify and quantify (when possible) your experiences:

What was the purpose of the goal or activity? What happened as a result of your work?

Here are some examples of skill phrases which include results:

Meeting or surpassing goals/standards:

• Exceeded sales department's yearly goals by 150% over a nine-month period
• Learned all aspects associated with firm's sales office, including functions of cashier, wire operator, order desk and research library assistant
• Designed complete computer software to replicate the four phase mode of the human heart as an intern
• Co-wrote and edited a training manual for the Carbonate Rock Society. Three years later, the manual is still in use.

Promotion or increased responsibility:

• Created new position of Public Relations Director to fill corporate need
• Promoted to Staff Trainer after working as a waitress for three summers

Increasing efficiency, cutting time spent on tasks:

• Organized computer system to log approximately 200 grant proposals per month, resulting in a 20% reduction in the time spent on this task.
• Restructured sanding department work priorities which resulted in a 4-fold increase in efficiency during a summer job.

Initiating change/new idea that was utilized:

• Designed and implemented magnet setting in new classroom, which has now been adopted by the entire school.
• Organized recreational, social and education programs for housing project. Increased program from 2 classes to 24.
• To further illustrate this point, each of the following skill statements are shown in mediocre, better, and best versions:

Mediocre

• Managed office
• Taught chemistry to students
• Managed farm

Better:

• Managed office operations and staff of twelve
• Taught the gas laws to a group of high school students
• Managed 50 head of dairy cattle on farm

Best:

• Managed sales office operations and staff of twelve to record productivity
• Utilized cooperative learning in teaching the gas laws to 25 high school students
• Managed 50 head of dairy cattle and utilized ration balancing which enhanced milk production by 37%

ACTION VERBS

When job hunting, you must express your assets, experience, and accomplishments in the best possible manner. Action words produce a strong impact on the reader or listener. The following is a list of action verbs that can be used to start accomplishments statements when you are describing your experience:

3 RESUME FORMATS TO CONSIDER:

1. Chronological Resume
2. Functional Resume
3. Combination Resume

1) Chronological Resume

The chronological format presents information in a fast and easy to read manner and is also the easiest to write. Jobs are listed in chronological order, starting with the most recent or present (which generally receives the greatest emphasis) and working back through the years. Employment dates, name of the organization and job title appear precede a description of the job tasks and accomplishments.

Advantages

1. Professional interviewers are most familiar with it.
2. It is the easiest to prepare since its content is structured by familiar dates, companies and titles.
3. A stable employment record (without much job hopping) is put into the best perspective.
4. It provides the interviewer with an easy guide for discussing work experiences.

Disadvantages

1. It highlights employment gaps.
2. It may put undesired emphasis on job areas that an applicant wants to minimize.
3. Skill areas are difficult to spotlight unless they are reflected in most recent jobs.

View Chronological Resume

2) Functional Resume

The functional resume allows you more flexibility than the chronological approach in that particular vocational skills or specialized knowledge may be featured by grouping background experience regardless of where or when the experience was gained. Historical sequence is ignored as elements of training and experience from several sources are grouped to show their applicability to your career goal.

Advantages

1. It stresses selected skill areas which are marketable or in demand.
2. It can help to camouflage a spotty employment record.
3. It allows the applicant to emphasize professional growth.
4. Positions not related to current career goals are not highlighted.

Disadvantages

1. Many employers are suspicious of it and will want to see additional work history information.
2. It doesn't allow you to highlight companies or organizations with which you've worked.

View Functional Resume

3) Combination Resume

This resume contains elements similar to both the chronological and functional formats. Work experiences are presented chronologically, but the applicant also sets aside relevant skill areas in separate categories. This allows the applicant to highlight related areas of expertise and at the same time satisfies the employer's desire to know names and dates.

Advantages

1. Provides a good opportunity to emphasize the applicant's most relevant skills and abilities.
2. Gaps in employment can be de-emphasized.
3. It can be varied to emphasize chronology and de-emphasize functional description, or vice versa.

View Combination Resume

RESUME EXAMPLES BY TYPE:

TYPE 1: CHRONOLOGICAL EXAMPLE - Social Work Major

JODY DOE
10297 U.S. Hwy 14
Mazomanie, WI 55560
(608) 555-2658
_________________________________________________ 

OBJECTIVE

Seeking an entry-level position in the area of Child Protection

EDUCATION

B.S.W. Social Work, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, May 1995

Relevant Coursework:

• Child Welfare
• Special Populations
• Basic Helping Processes
• Group Work with Families

Awards:

• Dean's List, Major GPA 3.9
• National Social Work Honor Society Member - Gamma Psi Chapter

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Child Protection Intern, St. Croix County, New Richmond, WI, 9/94-4/95

• Followed up on referred allegations of suspected child abuse or neglect
• Greatly enhanced interviewing skills while soliciting sensitive information
• Coordinated all aspects of step-parent adoptions
• Increased awareness of community services/resources, and provided appropriate referrals
• Became familiar with Wisconsin Statutes governing child protection issues
• Performed intake responsibilities and gathered necessary comprehensive information
• Served as community representative in permanency plan reviews for foster-cared children

Group Facilitator, Parents Anonymous, Hudson, WI, 2/94-Present

• Support and encourage group members experiencing difficulties in their role as parents
• Use professional expertise to help parents conduct a role play or learn alternative behavioral techniques
• Provide information on community services
• As a mandated reporter, ensure that cases of abuse or neglect are referred to the appropriate agencies

Teacher, Kids 'N Company Daycare, River Falls, WI, 9/90-12/92

• Developed structured activities for 6-8 two-year olds:
  -Organized daily craft projects that coincided with weekly themes
  -Encouraged small and large motor skill development
• Assisted in the organization of a Spring Recital program

Volunteer Counselor, Turningpoint, River Falls, WI, 4/93-11/94

• Responsible for shelter operations during evening hours
• Provided support to callers in crisis; referred them to pertinent services and information

Sunday School Teacher, Trinity Lutheran, Hammond, WI, 9/93-5/94

• Instructed small groups of 5th graders in religious education
• Assisted in coordinating the Easter Skit

OTHER EXPERIENCE

General Laborer, Andersen Windows, Bayport, MN, Summers of 1989-93

• Performed general duties, such as window assembly, as part of a team effort

TYPE 2: FUNCTIONAL RESUME - Business Major

JODY DOE
10297 U.S. Hwy 14
Mazomanie, WI 55560
(608) 555-2658
_________________________________________________ 

OBJECTIVE

Entry level position in Human Resources

EDUCATION

B. S., Business Administration (12/95)
Minor: Business Communication
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
3.5/4.0 GPA

AREAS OF EFFECTIVENESS

Sales/Customer Relations

• Assisted with Minneapolis familiarization tour for tour operator participants
• Qualified group sales leads from travel agencies nationwide
• Answered visitor and tour operator inquiries including providing sales material, suggesting itineraries, and assisting with hotel accommodations
• Critiqued resumes and advised students in career planning for Career Peer Advisor internship

Planning/Organization

• Coordinated significant community event, River Falls Days
• Prepared information for 1996/97 Minneapolis Group Tour Manual
• Analyzed evaluations from familiarization tour participants and developed report summaries of results for each sponsor
• Performed administrative tasks at local gymnastics club including scheduling classes, conducting meetings, registering students, advertising and promoting, and maintaining financial records
• Demonstrated excellent time management skills by successfully balancing academics, part-time employment, and extracurricular activities

Leadership

• Held Co-President status of UWRF Business Communication Club
  - increased membership by 100%
  - created committees to accomplish tasks efficiently
• Elected Captain of UWRF Gymnastics team
  - displayed motivational skills to help team to third place conference finish
  - assisted in development and attainment of team goals

  EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

  Fall 1995: Internship with UWRF Career and Counseling Services
  Summer 1995: Internship with the Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association
  Summer 1994: Internship with the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
  1994: Trump's Grill and Bar; Dick's Bar and Grill
  1991-92: Contempo Casuals (retail clothing store)
  1990-91: All-American Academy of Gymnastics

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Computer, WordPerfect 6.0, Windows, Bureau 2000, and Lotus 1-2-3

TYPE 3: COMBINATION EXAMPLE - Focus on Relevant Projects

JODY DOE
10297 U.S. Hwy 14
Mazomanie, WI 55560
(608) 555-2658
_________________________________________________ 

STRENGTHS

• Able to quickly adapt to new situations and responsibilities
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Take initiative to thoroughly complete tasks
• Make positive use of resources
• Able to produce results

EDUCATION

B. A. Degree - Communication
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Emphasis: Interpersonal/Journalism
Financed 100% of college expenses through working part-time jobs

Relevant Coursework:
Management Principles
Communication Research
Public Relations
Communication Diversity
Psychology of Adjustment
Organization Communication

SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS

• Developed a program to improve communication between college residents and staff
• Participated in simulated entrepreneurial project to enhance practical knowledge and experience in corporate communication
• Conducted campus and community-wide survey to evaluate effectiveness of the student newspaper
• Co-developed a program to encourage participation in the United Way

Study Abroad - London, England 9/94-12/94

• Attended courses in cultural studies
• Traveled extensively through nine European countries

Activities -

• Women in Communication, Inc.
• Resident Hall Association Representative

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Sales Associate, North Country, Inc., Lake Elmo, MN 1994-Present

• Employ effective sales techniques, addressing customers' individual needs and encourage repeat business
• Became familiar with other aspects of company's business; worked in several areas within the organization
• Developed extensive knowledge of company's product line
• Sharpened computer skills

Office Assistant, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 1993-94

• Developed a thorough knowledge of office practices and procedures
• Interacted with faculty, students and university staff
• Administered tests for Communication Department
• Answered phones and addressed callers' questions; maintained schedule for Dean of Communication

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Receptionist, Stevens Point Athletic Club, Stevens Point, WI 1994 Waitress, Perkins, Stevens Point, WI 1993-94

COMBINATION EXAMPLE #2 - Education Major

JODY DOE
10297 U.S. Hwy 14
Mazomanie, WI 55560
(608) 555-2658
_________________________________________________

OBJECTIVE

• To foster a stimulating learning environment for a grade 5 class

EDUCATION

• B.S. Degree in Elementary Education
  Minor: Early Childhood
  University of Wisconsin - River Falls, May 1996
  GPA: 3.37/4.0 Dean's List

STUDENT TEACHING

• Grade 1, West Elementary School
  New Richmond, WI 1/96 - 5/96
  * Adapted instruction for individual needs of students
  * Actively participated in parent teacher conferences
  * Instructed lessons in other first grade classes
  * Facilitated students in a process writing approach allowing them to publish their writings
  * Participated in faculty, team and department meetings
  * Assisted in revising curriculum goals and assessments
  * Prepared student portfolios
  * Evaluated student progress and assisted in preparation of report cards

  Preschool, Ames Lab School, University of Wisconsin - River Falls
  River Falls, WI 8/95 - 10/95
  * Prepared lessons and team taught a thematic unit on fall
  * Developed complete thematic units on fire safety and pets
  * Planned for individual needs
  * Designed and set up learning stations daily
  * Planned field trips and provided supervision

  Kindergarten, St. Bridget Parish School
  River Falls, WI 10/95 - 12/95
  * Coordinated complete units on Thanksgiving and November
  * Instructed lessons for the other kindergarten class
  * Attended faculty meetings and social functions
  * Met and conferred with teachers regarding students' needs and concerns
  * Provided playground supervision

  Pre-Student Teaching
  * Kindergarten, Oak Park Elementary School, Stillwater MN 8/94 - 12/94
  * Grades 4-6, Mildly Mentally Handicapped Classroom, Parkway Elementary, St. Paul, MN

RELATED EXPERIENCES

• Personal Care Worker
  Indianhead Home Health Care Agency, Balsam Lake, WI 5/95 - Present
  * Provide care for a seven year old child with cerebral palsy, a four year old child with autism, an eighteen year old young lady with Pradder Willis Syndrome, and elderly persons by addressing individual needs.
  * Awarded Employee of the Month 1/96 - 2/96

  Teachers Aide
  * Grade 1, Lien Elementary School, Amery, WI 8/89 - 5/90
  * Kindergarten, Lien Elementary School, Amery, WI 8/90 - 5/91
  * Bear Buddies Child Development Center, New Richmond and Hudson, WI 5/94 - 3/95

  Babysitter
  Lyle and Karla Carlson, Amery, WI 4/87 - 9/94
  * Provided care for two children 2 - 14 years, one child with special needs

   

COLLEGE ACHIEVEMENTS

• * Academic Honors, 300+ Hours of Human Relations Volunteer Work, Kappa Delta Pi
  * Financed own college expenses

COMBINATION EXAMPLE #3 - Agriculture Major

JODY DOE
10297 U.S. Hwy 14
Mazomanie, WI 55560
(608) 555-2658
_________________________________________________

Objectives:

• To obtain an entry level position in Agricultural Promotion and/or Public Relations within the meat animal industry.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Broad Area Agriculture. (Graduation May 1995)
  University of Wisconsin-River Falls
  Highlights:
  • -Emphasis in Communications
    -Minor in Animal Science
    -Major G.P.A.: 3.25/4.00
    -Vice President of local Block and Bridle, Sept. 1994-Present
    -Outstanding Member of Block and Bridle, 1994
    -Great Lakes Regional Secretary/Treasurer; Apr. 1993-Nov. 1993

  Related Work Experience:

  • Promotions Internship, May 1994 - August 1994
    Wisconsin Beef Council; Madison, Wisconsin
    -Planned and initiated "July is Beef Month" Promotion
    -Responsible for promotion and education of food safety at the Wisconsin State Fair
    -Coordinated activities for the Cattleman's Leadership College
    -Organized and entered compliance files for mandatory beef checkoff
    -Involved with special appearances and radio promotions

  Other Work Experience:

  • Farm Laborer, Lifetime
    Wolf Haven Farms; Mazomanie, Wisconsin
    -Input and decision making about nutritional and reproductive management for dairy and beef herds
    -General farm duties including care of livestock and crop and field work

    UW-River Falls Lab Farm Assistant, September 1994 - Present
    UW-River Falls Lab Farm; River Falls, Wisconsin
    -Work with commercial beef herd- calving, processing, finishing lots
    -General care of 24 sow farrow to finish unit
    -General care of 200 ewe flock

  Computer Skills:

  • WordPerfect, Lotus 123, dBaseIII, and Quattro Pro

  Interests:

  • Livestock judging, track and field, downhill skiing, and horseback riding

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