Stuart School of Business Resume Writing Guide
R
ÉSUMÉ WRITING
GUIDE
Contents:
• Introduction, p.1
• General Guidelines, p.1
• Resume Contents, p.1-2
• Resume Format, p.3
• What Not to include on a Resume, p.3
• Electronic and Scannable Resumes, p.3
• Information for Experienced Job Seekers, p.3
• Resources, p.3
• Resume Pre-Work Guide, p.4
• Resume Thesaurus, p.5-10
• Sample Resumes A-F, pp. 11-17
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A resume is a summary of qualifications for a specific type of work as well as a marketing tool to land an interview. The resume
should reflect your qualifications and what you have to offer an employer. It should be honest, positive, concise, and easy to
read.
Because employers may have limited time to look over a large number of resumes, it is important that you present your information
quickly, clearly, and in a way that makes your experience relevant to the position in question. You must condense your information
down to its most powerful form and eliminate all errors.
AN EFFECTIVE RESUME WILL:
• Focus on the employer’s needs
• Communicate abilities for the kind of work you want
• Stress contributions and accomplishments
• Quantify results
• Indicate your career direction and interests
• Create a favorable first impression about you
• Be appealing to the eye, concise, easy to read, and
professional looking
• Communicate that you are responsible and focused
• Be completely error free
RESUME PRE-WORK:
Effectiveness in generating job interviews and offers will depend on your ability to communicate your skills and competencies to
employers. Identifying skills can be a challenge and it is a good idea to take an inventory of your experiences, skills, and abilities before writing your
resume. Some steps to identifying the skills used in a job are:
• Take an inventory of ALL of your duties – make a laundry list of all of your accomplishments. Use the “Resume Pre-work Guide”
on page 4 to help you.
• Carefully review job listings for skills that employers seek in a desired field.
• Quantify, when possible (for example, “Supervised a staff of 20” or “Increased sales by 15%”)
• Review the action verb list (pp. 5-10) to check if any of the verbs apply to the work you did in a certain position.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR A RESUME:
• The resume is not an exhaustive list of every internship and job you have ever had. It is not necessary to list every experience.
• The BEST resumes include experiences that emphasize skills required for a specific field, industry or position. For example, if the position
requires strong interpersonal skills, which of your duties/experiences can be highlighted to demonstrate such skills? It is imperative that you
research industries/careers so that you know what skills are most important to emphasize on your resume.
• There is no single perfect resume format or style.
• Have more than one version of your resume if you are looking at different career areas or positions.
• Most resumes are one page. One page resumes are most common for those with limited work experience and many employers prefer one
page. However, if you are an experienced job seeker with more than seven years of relevant work experience, you may need more than one
page. The resume should be as long as necessary to present your qualifications concisely. Be sure to speak to OCS if you have questions
about length or format.
RESUME CONTENTS:
Below are suggestions for categories of information to include on your resume. You do not need to include ALL of these sections, but the categories
designated with an asterisk (*) are standard.
•
Contact Information*
o Your full name (if resume is more than one page, be sure to put your name on the top of all pages).
o Your address (City, State & Zip code only).
o Telephone number(s) where you would like to be reached or where messages can be left.
o A professional-sounding email address.
•
Objective Statement (Optional)
o The objective statement specifies the type of work desired and what you have to offer. It suggests purpose and direction in the
job search.
o The objective statement should be work-centered, not self-centered, and should not contain trite terms that emphasize what you
want (for example, “a challenging position”, or “opportunity for advancement”).
o A basic objective may be stated as an occupational designation (for example, “Financial Consultant”) or it may specify the skills
you would like to use in a certain setting.
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o Examples of STRONG objective statements:
• A position in computer software development involving graphic applications and network operating systems.
• A public relations position that will maximize opportunities to develop and implement programs, to organize people and
events, and to communicate positive ideas and images
.
• S
enior level financial management position with growing company offering challenging opportunity to contribute to
overall direction and strategy of the business
.
• T
o utilize my analytical, communications and language skills in an investment banking firm.
o Examples of WEAK objective statements:
• Management trainee position which will utilize my MBA and provide opportunity for advancement.
• A challenging position in a reputable company.
•
Summary: Include this in lieu of or in addition to your objective statement. A summary differs from an objective statement in that it is more
job-seeker focused rather than employer focused:
o Summary statements are generally used by those with some experience in the field and consists of a brief paragraph or list of
specific skills, accomplishments, strengths and qualifications that directly relate to your field of interest.
o The summary statement should include keywords that an employer might be looking for.
• Example: Four years of broad-based management experience, including operations, analysis, budgeting, and process
improvement; demonstrated track record of managing multiple projects and providing quality, on-time deliverables.
Experienced in managing staff; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•
Education*: Place highest or most recent degree first.
o Name of institution, location of institution
o Degree name and date of graduation (can list expected date of graduation)
o Majors, minors and/or concentrations
o GPA (0.0/4.0 or 0.00/4.00). This is recommended if you have a competitive GPA, for example, a 3.40 or above.
o Relevant course experience: make sure courses you list are relevant to the position and not just a laundry list of courses taken.
o Honors, awards, grants, scholarships, etc…
•
Experience*: List the following for each position:
o Name of organization, location of organization (for example: Bank One, Chicago, IL)
o Job title
o Range of dates employed (month and year)
o Your contributions, achievements, demonstrated skills and abilities, and type of work you performed.
List accomplishments such as raises, promotions or expansion of duties
Eliminate first person pronouns such as “I” or “My” and do not use full sentences
Use short, clearly written phrases starting with action verbs (see the attached list of action verbs)
Avoid introductory phrases such as, “My duties included”
Use some jargon of the chosen field when appropriate (for example, C++ or Bloomberg)
o Keep in mind that experience does not have to be limited to paid work. You may include internships, co-ops, volunteer work…
• Special Skills
o Language skills
o Computer skills
o Research skills
o Any other special competencies
•
Community or Civic Involvement
o Offices held, organizations, dates, significant contributions, projects, demonstrated skills and abilities
•
Professional Affiliations and/or Status
o Membership in professional organizations, offices held, certifications, licenses
• Military Experience
o Rank, services, assignments, dates, demonstrated skills/abilities, reserve status, etc…
• Interests/Activities
o List interests and activities ONLY if they support the objective or are career related.
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RESUME FORMAT (SEE ATTACHED EXAMPLES):
There are various ways to format a resume. The CHRONOLOGICAL format is most familiar to employers and many employers prefer it. This style
of resume lists jobs and education in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent. Other styles include functional and combination
which highlight qualifications and skills and de-emphasize employment dates. For information on other styles of resumes, see the additional
resources listed below.
Formatting Guidelines:
• Always place the most important information first.
• Lengthy, detailed descriptions are a liability. Keep
descriptions succinct and organized.
• Keep margins the same and at least ¾ ”.
• Use underlining, bold and italics strategically to break up the
page, but use sparingly.
• Keep all formatting consistent (for example, font size and
type, tense of verbs, layout, punctuation, etc…).
• Use professional, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Times, or
New Roman
• Do not use abbreviations or acronyms
• Resume MUST be COMPLETELY ERROR FREE – have it
proofread by at least one person.
• Hard copies of resume should be on high-quality resume
paper in white, ivory or pale gray.
WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE ON A RESUME:
• Reasons for leaving previous employers
• Social security number
• Salary history
• Religion
• Physical characteristics / Photograph
• Birth date
• Health problems
• Race, ethnicity national origin
• Geographical preferences
• High school education
ELECTRONIC / SCANNABLE RESUMES:
If you plan to send your resume to an employer via email, you need to consider how your formatting will be affected. If an employer does not
specify in what format they would like the resume, consider sending it as a PDF document or as a text file. A text file will lack the formatting of
your original document (no underlines, bold, bullets, etc…), but employers expect this of a text file resume.
A scannable resume is a resume that is formatted in order to work effectively with scanning technology used by employers. If an employer states
that resumes will be scanned, you should adjust your format and content for effective scanning:
• Use white paper, all-caps or bold lettering to emphasize text and create subject headings.
• Use a standard font such as Times New Roman
• Do not use special formatting such as bullets, italics, bold, underline, columns, etc…
• Do not fold, crease, staple or exceed two pages.
Some employers scan resumes for “keywords” in order to pre-select the best resumes from their databases. To increase your chance of being
targeted in a keyword search, use action verbs that clearly describe what you did and be specific about you position titles and skills. Become
familiar with the jargon used within your career field in order to have a more effective scannable resume.
View: http://www.rileyguide.com/eresume.html
for additional information on electronic resumes or view the attached example (Resume E).
EXPERIENCED JOB SEEKERS:
If you are a job seeker with more than seven years of experience in your field of interest, then you may consider using an alternative format for
your resume. See attached examples of resumes that highlight relevant experience and skills. (Resume C and Resume D)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Print resources:
“Adams Resume Almanac” – located in the Stuart Career Management Center Library
“The Executive Career Guide for MBAS” by Richard H. Beatty - located in the Stuart Career Management Center Library
Online resources:
WetFeet Online Guides: http://www.wetfeet.com/cb/schools/stuartgsb/toc.asp
(for login information contact Career Services)
Vault Online Guides: http://www.vault.com/cb/careerlib/careerlib_main.jsp?parrefer=497 (for login information contact Career Services)
Riley Guide’s Preparing e-Resumes: http://www.rileyguide.com/eresume.html
JobWeb Resume Advice: http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/default.htm
MBA Authority Resume Advice and Resources: http://www.mbaauthority.com/cc/resume.html
MBA Degree Hunter Resume Template: http://www.degreehunter.com/MBA_Resume_Template.html
UW Madison Business School Resume Resources: http://www.bus.wisc.edu/career/pubs/SampleResumes/
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RESUME PRE-WORK GUIDE
Use this template to help you organize the information that will eventually go onto your resume. Using this guide will make
constructing a resume much easier and will help you think about the skills developed in each previous position. Write out this
information for each experience you intend to include on your resume:
Your Title:_
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Start month/year:___________________________ End month/year:______________________________
Employer/Organization:______________________________________________Location:_______________________________
Description of the Business:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Job Description – What was required of you? What did you do on a daily basis?:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Key Accomplishments – Use the questions below to help you brainstorm about your duties and accomplishments:
• Did I develop something?
• Did I see a problem, opportunity, or challenge for which I took the
initiative to create a solution?
• Did I create or design a new department, program, procedure, plan,
service, or product?
• Did I identify a need for a new department, program, procedure, plan,
service, or product?
• Did I prepare an original report, paper, or document?
• Did I make a direct or indirect technical contribution?
• Directly or indirectly, did I create or implement an administrative or
procedural recommendation?
• Did I participate actively in a major decision related to organizational
changes (hiring, terminating, salary, new projects)?
• Did I implement or participate in a sales, profit-generating, or cost-
saving recommendation?
• Did I oversee or manage anyone?
1________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Examples of things to quantify when talking about your accomplishments:
For example, “Achieved 15% increase in sales through implementation of a new business strategy”
• sales
• profits
• costs
• market share
• savings
• efficiency
• customer satisfaction
• sales quota
• rankings
• numbers of people managed
• number of clients served
• potential for saving
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RESUME WORD LIST
Action Verbs By
Industry And Skill:
Analytical/Research:
Analyzed
Clarified
Collected
Compared
Conducted
Critiques
Detected
Determined
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Examined
Experimented
Explored
Extracted
Formulated
Gathered
Identified
Inspected
Interpreted
Interviewed
Invented
Investigated
Located
Measured
Observed
Organized
Proved
Researched
Reviewed
Screened
Searched
Specified
Solved
Summarized
Surveyed
Systemized
Tested
Validated
Creative:
Began
Combined
Composed
Conceptualized
Condensed
Created
Customized
Designed
Developed
Devised
Drew
Entertained
Established
Fashioned
Formulated
Founded
Illustrated
Initiated
Integrated
Introduced
Invented
Modeled
Modified
Originated
Performed
Photographed
Revised Revitalized
Shaped
Financial:
Administered
Adjusted
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Assessed
Audited
Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Conserved
Controlled
Corrected
Cut
Decreased
Determined
Developed
Estimated
Forecast\
Managed
Marketed
Measured
Planned
Prepared
Programmed
Projected
Purchased
Reconciled
Reduced
Researched
Retrieved
Tabulated
Trimmed
Interpersonal/
Teamwork:
Adapted
Advised
Advocated
Aided
Answered
Arranged
Assessed
Assisted
Cared For
Clarified
Coached
Collaborated
Contributed
Cooperated
Counseled
Demonstrated
Diagnosed
Enabled
Encouraged
Ensured
Expedited
Facilitated
Focused
Furthered
Guided
Helped
Initiated
Insured
Interacted
Intervened
Involved
Listened
Mediated
Moderated
Motivated
Negotiated
Prevented
Provided
Referred
Rehabilitated
Represented
Resolved
Simplified
Supplied
Supported
Volunteered
Leadership/
Management:
Accomplished
Acted
Advanced
Administered
Analyzed
Appointed
Approved
Assigned
Attained
Authorized
Chaired
Completed
Considered
Consolidated
Contracted
Controlled
Converted
Coordinated
Decided
Decreased
Delegated
Developed
\Directed
Dispatched
Diversified
Eliminated
Emphasized
Enforced
Enhanced
Enlisted
Ensured
Established
Executed
Founded
Generate
Handled
Headed
Hired
Hosted
Improved
Incorporated
Increased
Initiated
Inspected
Instigated
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Led
Lowered
Managed
Merged
Modified
Motivated
Organized
Overhauled
Oversaw
Pioneered
Planned
Presided
Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Recruited
Reorganized
Replaced
Represented
Restored
Reviewed
Revitalized
Saved
Scheduled
Secured
Selected
Shaped
Solidified
Spearheaded
Stimulated
Streamlined
Strengthened
Supervised
Terminated
Trimmed
Verified
Oral/Written
Communication:
Addressed
Advertised
Arbitrated
Arranged
Articulated
Authored
Clarified
Collaborated
Communicated
Composed
Condensed
Conferred
Consulted
Contacted
Conveyed
Convinced
Corresponded
Debated
Defined
Demonstrated
Described
Developed
Directed
Discussed
Drafted
Edited
Enlisted
Explained
Expressed
Familiarized
Formulated
Furnished
Illustrated
Incorporated
Informed
Influenced
Interpreted
Interviewed
Joined
Judged
Lectured
Listened
Marketed
Mediated
Moderated
Outlined
Participated
Persuaded
Presented
Promoted
Proposed
Publicized
Published
Reconciled
Recruited
Referred
Reinforced
Reported
Resolved
Responded
Solicited
Specified
Spoke
Suggested
Summarized
Synthesized
Translated
Wrote
Sales/Marketing:
Achieved
Attained
Completed
Conceived
Delivered
Earned
Exceeded
Expanded
Generated
Increased
Improved
Launched
Led
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Marketed
Promoted
Resolved
Restored
Saved
Shaped
Succeeded
Surpassed
Transformed
Won
Teaching/Training:
Adapted
Advised
Appraised
Clarified
Coached
Communicated
Conducted
Coordinated
Critiqued
Demonstrated
Develop[ed
Educated
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained
Facilitated
Focused
Guided
Individualized
Indoctrinated
Influenced
Informed
Instilled
Instructed
Motivated
Persuaded
Rehabilitated
Schooled
Set goals
Simulated
Stimulated
Taught
Tested
Trained
Transmitted
Tutored
Technical:
Adapted
Applied
Assembled
Automated
Built
Calculated
Computed
Conserved
Constructed
Controlled
Converted
Debugged
Designed
Determined
Developed
Diagnosed
Drafted
Engineered
Fabricated
Fortified
Inspected
Installed
Maintained
Monitored
Operated
Overhauled
Prevented
Printed
Programmed
Rectified
Regulated
Remodeled
Repaired
Replaced
Restored
Retrieved
Solved
Specialized
Standardized
Studied
Upgraded
Utilized
Action Verbs
Thesaurus:
Accelerate
Hasten
Quicken
Shake up
Accomplish
Complete
Finish
Achieved
Executed
Overcame
Reached
Realized
Acted
Operated
Performed
Activated
Energized
Stimulated
Vitalized
Adapted
Accommodated
Adjusted
Addressed
Concentrated
Focused
Adjusted
Acclimatize
Familiarized
Administered
Administrate
Executed
Governed
Supervised
Advanced
Encouraged
Fostered
Promoted
Advised
Conferred
Consulted
Advocated
Encouraged
Favored
Aided
Assisted
Helped
Allocated
Allowed
Apportioned
Assigned
Analyzed
Broke down
Dissected
Answered
Rejoined
Replied
Responded
Returned
Applied
Pertained
Pressed
Related
Urged
Appraised
Assessed
Estimated
Evaluated
Rated
Surveyed
Valued
Approved
Accepted
Favored
Arbitrated
Judged
Umpired
Arranged
Disposed
Ordered
Organized
Systematized
Assembled
Called
Convened
Summoned
Assessed
Appraised
Evaluated
Assigned
Allocated
Allotted
Allowed
Gave
Attained
Accomplished\achieved
Gained
Reached
Won
Audited
Analyzed
Examined
Inspected
Reviewed
Scanned
Augmented
Compounded
Enlarged
Expanded
Extended
Heightened
Increased
Authorized
Approved
Facilitated
Enabled
Endorsed
Promoted
Awarded
Allotted
Assigned
Endowed
Balanced
Adjusted
Compensated
Corresponded
Outweighed
Redeemed
Began
Commenced
Inaugurated
Initiated
Launched
Boosted
Heightened
Hiked
Increased
Raised
Built
Constructed
Manufactured
Calculated
Computed
Estimated
Figured
Captivated
Allured
Attracted
Charmed
Enchanted
Fascinated
Cataloged
Enrolled
Inscribed
Listed
Charted
Arranged
Designed
Devised
Planned
Checked
Assured
Corrected
Clarified
Cleared up
Explained
Illustrated
Settled
Collected
Assembled
Gathered
Combined
Associated
Connected
Joined
Linked
United
Communicated
Conveyed
Discovered
Transmitted
Compared
Assimilated
Equated
Matched
Conceived
Envisioned
Visualized
Completed
Concluded
Ended
Finished
Composed
Comprised
Created
Formed
Made-up
Condensed
Compressed
Contracted
Shrunk
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Conferred
Awarded
Consulted
Gave
Granted
Consolidated
Compacted
Unified
Constructed
Assembled
Built
Fabricated
Formed
Made
Produced
Consulted
Advised
Carried through
Conferred
Continued
Endured
Persisted
Contributed
Aided
Assisted
Helped
Controlled
Composed
Contained
Regulated
Restrained
Converted
Impelled
Moved
Persuaded
Swayed
Conveyed
Channeled
Communicated
Conducted
Transmitted
Convinced
Assured
Persuaded
Prompted
Satisfied
Coordinated
Accommodated
Arranged
Corresponded
Agreed
Approached
Conformed
Counseled
Advised
Directed
Recommended
Suggested
Created
Composed
Formulated
Generated
Made
Originated
Produced
Critiqued
Commented
Criticized
Reviewed
Cultivated
Developed
Educated
Fostered
Instructed
Managed
Nourished
Nurtured
Produced
Decided
Concluded
Determined
Figured
Resolved
Settled
Defined
Described
Prescribed
Delegated
Administered
Appointed
Assigned
Delivered
Designated
Gave
Selected
Demonstrated
Displayed
Exhibited
Illustrated
Showed
Designed
Arranged
Constructed
Created
Planned
Detected
Encountered
Found
Determined
Decided
Destined
Performed
Developed
Amplified
Elaborated
Enlarged
Expanded
Devised
Concocted
Created
Invented
Planned
Diagnosed
Determined
Distinguished
Identified
Directed
Conducted
Controlled
Guided
Managed
Discovered
Revealed
Unmasked
Displayed
Exhibited
Revealed
Showed
Distributed
Circulated
Disbursed
Dispensed
Divided
Documented
Recorded
Drafted
Formulated
Outlined
Prepared
Sketched
Earn
Acquired
Deserved
Won
Educated
Disciplined
Instructed
Informed
Tutored
Taught
Effected
Caused
Enforced
Implemented
Eliminated
Accented
Accentuated
Dismissed
Emphasized
Excluded
Highlighted
Marked
Stressed
Employed
Engaged
Exercised
Utilized
Encouraged
Fostered
Inspired
Nourished
Enforced
Effected
Engineered
Maneuvered
Wangled
Enhanced
Deepened
Heightened
Intensified
Magnified
Enlarged
Amplified
Developed
Elaborated
Expanded
Enlisted
Enrolled
Joined
Ensured
Assured
Diverted
Entertained
Insured
Recreated
Secured
Established
Constituted
Created
Enacted
Instituted
Estimated
Appraised
Approximated
Assessed
Calculated
Computed
Evaluated
Rated
Evaluated
Appraised
Assessed
Classified
Estimated
Executed
Achieved
Administrated
Implemented
Performed
Expanded
Developed
Elaborated
Increased
Experienced
Proficient
Skilled
Versed
Explained
Clarified
Explored
Expounded
Inquired
Interpreted
Investigated
Probed
Expressed
Formulated
Signified
Stated
Extended
Expanded
Offered
Presented
Fashioned
Fabricated
Formed
Produced
Focused
Concentrated
Formed
Composed
Constructed
Developed
Fabricated
Fashioned
Produced
Formulated
Devised
Drafted
Expressed
Prepared
Fostered
Cultivated
Encouraged
Promoted
Found
Based
Completed
Established
Executed
Fulfilled
Implemented
Performed
Furnished
Equipped
Provided
Supplied
Stuart School of Business Resume Writing Guide
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Gained
Accomplished
Achieved
Acquired
Attained
Earned
Improved
Secured
Gathered
Assembled
Collected
Deducted
Derived
Generated
Created
Originated
Produced
Governed
Administered
Directed
Executed
Granted
Acknowledge
Allowed
Awarded
Guaranteed
Certified
Warranted
Guided
Conducted
Directed
Piloted
Handled
Exercised
Governed
Managed
Operated
Utilized
Headed
Addressed
Directed
Originated
Heightened
Enhanced
Expanded
Increased
Intensified
Hired
Chartered
Employed
Engaged
Identified
Distinguished
Recognized
Illustrated
Clarified
Demonstrated
Exemplified
Explained
Implemented
Completed
Enforced
Executed
Fulfilled
Performed
Improved
Enlightened
Incorporated
Combined
Embodied
Integrated
Increased
Expanded
Heightened
Raised
Influenced
Affected
Impressed
Inspired
Initiated
Commenced
Introduced
Launched
Inspected
Examined
Studied
Surveyed
Inspired
Impressed
Influenced
Installed
Inducted
Initiated
Instituted
Created
Established
Introduced
Launched
Originated
Instructed
Created
Directed
Trained
Interpreted
Described
Explained
Expounded
Integrated
Blended
Coordinated
Incorporated
Unified
Introduced
Initiated
Instituted
Invented
Contrived
Devised
Formulated
Involved
Affected
Concerned
Implicated
Issued
Emanated
Originated
Published
Joined
Associated
Combined
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Stuart School of Business Resume Writing Guide
10
Performed
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Stuart School of Business Resume Writing Guide
11
Scheduled
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Stuart School of Business Resume Writing Guide
12
JANE R. SMITH
Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 555-1234
SUMMARY
Finance professional with three years of equity trading, software development, and project
management experience and MBA specializing in Financial Markets. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Able to build highly motivated project teams and keep up to date with changes in the industry.
EDUCATION
STUART SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Chicago, IL
Illinois Institute of Technology June 2005
Master of Business Administration – Financial Markets
• Coursework included Futures and Futures Markets, Quantitative Methods in Financial Markets,
Options and Options Theory.
• Member, Financial Markets Club
• GPA: 3.4/4.0
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts – Economics June 1999
• University of Chicago Scholarship for academic distinction
• Coursework included Macroeconomics, Business Ethics, and Finance
• GPA: 3.8/4.0
EXPERIENCE
SMART BROTHERS New York, NY
Technology Project Manager – Investment Banking June 2000 – July 2002
• Managed project teams to develop profit and loss systems for Proprietary trading group
• Promoted to project leadership role in two years
• Led team of six analysts in firm-wide project to reengineer loan syndicate trading flows
• Reduced overnight processing time from six hours to 20 minutes
• Devoted 20-25 hours per month to instructing junior members of the team in interest accrual
• Selected to work on high-profile project to reengineer corporate bond trading P&L system
• Appointed lead developer of interest accrual team.
• Initiated and designed project to create customized, improved interest accrual applications
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP New York, NY
Analyst June 1999 – May 2000
• Developed cutting-edge analytic software for use by Wall Street traders
• Collaborated daily with clients to create and implement customized strategic software solution
for equity traders
• Helped create and deliver extensive training program for clients
• Initiated, created and documented new firm-wide standard for software module development
SKILLS
• Proficient in MS Office, C++, SQL
• Fluent in English and Spanish
Sample Resume A
This resume format is appropriate for an entry or mid-level job seeker or a recent graduate.
Stuart School of Business Resume Writing Guide
13
John B Smith
Chicago, IL 60661. (312) 555-1234
OBJECTIVE
EDUCATION
EXPERIENCE
SKILLS
ACTIVITIES/
AFFILIATIONS
A position in corporate finance using proven problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
STUART SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, Chicago IL
Illinois Institute of Technology
MBA, expected May 2006
Financial Management Concentration
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Course highlights: Investment and Portfolio Management, Cases in Financial Engineering and Policy,
Financial Risk Management
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, Columbus OH
BS in Business Administration, May 1995
GPA: 3.5/4.0
ADVANTAGE COMPANY, Williamsville NY
Analyst, September 2003 – November 2005
• Helped to reduce company’s $1million account receivable to $400,000 in 18 months without
reduction in sales volume.
• Negotiated a rate decrease with check guarantee vendor resulting in $5,000 savings.
• Acted as relationship manager between the company and sales representatives.
• Created database reports to provide essential information for operational analysis.
• Evaluated credit for new accounts to reduce bad debt.
PRAXAIR, INCORPORATED, New York NY
Corporate Audit Intern, May 2003 – September 2003
• Conducted year-end compliance audits of production facilities throughout the United States.
• Created an audit profile for the company’s Medigas division.
• Developed a solution to high telephone expenses
• Recognized areas for improvement and worked with local management to implement new
designs.
M&T BANK, Buffalo NY
Finance Intern, May 2002 – May 2003
• Analyzed float operations of newly acquired bank for Assistant Vice President of Technology
and Banking Operations.
• Recommended ways to minimize cost of combined float operations.
Computer: Proficient in MS Office, FrontPage, Access, HTML, Lotus Notes, Pagemaker,
Visual C++, JavaScript
Language: Fluent in English, Chinese
Vice President, Graduate Management Association
Webmaster, National MBA Consortium
Practice Interviewer, Stuart School of Business Career Management Center
Member, Winning Team in the IBM Career Advantage Competition
Sample Resume B
This resume format is appropriate for an entry or mid-level job seeker or a recent graduate.
