Center for Career &
Professional Development
ALUMNI RESUME &
COVER LETTER GUIDE
VERBS
If experience is ongoing, use the present tense of these verbs. No “ing”. When describing past experience,
verbs should be in past tense “ed”.
Activate
Adapt
Advise
Analyze
Apply
Assess
Assist
Attain
Author
Budget
Calculate
Change
Collaborate
Communicate
Compile
Complete
Conceptualize
Conduct
Consult
Contribute
Coordinate
Counsel
Create
Critique
Decrease
Delegate
Demonstrate
Design
Detail
Determine
Develop
Diagnose
Direct
Discover
Display
Educate
Establish
Evaluate
Expand
Facilitate
Familiarize
Gain
Generate
Guide
Identify
Implement
Improve
Improvise
Increase
Inform
Initiate
Innovate
Institute
Instruct
Integrate
Interpret
Inventory
Investigate
Lead
Maintain
Manage
Measure
Mediate
Mentor
Model
Monitor
Observe
Organize
Oversaw
Perform
Pilot
Plan
Predict
Prepare
Present
Preserve
Process
Program
Project
Quantify
Reason
Recommend
Research
Review
Revise
Select
Shadow
Specify
Stimulate
Strengthen
Structure
Study
Suggest
Summarize
Supervise
Supply
Support
Survey
Teach
Train
Transcribe
Transfer
Translate
Transmit
Treat
Tutor
Update
Verify
ALUMNI RESUME TIPS
• Your resume should be neat and professional in appearance, well-organized, and error-free
• Format consistency is key! Use centered or left-aligned headings, but be consistent in their use. Capitalization,
underlining, bold, italicizing and/or indentation direct the reader.
• Use a Summary/Prole instead of an Objective. Objectives focus on what you want, but a Summary/Prole
emphasizes who you are as a professional and what value you can contribute.
• For career changers, investigate the skills you have that relate to the new position. Focus the Summary/Prole
and Experience bullets on demonstration of these core skills.
• Include your LinkedIn prole link at the top, as part of your header.
• Rank section titles by relevance to the job so the most signicant information appears rst.
• If you have a gap(s) in employment, create an Additional Experience section, include the years of work and no
months, move dates closer to the job title, or consider a Functional Resume format.
• Conne your resume to one page whenever possible. If you must choose between crowding material onto one
page or leaving out relevant information, use a second page. Put your name and “Page 2” on the second page.
• Balance the material. Use equal margins on all sides. Visual appeal comes before content.
• Double check for spelling and grammatical errors, and have another person check your resume. Be careful
when using a computer spellcheck: You may misuse a word but the program accepts the word as correct, e.g.
“to” instead of “two.”
• Use the section header “Experience” instead of “Work History” or “Employment,” so that you can include full and
part-time jobs, self-employment, and volunteer work. Start with the most recent experience and work in reverse
chronological order. Do not go back more than ve to ten years unless it strongly relates to your current career
goal.
• Indicate the job title, employer, city/state, and dates of employment. The order of these entries depends on
what is being emphasized, i.e. if job titles are relevant to the position, put them rst. If the employer is well-
known, the organization may be placed before the job title.
• Avoid use of personal pronouns and complete sentences. Do not be wordy, be specic.
• Convey accomplishments and include any promotions received. Indicate measurable results, such as “increased
productivity by 15 percent.”
• Do not start descriptions with “responsible for” or “duties included.” Avoid words like “helped” and “worked”;
instead, describe the specic tasks that were performed.
• Under Education, only include your graduation month/year and not your start date. If you didn’t complete a
degree, you don’t have to list prior colleges, unless it’s relevant.
• Use past tense for past jobs and present tense for present jobs.
• Rank bulleted phrases by importance to the career goal; thus, if the employer only reads one phrase, he/she
will get the most relevant one.
• Additional headings for experience include Relevant Experience, Professional Experience, Teaching Experience
and Research Experience, or Clinical Experience. Choose only one of the suggested headings, such as
Experience or use all that apply, depending whether you want to emphasize related experiences or a variety of
positions and areas in which you have experience.
Suggested Bullets Formula
ACTION VERB (SKILL) + TASK + (PURPOSE/METHOD/RESULT)
{choose 1 of the above}
Purpose (Why did you do it?)
Reviewed operational records and reports daily to project sales and determine protability
Method (How you did it)
Increased page views and click through rate 45% by utilizing keywords using Google analytics
Result (What happened because of what you did?)
Conducted online research and analysis, increasing prospective donors list by 20%
3 Key Questions to Ask About Every Position or Experience:
What was going on in the company, department or industry?
What were the circumstances surrounding this opportunity?
Why were you promoted or hired?
What problem did they hire you to solve or goal to attain?
What were your specic performance expectations?
What problems did you encounter and what did you do about them?
What cropped up unexpectantly?
What might have prevented you from doing what you were hired to do?
Name
City, State | (000) 123-4567 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/name
EXPERIENCE
NOW NETWORKS May 2010–Present
Executive Assistant to the VP of Business Affairs & Human Resources, June 2016 – Present
• Assess and respond to sensitive/confidential issues with discretion and professionalism
• Prepare and manage annual departmental budgets, monthly accruals and quarterly forecasts
• Manage legal department assistants and workflow
• Prioritize and manage calendar, schedule, plan and organize meetings, travel and events
• Interact regularly with CEO and senior staff
Achievements: Successfully managed Move Transition Team during transition to new office space; Recipient of Above and
Beyond President’s Awards in 2008 & 2009
Legal Analyst/Assistant to General Manager, January 2015 – November 2016
• Prepared annual department budget, tracked expenditures and prepared expense reports
• Analyzed programming rights and provided reports as necessary, including end of year plan
• Drafted various types of agreements and amendments in accordance with negotiated deal terms
• Performed legal research and monitored entertainment news for legal trends/relevant issues
• Created and maintained department site content on company website
Achievements: Implemented electronic distribution process; 2006 Above & Beyond Award Winner
srequestedPioneeredofficefromthegroundupandmanaged14memberstaff.Generatedleadsthroughmult
Administrative Assistant, Business and Legal Affairs, May 2010 – November 2016
• Provided administrative and operational support to five attorneys
• Updated and maintained contracts and schedules
• Drafted, edited and proofread correspondences, email, contract summaries
• Utilizing established forms, drafted various agreements and amendments in accordance with negotiated deal terms
Achievements: Tracked data for retransmission and consent projects; Created user-friendly forms for department use.
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bestsourcesforadvertising.Supervisedtwoofficeclerkswhoassistedwithcompletionofrentalagreements,h
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
LEGAL ACTION NOW, INC.
Assistant to the President/Legal Assistant January 2007 – May 2010
EDUCATION
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of General Studies, May 2007
Example resume ‘before’ with questions asked
WHY WERE THEY PROMOTED? VP knew their work from Legal and was recruited when the job came
open. Did BOTH jobs for 6 months until they could find a replacement.
WHAT WAS GOING ON? Agreements, contracts and projects were getting stalled because of cumbersome
review process that required paper documents. Came up with idea of e-distribution and an easy tracking system.
WHAT PROBLEMS WERE ENCOUNTERED AND WHAT WAS DONE ABOUT THEM? Legal database
system was a mess, it took hours to find the right documents. Proposed and got approval to restructure the entire
system, then established easily identifiable main topics and sub-topics.
Name
City, State | (000) 123-4567 | [email protected]| linkedin.com/in/name
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Intuitive and perceptive administrative professional with 10+ years’ experience and high-level responsibilities advancing senior executives’
agenda. Respected overachiever who excelled in progressive positions with Alpha Attorneys, earned steady advancement into increasingly
demanding roles and received Above and Beyond award for distinguished accomplishments, 3 times.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ALPHA ATTORNEYS, Inc. May 2010–Present
Executive Assistant to the VP of Business Affairs & Human Resources, June 2016 – Present
Recruited by Executive VP due to stellar reputation and performance; handled both new and previous positions for 6 months until
replacement was hired. Provide comprehensive support to high level business operations, facilitating seamless daily operations while
assuming additional responsibilities during ever-changing and unpredictable. Prepare budgets, monthly accruals, contract summaries,
and reports. Coordinate meetings, travel and events. Oversee workflow and routinely collaborate with senior staff and VP.
Key Contributions
• Orchestrated 3-month headquarters relocation project. Led 10 member move team, made critical decisions, pared down
files and calmed fears regarding merger.
• Helped navigate marketing transition and drove uninterrupted daily workflow during chaotic period when VP was heavily
involved with due diligence and deliberations for merger.
• Served as in-house project coordinator for intense litigations.
• Played a key role on the eDocs planning team, pushing out electronic document management system from legal to
administrative departments.
• Recipient of Above and Beyond President’s Awards in 2008 & 2009.
Legal Analyst/Assistant to General Manager, January 2015 – November 2016
Promoted to oversee performance of 4 Legal Assistants. Assumed responsibilities for 2 jobs after departure of colleague and took
initiative to complete tasks without request.
Assumed budget oversight previously not handled by Executive Assistant, and
subsequently managed both legal and HR activities. Analyzed programming rights, prepared reports, negotiated and drafted legal
agreements, finances and expenditures, maintained website and conducted research.
Key Contributions
• Demonstrated talent for analyzing budget and formulating realistic projections and sound justifications. Provided decision
makers with budget adjustment suggestions and stronger understanding of resource expenditures.
• Proposed and implemented electronic distribution process, thus eliminating paper circulation and saving tremendous
amounts of time and valuable resources.
• One of 10 out of 350 employees honored with Rising Above award, 2015; nominated by VP for contributions to budget
and electronic distribution.
Administrative/Legal Assistant, Business and Legal Affairs, May 2010 – November 2016
Hired due to non-profit, media, and legal background to provide a full range of legal and administrative support to attorneys.
Repeatedly selected to contribute to special projects. Drafted various legal agreements and amendments (affiliation, employment,
and creative services) in compliance with negotiated terms.
Key Contributions
• Took initiative to transform haphazard forms into standardized, user-friendly documents that heightened productivity.
• Restructured e-filing system by establishing a sub-filing scheme and Google doc that reduced retrieval time.
• Meticulously disseminated and tracked 50 high-level licensing renewal agreements until consensus was achieved.
• Utilizing established forms, drafted various types of agreements and amendments in accordance with negotiated deal terms.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
LEGAL ACTION NOW, INC.,
Assistant to the President/Legal Assistant January 2007 – May 2010
EDUCATION
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of General Studies, May 2007
Resume ‘after’ with critical information included
Name
222 Frog Way, Aledo, TX | 222-222-2222 | first.[email protected] | www.linkedin.com/name
SUMMARY
• Self-starter with demonstrated success in sourcing candidates, developing team building programs and
managing events
• Successfully utilized social media platforms to attract new candidates and trusted with confidential materials
in Human Resources and political settings
EXPERIENCE
Luther King Capital Management, Fort Worth, TX
HR Recruiting Assistant, June 2018 – June 2020
• Sourced 20 new top performers through monthly recruiting events
• Coordinated annual drive up conference which 90% of attendees rated as "excellent"
• Increased online job applications 50% by maintaining current web page descriptions and job postings
• Created Twitter account and posted openings daily to establish new candidate sourcing
Office of State Senator Wendy Davis, Fort Worth, TX
Administrative Coordinator, July 2017 - May 2018
• Decreased time required to produce daily itineraries by automating process in MS Word and Excel
• Maintained customer satisfaction by answering constituent questions quickly and accurately
• Created FAQ documents to enhance process of answering constituent questions quickly and accurately
• Established Facebook page which received over 200 "likes" in six months
• Increased communication among staff of 30 by creating a daily update email
Salem Communications, Irving, TX
Project Management Intern, January 2017 - June 2017
• Enhanced existing popular resource by updating list of screenplays by women writers
• Conducted online research and analysis, increasing prospective donors list by 20%
• Increased page views and click through rate 45% by utilizing keywords using Google analytics
LEADERSHIP
Greek Organization, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Chapter President & New Member VP, January 2016 - December 2017
• Managed weekly chapter and executive board meetings for 75 members
• Served as liaison between four advisors and university community
• Represented chapter at Panhellenic Council meetings and reported campus events back to chapter
• Organized joint-organization volunteer opportunities for 45 members to increase student involvement
EDUCATION
Texas Christian University (TCU), Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, May 2019
Transfer Faculty Scholar - Cumulative GPA: 3.2
RELATED SKILLS
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint
Staff Recruitment and Retention, HR Project Management, Training & Development
Social Media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
Advanced Spanish
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
• Society of Human Resource Management Professionals, Member, January 2019-Present
• Tarrant Literacy Coalition, Volunteer Recruitment Committee, April 2018-Present
• Women’s Center of Tarrant County, Student Mentor, April 2018-Present
Early Career Sample
Experienced Professional Sample
Name, Page 2
Southwest Realty, Inc., Irving, TX 1998–2000
Senior Loan Officer
Analyzed applicants' financial status, credit, and property evaluations to determine feasibility of
granting loans. Obtained and compiled copies of loan applicants' credit histories, corporate financial
statements, and other financial information. Explained to customers the different types of loans and
credit options that are available, as well as the terms of those services.
• Proposed and implemented new electronic distribution process, thus eliminating paper
circulation and saving tremendous amounts of time and valuable resources
• Provided Senor management with loan approval suggestions and stronger understanding of
resource expenditures
Garden Select Home Improvement, Inc., Benbrook, TX 1995–1998
Assistant Sales Manager
Hired to oversee 20 regional and local sales managers and staff of 60. Resolved customer complaints
regarding sales and service. Planned and directed staffing, training, and performance evaluations to
develop and control sales and service programs. Reviewed operational records and reports to project
sales and determine profitability.
• Took initiative to transform training manual into user friendly documents that improved
productivity and accuracy
• One of 5 out of 200 employees honored with Above and Beyond Award, nominated by VP
due to stellar contributions to store and department
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Certified International Property Specialist Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent
National Association of Realtors Fort Worth Real Estate Board
Council of Residential Specialists (Texas Chapter) Real Estate Institute of Appraisers
Chamber of Commerce (Denton and Fort Worth) Texas Real Estate Commission
EDUCATION
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Political Science, May 2001
Minors in Business and Spanish
FIRST NAME LAST NAME
000-123-4567 ● [email protected] ● linkedin.com/in/name
CORPORATE TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
PROFILE
Highly accomplished financial professional with an extensive trading history. Track record of success
instructing executives on details of foreign exchange and securities markets. Adept at analyzing market
conditions and facilitating trades in high-yield, distressed, and crossover bonds as well as other
financial instruments. Excellent communication skills with aptitude for establishing and cultivating
relationships with domestic, Asian, and European clients/partners.
Areas of expertise include:
• Strategic Planning
• Regulatory Compliance
• Presentations
• Negotiation
• Persuasion
• Training & Mentoring
• Business Development
• Client Engagement
• Conflict Resolution
EXPERIENCE
ONEWIRE, New York, NY, August 2010 – Present
Broker Dealer/Investment Banking Associate
Hired as Broker Dealer to bolster business development efforts through creation of pitch books and
background research. Empower organizations to resolve complex business issues and generate
positive outcomes during times of adversity and prosperity.
Key Achievements:
• Promoted to Investment Banking Associate (2015) due to track record of successful client engagement.
• Forge relationships with high-profile clientele and institutions, including Merrill Lynch.
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive presentations and mentoring sessions on European
markets to U.S.-based executives.
• Harness new opportunities in emerging markets with initial European bond issue.
• Cultivate partnerships with Barclays, Credit Suisse and other international players.
• Bridge clients and dealers to secure orders for Japanese warrant market.
EDUCATION
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Neeley School of Business
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, May 2010
Major: Finance
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
ABC Inc., Austin, TX, Technical Consultant, March 2007 – April 2009
Textron, Fort Worth, TX, IT Service Administrator, June 2005 – March 2007
Career Change: From investment banking/securities broker to corporate trainer.
Strategy: Start with a Profile that helps readers understand vast experience in the investment
banking industry to qualify for training roles in this industry.
ANATOMY OF A COVER LETTER
Date
Contact Person’s First and Last Name, Title
Organization or Company Name
Address Line 1
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Why are you writing? Begin by stating where or how you found out about the job. If
you have had a prior conversation with someone in the organization who requested
your resume, refer to the person’s full name and that you are following up from that
conversation. If you have been referred by someone, include that person’s name. Mention
your specific interest in the position and organization. Be clear and concise.
What do you have to offer? (1-2 concise paragraphs) You are interpreting your
resume in this paragraph—do not just repeat what is on the resume. Get to the point
by highlighting 1-2 relevant skills and quantifiable accomplishments. Make connections
between your abilities and the employer’s needs based on what you have researched
about the position, company and industry. Support each statement with evidence or
quantifiable result that demonstrates your fit and passion. Convince the reader that they
should grant you an interview based on what you can do. This may be the longest
paragraph, but never more than 10-12 lines of text.
What is your call to action or next step? Refer to it in this paragraph. Demonstrate
professional courtesy by thanking the reader for reviewing your credentials. End with no
more than 2-4 lines of text.
Sincerely,
<Signature>
Your typed name here
First
Paragraph
Header
(optional)
Greeting
Closing
Middle
Paragraph
Final
Paragraph
QUICK TIPS
Proofread! Proofread!
Proofread! Spelling errors and
bad grammar or syntax leave a
negative impression.
Interpret your resume.
Communicate how you can
contribute to the organization
in this role.
Research and demonstrate
your knowledge of the
organization in the context of
why you are qualified.
Use the same
heading from your
resume on your
cover letter
Sample Reference Sheet
FIRST NAME LAST NAME
2800 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-2222
[email protected]
REFERENCES
Dr. Joseph Smith
Professor
Texas Christian University
2800 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-2222
[email protected]
Gabrielle Brown
Volunteer Coordinator
Meals on Wheels
2800 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76110
817-257-2222
[email protected]
Tanya Carson
Supervisor
TCU Campus Bookstore
2800 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-2222
[email protected]
Use the same
heading from your
resume on your
reference sheet
List 3-5 references on your reference page
Include your reference’s full name and title
Make sure that contact information is
accurate and current
REFERENCE PAGE
WHO YOU CAN ASK: Professors,
Former Employers, Academic Advisors,
Volunteer Supervisors, or Other
Professional Acquaintances.
Be sure to ASK YOUR REFERENCES
PERMISSION IN PERSON PRIOR TO USING
THEM in your application process and send them
a copy of your resume and job description.
Keep in contact with your references for future opportunities.
Revised 08/2020
Center for Career &
Professional Development
careers.tcu.edu/alumni | 817-257-2222 | Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center, Suite 220