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Components of a Resume:
Contact Info, Education, Experience (Leadership, Work, Relevant, Involvement, etc.), Optional - Skills/
Interests/Honors
General Resume Tips:
Include your GPA - You should always include your cumulative average (to the hundredth). If your cumulative
average is below a 3.00, consider including your major GPA in addition to your cumulative GPA if it is over
3.00. Do NOT round your GPA up.
List experiences in terms of “power” - Experiences do NOT need to be listed in chronological order (most
recent to oldest).
• Think about which experiences you most want to feature because they are either the most relevant or
where you had the most success or biggest contribution.
• Discuss accomplishments instead of listing job duties.
When drafting your resume, keep the following in mind:
Tips for First Years & Sophomores:
• Include high school experiences if they provide valuable skills to your resume, but only keep them on
your resume until the end of sophomore year. These experiences should be removed first as you gain
experience in college. Your high school institution should be the first item removed.
• List the Smeal College of Business if you are in Smeal. List Division of Undergraduate Studies if you are in
DUS (change to Smeal once you are officially in the college).
• Work to build leadership experience and highlight progression, For example, denote if you were
promoted from lifeguard to head lifeguard.
Smeal Resume Tips, Samples, and Formats
Business Career Center | 114 Business Building | careerconnections.smeal.psu.edu
• Do NOT embellish experiences or your GPA-
recruiters do typically ask for your unofficial
transcript
• Check and recheck for spelling/grammar mistakes
• Keep your resume to one page
• You can include your address but it isn’t
necessary. If you include, you should list your
school address and can also include your home
address. International students do not need to
include their home country address
• Include an appropriate email address that you
check frequently
• Keep your margins between .5 – 1.0”
• Communicate key skills in every bullet point
wording
• Keep your formatting consistent (i.e. all dates
along the right side of the resume)
• Use the same size font [10-12”] for everything but
your name [16-18”]
• Be consistent with the type of font (i.e. all titles of
positions in italics) and the way dates are written
(abbreviate all months or spell all months out)
• Use Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial font
• Do NOT use a Microsoft or web-based resume
template; they are challenging to edit. There is a
downloadable Smeal resume format available on
the Business Career Center website
• Do NOT use web-based systems like Google
Docs to create your resume - use Microsoft Word
• DO NOT print your file from a web browser PDF
viewer - this can skew the margins. Be sure to
download your resume locally and print it from
Adobe Reader
• Save your resume as a PDF with your name as the
file title (i.e. Sally.SmithResume20XX)
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants with-
out regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U Ed: BUS 20-73
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Bullet Point Tips
Start with a strong action verb (supervised, trained, led, organized, etc.)
Use industry-specific keywords and quantify your accomplishments. Review each job posting to identify key
language to highlight in your resume.
• What tasks did you perform?
• What were those tasks used to accomplish? What did you actually do?
• Why was this helpful or important?
• Who did it help?
• Were there any outcomes?
List skills such as computer software that are relevant to the position you are applying to.
Simply stating that you are proficient in Microsoft Excel could mislead a recruiter. Explain how you have used
the skills through an activity, a project, or if you completed coursework focusing on a specific program. It is
better to incorporate skills info specific bullet points instead of listing them in a skills section.
Penn State Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Student Intern, Business Career Center August 20XX – May 20XX
• Prepared Excel spreadsheets for online research for 9 professors and 3 graduate students
XYZ Company State College, PA
Marketing Intern May 20XX - August 20XX
• Designed weekly customer newsletters in Adobe InDesign
Sample Action Words:
Led a project:
• Chaired
• Coordinated
• Executed
Developed something:
• Built
• Created
• Designed
Made something efficient:
• Consolidated
• Decreased/Reduced
• Reconciled
Increased something:
• Capitalized
• Enhanced
• Maximized
Changed/improved something:
• Customized
• Influenced
• Modified
Managed a team:
• Delegated
• Motivated
• Collaborated
Researched something:
• Analyzed
• Assessed
• Evaluated
Supported customers:
• Consulted
• Informed
• Resolved
Task What did you do? Who did it help? Why was it
important?
Outcomes?
Waited Tables • Communicated
with customers
regarding
specific sales and
promotions
• Collaborated
with back of the
house and wait
staff team
• Store owners,
managers,
customers
• Increased
customer
experience
• Created efficient
food delivery
processes
• Followed proper
food handling
policies
• Increased
transaction sales
by 10%
• Employee of
the month/top
selling employee
• Increased
customer seating
time by 5%
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Major-Specific Requirements, 2-Piece Sequence, Major “Options”
Having a minor, 2-piece sequence, or major “option” can enhance your resume by showcasing specific
focuses, additional skills, and career interests.
• Be sure you can comment on how those skills relate to the job function you are pursuing throughout the
recruiting process (resume, career fairs, interviews, etc.)
• Demonstrate what makes you stand out as a candidate because of the additional coursework
Major “Option”
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
B.S. in Management, Human Capital Management/Organizational Leadership May 20XX
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
B.S. in Risk Management, Enterprise Risk Management/Real Estate May 20XX
2-piece Sequence
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management and Information Systems May 20XX
Additional coursework in Accounting (6 credits)
(Don’t say 2-piece sequence –employers don’t know that term)
Minor
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Bachelor of Science in Finance, Minor in Economics May 20XX
Actuarial Science Exams
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science May 20XX
GPA
Exam P – Passed, January 20XX
Exam FM – Passed, August 20XX
Exam MLC – Sitting, November 20XX
If you are majoring in accounting, be sure to accurately list how you intend to complete 150 credits if you
plan to obtain the CPA certification. Listing the appropriate Master of Accounting (MAcc) option (one-year or
integrated) or that you intend to complete 150 credits by graduation is important to recruiters.
Four-Year Accounting Students
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Bachelor of Science in Accounting May 20XX
Four-Year Accounting Students who will obtain 150 hours in four years
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Bachelor of Science in Accounting May 20XX
Will obtain 150 credit hours by graduation (or in four years) GPA
Four-Year Accounting Students who are planning on applying for the 1-year MAcc program
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Bachelor of Science in Accounting May 20XX
Anticipated 150 credits completed by August 20XX
MAcc Students
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Master of Accounting (MAcc), Bachelor of Science in Accounting May 20XX
Additional coursework in Data Analytics
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One Year MAcc Program
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
One-Year Master of Accounting (MAcc) Aug. 20XX
Additional coursework in Data Analytics Cum. GPA & Major GPA
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Bachelor of Science in Accounting May 20XX
Cum. GPA & Major GPA
Smeal Alumni Mentor Program
Did you have a Smeal Alumni Mentor? Below is how you can indicate the experience on your resume in your
experiences section.
Penn State Smeal Alumni Mentor Program University Park, PA
Mentee Month 20XX – Month 20XX
Learned…from Smeal alumnus in XZY job field
Networked with …
Studying Abroad- place under ‘Education’ section
Study Abroad Institution (if completed) City, Country
Program Name/Course focus Month 20XX
Smeal Ethical Leadership Challenge (SELC)
Did you particpate in the Smeal Ethical Leadership Challenge? Below is how you can indicate the experience
on your resume in your experiences section.
Smeal Ethical Leadership Challenge University Park, PA
Task Force Member Month 20XX – Month 20XX
• Dedicate X hours weekly towards ethical leadership activities as part of the pilot program
• Provide monthly feedback on…
• Engage in monthly strategic planning focus groups to…
• Explore practical applications of the PSU values through…
Smeal Ethical Leadership Challenge University Park, PA
Participant Month 20XX – Present
• Earned Top 10 on leaderboard for month of X by completing X number of ethical leadership activities
• Completed X number of activities towards Personal and Professional Badge (75% toward Badge
completion)
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Skills, Online Free Trainings, And Certifications to Add to Your Resume
Check out these sites to get access to free online trainings and certifications.
• LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
• Coursera.org
• edx.org – offers MOOCs (massive open online courses from Universities)
Highlighted Learning Path Trainings in LinkedIn Learning
Technical Skills:
• Excel 2013 Specialist (25 hours)
• Improving Excel Skills (18 hours)
Communication Skills:
• Become a Leader (10 hours)
• Improve your Presentation Skills (5 hours)
Highlighted Individual Trainings in LinkedIn Learning
How To List LinkedIn Learning Trainings & Certifications On A Resume
Example 1: Professional Training
Completed the Managing Up training through LinkedIn Learning (1 hour)
LinkedIn Learning certified Excel 2013 Specialist (25 hours)
Example 2: Skills
Completed the Become a Leader learning path through LinkedIn Learning (10 hours)
Completed the Google Analytics Essential Training through LinkedIn Learning (3 hours)
Example 3: Skills & Professional Training
LinkedIn Learning Completed Trainings: Excel Quick Tips & Persuading Others (4 hours)
Technical Skills:
• Excel Quick Tips (26 minutes)
• Learning Excel 2016 (1 hour)
• Learning Access 2016 (1 hour)
• Learning Office 365 (2 hours)
• Excel for Marketers (2 hours)
• Excel for Sale Professionals (3 hours)
• Google Analytics Essential Training (3 hours)
Communication Skills:
• Writing Formal Business Letters and Emails (38
minutes)
• Giving & Receiving Feedback (49 minutes)
• Persuading Others (33 minutes)
• Managing Up (1 hour)
• Business Etiquette: Phone, Email, & Text (1 hour)
• Working with Difficult People (2 hours)
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Legal First Name (Optional: Preferred Name) Last Name (Sample Smeal Format)
(111) 111-1111 | [email protected]
EDUCATION
The Pennsylvania State University City, ST
Smeal College of Business (or Division of Undergraduate Studies) Month 20XX
Bachelor of Science in (Freshmen/Sophomore: Intended Bachelor of Science in) GPA: X.XX
Insert Minor or Secondary Major here (delete this line if you don’t have one) Dean’s List X/X semesters
High School (This should be removed after rst semester of Freshmen Year) City or Country, ST
(Can put AP classes here or any scholarships/special awards received) Month 20XX
GPA: X.X/X.X
Study Abroad Institution (if completed) City, Country
Program Name/Course focus Month 20XX
HEADING LABEL (Examples of labels: Work, Leadership, Involvement, Activities, Volunteer, etc.)
Organization/Employer City or Country (if abroad), ST
Position title Month Year – Month Year
• Accomplishments and results (quantify if possible). For each bullet point, try to include: What task you completed,
the Purpose of the task, How you completed the task, and show any Results
• Start each bullet with a strong action word (facilitate, lead, organize, train, etc.) – visit careerconnections.psu.edu for
more examples
• Aim for 2-5 bullets for each experience
Organization/Employer City or Country (if abroad), ST
Position title Month Year – Month Year
• Accomplishments and results (quantify if possible). For each bullet point, try to include: What task you completed,
the Purpose of the task, How you completed the task, and show any Results
• Start each bullet with a strong action word (facilitate, lead, organize, train, etc.) – visit careerconnections.psu.edu for
more examples
• Aim for 2-5 bullets for each experience
HEADING LABEL (Examples of labels: Work, Leadership, Involvement, Activities, Volunteer, etc.)
Organization/Employer City or Country (if abroad), ST
Position title Month Year – Month Year
• Accomplishments and results (quantify if possible). For each bullet point, try to include: What task you completed,
the Purpose of the task, How you completed the task, and show any Results
• Start each bullet with a strong action word (facilitate, lead, organize, train, etc.) – visit careerconnections.psu.edu for
more examples
Aim for 2-5 bullets for each experience
Organization/Employer City or Country (if abroad), ST
Position title Month Year – Month Year
• Accomplishments and results (quantify if possible). For each bullet point, try to include: What task you completed,
the Purpose of the task, How you completed the task, and show any Results
• Start each bullet with a strong action word (facilitate, lead, organize, train, etc.) – visit careerconnections.psu.edu for
more examples
• Aim for 2-5 bullets for each experience
HONORS/SKILLS/INTERESTS
(Optional – but can showcase computer skills, language skills, and any Honors/interests you would like to share with
employers)
Update all elds and save as a PDF with your name as the le title
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Legal First Name (Optional: Preferred Name) Last Name (MAcc Resume)
Phone | Email
EDUCATION
The Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Master of Accounting (MAcc), Bachelor of Science in Accounting Graduation Month 20XX
Additional Coursework in Data Analytics Cumulative GPA: X.XX, Major GPA X.XX
Dean’s List: X/X semesters
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Reznick Group New York, NY
Audit Intern Month Year – Month Year
• Conducted annual audits and reconciliation activities for 8 commercial real estate clients
• Analyzed and used pivot tables in Excel to provide accurate assessments of client financial statements
• Maintained accurate records of ledger audits using NetSuite in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley
• Streamlined audit processes for real estate clients as part of a team of 4; resulted in $1M in annualized savings
• Communicated directly with clients regarding missing details of financial statements to update and record correct data
Penn State Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) University Park, PA
Tax Preparer, Member Month Year – Present
• Complete weekly trainings to understand income tax laws and preparation procedures; passed examination to assist low-
income earners file federal income tax forms
• Meet with approximately 12 clients each week to accurately and efficiently file federal income taxes
• Engage in conversations with members surrounding best practices and ethical behavior in the accounting industry
Penn State Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
Accounting Department Tutor Month Year – Present
• Tutor approximately 6 students weekly in accounting skills in 2 upper-level accounting courses
Accounting Proctor Month Year – Month Year
• Proctored exams for approximately 5 hours/week for 200 students; ensured academic integrity standards and Smeal's Honor
Code were upheld by collaborating with professors to resolve academic integrity issues
Work Study Month Year – Month Year
• Prepared Excel spreadsheets for online research for 9 professors and 3 graduate students
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Women in Business University Park, PA
Community Service and Social Committee Month Year – Present
• Provide insight and planning in a group setting for organization’s Penn State Dance Marathon’s (THON) Events Committee
• Contributed to organization’s fundraising total of $51,000 to benefit THON
• Design and distribute print and electronic marketing materials for Powerful Women Paving the Way Conference 20XX in
conjunction with team of 4 to attract 180+ student, faculty, staff, and non-Penn State attendees
Top Five Most Active Member, Fall 20XX
• Discuss personal and professional issues relevant to women in the corporate world at weekly meetings
Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) University Park, PA
Entertainment Captain – Family Relations Liaison Month Year – Month Year
• Served as interface between THON families and entertainment committee to create new themes and programs for world's
largest student-run philanthropy in the fight against pediatric cancer
• Collaborated with 23 students to plan and manage three family relations events, including a carnival
PwC Case Competition University Park, PA
2nd Place Team Member Month 20XX
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE/ACTIVITIES
Penn State Ultimate Frisbee, Participant Month 20XX - Present
Friendsville Community Pool, Lifeguard (CPR Certified) Month 20XX - Present
HONORS/SKILLS
Penn State Alumni Trustee Scholarship Recipient, year 20XX
Conversational in Mandarin Chinese
Skills: Advanced in Adobe Photoshop, Intermediate with Microsoft Excel, and familiar with Microsoft Access
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