The document provides information and tips about resume writing from the Duke Career Center. It discusses the purpose of a resume, tips for formatting and structuring resumes, and ways to improve verbs used to describe experiences. The document emphasizes highlighting accomplishments, using active verbs and quantitative results to showcase impact. It also discusses keeping resumes to one page and the difference between resumes and CVs.

1. Career Center
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 •
Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor • 114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
Graduate Student
Resume Collection
Index
Resume Writing
Resume Tips and Improving Verbs
Transferable Skills
Verbs to Highlight Your Accomplishments
Example Accomplishment Statements
Quick Comparison: CV vs. Resume
Resume Samples

2. Career Center
Search Strategically
Resume Writing
The resume serves as an introduction that tells the story of how your past
experiences and accomplishments have prepared you for a specific next step.
It is tempting to jump to the resume as the first
step when kicking off your search process. This will
present you with challenges because the resume is a
culminating effort, not a first step. Synthesizing your
experiences and accomplishments into short and
impactful statements requires complex thinking. If
you’re struggling with crafting your resume, reach out
to us for help.
A successful resume will pique enough confidence
and curiosity about you to secure an interview.
The purpose of your resume is to answer two key
questions for readers:
• What are you capable of and what do you
know?
• How well suited are you for the role that is
being filled?
A carefully constructed, well-edited and focused
resume will create a compelling description of your
patterns of qualities, skills and accomplishments in
response to these underlying questions.
5 Tips
for a Successful Resume
1. Think creatively
about experience.
Your meaningful accomplishments will come from
across a variety of endeavors in your life. Consider
businesses you’ve run, projects that you complete,
longstanding hobbies and pursuits, contributions you
have made or other defining experiences in your life.
All of these can be aspects of your resume.
2. Format your resume with
first things first.
The top and left side of your resume are the most
valuable spaces when someone is visually scanning
the page and forming a first impression. Use the first
section heading strategically to ensure that your most
compelling experiences are at the top of the page. To
start each bullet, thoughtfully choose verbs that are
precisely descriptive of your actions. Order the bullets
so that the most compelling comes first.
3. Illustrate your
patterns of success.
Showcase the skills you have developed through
experience; what you have learned in the classroom
or other points of exposure; positive qualities you will
bring to the work; and a mastery of the language and
culture of the realms to which you apply.
4. Articulate the impact of
your contributions.
Highlight accomplishments and include measures
of your success wherever possible. Use individual
resume bullets to highlight your outcomes in ways
that will resonate with the readers’ point of view.
For example, use measurable, quantified results for a
bottom-line-driven industry.
5. Write multiple resumes if
you have multiple interests.
Your varied interests may require equally varied
presentations of you at your best. For different
industries or roles, change the categories, order and
descriptions of different experiences to ensure that
unique readers of your resume recognize right away
that you excel in areas that are meaningful to them.
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708

3. FULLNAME
BIG&BOLD
Address
Best
Phone
Number
Best
Email
Address
Education
Duke
University
Durham,
NC
Your
Degree
Graduation
Month
and
Year
• What
have
been
your
meaningful
educational
accomplishments
while
at
Duke?
• Include
highlights-­‐
you
don’t
have
to
be
comprehensive.
• Consider
GPA,
honors,
study
abroad,
thesis,
projects,
research,
relevant
courses,
or
other
components
Other
Universities
Location
Degree
or
Program
Dates
of
Study
• What
were
the
main
benefits
to
you
inside
and
out
of
the
classroom?
High
School
Location
Degree,
GPA,
or
other
characteristics
Dates
of
Study
• What
were
your
primary
accomplishments,
educationally?
Specific
Experience
Category
#1
Interesting
Job
Location
Role
Dates
• Bullets
include
an
active
and
specific
verb
that
describes
this
contribution,
learning,
skills
or
outcome,
and
details
and
data
that
make
it
tangible.
• Prioritize,
with
the
most
important
and
relevant
bullets
first.
• Use
concise
and
clear
language
and
industry-­‐specific
language
only
if
applying
to
that
industry.
Student
Organization
Location
Current
Role
Dates
• Write
about
being
elected
(what
for!)
or
ways
you
contribute
more
over
time.
Earlier
Role
Dates
• Include
a
variety
of
experiences
and
contributions;
no
need
to
replicate
information
in
similar
roles.
However,
repeating
something
and
presenting
it
in
a
new
way
can
serve
as
an
enhancement.
Specific
Experience
Category
#2
Internship
Location
Role
Dates
• The
number
of
bullets
under
each
experience
does
not
need
to
be
consistent.
However,
the
space
that
something
takes
on
the
resume
does
give
a
sense
of
its
level
of
importance.
Specific
Experience
Category
#3
Independent
Project
Location
Role
Dates
• Describe
your
initiative,
managing
a
huge
endeavor,
overcoming
obstacles,
getting
support
from
others,
and
other
challenges
you
overcame
when
managing
something
new!
Skills
Language:
Computer:
Lab:
Interests
Highlight
unique
aspects
of
your
background,
personality,
or
attention
to
professional
topics.
No need to add a line about
references being available.
This has been seen on
resumes, historically, but is no
longer expected. Save that
space for interesting content.
Someone may have to mail
you documents or have
your address for official
correspondence. Keep
your address simple. Only
include multiple addresses
if necessary.
This can include major,
minor, certificates,
specializations, or other
degree components.
You can use this section to
feature your study abroad
experiences.
A high school section is
most used by first and
second year undergrads or
those who attended schools
with a large or passionate
network of alumni.
Think creatively about how
you design your categories.
This is an opportunity to
bring attention to patterns in
your interests or skills. Look
at example resumes for ideas
but two general categories
could be common type of
organization, e.g., Media
Experience or function, e.g.
Research Experience.
Use a skills section to
bring added attention to
RELEVANT skills. Be sure
these skills are evident
throughout your resume
as well.
e.g. researcher, founder,
volunteer, consultant
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
The CV: What Do I Need to Know?
Internationally, the terms curriculum vitae, CV and resume may be used interchangeably.
However, in the context of academic or research-based work, a CV refers to a document
with very specific content and organization detailing the research, teaching and
administrative expertise required. While a common application document for those with
a Ph.D., undergraduate students most commonly need a resume.
Resume Writing - cont.

4. Resume Tips and Improving Verbs
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
Structure
• Use the active rather than passive voice.
• Begin with a strong, active verb that best represents what you contributed.
• Use present tense for current activities and past tense for past activities.
• Avoid the phrases “responsible for” or “duties include.”
• Prioritize sections based on most relevant information first.
• Write section headings based on tailoring them to the position. For example, “Work Experience”
becomes “Research Experience,” while another section could be
“Additional Employment Experience.”
• Within your bullets, organize these descriptors so that the most relevant appear first.
Formatting
• Maintain sufficient white space to make it easily readable and uncluttered, while still including
thorough descriptions of your experiences.
• Be consistent with styling and formatting throughout all sections of the resume as you use bold,
CAPS, italics, and underlining.
• Place important information toward the top of the document, because HR managers often scan
resumes quickly. These sections include Education, Relevant Experience, and/or
Leadership Experience.
• Each section should be organized in reverse chronological order.
• Use readable font, such as Cambria, Calibri, Times New Roman, Garamond, or Arial.
• Font should be size 10, 11, or 12 point and easy to read.
• Your name should be 16+ font size, in bold, and NOT in caps.
• Margins should be in the range of .5” to 1” on all four sides.
• Use numbers instead of writing them out, for example, use 5 instead of five.
• Use black ink.
• Don’t include tables to organize the document.
• Avoid personal pronouns in the resume.
• Don’t use full sentences or paragraphs to describe your experiences.
General Tips
• Keep your resume to 1 page in length.
• Proofread to avoid spelling or grammatical errors.
• Include the GPA if it is a 3.0 or above.
• Coursework must be relevant to the position. Irrelevant courses or standard courses expected of a
student with the stated major should not be listed.
• Evaluate your language skills honestly, using words such as “beginner,” “intermediate,” “advanced,”
or “native proficiency.” You can separate your experience between written and
conversational aptitude.
• Technical skills should include your level of proficiency with language such as “proficient in”
and “familiar with.”
• A photo is not recommended on a resume. For LinkedIn profiles, a photo of you in professional
attire is common.
• If printing the document, use white or ivory resume paper.
• References should be on a separate page, so don’t make them a part of the resume. Do repeat your
contact information at the top of the reference page.

5. Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
Improving Your Active Verbs
Good Better Best
Worked Contributed Improved
Did Performed Produced
Responsible for Managed Spearheaded
Attended Participated Orchestrated
Saw Observed Analyzed
Learned Gained Experience Implemented
Tried Tested Developed
For more information on resumes, see the Duke Career Center SlideShare account at
http://www.slideshare.net/DukeCareers/tag/resume
Resume Tips and Improving Verbs - cont.

6. Transferable Skills
As you begin your job search or consider careers that would be right for you, it is important to know what
you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Over the years you have developed many skills from
coursework, extracurricular activities, internships, jobs and your total life experiences. If you’ve
researched, written, edited and presented papers for classes, you’ve used skills that are not limited to any
one academic discipline or knowledge area but are transferable to many occupations.
What Skills and Qualities Are Important to Employers?
According to the 2012 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook Survey, the top
10 qualities/skills employers seek are transferable skills.
1. Verbal communication skills 6. Problem-solving skills
2. Strong work ethic 7. Written communication skills
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others) 8. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
4. Analytical skills 9. Computer skills
5. Initiative 10. Flexibility/adaptability
Your Ten Most Preferred Skills Brief Example of How You’ve Used Each Skill
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708

7. Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
Communication
Exchange, transmission and
expression of knowledge and ideas
¨¨ speaking effectively
¨¨ writing
¨¨ listening attentively
¨¨ expressing ideas
¨¨ facilitating discussion
¨¨ providing appropriate feedback
¨¨ negotiating
¨¨ perceiving nonverbal messages
¨¨ persuading
¨¨ describing feelings
¨¨ interviewing
¨¨ editing
¨¨ summarizing
¨¨ promoting
¨¨ working in a team
¨¨ making presentations
¨¨ thinking on one’s feet
¨¨ dealing with public
Organization, Management
Direct and guide a group in
completing tasks and attaining goals
¨¨ initiating new ideas
¨¨ making decisions
¨¨ leading
¨¨ solving problems
¨¨ meeting deadlines
¨¨ supervising
¨¨ motivating
¨¨ coordinating tasks
¨¨ assuming responsibility
¨¨ setting priorities
¨¨ teaching
¨¨ interpreting policy
¨¨ mediating
¨¨ recruiting
¨¨ resolving conflict
¨¨ organizing
¨¨ determining policy
¨¨ giving directions
Research & Planning
The search for specific knowledge
¨¨ setting goals
¨¨ analyzing ideas
¨¨ analyzing data
¨¨ defining needs
¨¨ investigating
¨¨ extracting important information
¨¨ gathering information
¨¨ formulating hypotheses
¨¨ calculating and comparing
¨¨ developing theory
¨¨ observing
¨¨ identifying resources
¨¨ outlining
¨¨ critical thinking
¨¨ predicting and forecasting
¨¨ conceptualizing
Human Relations
Attend to the social, physical or
mental needs of people
¨¨ counseling
¨¨ advocating
¨¨ coaching
¨¨ providing care
¨¨ conveying feelings
¨¨ empathizing
¨¨ interpersonal skills
¨¨ facilitating group process
¨¨ active listening
¨¨ motivating
¨¨ developing rapport
¨¨ persuading others
¨¨ being patient
Design & Problem Solving
Imagine the future, develop a process
for creating it
¨¨ anticipating problems
¨¨ creating images
¨¨ designing programs
¨¨ displaying
¨¨ brainstorming new ideas
¨¨ improvising
¨¨ composing
¨¨ thinking visually
¨¨ anticipating consequences of action
¨¨ conceptualizing
¨¨ creating innovative solutions
¨¨ defining problems
¨¨ identifying possible causes
¨¨ multitasking
Take Stock of Your Transferable Skills
Review the lists in the following 5 categories and mark all the skills you have. Then go back and circle the
10 underlined skills you would enjoy using most. Write these top 10 skills in the spaces provided under
“Ten Most Preferred Skills” and write a brief example of how you have demonstrated each skill in a job,
class, internship, or extracurricular activity. This will help as you consider career options and as you
prepare for a job search and interviews.
Transferable Skills - cont.

8. Example Accomplishment Statements
DukeEngage Intern, Austin Foundation, Seattle, WA Summer 2010
• Created and implemented new program to encourage females to focus on positive life behaviors
• Developed and implemented curricula for 8-week fitness programs for underprivileged youth
• Collaborated with community festivals to improve the Foundation’s visibility and outreach efforts.
Energy Transfer Summer 2011
Intern: Management (CEO)
• Participated in weekly management meetings discussing company logistics, including distribution
issues, reservoir negotiations, and potential mergers and financial opportunities
• Coordinated preliminary research & negotiations for a .9 MW solar plant in southwest Texas
• Aided in the initial planning for a 40MW utility scale wind farm in Central America
Unitarian Universalist Youth Conference, Star Island, NH, Women’s Group Leader Summer 2009
• Organized 100-member youth conference on an island 7 miles off the mainland
• Strengthened staff-participant interaction through mentorship and outreach efforts
Duke University, Division 1 NCAA Football July 2008-Present
• Full Scholarship; 3 year letter winner; 3 year starter
• Dedicated 30 hours/week including weight training, practice, conditioning, film study, & meetings
• Frequently organize and set up extra player meetings and workouts
• Participated in team building exercises
Service Opportunities in Leadership, Hart Leadership Program Spring 2011 – Spring 2012
• Participated in 12-month program combining academics, service, and leadership training
• Awarded $4,000 grant to conduct research on HIV/AIDS perception in Honduras
• Taught HIV/AIDS education to classes of 30-40 children ages 8-20 to increase youth population
knowledge to reduce region’s high infection rate
Council for Children’s Rights, DukeEngage, Intern, Charlotte, NC June – August 2012
• Researched legislative and policy issues to find solutions to chronic problems facing local youth
• Wrote policy briefs and performed research for projects revolving around school readiness, juvenile
jurisdiction, and total amount of money spent on children annually in Mecklenburg County
• Tracked legislation moving through the North Carolina General Assembly
• Observed court hearings to better understand experiences of children in the criminal justice system
Chi Psi Fraternity- Durham, NC, Co-Social Chair 2008-2010
• Organized 2010 Chi-Psi Annual Formal at the Hilton in Durham for 80 guests
• Won Scholarship Award in 2009, given to one member of the fraternity who has excelled in and
shown dedication to academics
• Captained Chi Psi’s dodge ball, soccer, and softball intramural teams
Teacher, Breakthrough Collaborative – New Orleans, LA Summer 2011
• Taught 40 high-potential middle school students from low-income areas of New Orleans
• Designed courses in Science, Engineering, and Dance
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708

9. Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
Additional Accomplishment Statement Examples
Editor of School Newspaper
Instead of “edited school paper,” try:
• Researched, wrote, and collected photographs for 20 stories per semester, including 10 pieces
for online edition
• Succeeded in meeting competing deadlines, which required high attention to detail
• Located and edited inconsistencies before press release dates
Office Assistant
Instead of “answer phones, schedule appointments, fax papers,” try:
• Interact with diverse array of clients, colleagues, and external partners to schedule meetings,
organize logistics, and make travel arrangements
• Communicate verbally and in writing with numerous stakeholders
• Trained 2 additional interns regarding office policies and procedures
Waiter/Waitress
Instead of “waited tables at Italian restaurant,” try:
• Prioritized and managed simultaneous responsibilities
• Acted as a restaurant sales representative, selling add-ons to achieve one of the highest
per-night sales averages
• Built a loyal base of regular customers
Research Assistant
Instead of “Worked on a project titled, ‘Calcium influx in the innate immune response mediated by Toll-
like receptors,’” try:
• Collected data on 5 different biomarkers and evaluated their effectiveness
• Managed and updated databases on a weekly basis
• Collaborated with 4 team members to achieve project goals
Example Accomplishment Statements - cont.

10. Quick Comparison: CV vs. Resume
CV Resume
Goal • To obtain an academic position or grant • To obtain a non-academic job
Audience
• Fellow academics • Potential non-academic employers
• Networking contacts
Structure
• Text-rich, narrative style • Minimal text supported by
achievement-oriented bullets
Content
• Complete history of your academic pursuits,
including academic research, teaching,
awards, and service
• Tailored to highlight your fit with a
specific job/ department/ institution
• OR
• Tailored to highlight your ability to
conduct research aligning with
funding agency needs
• Snapshot of your most relevant skills and experience
• Tailored to highlight your fit with a specific job/ firm/ industry
Length
• Flexible; as long as neccesary to tell
your story
• Typically 3-4 pages for doctoral
candidates
• Typically 1-3 pages for master’s
candidates
• Limited to 2 pages
• Typically 2 pages for doctoral
candidates
• Typically 1 page for master’s
candidates
Unnecessary
Info
• Activities outside of the core academic
pursuits of research, teaching, and
service
• Anything not relevant to the role/ function/ industry for which you
are applying; e.g., unabridged lists of publications, presentations,
conferences attended, courses taught
• Career objective
• Personal statement
• References
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708

11. Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
Sample: Master’s Resume - Engineering Research
Melissa Elizabeth Tator
4283 Peachtree Avenue, Durham, NC 34587 • melissa.tator@duke.edu • cell: (713) 536-8923
EDUCATION
Master of Science: Biomedical Engineering December 2010
Duke University, Durham, NC
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework Includes: Electrophysiology, Tissue Biomechanics, Bionanotechnology, Physiology, Tissue Engineering,
Molecular Biology, Physiology of Extreme Environments, Systemic Histology, Design of Medical Devices
Bachelor of Science: Mathematics and Spanish May 2008
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Semester
abroad
at
La Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain January-May 2006
GPA:
3.9/4.0
INTERNSHIPS
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) May 2010-Present
Wyle Laboratories: Human Research Program (HRP) Intern; Houston, TX
• Compiled research deliverables and assessed technical readiness levels for the Human Research Program, which
• investigates the impact of spaceflight on the human body; presented information to management to aid direction of
research objectives
• Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of five to assist in the development of the Human Research Roadmap, a web-
based system which captures the HRP’s biomedical risks, Program Requirements Document, and Integrated Research Plan
• Shadowed the Biomedical Engineer Flight Controller in International Space Station Mission Control and supported Russian
Extravehicular Activity (EVA)
Wyle Laboratories: Human Research Program (HRP) Intern; Houston, TX June-August 2009
• Performed statistical analysis of NASA HRP Education & Outreach program data
• Researched impact of space on biological systems and drafted web text for “Hydration” activity
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Cartilage Mechanics and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Duke University
Department of Biomedical Engineering Student Researcher; Durham, NC
• Developed PEG-DA microwell system to enable three dimensional culture of small cell populations
• Cultured type IX collagen knockout mouse chondrocytes in presence of cytokines to form cartilage tissue pellets
• Performed analyses on tissue specimens using ELISA, histology, and MATLAB programming techniques
Continuum Biomechanics Laboratory, Texas A&M University
Department of Biomedical Engineering Research Assistant; College Station, TX August-December 2008
• Worked on biomechanical mathematical model of abdominal aortic aneurysm under Dr. Jay Humphrey
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Engineering World Health
Volunteer; Durham, NC August 2009-December 2010
• Served with a team of students to design an improved sphygmomanometer for use in the developing world
• Served as liaison to 15 hospitals in Honduras and Nicaragua to assess hospitals’ medical needs and arranged delivery of
devices and biomedical engineers where necessary. Demonstrated effective Spanish communication skills
Engineers Without Borders
Volunteer and Delegate; Fort Worth, TX and Cabezas, Bolivia March 2007-December 2008
• Designed and implemented engineering solutions to a school of 6th-12th graders in Cabezas, Bolivia, while working with a
team of four professional engineers
• Engineering solutions included drip bucket irrigation system, flow pressure measurements, water quality assessments,
electrical load survey, preliminary wiring and testing of diesel generator
SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Languages: Proficient in Spanish, enhanced by study in Seville, Spain in spring 2006
Computer: Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS statistical software, and Mathematica and MATLAB programming techniques
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa Society, TCU Chancellor’s Scholarship (Full Tuition)
Other Activities & Involvements: CoboBrothers Dance Company and Sabrosura latin dance troupe, Fort Worth Sister Cities
International, Alpha Chi Omega, Mathematics and biology tutor

12. Additional Documents
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Internships
Interviewing
Job Search
Networking
Resume
Additional Resources
Career Center Skills Guides
Cover Letter Skills Guide
Curriculum Vitae Skills Guide
Internships Skills Guide
Interviewing Skills Guide
Networking Skills Guide
Resume Skills Guide
Strategic Search Skills Guide
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708