MBA Resume Guide

MBA Career Development Revised June 2009

MBA RESUME GUIDE 2009 EDITION

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 2 SIX EASY STEPS TO CREATING YOUR BRAND WITH A MARKET READY RESUME ...................... 3 STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 REVIEW YOUR CURRENT RESUME ......................................................................................... 3 BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND BY CREATING A SKILLS INVENTORY ........................................ 4 DEFINE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ........................................................................................ 5 RESUME SECTIONS/HEADINGS ............................................................................................. 6 YOUR FIVE PS CHECKLIST EASY TO READ AND ERROR-FREE ............................................. 8 GETTING YOUR RESUME MARKET READY ............................................................................ 10

APPENDIX A - STAR WORKSHEET TEMPLATE ..................................................................................... 12 APPENDIX B - ACTION ORIENTED WORDS AND PHRASES ..................................................................... 13 APPENDIX C - ONLINE RESOURCES FOR MORE RESUME TIPS .............................................................. 21 APPENDIX D - FINANCE RESUME GUIDELINES ...................................................................................... 22 APPENDIX E - SAMPLE RESUMES AND FORMATS ................................................................................. 23

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

INTRODUCTION
Whether you are competing for a full-time, Co-op or summer employment opportunity, having a professionally prepared resume and cover letter can make the difference between getting your first interview or not. It is estimated that employers spend 30 seconds reading a resume/cover letter on the first review. Your resume must speak directly to the employer's needs and clearly demonstrate the value that you will bring to the organization. To maximize the impact of your resume, it must be: Accomplishments-oriented Easy to read Error-free Unique You, Inc.

Ask yourself these questions: Does my resume demonstrate my unique skills, abilities and experience? What key competencies are currently highlighted on my resume? How does my resume differentiate me from the competition? Does it create interest, describe accomplishments and validate results with quantifiable evidence? Is my resume easy to read and does it flow logically?

While there is no one right way to craft a resume, this guide will help you present and market your experience and qualifications in the style and format that is well-received by employers. We recommend that you start by reviewing your Self-Assessment Activity results (SPECS checklist) in your You, Inc. @DeGroote Portfolio and create a Skills Inventory (next page) to remind you of your key successes so that you can incorporate the results of your experiences into your resume.

Other Resources: 1. Resume Critiquing 2. One-on-One Consultations with CBCD Relationship Manager 3.

You, Inc. @DeGroote Career Development Series

4. Online Resources (refer to page 20)

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

SIX EASY STEPS TO CREATING YOUR BRAND WITH A MARKET READY RESUME
Writing a resume and preparing for interviews can be hard and frustrating. For a resume to be effective, it must show how the skills and accomplishments you have now will translate into what you can do in the future. Think of your resume as a personal marketing tool you must create your personal brand by highlighting your experiences and accomplishments as they relate to the position for which you are applying. As you acquire new skills and experience (Co-op work terms or summer employment), your resume should continue to evolve and showcase your personal brand. This guide presents a 6-step methodology to resume preparation. Follow each step and your resume will be market ready for your ideal position. Additional resource materials are available through the Centre for Business Career Development and online.

STEP 1

REVIEW YOUR CURRENT RESUME

Ask yourself these questions: Does it reflect your strongest and most relevant strengths? Are the bullets on your resume achievement-oriented and quantifiable? Do they incorporate the STAR (Skill, Time, Action, Results) method, as explained on page 5? Do the skills highlighted in your resume match the employment opportunity and competencies listed by the employer? Now that you have reviewed your current resume, lets review the next five steps to create a market ready resume reflecting your personal brand.

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

STEP 2

BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND BY CREATING A SKILLS INVENTORY

To effectively market yourself, you need to have a solid understanding of the product you are promoting YOU. Do not worry if you have not had significant business experience. By evaluating your past activities (what you have done and/or contributed in school, work and other activities) you will discover aspects of your life that make you unique and valuable. This is what we refer to as a Skills Inventory what experiences make you distinctive and interesting to an employer? Look at your Education, Employment, and Other Activities (travel, sports, community activities - anything outside school/work) and ask yourself: What are my buying motivators (What can I bring to an employer?) Details of my past experience and achievements, what did I do? Where was I and who else was there? What activities were required in my jobs/experiences? With whom did I interact? How? (Did you train others?) What are my supporting qualifications (What other skills do I have to offer?) What new things have I learned? About myself and other people? What are my credentials and areas of expertise? Skills, equipment and techniques used and developed Ideas, concepts, knowledge What added value do I bring (How do I bring more to the job than expected?) What did I contribute? Unique offerings? Skills, knowledge Personal traits, style Ideas, new approaches and options What did I find rewarding and enjoyable? For what did others commend me? What did others say I did especially well? If you returned to a previous employer, or were promoted, what were the reasons for this recognition? What did I accomplish, produce, succeed at or improve? What were the results? Did you meet or exceed expectations?

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

STEP 3

DEFINE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Typically found in your Work Experience or Employment section of your resume, STAR statements show achievements, accomplishments and results. By highlighting your skills, attributes and experiences, it will allow employers to see not only what you did, but how well you did it. Reflect on your experiences using the STAR method: S Skill Which skill was used? T Time When did you use this skill? A Action What was your role? R Results What impact/ outcome was achieved?

When creating your STAR statements, remember to:

Use action verbs that add power and movement to your accomplishments. Avoid passive words such as assisted, aided, and helped; as these are weak descriptors and do not say what you did. Avoid being subjective. Provide evidence of how and where you demonstrated a skill. Be specific and briefly explain the complete story, including the scope and impact of your role, who you partnered with, how, why, or for whom your work was used and your overall contributions. Quantify results complete your story with the results of your work what value did you bring to the team and/or company?

Here is a sample STAR worksheet to create your accomplishment-based STAR stories:

TARGET MARKET/POSITION: SKILL

Project management Expense management

TIME
January 2008

ACTION
Introduced/revised expense policies Control procedures

RESULT
Annual savings of $275K Modified policies

ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENT:
Introduced and modified expense management policies to more effectively control spending in both the stores and head office, including a tender type process change resulting in a $275K annual savings. For more practice in confidently describing your achievements, more STAR worksheets and lists of action-oriented verbs and phrases are included at the end of this guide. (Appendix A and B)
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CREATE A DATABASE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS

As you create these unique accomplishment statements for your resume, it is strongly recommended that you create a database or compilation of this information. As new employment opportunities arise, you can refer to these statements to create a targeted resume for a specific role.

STEP 4

RESUME SECTIONS/HEADINGS

Your resume is more than just a summary of your past experiences. It should accurately reflect who you are and what you have to offer an employer. Use these Resume Sections/Headings to further emphasize your value and present you as an essential component to an organizations success.

EDUCATION
Variations

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Represents the top 1/3 of your resume Include dates (e.g. Expected Completion: 2010) Coursework/Special Projects include in cover letter if relevant, under a separate heading on page 2, or create separate document to attach to resume if projects are significant (i.e. publications) Do not include references to High School Scholarship and Awards include recognition awards only (Deans Honour List)

Best Practices

WORK EXPERIENCE

Variations

Best Practices

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (use only if exposure is business related and extensive) EMPLOYMENT RELATED EXPERIENCE Place after Education Heading STAR stories: accomplishment-oriented bullet points Include up to five (5) achievements (bullets) per work experience Vary the action-oriented verbs used to describe achievements

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Variations

Best Practices

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS CAREER RELATED SKILLS ACHIEVEMENTS AND SKILLS List skills or words directly related to personal brand, past experience, position, organization and/or industry Avoid subjective claims ensure skills listed are supported throughout the rest of the resume Include computer related skills Include language skills (state level of proficiency and differentiate between oral/written skill)

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Variations

Best Practices

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Typically found on second page as a separate section Include as part of work experience only if activity directly related to overall career strategy and personal brand Ensure there is a link to competencies and overall personal brand (Use STAR)

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Variations Best Practices

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Include if relevant to brand and career objective Be specific, not just travel or music why, what type etc.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Variations

Best Practices

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL TRAINING (i.e. Wall Street Prep, Toastmasters) Normally included as part of EDUCATION section if relevant (i.e.CFA Level 1 Candidate) Include professional membership, affiliations and general courses or training on page 2

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

STEP 5

YOUR FIVE PS CHECKLIST EASY TO READ AND ERROR-FREE

Remember - a resume cannot guarantee you a job, but it can eliminate you from getting an interview. Before submitting your resume, use this checklist to help you critically review your resume to ensure that it is easy to read and error-free.

YOUR FIVE PS CHECKLIST (PACKAGING, POSITIONING, POWER INFORMATION, PERSONALITY,

PROFESSIONALISM)

PACKAGIIING PACKAG NG ACKAG NG

Paper White or light coloured paper Font Utilize a readable, professional looking font, 10 -11 pt (Tahoma, Arial, Times Roman), using no more than two different fonts per resume Ensure consistency of font size throughout resume (exception: make headings 1 pt larger) Name no larger than 16 pt Use small, round bullets Formatting Do not use templates, create your own Word document Single spacing within each section Make visually pleasing - margins should be no less than 0.5 and no greater than 1" (0.7" or 0.8" generally look good), and even on both left and right sides For 1-page resumes, ensure your name, contact information and page # are also on page 2 Use the same heading format for your resume and cover letter Dont continue position description/bullets onto next page keep text on same page Single spacing within each paragraph Focus on content, not colour Do not use graphics or colour

POSITIONING
Reverse Chronological Order Your resume is about YOU, not the school, company or date, so your degree(s) and position(s) are on line one, while the school, organizations and dates are on line two EDUCATION: Degree, major/specialization on first line, in bold - University name, location, and date (positioned at right margin) on second line, not bold EMPLOYMENT: Position/title and department (if relevant) should appear on first line, in bold - Company name, location, and date (at right margin)on second line, not in bold Highlight most recent information first Write months out in full - no abbreviations First Impressions First page of resume must be the strongest - visually and in content

POWER INFORMATION
Achievement Orientation Make use of STAR stories to demonstrate what, why, how, when, and the result or achievement Work experience must include results/outcomes (quantify where possible) and not simply a list of your duties or tasks Reduce information relating to responsibilities or references to Responsible for
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Action Verbs Use past tense, even if currently in role Avoid vague descriptors and subjective claims (many, entire, various, responsible for, assisted) Use different descriptors and verbs throughout document limit word and phrase repetition Bullet Points Utilize bullet points (3 - 5 points per work experience) One sentence only per bullet point Most significant and/or relevant aspects of role should be in first bullet, then inserted in bullets in descending order of importance Ensure consistent use of periods throughout resume (all or none) Objectivity I / my has no place in resumes, minimize use of personal pronouns Non-Traditional Experiences Include transferable skills from non-traditional experiences (outside business environments) Omissions Do not include references to High School Do not include dollar value of scholarships unless over $8K Do not include references (it is assumed you will provide, if requested)

PERSONALIIITY PERSONAL TY ERSONAL TY

Activities and Interests Utilize this section to demonstrate your well-roundedness as a candidate by promoting your extracurricular involvement (community/volunteer activities, sports) Dont underestimate the value of any experience (i.e. summer employment, family business) Create an interesting read, i.e. Music (Do you play an instrument? Go to concerts? Favorites? Which type of music Jazz? Classical? Teach?) Include interests that demonstrate your uniqueness (such as photography, art, film/cinema, car rallies, food and wine, skiing, etc). Concise and Varied Reduce your word count (to vs. in order to) Avoid word repetition (same verbs to describe all accomplishments) Minimize use of semicolons

PROFESSIIIONALIIISM PROFESS ONAL SM ROFESS ONAL SM

Error-free Ensure no spelling or grammar mistakes Using Numbers Spell out numbers, one to ten, use numbers for 11 and above Avoid adding the word dollar after $200 (symbol identifies this as a dollar amount) To maximize space, use $100K instead of $100,000 Abbreviations/ Acronyms Spell out months and university degrees completely, avoid using abbreviations, except for Provinces and States (ON, AB, NY) If using acronyms, spell out completely the first time, followed by acronym in brackets; acronym can then be used for rest of document

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

STEP 6

GETTING YOUR RESUME MARKET READY

Almost there! Your resume now includes: Accomplishments that are unique to you A personal brand message An easy to read format using the 5 Ps Checklist

As the final step in your preparation, you must ensure that your resume is market ready does it meet the requirements as stated in the employers job description? Review your updated resume and ask yourself: Does my resume reflect the brand I want to represent and is it effectively communicating this brand to employers? To ensure that your resume is market ready use the following exercise to determine if your resume is effectively demonstrating the skills required of your target market and position.

List the key competencies you have identified as essential in your target market or position. Does your resume effectively highlight these competencies? Are there any gaps? (Look at all sections of your resume: Work Experience, Skills, Volunteer Activities, Interests, etc.)

Only make significant revisions to your resume when you are seeking employment in two very different sectors (i.e. Finance and Marketing); otherwise your resume will not require major changes for each job to which you apply. Depending on the role that you are applying for, your resume should change to reflect the skills and qualifications required by the employer. For example, a finance resume will highlight more analytical and quantitative skills versus a consulting resume which should demonstrate more decision making and leadership skills. Tailor your resume effectively to represent your brand to each employer.

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Using the template below, highlight the key competencies sought by an employer and assess your competency profile.

COMPETENCY: I have demonstrated this competency: Explain how my experience demonstrates this competency: This represents a competency gap: Describe how I can positively close the gap:

COMPETENCY: I have demonstrated this competency: Explain how my experience demonstrates this competency: This represents a competency gap: Describe how I can positively close the gap:

COMPETENCY: I have demonstrated this competency: Explain how my experience demonstrates this competency: This represents a competency gap: Describe how I can positively close the gap:

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APPENDIX A - STAR WORKSHEET TEMPLATE TARGET MARKET/POSITION:

SKILL

TIME

ACTION

RESULT

ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENT:

TARGET MARKET/POSITION:

SKILL

TIME

ACTION

RESULT

ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENT:

TARGET MARKET/POSITION:

SKILL

TIME

ACTION

RESULT

ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENT:

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APPENDIX B ACTION ORIENTED WORDS AND PHRASES

The following lists may help you confidently describe your activities. Do not directly copy these phrases only use them as guides to get you started.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

able to move into totally new situations on my own able to take initiative in developing relationships continually searching for more responsibility excellent at organizing my time/time of others works without supervision/self-directed unwilling to automatically accept status quo keen perception of the potential of things rather than accepting status quo acts as agent of change/promote major changes plans, initiates, affects change sees a problem and acts immediately to solve it deals well with the unexpected or critical issues able to act decisively in emergencies adept at confronting others with difficult personal matters no fear of taking manageable/educated risks adept at policy making able to terminate projects/people/processes when necessary inspiring, motivating, and leading organized groups skilled at chairing meetings leads others/impresses others with charisma and enthusiasm

ABILITY TO PERFORM
confidently participates in group settings poised in public appearances exceptional speaking ability articulates/stimulates people and generates enthusiasm understands value of the ridiculous in illuminating reality conducting and directing public affairs and ceremonies develops strong, artistic (visual) presentations

NUMERICAL/ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SKILLS
high accuracy in computing financial planning and management/maintain financial records conducts economic research and analysis performs cost analyses, estimates, projections, comparisons develops a budget/budget planning, preparation, justification, administration, review skilled at allocating scarce financial resources prepares financial reports uses numbers as reasoning tool/sophisticated mathematical abilities effective at solving statistical problems

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INFLUENTIAL/PERSUASION SKILLS
establishes rapport quickly inspires trust in minds of others expert in reasoning persuasively/developing a thought influences the attitudes, ideas of others promotes ideas, products effectively without tearing down competing ideas or products sells program or course of action to decision-makers develops markets for ideas/products motivates others and stimulate them to action gets diverse groups to work together, adept at conflict management mediates between contending parties or groups negotiates to joint decisions crisis intervention

DETAIL AND RESULTS ORIENTATION

follows detailed instructions expert at getting things done by deadlines, within budget skilled at making arrangements for events, processes adept at finding ways to speed up a job able to handle a variety of tasks and responsibilities simultaneously and efficiently works well under stress and can still improvise keen and accurate memory for detail excels at systematic ordering and manipulating of data collates data accurately and compares with previous data

COMMUNICATION SKILLS/ABILITY TO CONVEY IDEAS

expresses self clearly, effectively; make a point and intelligently express a position thinks quickly on your feet able to explain difficult or complex ideas, concepts, problems verbal/linguistic skills in foreign language(s) adept at translating jargon into meaningful terms explicit and concise writing skills flair for writing reports and speeches (technical or otherwise) creates imaginative advertising and publicity programs relates well in dealing with the public excels at customer relations, services

OBSERVATION SKILLS/ABILITY TO LEARN

highly observant of people, data, things skilled listener committed to personal growth and learning learns from example of others assesses and identifies potential in others assesses situations quickly and accurately instinctively understands political realities
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Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

INSTRUCTIONAL/EDUCATIONAL SKILLS
fosters a stimulating learning environment adept at using visual communications advises/aids people in making decisions ability to hear and answer questions perceptively keen ability to help others express their views facilitates personal growth and development of others clarifies goals, values of others designs educational events/organizes and administers in-house training programs trains one in something/group facilitating/provides leadership to groups, encourages discussion

HUMAN RELATIONS/HELPING/SERVICE SKILLS

sensitive to others needs keen ability to relate to people listens intently and accurately/conveys awareness expertise in interpersonal contact tactful, diplomatic, discrete effective in dealing with different kinds of people works well as part of a team/collaborates with colleagues skillfully motivates others readily willing to share credit with others and express appreciation works well in hostile environment/handles difficult customers/employees tactfully and effectively able to ignore undesirable qualities in others thorough understanding of human motivations adept at helping people with life/work adjustments

ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS

approaches goal-setting systematically establishes effective priorities among competing requirements policy formation and interpretation excels at program development, planning skilled at planning well-run meetings, seminars adept at bringing order to chaotic environment brings people together in cooperative efforts able to call in experts/helpers as required recognizes and utilizes skills of others creates and maintains on-time work schedules coordinates operations and details assesses the effectiveness of other people property, plant, facilities management makes decisions about others and supervises them in their work/managing the output of others

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RESEARCH/ANALYSIS/EVALUATION SKILLS
anticipates situations before they become problems recognizes the need for more information to make an intelligent decision skilled at clarifying problems or situations adept at gathering information analyzes community needs, values, resources perceives and defines cause and effect relationships ability to trace problems to their source organizes material, information in a systematic manner excels at problem-solving, trouble-shooting reviewing and evaluating proposals by measurable or subjective criteria high level of decision-making skills, not afraid to re-evaluate programs, decisions, ideas

Using action words when describing your past experience helps to convey the impression that you have taken action and achieved results in the past. Action words also help to demonstrate and describe your uniqueness. To help simplify the resume writing process and to demonstrate consistency throughout your resume, we suggest that you keep all of your verbs in the past tense.

WORDS DESCRIBING PERSONAL QUALITIES

active adaptable aggressive alert ambitious analytical aptitude for artistic assertive calm competitive conscientious constructive creative customer focused decision maker dependable determined diligent diplomatic disciplined discreet dynamic efficient energetic enthusiastic excellent work habits fastidious flexible forceful hard worker helpful humorous imaginative industrious innovative insightful integrity leader logical loyal methodical objective organized original patient perceptive performance-oriented persistent persuasive poised practical priority-oriented probing mind problem solver productive professional proficient punctual quick thinker realistic reliable resourceful respected responsible results oriented rigorous self-confident self-disciplined self-motivated self-reliant sensitive sincere sophisticated strategic success-oriented successful supportive systematic tactful talented take pride in team member thorough troubleshooter versatile well-grounded well-organized

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GENERAL VERBS AND DESCRIPTORS

accelerated accepted achieved acted adapted administered approved assisted automated collected completed composed comprehend conceived concentrated on conducted conferred copied created debated delegated delivered demonstrated designed developed directed displayed distributed edited effected eliminated encouraged enjoyed established evaluated examined excelled expanded expedited facilitated followed through found generated guided handled heavily involved in helped identified improved increased influenced interpreted investigated launched led maintained manipulated mediated modified monitored motivated observed obtained organized participated performed persuaded pinpointed planned practiced predicted prepared presented prioritized produced programmed proposed provided purchased recommended recorded reduced reinforced reorganized reported represented researched revamped reviewed revised scheduled served set priorities set up shaped significantly simplified solved sparked strategize streamlined strengthened structured studied successfully supplied synthesized taught tended tested tied together translated trimmed tutored upgraded utilized wrote

WORDS STRESSING ABILITY TO HANDLE DETAILS

accurate adept with figures careful detail-minded excellent memory fastidious followed through like detail work meet all due dates met deadlines methodical orderly organized pay attention to detail perfectionist precise

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WORDS RELATED TO ABILITIES AND SKILLS

ability to adept at analyzed appraised aptitude for artistically presented assembled built capable of communicated composed conceived constructed counseled created delegated developed assisted implemented increased productivity increased profit initiated innovated installed instructed interviewed lectured mastered operated performed planned practiced proficient in recruited reduced expenses repaired scheduled solved problems sound overview of sports strength in strong dedication to supervised taught technical competence in thorough understanding of trained understood well versed in worked well with others wrote

WORDS STRESSING ABILITY TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY

accelerated accepted responsibility alerted automated concentrated on controlled coordinated drove guided guided corporate policies handled handled stress heavily involved in identified implemented improved increased efficiency independent operated planned prime emphasis on prioritized processed produced revamped scheduled shaped and directed solid foundation in sound overview of sparked streamlined strong dedication to well versed in worked well under pressure

WORDS AND PHRASES WHICH INDICATE DESIRE TO GET AHEAD

accepted responsibility action-oriented adapted compulsive drive enormous capacity entrepreneurial viewpoint high-energy person improved invented launched met deadlines results-oriented self-motivated strategic success-oriented

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WORDS AND PHRASES TO INDICATE MANAGEMENT ABILITY

ability to make practical decisions ability to inspire others ability to see the overall picture administered advised aptitude for authority over built capable of formulating and directing capacity for closely supervised command respect conducted constructed controlled coordinated decision maker delegated directed drove effective in established expanded founded guided headed high-level supervisory skills hired in charge of increased productivity initiated inspired confidence instituted led leadership ability like to make things happen managed mastered motivated negotiated operated organized oversaw people-handling skills promoted recommended recruited reorganized set up shaped spearheaded strict control of strong leader successful with people supervised took charge of trained want to get involved well-grounded willing to take the initiative

WORDS REFERRING TO COMPETENCE WITH DATA

analyzed automated calculated compared compiled completed computed coordinated copied estimated evaluated filed formulated good memory memorized numerical ability solved summarized synthesized

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WORDS AND PHRASES TO SHOW PROFIT-ORIENTATION

ability to trim costs and increase efficiency ability to identify and solve problems across the board economy measures bookkeeping budgeted controlled spiraling costs cost-oriented curtailed spending cut drastically cut without reduced sales efficient eliminated bottlenecks expense-minded generated cost savings increased profit problem solver profit-conscious profit-minded raised funds reduced excessive costs results-oriented set priorities shortcut to simplified procedures sold streamlined strict control of tough on

WORDS AND PHRASES WHICH STRESS COMPETENCE

ability to demonstrated knowledgeable confident in energetic about enthusiastic about expertly trained passionate about perform well under pressure persistent results-oriented self-motivated skillful strength in thoroughly trained in

WORDS REFERRING TO COMPETENCE WITH OTHERS

advised communicated cooperated crises intervention developed support/trust diverted encouraged get along well with good listener helped instructed mentored negotiated participated partnered with persuaded resolved respected served signaled spoke to supervised team player understood

WORDS OR PHRASES THAT REFLECT INTELLIGENCE

able to think analytically common sense creative fast-thinking good memory ideas person inquisitive logical thinker mental capacity numerical ability perceptive probing mind

Adapted from: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Resume Manual, H.A. Bezanson, Fleetwood Communications, 1985

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APPENDIX C - ONLINE RESOURCES FOR MORE RESUME TIPS

www.vault.com The Vault Guide to Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviewing delivers all the information you need to prepare you for your job search. From developing professional resumes and developing tailored cover letters to effective interview preparation, this popular site is a comprehensive job search source. www.wetfeet.com Several resume building articles are available on this website including: Basic Resume Dos and Donts Looking Good on Paper Debunking Common Resume Myths Deliver a Perfect e-Resume Solving Common Resume Problems www.quintcareers.com - Quintessential Careers This online resource is full of ideas and tips to create an effective resume, unique cover letter and techniques for presenting a professional image in an interview. www.jobweb.com This online resource provides some good alternatives of resume formats. Review these samples to determine what best reflects your style. www.accent-resume-writing.com Sample resumes with tips and critiquing to support the development of an effective and professional resume.

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APPENDIX D FINANCE RESUME GUIDELINES

Packaging - Finance resumes should be no longer than one page in length and it is recommended that strengths and key qualifications be summarized within the top half of the resume. NOTE: A two page resume highlighting transferable skills is recommended until fairly strong finance skills and experiences are obtained through employment (Co-op, summer, full-time prior to the MBA program) Recommended font size is Arial 10, not Times New Roman. Students contact information should be no larger than size 14 font and 0.5 to 0.75 margins should be utilized to eliminate excess white space. Emphasize your Accomplishments Show quantifiable results of your work this is critical when writing finance resumes. For example, Successfully consolidated outstanding accounts receivable resulting in savings of $40K.

Keyword Phrases Finance recruiters will scan through resumes to identify key terms listed below are examples to include throughout the resume:

Fixed asset accounting Business process re-engineering Risk management Value added analysis Financial projections General ledger Trial balance Budget management Forecasting Business valuations

Financial statements Expense analysis Tax reporting Tax planning Financial and strategic planning P&L management Auditing and compliance Operating and working capital Mergers and acquisitions Cash flow management

Additional Resources www.vault.com Killer Investment Banking Resumes (www.wetfeet.com) Resumes for Banking and Financial Careers VGM Career Books, 2001 www.efinancialcareers-canada.com

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APPENDIX E - SAMPLE RESUMES AND FORMATS

JANE DOE
121 King Street West, Hamilton, ON L1L 1L1 (333) 222-1111 jane@mcmaster.ca

EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration, Co-op DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Expected completion: December 2009

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science York University, Toronto, ON Graduated Deans Honour List Completed 1st and 2nd year, University of Western Ontario, London, ON Professional Development The Marquee Group, Financial Modeling in Excel 2008

2006

WORK EXPERIENCE
Marketing and Web Associate Acme Door Security Solutions, Oakville, ON September - December 2008 Implemented nine highly successful CRM databases used to track website visitor trends and buying patterns, increasing business growth and profit by nearly 15 percent in first year of implementation. Generated high levels of consumer awareness through targeted ad campaigns, including print and web, resulting in further increases in sales and doubling web traffic within two months. Designed sales tracking and market research training program for all product line sales in Canada; revised current vendor contracts to include national sourcing and purchasing of products. Led functional development of inventory tracking database for Yates-Durbin product line consisting of 125 distinct products; partnered with IT manager to determine technical specifications and launched system within six months. Information Analyst Corporate Express, Mississauga, ON January - April 2008 Managed desktop infrastructure redesign by administering, operating and managing multiple desktop systems and application server platforms across a five-province region for 2K clients. Developed new customer service level agreements and operating procedures for international purchasing division designed to reinforce brand awareness and ensure process efficiency. Consolidated up to 16 help desks into one centralized support system; improvements led to a 25 percent increase in customer call efficiency and further developed staff product knowledge. Incorporated analytical techniques such as flow charts, surveys and process mapping to eliminate duplication, facilitate workflow, and assure optimum utilization of staff and equipment. Customer Service Manager Cambridge Telecommunications, Cambridge, ON August 2006 September 2007 Managed recruitment and training of customer service representatives, expanded department from four to nine representatives and initiated formal reward system to recognize staff achievements. Achieved high revenue commercial account retention record of 98 percent through relationship management, contract review and regular follow-up. Conducted market research surveys amongst client base to seek feedback on sales techniques, follow-up methods and quality of after sales service used for continual improvement initiatives.
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JANE DOE

page 2

jane@mcmaster.ca

Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Leadership Canada Israel Experience Center, Toronto, ON September 2002 August 2003 Developed and implemented nation-wide university recruitment program involving campus visits and class presentations resulting in a 20 percent increase in student applications. Created print and web marketing vehicles for distribution to all post-secondary institutions accounting for a 14 percent increase in participant enrollment for summer and full year programs. Conducted staff seminars focusing on development of communication, facilitation and leadership skills needed for successful tour leaders. Promoted to Director upon completion of first Israel trip for demonstrating outstanding leadership. Customer Service Representative (CSR) Signal Bank and Trust, Toronto, ON March 2001 September 2002 Responded to inbound calls in support of customer requests for product information including GICs, RSPs and term deposits, fielding an average of 50 customer calls daily. Conveyed step-by-step GIC application instructions to clients in a reassuring manner, to resolve issues; reviewed and issued audits on account information resulting in decreased application errors. Performed queries and created monthly reports analyzing customer data such as completed applications and call-related errors; presented findings to management for monthly status meetings. Provided input into user interface design of new customer relationship management tracking system to be launched and delivered to all CSRs and management across all branches.

CAREER RELATED SKILLS

Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator and HTML Fluent in French, both oral and written communication

VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

MBA Bound 2008 Events Coordinator, McMaster University 2008

September

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Marketing Research, DeGroote School of Business 2009 Member, Case Competition Team, MBA Games, Montreal, QC Volunteer, York University Campus Walk Safe program Established academic peer tutoring program, University of Western Ontario

2008

November 2008 2004 - 2006 2003 - 2004

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Backpacked through Europe, Israel and Egypt to research and chronicle historic landmarks 2001 Certified Level 1 and 2 Tennis Instructor Coach junior level basketball and touch football teams every summer, active in tennis and skiing
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2000

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

JANE DOE
Hamilton, ON L1L 1L1

121 King Street West (333) 222-1111 jane@mcmaster.ca

EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration, Co-op DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Expected completion: December 2009

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science York University, Toronto, ON Graduated Deans Honour List Completed 1st and 2nd year, University of Western Ontario, London, ON

2006

WORK EXPERIENCE
Marketing and Web Associate Acme Door Security Solutions, Oakville, ON September - December 2008 Implemented nine highly successful CRM databases used to track website visitor trends and buying patterns, gaining nearly 30 percent in business growth and profit in first year of implementation. Generated high levels of consumer awareness through targeted ad campaigns including print and web, resulting in further increases in sales and doubling web traffic within two months. Designed sales tracking and market research training program for all product line sales in Canada; revised current vendor contracts to include national sourcing and purchasing of products. Led the functional development of an inventory tracking database for Yates-Durbin product line, consisting of 125 distinct products; partnered with IT manager to determine technical specifications and launched system within six months. Information Analyst Corporate Express, Mississauga, ON January - April 2008 Managed desktop infrastructure redesign by administering, operating and managing multiple desktop systems and application server platforms across a five-province region for 2K clients. Developed new customer service level agreements and operating procedures for international purchasing division designed to reinforce brand awareness and ensure process efficiency. Consolidated 16 help desks into one centralized support system; improvements led to a 25 percent increase in customer call efficiency and further developed staff product knowledge. Incorporated analytical techniques such as flow charts, surveys and process mapping to eliminate duplication, facilitate workflow, and assure optimum utilization of staff and equipment. Customer Service Manager Cambridge Telecommunications, Cambridge, ON August 2006 September 2007 Managed recruitment and training of customer service representatives, expanded department from four to nine members and initiated formal reward system to recognize staff achievements. Achieved high revenue commercial account retention record of 98 percent through relationship management, contract review and regular follow-up. Conducted market research surveys amongst client base to seek feedback on sales techniques, follow-up methods and quality of after-sales service used for continual improvement initiatives. Improved customer service satisfaction rating by 30 percent by incorporating client feedback into development of new policies and procedures. Handled all public relations issues maintaining positive corporate image and company position.

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

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Jane Doe, Page 2

jane@mcmaster.ca

Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Leadership Canada Israel Experience Centre, Toronto, ON September 2002 August 2003 Developed and implemented nation-wide university recruitment program including campus visits and class presentations resulting in a 20 percent increase in student applications. Created print and web marketing vehicles for distribution to all post-secondary institutions accounting for increase of 14 percent in participant enrollment for summer and full year programs. Conducted staff seminars focusing on development of communication, facilitation and leadership skills needed for successful tour leaders. Promoted to Director upon completion of first Israel trip for demonstrating outstanding leadership. Customer Service Representative Signal Bank and Trust, Toronto, ON March 2001 September 2002 Responded to inbound calls in support of customer requests for product information including GICs, RSPs and term deposits, fielding an average of 50 client calls daily. Conveyed step-by-step GIC application instructions to clients in a reassuring manner, to alleviate any problems; reviewed and issued audits on account information to decrease application errors. Performed queries and created monthly reports analyzing customer data such as of completed applications and call-related errors; presented findings to management for monthly status meetings. Provided input into user interface design of new customer relationship management tracking system to be launched and delivered to all CSRs and management across all branches.

CAREER RELATED SKILLS

Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator and HTML Fluent in French, both oral and written communication

VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

McMaster University, MBA Bound 2008 Events Coordinator Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Marketing Research, DeGroote School of Business Member, Case Competition Team, MBA Games, Montreal, QC Volunteer, York University Campus Walk Safe program Established academic peer tutoring program, Western University September 2008 2008 2009 November 2008 2004 - 2006 2003 - 2004

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Backpacked through Europe, Israel and Egypt to research and chronicle historic landmarks Certified Level 1 and 2 Tennis Instructor Coached summer junior level basketball and touch football teams Active in tennis and skiing 2001 2000

Centre for Business Career Development MBA Career Development Resume Guide - 2009

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