Here, you’ll find resumes for five women who are each facing a different career challenge. These sample resumes will help you understand the best way to put together your resume in the following situations:
- You're a recent college or high-school graduate with little or no professional job experience.
- You're a homemaker entering the work force for the first time.
- You have lots of volunteer experience but little paid professional experience.
- You're trying to break back into the job market after taking time out to raise a family.
- You're ready to move up the corporate ladder.
- You're well-established in your career, but you want to pursue a slightly different direction or field.
It's important that you think of these sample resumes as a guide—rather than a mold—for your resume. Don't just copy a particular format and plop your information into the appropriate slots; you need to read the case studies to understand why a particular element was included or eliminated from the sample resume. Otherwise, you're likely to end up with a resume that doesn't have as much impact as it could.
Case Study #1
"Does it count if I didn't get paid for it?"
Rita kicked her career off to a healthy start before devoting herself full-time to her young children more than 10 years ago. Like many stay-at-home moms, Rita became involved in community activities. Unlike most, she committed herself with the same energy that had brought her such early career success.
Rita didn't just sign up and pay her dues once a year. She became a secretary, a vice president, a board member, a president. She was a leader, directing activities and making decisions involving millions of dollars. She devoted hours each week to meetings, phone calls and planning, tackling all the headaches-minus any financial rewards—typical of volunteer activity.
Now that all of her kids are in school, Rita is ready to return to professional work. She wants to channel her experience and interests into publicity and promotions and has learned of an opening for a promotions coordinator at a local corporation. Rita knows she has the qualifications to do the job. But after reviewing her resume, she's not so sure her prospective boss will realize this.
Although Rita does indeed have impressive qualifications for the position as promotions coordinator, they're not clearly apparent from her resume. Rita neglected to match her qualifications with the needs of her prospective employer, to market herself by bringing her strongest sales points to the forefront of her resume.
In typical chronological fashion, Rita's "before" resume positions her paid work experience first. This immediately draws attention to the fact that she's been out of the work force for years. It also includes an unfocused professional objective that doesn't add anything to her resume. Her work experience—as outlined in this resume, anyway—doesn't clearly relate to her job goal. Her real qualifications for the promotions coordinator position are buried in "Other Experience" at the end of her resume.
Her special skills, although some may apply to her goal, are too qualitative, vague, and unsubstantiated.
In her much-improved revised resume, Rita replaced a vague objective with an on-target summary of her qualifications. By mentioning promotions and communications first, she made her job objective clear.
The "after" resume shows her stability, reliability and growth—despite the fact that she has not received a paycheck for 10 years. While many stay-at-home moms opt for a functional resume because of their erratic activity, Rita can maintain a chronological format, which is preferred by most hirers.
Rita grouped all of her experience together and presented it in reverse chronological order. She bulleted her responsibilities and accomplishments, emphasizing those achievements most closely related to the job.
Rita dropped the special skills section, proving her skills by citing specific accomplishments under her experiences. She did include a list of computer skills, however, as her prospective employer placed heavy emphasis on this.
She also dropped both the "Resume" heading and mention of references.
Many experts are against highlighting religious or ethnic affiliations as Rita has done. If your activities with such organizations are insignificant to the job, don't mention them. However, Rita's involvement in the Jewish community is significant. In her case, her risk of not appearing qualified if she leaves off this valuable experience is greater.
The final result is a clear and concise portrait of a woman who knows how to initiate, plan, organize, implement, and launch successful promotions.
RITA STERN
2018 Pine Tree Circle
Indianapolis, Indiana 46260
(317) 555-0000
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE: A professional position that will enable me to use my communications and promotional skills.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Director of Marketing, Kimbrough Credit Union, Indianapolis, Indiana --1983-1985.
Instituted marketing program, including development and editing of member newsletters, both general and for share draft (checking) accounts; developed service brochures, and performed other marketing duties for $16 million credit union.
Director of Public Relations, University Credit Union, Indianapolis, Indiana 1980-1983
Instituted and directed marketing for this Credit Union, which grew from $15 million to $20 million in assets during the four years I was there. Developed and produced Credit Union newsletter, which was published six times a year, wrote and produced all other credit union literature; developed system of internal communications (reaching five offices and 30 employees), organized and administered Legal Services Program, and instituted and arranged semi-annual employee training seminars, wrote employee manual. Developed marketing and public-relations into vital part of Credit Union's operation. Also responsible for marketing the Credit Union to various businesses not yet in the field of membership. Arranged group "sign-ups" and ongoing communication for employees of these businesses when they did affiliate with the Credit Union.
Administrator, Consortium for Urban Learning, Indianapolis, Indiana 1976-1980
Designed and developed courses for adult, post-secondary students; handled coordination of these courses, including registration, space allocation, advertising, and communication with students. Wrote project proposals. Also did computer assisted research and evaluation of projects, student demographics, and courses.
EDUCATION
- Florida State University, Tallahassee: 1976 M.S. in Design and Management of Post-secondary Education
- University of Delaware, Newark: 1974 B.S. Elementary Education
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Vice President, Membership, regional council of Women's American ORT 1992-present
Responsible for overseeing the membership operations of three chapters of ORT, an international fundraising organization. Counsel chapter presidents and membership officers, keep updated records of memberships, and aid in promoting the ORT program in order to encourage increased membership.
President, local chapter, Women's American ORT 1990-1992
Supervise board of 15 people. Responsible for the operation of chapter, including programs, fundraising, communications, projects. Computerized chapter information using database program. During this two-year term, chapter raised more than $20,000 for ORT and increased membership by more than 25%.
Chairman, Budget and Allocations Committee, Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis 1989-1991
Committee is responsible for allocation of more than $4 million to the various agencies supported by the Federation.
Membership Secretary, local chapter Women's American ORT 1989-1990
Responsible for sending dues statements, receiving dues payments and keeping membership records for more than 150 members
Board Member, Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis 1988 present
Provide input, serve on committees and help with fundraising campaigns toward the successful operation of the organization.
Chairman, Camp Committee of the Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis 1986-1988
Help in formulation of policies for the day camps.
SPECIAL SKILLS
Writing, attention to detail, coordination, organization, some computer experience
OTHER INTERESTS AND AFFILIATIONS
Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women, B'nai B'rith Women, Indianapolis Zoo, Children's Museum and PTA. Active involvement in children's school. Enjoy walking, tennis, bowling and traveling.
REFERENCES ATTACHED
RITA STERN
2018 Pine Tree Circle
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 555-0000
SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE
- More than 16 years experience in publicity, communications and promotions
- Direct promotional activity for membership events involving hundreds of attendees
- Planned all aspects of semiannual training seminars for groups of more than 100
- Macintosh and PC computer skills (including word processing, graphics and spreadsheet programs)
EXPERIENCE
Women's American Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (0RT)" Indianapolis, IN, 1989-present
Regional Council Vice President, Membership, 1992-present. Direct membership operations for three area chapters of international fundraising organization.
- Initiate and plan membership drives and other membership recruiting events
- Promote ORT through community organizations and local media
- Computerized all membership records, which streamlined mailing operations and reduced costs by 20%
Administered local chapter operations, including programs, fundraising, and communications. Supervised 15-member executive board.
- Introduced and implemented promotion that increased funds by 40% in one year
- During two-year term, increased chapter membership by 25%
- Computerized chapter information using database program, cutting time spent on mailings by 50%
Chapter Membership Secretary, 1989-1990.
Coordinated all membership accounting and record activity.
- Tracked dues payments and maintained membership records for more than 150 members
- Initiated program that reduced delinquent dues payments by 10%
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 1989-1990
Budget and Allocations Committee Chair. Headed committee responsible for allocating more than $4 million to various Federation agencies.
- Scheduled, implemented and directed all committee activities
- Presented decisions and recommendations to Board of Directors
Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 1987-1989
Camp Committee Chair. Led committee that developed day-camp policies and promoted summer-camp enrollment.
- Introduced and organized summer-camp promotion that increased enrollment by 15% in one year
- Proposed new policies that increased the number of returning campers by 8%
Midwest Credit Union, Indianapolis, IN, 1985-1987
Director of Marketing. Instituted comprehensive marketing program for $16 million credit union.
- Developed, wrote and edited bimonthly member newsletter
- Supervised all marketing activity and a staff of six
College Credit Union, Indianapolis, IN, 1982-1985
Director of Public Relations. Established and directed public relations program for $20 million credit union.
- Wrote, edited and produced bimonthly newsletter
- Developed and implemented system of internal communications (reaching five offices and 30 employees)
Center for Urban Learning, Indianapolis, IN, 1978-1982
Administrator of Adult Education. Designed courses for post-secondary students.
- Coordinated registration, space allocation, advertising and student communications for all courses
- Evaluated and recommended courses to curriculum board
EDUCATION
M.S., Design and Management of Post-Secondary Education, 1978, Florida State University, Tallahassee
B.S. Elementary Education, 1976, University of Delaware, Newark
COMPUTER SKILLS
Familiar with PC and Macintosh systems
Experienced in word processing programs including WordPerfect, Microsoft Word and Ami Pro
Knowledge of graphics and analytical tools including Lotus 1-2-3 and Adobe PageMaker
MEMBERSHIPS
Indianapolis Public Schools PTA, 1990-present
Indianapolis Museum of Art Horticulture Society, 1993-present
Case Study #2
"I don't work. I'm just a housewife."
After her husband's death, Bev realized that she would not be able to manage financially on the small life insurance policy left to her. For the first time in her life, she would have to find a job.
In raising a family, Bev coached four children through everything from learning to read to surviving adolescent identity crises. She coordinated car pool schedules .Not only had she juggled a tight family budget, she managed all personal and financial matters for her elderly mother for three years. She coordinated her husband's hectic professional and personal calendars and assisted him with his research by typing papers and preparing spreadsheets on their computer.
In addition to caring for her own family, Bev was a volunteer who was content to serve rather than to lead. She spent two mornings a week at a home for handicapped children, filing and driving patients to appointments. She served meals to infirm seniors. She continues to supervise the preschool care program each Sunday at her church. And for years, she cared for her preschool grandsons while their mother worked.
But when asked about experience and a resume, Bev sadly replied, "I don't have any experience. I'm just a housewife."
After some coaching from her daughters and supportive friends, Bev was able to rid herself of a self-deprecating attitude and acknowledge her value as a potential employee.
She gave her job goals some serious thought. Although she didn't expect to land an executive position, she wanted to find satisfying work in a people-oriented environment. She identified her strengths: solid office skills and extensive experience as a caregiver.
A friend alerted Bev to a job opening at an adult-care residence. The administrator needed someone who could manage the computerized patient database, handle insurance processing, keep the office organized, and exhibit sensitivity for the people living in the home.
Armed with this knowledge and her positive attitude, Bev had the self-confidence to create a professional resume—the first in her life.
Bev clearly targeted her job goal and followed with a summary highlighting her relevant experiences. A functional format proves more flattering to Bev's background than a chronological format, which would accentuate her lack of work experience. The functional format allows her to group office and computer skills she's gathered, and features her varied care-giving experiences. After listing her skills, Bev then added a brief chronological rundown of her volunteer history. She also listed an award that should be significant to her prospective employer. It indicates that she's likely to be valuable as a paid employee.
BEVERLY GOODRICH
1101 River Way
Jacksonville, FL 32203
(904) 555-7890
Job Objective
Administrative assistant in a residence for handicapped adults
Skills Summary
- 12 years’ experience providing office support in a residence for handicapped children
- Excellent office skills, including computer skills, typing (80 wpm), filing and familiarity with medical insurance processing
- Strong experience in care-giving for children and senior citizens
Office and Organizational Experience
- Maintain patient files for group home with 150 full-time residents
- Complete and process medical and dental insurance claim forms
- Initiated and implemented new filing system to make patient information more accessible to staff of group home
- Coordinated personal and professional schedule for university department head
- Developed, typed and proofread spreadsheets for research papers for university department head
Computer Experience
- Trained administrators and therapists at group home on Lotus 1-2-3, saving outside training expenses of more than $1,000
- Produced spreadsheets, reports and other documents using Lotus 1-2-3, Ami Pro and Microsoft Word
- Operational knowledge of Macintosh and IBM-PC computers Social Services Experience
- Drive handicapped children to medical appointments
- Handled personal care and finances of elderly woman for three years
- Served hot meals to elderly in their homes for nine years
- Supervise preschool children at church daycare
- Provided in-home daycare for two children for five years
Volunteer History
- Office support, New Hope Children's Center, Jacksonville, 1983-present
- Preschool daycare supervisor, All Saints Church, Jacksonville, 1980-present
- Driver/server, Meals on Wheels, Jacksonville, 1981-1990
- Administrative support. Dr. Stan Goodrich, Jacksonville University, 1982-1990
Awards and Honors
Volunteer of the Year, New Hope Children's Center, 1992. Awarded for outstanding service to center caring for handicapped children.
Case Study #3
Fresh out of school and into the big time
In a few months, Kristen Harris will close the door on college life and move on to the "real world." Graduating with a degree in business administration and management information systems, Kristen hopes to land an entry-level position as a computer programmer/analyst. She's most interested in the area of financial database systems. Her long-term goal is to become an MIS manager for an international corporation.
Like many college students, Kristen has only classroom experience in her chosen field. Her work experience won't be a big plus, because it's unrelated to her job goal. So Kristen must instead play up her three strongest sales points:
- Her soon-to-be-awarded degree in Business Administration.
- Her scholastic accomplishments.
- Her campus leadership experience (offices held in her sorority).
Kristen will be competing with thousands of other college seniors with similar credentials. Leadership experience, however, is less common, and employers are always looking for people willing to take on those roles. By detailing her leadership skills, Kristen can set herself apart.
In structuring her resume, Kristen presents her strongest qualifications first. Her skills summary tells employers that she not only has the basic qualifications needed in an entry-level position, but also offers the advantage of being an organizational leader.
The next section delineates Kristen's specific computer skills. This will be vital to employers; they will want to know if she is familiar with their types of systems. Because Kristen plans to focus on the financial systems sector, she mentions her coursework in that area as well.
Third on the resume is Kristen's educational information, placed here because after her computer skills, her degree and her grades are two of her most important qualifications.
Kristen emphasizes her leadership experience by presenting it in the form of work experience, including job titles, duties and accomplishments.
In the next section, Kristen lists honors and awards, mentioning two academic scholarships she has received.
Next-to-last is a quick rundown of professional work experience. Here Kristen includes only employers' names, locations and her job title. This experience offers the least potential benefit to the employer, so it appears at the end.
The last line of the resume tells employers that references can be obtained through the university placement center. This is important because it helps corporations with on-campus recruiting. If Kristen weren't registered in that system, she could skip mention of references.
KRISTEN B. HARRIS
Address until May 20,1996:
409 University Street
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 555-5225
Address after May 20,1996:
309 Kingston Drive
Bethesda, OH 43719
(614) 555-3202
Summary of Qualifications
Will receive bachelor's degree in Business Administration/MIS in May 1996. Knowledge of systems analysis and programming for business applications. Experience in organizational leadership, publicity and communications.
Computer Skills
- Knowledge of BASIC, COBOL and Assembler languages
- Designed and programmed inventory and reporting system as part of classroom project
- Extensive coursework in the following areas:
- System design and methodology
- Relational database design and management
- Business management and operations
- Finance and accounting systems
Education
- Business Administration, Management Information Systems; Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH; Graduation date, May 1996; 3.74/4.0 GPA
- Cadiz High School, Cadiz, OH; Graduated May 1992; 3.8/4.0 GPA
- Coordinated national leadership school, organizing seminars and workshops for regional chapter officers
Public Relations Chair. 1994-95
- Initiated and implemented all campus and community publicity
- Founded Outstanding Alumna program to increase alumna support Editor. 1993-94
- Wrote articles and shot photographs for national sorority magazine
Honors and Awards
- Ohio Valley Pan-Hellenic Council Scholarship Recipient, 1993, awarded for scholastic achievement and university activities
- Howard-Pollack Scholarship Recipient, 1992, awarded for scholastic achievement
Employment History
- Michael and Mae's Games, Bethesda, OH; summers 1994 and 1995; factory worker
- Pizza Hut, Bethesda, OH; summers 1992 and 1993; waitress/hostess
- Bowling Green Alumni Center, Bowling Green, OH; Spring 1992; telemarketing fund raiser References available from Bowling Green State University Placement Center
Case Study #4
Moving up the corporate ladder
For the sake of demonstration, let's imagine that instead of being poised for her first step into the working world, Kristen, our new college graduate from the last case study, is five years into her career. She has the same background and same educational experiences—only this time, Kristen has solid professional history under her belt.
Since graduating from college, Kristen has held three jobs, all in the field of systems programming and analysis. In all three jobs, one of her responsibilities was to train company employees on how to use various computer systems. This experience has caused her to rethink her original long-term goal, which, if you remember, was to be an MIS department manager. She has so enjoyed the teaching aspects of her jobs that she's decided to move into the training field. There's an opening for a systems trainer in her company, and she's going to apply.
How does Kristen's new resume differ from her initial pre-graduation resume—aside from the obvious addition of detailing three professional positions? Well, first of all, the sorority-related leadership experience is dropped. She doesn't need it. The new accomplishments and responsibilities Kristen describes in her experience profile should be adequate to convince employers of her leadership capabilities.
Second, her skills summary is revised, not only to show her years of experience but also to emphasize her training background. Her experience profile is also tailored to the training position; Kristen makes a point to include the fact that she performed some form of training in all of her positions.
Of course, Kristen gained a lot of systems programming and analysis experience throughout her three jobs, too. So why isn't that experience highlighted more? You guessed it—it's not as relevant to her job goal as her training experience.
However, the systems trainer will need to have a broad knowledge of many different types of software and programming languages, so Kristen includes a list of those systems in which she is proficient. It follows her experience profile here, because although it is important, it is less so than her training experience.
Kristen has elected not to include any of the summer jobs listed on her pre-graduation resume. Now that she has solid experience in her field, those jobs are even more irrelevant than before. Also deleted from this new resume are high school education data and scholarship awards. The grade point average in her college-education listing and her accomplishments at work now serve as ample proof of her smarts.
KRISTEN HARRIS
3234 Seneca Drive
Houston, TX 77082
(713) 555-2310
SUMMARY
Five years’ experience in systems analysis and programming for international transportation and energy corporations. Strong background in user training and support documentation. Experience in major programming languages, operating hardware and software.
EXPERIENCE
8/95-present Global Airlines, Houston Senior Systems Analyst, Sales Administration and Program Development. Develop database programming to meet management and field-sales information needs.
- Design and implement sales systems at company's regional technical centers
- Train sales staff on use of new programs
- Created voice-automation system that increased telemarketing department productivity and allowed 15% staffing reduction
8/90-8/95 World Oil Company, Houston Purchasing Systems Analyst, Corporate Procurement. Promoted from Systems Analyst position in 4/93. Programmed management reporting systems for purchasing department.
- Served as liaison between system users and technical support group
- Trained field system users
- Created invoice-reconciliation program that resulted in capturing an average of 5K per month in vendor overcharges
Systems Analyst, Computer Services Organization, 8/90-4/93.
Designed and implemented systems for crude-oil acquisition applications.
- Wrote computer procedure specifications and user manuals
- Designed and supervised programming of tracking system that determined more cost-effective transportation routes
SYSTEMS PROFICIENCY
Hardware: IBM 3090, MVS Operating System/JES2, IBM PS/2 Model 55
Programming Languages: NATURAL/ADABAS, JCL, SAR, SAS, FOCUS, QMF/SQUL with DB2, UCC7, ROSCOE, TSO, ISPF, Predict, COBOL, BASIC, PL/I, IBM ASSEMBLER PC Software: DBase III+, LOTUS Release 3, Harvard Graphics, LOTUS Freelance Plus, DOS, PC Tools, PC Focus
EDUCATION
B.S., Business Administration/MIS, May 1990 Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 3.74/4.0 GPA
Case Study #5
"I need a change!"
Sandra is at a career crossroads. Having spent all of her professional life in business administration, she's decided to set off on a new career direction. She wants to become director of a nonprofit organization. Sandra's taken a winding route to this turning point. She earned a degree in general business and has held several administrative support positions. A few years ago, she went back to school and earned a teaching degree. But by the time she received her certification, she discovered that the classroom was not the right environment for her.
Reviewing Sandra's "before" resume, it's hard to imagine that she would be qualified for the position she wants. You'd never know that she has experience in virtually all aspects of administering a volunteer organization! She mentions volunteer experience, but it's brief and buried. The emphasis is on her jobs in office administration and her education—neither of which are most relevant to her new career goal.
From unfocused hodgepodge...
There are other problems with Sandra's resume, too. The objective lacks focus, there are no accomplishments to provide marketing punch, and personal data is included. Sandra has also mixed styles; dates are presented in one fashion in the experience section and in another style under the community activities section.
...to a bull's-eye resume
The "after" resume eliminates these flaws and shifts emphasis to Sandra's vast volunteer experience. The result is a marketing vehicle that will be more effective at getting Sandra to her new career destination.
Sandra puts experience related to nonprofit organization administration first, both in the skills summary and in the experience profile. Her office administration and educational background appear last because they're less important to her goals.
Volunteer accomplishments are presented in specific, businesslike terms. Notice the headline "Nonprofit/Volunteer Organization Experience." Another headline she could have considered is “Volunteer Experience." The first has a slightly more businesslike edge. The emphasis is on her nonprofit sector experience.
The type style puts more emphasis on her job titles, showing that Sandra has experience in many areas of organizational administration.
The first position in Sandra's volunteer experience profile seems less impressive than others. But it's important because it shows that Sandra jumped into her community's volunteer circle soon after relocating.
SANDRA J. MARTINEZ
1655 Glenn Ave.
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
(813) 555-9133
Objective: A career in volunteer organization management.
Experience: Ingle's Bookstore Cafe, Fort Myers, Florida, Bookseller/Assistant Manager, 1994-present: Responsible for managing daily operations, assigning duties, selling books, buying sidelines, merchandising and special projects. Also responsible for investigating and resolving all customer complaints.
Sumpter Sports Manufacturing, Avon Lake, Florida, Executive Assistant, 1990-1992: Personal assistant to Vice President of International Operation for $40 million sports-equipment manufacturing business. Coordinated manufacturing, shipping, purchasing, accounts receivable and sales activities. Prepared financial reports and projections. Managed all records. Handled international customer communications.
Holmes Motors, Avon Lake, Florida, Corporate Officer and Administrative Assistant, 1985-1990: corporate officer (Secretary) responsible for financial co-signing, meeting minutes and coordination of legal matters. Responsible for resolution of all warranty claims. Implemented computerized accounting system.
Cameron Container Company, Miami, Florida, Office Administrator, 1984-1985: Learned and managed bookkeeping and other financial functions. Managed day-to-day office systems. Performed inside sales duties.
Education & Teaching: University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, B.S. (Office Administration), 1980-1984
- Emphasis in English and general business
- Student teacher in high school literature class
Community Activities:
- Membership Committee, Fort Myers Historical Society
- Event Coordinator, Chamber of Commerce, Avon Lake, Florida
- Board of Directors/Executive Committee, Tipton County YWCA, Avon Lake, Florida
- Catering Chairperson, Tipton County YWCA, Avon Lake, Florida
- Fundraising Committee Member, Tipton County YWCA, Avon Lake, Florida
- Publicity Chairperson, Tipton County YWCA, Avon Lake, Florida
Personal: Born June 2, 1962; single; excellent health. Interests include golf, cooking, music, literature, travel.
References: Upon request.
SANDRA J. MARTINEZ
1655 Glenn Ave.
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
(813) 555-9133
SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE
Six years’ experience in event-planning, fundraising, administration and publicity for nonprofit organizations. More than 11 years’ experience in business administration for retail and manufacturing corporations.
NONPROFIT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCE
1994-present
Fort Myers Historical Society, Fort Myers, Florida Membership Committee Member. Planned and organized programs and events to attract and retain members.
- Coordinated annual new member reception for 125 people.
1989-1995
Tipton County YWCA, Avon Lake, Florida Board of Directors and Executive Committee, 1989-1995. Helped establish area's first YWCA. Developed organizational programs, procedures, and policies and monitored trustees responsible for constructing $3 million recreational facility.
- With other board members, led effort that raised $2.5 million in two years from community of 12,000 people.
- Elected to Board and Executive Committee for five years.
Catering Chairperson, 1992-1995. Organized banquet-catering facility that accommodates groups of 200 people. Established facility procedures, purchased supplies, created cost-effective menus, and supervised volunteer workers.
- Equipped kitchen at 10% under budget ($9,000 total expenditure).
Fundraising Chairperson, 1992-1993. Managed efforts to raise funds for facility construction and operation. Established donor list and projected individual donation levels. Contracted and supervised professional fundraiser.
- Raised $10,000 in donations through personal solicitations of community business leaders and private individuals.
Publicity Chairperson, 1989-1991. Created and implemented programs to advertise organization and acquire members and funds.
- Wrote and published monthly member newsletter; also secured donations to cover newsletter production costs.
- Conceived and organized marketing campaigns that resulted in 400 new members in a one-year period. Members acquired during this time received no services in exchange for membership fees (YWCA facilities not yet built).
1989-1992 Avon Lake Chamber of Commerce, Avon Lake, Florida Event Coordinator.
Coordinated annual city-wide Halloween party to provide concerned parents with an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Organized volunteers, secured permits, and planned all activities, including a parade.
- Organized the first event of this kind in the city
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
1994-present Ingle's Bookstore Cafe, Fort Myers, Florida Assistant Manager/Bookseller.
Manage daily operations of bookstore and cafe. Supervise 30 employees, merchandise goods, and buy all non-book sidelines.
- Suggested and implemented store's first sales promotion. Effort tripled weekly sales totals while generating greater income than suppliers' merchandise return programs.
- Promoted from initial hire position (bookseller) to supervisor after one month of employment; promoted to assistant manager four months later.
1990-1992 Sumpter Sports Manufacturing, Avon Lake, Florida Executive Assistant.
Assistant to vice president of International Operations for $40 million toy-manufacturing business. Prepared financial reports and projections; handled international client communications; coordinated manufacturing, shipping, purchasing, accounts receivable, and sales activities.
- Developed company's first system for tracking and enforcing collection of royalties from foreign licensees, resulting in improved collection rates.
1985-1990 Holmes Motors, Avon Lake, Florida Corporate Officer and Administrative Assistant.
As Corporate Secretary, co-signed financial documents, kept corporate minutes and coordinated resolution of legal matters related to medium-sized car dealership. Also assisted with daily dealership operations, including bookkeeping and customer relations.
- Created computerized accounting and business-operations system that reduced need for outside accounting services.
1984-1985 Cameron Container Company, Miami, Florida Office Administrator.
Handled all bookkeeping and financial functions for medium-sized packaging manufacturer. Also managed day-to-day office systems and performed inside sales.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION
Florida Teaching Certification in Business and English, 1994, Florida University-Fort Myers, Florida B.S. in Office Administration, 1984, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
The example resumes above—and their revisions—should help people at different stages in the employment process reach higher, change focus, or get back into the game entirely.
