CREATING A

STRONG RÉSUMÉ
A SELF-DIRECTED
RESOURCE
FIRST EDITION
Table of
Contents

Introduction 1
How to Write Accomplishment
Statements 2
How to Identify and Use Keywords 4
Résumé Samples 6
How to Write a Career Profile 10
Action Verbs 12
Tips for Preparing a Statement
of Interest (SOI) 14
CV/Résumé and Statement of
Interest Checklist 15

Cover photo credit:

www.flickr.com/photos/
nicmcphee/2756494307
 1

Introduction

The résumé is a career marketing document

that takes time and attention to create. The
main goal of the résumé is to get invited for a
personal interview. This guide is a self-directed
resource to get you started, as well as to
complement what you learn in one of our
workshops. It can also help you prepare for a
meeting with a career advisor so you can have a
more productive session. It contains a number of
resources to help you create and revise your
résumé in order to align it with the targeted
position and highlights relevant skills,
accomplishments, and qualifications.
We recommend attending one of our résumé
workshops and/or self-paced E-learning courses
to round up your skills after using this self-
directed guide.
All our offerings can be found on
http//careerdev.
2

How to Write Accomplishment

Statements

When viewing your CV/résumé, employers look for

> Managed international development conference,
accomplishments rather than a description of your
coordinating all aspects from planning through
responsibilities. Accomplishment statements appear at
implementation. (good)
the top paragraph on your résumé and they
demonstrate your proven ability to summarize what > Managed a 2-day sustainability conference for
you have achieved in former positions. 175 professionals from 6 regional offices. Planned
and coordinated event logistics. Communicated
One suggested format is to begin your description of
with all participants and presenters. Result:
each position with an overview of the job, i.e., what you
ratings of “outstanding” by 95% of participants
helped do, figure out, or answer in your role; who you
regarding event logistics, communication, and
served; your budget; the region you were responsible
materials. (better)
for; the number and kind of staff you managed or were
a part of; product or service lines, etc.
> Developed new presentation methods for annual
After this brief overview, what employers want to see meetings to make presentations more interesting to
is what you achieved on the job – and this is where participants. (good)
accomplishment statements have value.
> Developed innovative presentation methods for
Accomplishments refer to actions you have taken that
annual meetings using visual effects technology.
show results or impact as opposed to tasks or effort. In
Increased viewer interest through video imagery
other words, employers want you to differentiate
and creative visual effects, resulting in specific
yourself by showing why your actions have mattered
feedback on improved presentation methods by
and what difference you were able to make.
more than 85% of participants. (better)
The following examples show the impact of using
accomplishment-driven statements.

> Relocated office over one weekend, planning and

coordinating the logistics. (good)
> Relocated corporate office of 130 staff members
over one weekend, planning and coordinating
the logistics to result in zero disruption to
operational schedules and productivity. (better)
 3

STAR
MODEL

To write accomplishment statements, follow this two-step Sometimes, looking at past performance reviews will
process: help to jog your memory of accomplishments.
• Before you start writing your résumé, think about Also, consider feedback you have received from
each position you have held and create a list of managers, colleagues and clients.
accomplishments that are related to the kind of work
> Use the STAR model to write your
you are pursuing. Always use results, measurable
accomplishment statement. STAR stands for:
impact and metrics when describing
accomplishments. S = Situation solved or opportunity created
T = Tasks that needed to be done
• To help you to develop this list, ask yourself if you:
A = Actions you took
> increased efficiency or effectiveness R = Results achieved
> accomplished more with fewer resources
For each accomplishment statement, briefly tell:
> initiated or implemented something that went
above and beyond what was in your job > What was the SITUATION: What was the
description problem, need, or issue?

> designed and implemented a technique, strategy, > What TASKS needed to be done: Describe the
innovation, or improvement challenge and expectations.

> solved a challenging problem > What ACTION did you take: What was your role?
What did you do? What challenges did you
> did something that improved client relations or
overcome? What steps did you take? What
resulted in greater stakeholder engagement
techniques did you use?
> improved a process
> What were the RESULTS? What was the impact
> saved money, time, or other resources of the actions you took? What were the benefits:
> implemented a policy, procedure, system, or best Quantify the results whenever you can, using
practice metrics such as numbers, $, %. When you cannot
> were recognized informally by clients quantify, show the impact of your action
> Authored or co-authored a published article or (i.e., saving time, increasing efficiency,
book strengthening communication, streamlining
operations, building relationships with external
> improved profitability
stakeholders, expanding product lines).
> enhanced productivity
> contributed something that was above and Key success concepts in writing STARs are:
beyond - Start each with an action verb. (Use past tense for
completed accomplishments).
- Be specific.
- Quantify, using metrics whenever possible (and
when it is helpful).
- Show concrete results or the impact of your
actions.
4

How to Identify
and Use Keywords

When you align your CV/résumé content with an A good exercise before updating your résumé is to identify
employer’s requirements for a position or TOR, it the keywords and key phrases that show up most
makes it easier for an employer to shortlist you. frequently for your field. Sources for identifying keywords
Alignment is not about copying the job posting and and key phrases for your field include:
placing the exact contents into your CV/résumé. (Yes,
> job postings: Review 5-7 job postings (e.g. on
we have seen it happen!). It’s about making a list of
Compass) and make a list of keywords and key
keywords and key phrases that are common to job
phrases that come up most often in job postings for
postings for your field that show what employers are
your role.
typically looking for and making sure that, when true,
these are represented in your CV/résumé. > employer websites and mission statements

Keywords and key phrases are what recruiters and > social media profiles of others in your field
Applicant Tracking Systems (software used by > colleagues
organizations to do an initial screening of incoming
résumés) search for when reviewing your CV/résumé. > professional associations
They are the nouns and phrases that describe the
skills and qualifications employers typically search
for as they identify qualified candidates for your
field. They can include skills, experience, knowledge,
areas of expertise, certifications or special training,
education, and personal qualities that are core to the
kind of position you are seeking.
5
6

Résumé Sample #1:

Chronological

NAME Email:
Street Address (can leave street address off) Phone:
City, State Zip Code LinkedIn:

CAREER SUMMARY
Resourceful agriculturist and operations manager with over 15 years of international experience. Major strengths
include program development and portfolio management for global agricultural technology projects, resulting in
improved profitability and sustainability. Recognized for strong client orientation and the ability to develop and
implement highly successful solutions for key issues affecting portfolio performance. A team player dedicated to
motivating and mentoring colleagues within multicultural settings.

EXPERIENCE
THE WORLD BANK GROUP, Washington, D.C. 1994-present
Senior Agriculturist, Rural Development Unit
Islamabad’s Field Office, South Asia Region 2013-present
Manage a team of 25, focusing on improving the performance of the Bank-assisted portfolio across all sectors
including agriculture. Portfolio size 45-50 projects with an outstanding balance of $4-5 billion.
• Planned, processed and directed the country and provincial portfolio performance reviews; identified key
issues and actions affecting project implementation and developed solutions which improved project
performance and fund utilization.
• Managed and mentored staff to improve performance of task leaders and task assistants. Analyzed slow-
moving projects; worked with team members to determine causes and create innovative and cost-effective
solutions.
• Developed a new project supervision strategy which improved team performance, bringing projects in on
time and under budget while consistently meeting client expectations.
• Planned and organized annual meetings to develop collaborative donor, research, and institutional linkages
to broaden the exchange of views and experiences on country-assisted agricultural development programs.

Senior Agriculturist
Bangladesh Resident Mission, Dhaka 2007-2013
Managed projects in the field of agriculture research, extension, and forestry. Introduced significant improvements
in the extension and research systems to increase productivity, improve resource management, and strengthen
physical and social infrastructures.
• Mentored national staff of the Agriculture/Natural Resources Team to improve task leadership.
• Promoted successfully the use of NGOs as development partners for forestry protection operations and
home gardening projects.
• Interacted with the donor community to more effectively coordinate country assistance programs in
agriculture.
 7

NAME Page 2

Senior Agriculturist 2000-2007

India Department, Washington, D.C.
Managed two major agricultural rural development projects. Successfully completed complex negotiations of the
Upper Krishna Resettlement and Irrigation Project ($550M).
• Led the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Development Project, a one-of-a-kind initiative at the time, from inception
through Board presentation.
• Persuaded Indian authorities of the need for a major change in project design and concept from a multi-
state extension program to a one-state development program, resulting in successful implementation and
replication over several states within India.

Agriculturist/Senior Agriculturist, World Bank Europe 1994-2000

Middle East and North Africa Region
Led Bank missions in project preparation, appraisal, and supervision in Yemen, Egypt, and Syria.
• Introduced significant improvements in project design, focusing on agricultural technology. 95% of farmers
served adopted at least one new technology.
• Strengthened linkages and collaboration between agricultural research and extension through policy
changes and reorganization.

CIMMYT, Mexico 1992-1994

Training Officer
Redesigned the wheat agronomy training program to include more on-farm activities and increase farmer participation.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT (AUB), Lebanon 1990-1992

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agriculture
Taught graduate and undergraduate courses in plant breeding and agronomy/crop science. Conducted research
to increase productivity and farmers' income in field crops. Collaborated closely with the Ford Foundation and
Lebanese government research departments.

EDUCATION
Ph.D., Agriculture - Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Wisconsin
M. Sc., Agriculture/Crop Sciences, AUB
B. Sc., Agriculture, AUB

LANGUAGES
English: Native fluency in speaking, reading, and writing
Arabic: Fluent
Spanish: Proficient
8

Résumé Sample #2:

Hybrid

NAME Email:
Street Address (can leave street address off) Phone:
City, State Zip Code LinkedIn:

PROFILE
Writer/editor with experience in the Washington, D.C. market. Background includes international marketing and
communication roles in the private and public sectors. Recognized for conceptualizing, writing, and successfully
marketing ideas and proposals. Core strengths include creative concepts development, writing and editing, and
cross-cultural communication.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Creative Concepts Development
• Conceptualized, wrote, and successfully marketed a proposal to a major new customer in the U.S.
government. Generated innovative ideas targeted to identified needs, translated the best idea into a written
plan, and sold the idea to management. Result: Submitted a grant proposal that brought in an $80,000
contract for a new area of work from a highly sought-after customer.
• Developed two additional contract proposals based on lessons learned from earlier proposal experience.
Networked with potential clients, developed ideas, and created a mock game to field-test and refine the
ideas. Result: Produced two award-winning proposals and substantial new work for the business unit.
• Created several intranet websites and concepts for web-based informational newsletters for small
businesses. Conducted focused interviews with key company officials, created an appropriate
communications theme, and developed a website to market products to clientele and an intranet newsletter
for company staff. Result: Improved website sales and informed and motivated staff through a monthly
updated newsletter.

Writing and Editing

• Wrote and edited press releases, country background reports, and briefs on developing countries for USAID-
sponsored contracts. Identified information resources, researched key issues, and provided extensive writing
and editing. Result: Published briefs that were utilized for worldwide public distribution.
• Wrote and edited abstracts on U.S. intelligence and national security issues from the Truman to the Clinton
administrations. Researched and reviewed information; developed summaries on key points of interest.
Result: Published and sold well-received abstracts to national libraries and universities.
• Developed several briefing reports for the U.S. State Department, on issues such as a dispute between the
French Judicial branch and the French government and political unrest in Algeria. Researched the events
in French, identified the major issues, and prepared summary briefs. Result: Received requests for
additional briefs to be developed based on value of initial briefs.
 9

Name Page 2

Cross-Cultural Communication
• Translated status reports from English to French and correspondence from Spanish to English. Edited
correspondence in French and Spanish; became a key contact source for all three languages.
• Functioned as a public relations facilitator for an important business conference with a large international
firm. Assisted in the development of communication strategies; wrote information releases in French, Spanish
and English. Interacted with journalists, businesses, and officials from several countries. Result: Received
formal acknowledgment for the quality of the communication strategies as being an important contributing
factor to a highly successful event.
• Taught conversational French and led English as a Second Language conversation groups for community-
based programs as a volunteer (2011-13). Assisted in French and Spanish translation and interpretation of
promotional materials to reach target audiences.

EXPERIENCE
Writer/Editor, External Affairs 2006-present
The World Bank Group, Washington, D.C.

Writer/Editor/Translator (consultant) 2000-2006

Institute for Research and Development, Fairfax, VA

Editing Assistant 1997-2000

National Security Archives, Washington, D.C.

Marketing Assistant 1996-1997

Agence France-Presse, Washington, D.C.

Junior Foreign Service Officer (Intern) 1995-1996

U.S. Department of State, Bordeaux, France

EDUCATION
M.A., International Affairs, Washington, D.C., 1998
B.A., Romance Language and Literature, University of Chicago, 1995 Academic Scholarship recipient

LANGUAGES:
French (fluent reading, writing, oral) Spanish (proficient reading, writing, oral)
10

How to Write a Career Profile

(also known as a Career Summary
or Executive Summary)

Placed at the top of your résumé underneath your contact Phrases that may be helpful to you as you develop your
information, this is prime real estate in a CV/résumé. Its Career Profile:
purpose is to show an overview of your core qualifications
> Over X years of experience in..., Extensive experience
and the value you bring to an employer. It can be a
in…, Expertise in…
paragraph overview or it can be a paragraph followed by a
bullet listing of core qualifications, special skills, > Proven strengths in…, Major strengths include…,
certifications, or areas of expertise. Skilled in…, Core strengths include…
> Proven ability to…, Proven success in…, Proven record
of …, Excellent track record of…, Demonstrated X
The summary can include:
capabilities with…
> How much and kinds of relevant experience you have
> Strong background in…, Background includes…
> Key qualifications and skills (These are the keywords
> Recognized for…, Recognized as a…, Consistently
and key phrases that are most important to your
acknowledged as a…
field and to the position)
> Country experience includes…
> Specialty area of expertise and experience
> Regional experience includes…
> Differentiators (what makes you unique when
compared to other candidates) > Sectors include…
> Languages...

One model to use for developing your Career Profile is that

each sentence answers a different question for the reader.
> 1st sentence: Define yourself in terms of your career.
This can be by position, title, field, or a specialized
functional area or area of expertise within your field.
> 2nd sentence: Identify the strengths you are
promoting about yourself.
> 3rd sentence: Provide additional depth or breadth.
Can also define the kinds of activities you would like
to do that are required for the positions you are
seeking.
> 4th sentence: Define unique traits as they relate to
the position and organization. Here’s a chance to
showcase soft skills (personal qualities or strengths
that support the job). Think about what others say
about you, what you are known for, what people
come to you for when asking for your help, etc.
 11

Examples:

#1: CAREER SUMMARY #3: PROFILE

Skilled learning specialist, with over 10 years of experience Over 10 years of experience leading administrative
in public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Proven support staff to provide comprehensive program support
strengths in needs assessment, program design and services. Proven organizational and time management
delivery, and program evaluation. Strong background in skills, prioritizing and delegating work to ensure that tight
working with all levels of management and staff, deadlines are met. Recognized for applying strong
consistently improving organizational performance research and analytical skills to manage and track data,
through classroom and virtual programs. Recognized for produce reports, and strategically respond to client issues.
facilitating active learning and incorporating innovative Committed to demonstrating sensitivity in handling
learning strategies to motivate others to achieve their confidential information.
personal best.

#2: PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY #4 SKILLS

Extensive experience in environmental policy and strategy Microsoft Office (Advanced Proficiency) | SAP |
development for global development organizations, with TRS | LARS | LMS | Adobe Acrobat | SharePoint
expertise in carbon finance. Proven background in carbon
fund operations in the South Asia, East Asia and Pacific
regions. Field experience includes land use, land-use
change, and forestry. Recognized for developing highly
effective partnerships with stakeholders to establish and
implement carbon fund programs.
> REDD + Readiness
> Capacity building
> BioCarbon Fund (BioCF)
> Portfolio management
> Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF)
> Carbon finance training
> ERPA
> Development finance
12

Action Verbs

Powerful action verbs help your achievements to come out clearly, emphasize the contributions you have made in former
positions and increase your chances to be found and shortlisted if an employer uses software support. Here is a list of
ACTION VERBS you can use.

accelerated conceived examined joined provided studied

accepted conceptualized exceeded justified published submitted
accomplished concluded executed kept purchased substituted
achieved conducted exhibited launched pursued succeeded
acquired confirmed expanded learned qualified suggested
adapted constructed expedited leased quantified summarized
added consulted experienced led ranked supervised
addressed contacted experimented leveraged rated supported
adjusted contracted explained licensed received surveyed
administered controlled explored linked recognized synthesized
advanced converted expressed located recommended tackled
advised conveyed facilitated logged reconciled targeted
allocated convinced filed maintained recovered taught
analyzed cooperated filmed managed recruited tested
announced coordinated financed mandated reduced trained
answered corrected finished matched referred translated
anticipated counseled forecast measured refined transported
applied created formulated mediated regulated traveled
appointed critiqued fostered mentioned related treated
appraised cut found mentored released troubleshot
approved decided founded met renegotiated turned
arranged decreased fulfilled modified reorganized uncovered
assessed defined furthered monitored replaced unified
assigned delegated gathered motivated replied updated
assisted delivered generated moved reported upgraded
assumed demonstrated guaranteed multiplied represented used
attained described guided named requested validated
audited designated handled negotiated researched visited
augmented designed helped observed resolved worked
authorized detected hired obtained responded wrote
 13

awarded determined identified opened reevaluated

balanced developed illustrated operated retained
bargained devised implemented ordered revamped
bolstered diagnosed improved organized reversed
boosted directed improvised outlined reviewed
bought discovered incorporated oversaw revised
briefed discussed increased paid salvaged
brought disseminated indexed participated saved
budgeted distributed indicated partnered scheduled
built documented influenced perceived screened
cataloged earned informed performed secured
caused edited initiated persuaded selected
certified educated insisted pioneered serviced
chaired eliminated inspected placed set
changed employed inspired planned settled
clarified enabled installed prepared shaped
classified encouraged instituted presented simplified
closed endorsed instructed prevented solved
coached engineered insured priced sorted
collaborated enhanced integrated prioritized sought
collected enlarged interacted processed specified
combined enlisted interpreted procured spoke
communicated enriched interviewed produced staffed
compared ensured introduced programmed stimulated
compiled equipped invented projected strategized
completed established investigated promoted streamlined
composed estimated involved prompted strengthened
computed evaluated issued proposed structured
14

Tips for Preparing a Statement

of Interest (SOI)

> The Statement of Interest (SOI) is similar to a cover Statement of Interest Format
letter but it can be longer (2 pages maximum) and > 1st paragraph:
does not use business format.
Begin with interest statement that emphasizes why
> Read the announcement carefully and highlight or you are interested in this position and the value you
underline all of the items in both the Duties and will bring. Ask yourself and address: Why are you
Accountabilities and Selection Criteria sections that interested in this specific position? What draws you
match your experiences, skills, and education. to this position? Avoid describing how you will benefit
> Prepare statements describing your qualifications for from the position if selected. The reader wants to
each of the items you have highlighted or underlined. know your motivations.
What examples can you provide? You can showcase a
few specific details from your résumé. Select and
> Following paragraphs:
describe relevant experiences, showing their
significance to the position. Make the connection for Use a 2-page maximum length: Use your prepared
the reader in an interesting way. statements describing your qualifications for the
Duties and Accountabilities, Selection Criteria, and
> The SOI does not need to be chronological. Lead with
Competencies of the announcement. Include specific
the most relevant information or an impactful
accomplishments or experiences that are of greatest
statement or story.
interest and relevance to this position and unit.
> Avoid using general terms such as several, numerous,
various, or familiar with.
> Closing paragraph:
> Limit self-reported behaviors/skills, such as “excellent
communicator” or “good people skills.” Instead, Thank the reader for his/her consideration and review
describe an experience that validates the skills and/or of your attached CV and indicate you look forward to
behaviors. the opportunity to meet to further discuss how you
can meet their needs.
> Keep the information in your application relevant to
the vacancy announcement. Information not related
to the vacancy can cause the reader to wonder if you
read the announcement.
> It is not necessary to describe the issues related to
the position. The readers should be aware of them.
> Limit your text. Two pages are sufficient.
> Proofread carefully to eliminate any grammar,
punctuation, or spelling errors. Do not rely on spell
check to catch grammar and spelling errors!
 15

CV/Résumé and Statement

of Interest Checklist

Layout and Appearance Yes No

- Name is at top of page and in bold and larger font. n n

- Address, phone number, and email (LinkedIn URL optional) are easy to read. n n
- Résumé is appropriate length (generally 2 pages for experienced professionals). n n
- There are 1” (1/2” minimum) margins all the way around. n n
- Font size is clearly legible (usually 11 or 12 pt; 10 is minimum, depending on font style). n n
- Formatting is consistent throughout (font size, bullet sizes, heading sizes). n n
- Verb tenses are in the present for current jobs, unless an accomplishment stated has been
completed. Verb tenses are in the past for previous jobs. n n
- Weight and balance are clear: positions at the WBG and those with greatest relevance to the
job you are seeking have greater length and description. n n
- The most important information is on the top half of the résumé. n n
- Headings (Name and Page Number) are placed on Page 2 and subsequent pages. n n
- You have not overused bullets. n n
- In about a 10-second scan of your document, the reader's eye is drawn to your most important points. n n
Content
- Summary statement at top shows direction, focus, an overview of your strengths, and the
value you bring. n n
- Relevant jobs and experiences are included that show you are qualified for the position. n n
- Keywords are used in the summary and throughout the résumé. n n
- Statements demonstrate accomplishments rather than routine tasks and duties. n n
- Each statement begins with an action verb. Responsible for is not an action verb! n n
- Metrics are included, when possible, and/or the impact/results of your actions.
A model to use is: Action verb + action taken on your part + results. n n
- Statements support and demonstrate the summary at the top of the résumé. n n
- There are no complete sentences. There are no I statements. n n
- Descriptions are clear, concise, compelling, and confident. n n
- The résumé is free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. n n
Statement of Interest
- It is two pages or less. n n
- It addresses the key elements in the job announcement. n n
- It begins with an interest statement that shows why you are interested in the position and the
value you will bring. n n
- It follows with an unfolding of your background as it relates to the position. It has paragraphs
that describe your relevant experience and qualifications. n n
- It includes accomplishments that are of greatest interest and relevance to the position. n n
- It is free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. n n
SELF-DIRECTED
RESOURCE

■ Interviewing Successfully

✓ Creating a Strong Résumé

■

■ Conduct and Effective

Job Search