SAMPLES OF STRONG RESUMES AND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

The following pages contain samples of strong resumes and letters of recommendation. these have been provided by Drew Applely of Marian College. Current psychology students should not attempt to duplicate the accomplishments listed in these resumes and letters because each person possesses talents and interests in uniquely different areas. However, it is imperative for psychology majors to strive to fulfill their individual potentials in such a manner as to be described by themselves (i.e., in resumes) and others (i.e., in letters of recommendation) in equally impressive terms.

1. The first resume was written by Mikki Poynter for an internship as a residential supervisor for the Center for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. Mikki obtained this position because of her experience with handicapped people (gained from her summer job) and the responsibility that she had displayed in her other jobs and extracurricular activities. Note how she stressed the responsibilities associated with each of her previous jobs.

2. The second resume was written by Matt LaGrange to accompany his applications to graduate school. The fact that Matt was accepted into the clinical psychology program at St. Louis University with a substantial financial aid package testifies to the effectiveness of this resume.

3. The letter of recommendation was written for Sarah Holmes as part of her application for graduate school in family therapy. Notice how each of the three main points in the letter were made possible by her willingness to work hard and show initiative.

A survey of these resumes and letters of recommendation yields the following conclusions. Although intelligence was a significant trait in each of these students, it was their willingness to (a) demonstrate high levels of motivation, enthusiasm, independence, loyalty, and maturity and to (b) develop strong research, critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills that made their resumes and letters of recommendation so impressive.

Objectives: Short-term --> Experience working with mentally or physically handicapped people

Long-term ---> Graduate education resulting in a mental health career

Education: Sophomore psychology major at Marian College with a GPA of 3.28 on a 4.0 scale.

Relevant Classes: General Psychology, Statistical Methods, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Experimental Psychology I, Introduction to Computers, Introduction to Speech English Composition

Experience: May to September, 1988

Angola Community Sheltered Workshop (Angola, IN)

Responsible for training and supervising mentally and physically handicapped persons in a factory atmosphere and assisting supervisors with daily job assembly and quality control.

May to September, 1988

Sutton's Super Value (Hamilton, IN)

Responsible for price and merchandise information input, daily receipts, and customer service.

May to September, 1987

Subway Sub Shop (Angola, IN)

Responsible for food preparation, maintenance, financial transactions, record-keeping.

January to September, 1986 and 1987

CTN Data (Hamilton, IN)

Responsible for physical upkeep of an eight room office complex.

May 1987 to Present

Youth for Christ / Campus Life (Great Lakes Region)

Responsible for supervising high school students on trips to Florida and Washington D.C. and organizing meetings in the Northeast Indiana area.

Activities: Marian College Booster Club (1988 to present)
Booster Club Fund Raising Committee (1988 to present)
Intramural Softball and Volleyball (1987 and 1988)
Psychology Club (1987 to present)
Convocation Committee (1988 to present)
Campus Life / Youth for Christ (1983 to 1987)
Big Psyb to incoming freshman Psychology majors (1988 to present)

References: Available upon request

Objectives:

    Educational: To earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

    Career: To teach and perform research in a university setting.

    Education: Bachelor of Art, Marian College (expected June, 1989)

    Major: Psychology Minor: Computer Applications

    Cumulative GPA (4-point scale) = 3.78

    GPA in Psychology = 3.80

    GPA in Computer Applications = 4.00

    GRE scores (verbal = 540, math = 700)

Elected to Psi Chi
Dean's List (each semester since spring 1986)
President of the Student Body
Vice President of the Student Body
Secretary of the Student Body
Student member of the American Psychological Association
Member of the Psychology Club
Member of the Judicial Panel
Member of the Conduct Appeals Panel

Research:

LaGrange, M., & Appleby, D. C. (1987, April). Effects of mood on time perception. Paper presented at the Mid-America Undergraduate Research Conference, Evansville, IN.

LaGrange, M. V., & Appleby, D. C. (1988, April). Factors affecting academic honesty. Paper presented at the Mid-America Undergraduate Research Conference, Evansville, IN.

Fohl, M. M., Koebel, J. M., LaGrange, M. V., & Webb, P. M. (1988, April). A student-produced evaluation form of teaching effectiveness. Paper presented at the Mid-America Undergraduate Research Conference, Evansville, IN.

LaGrange, M. V., & Appleby, D. C. (1989, April). Student and faculty perception of academic dishonesty as a function of learning or grade orientation. Paper presented at the Mid-America Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference, Evansville, IN.

LaGrange, M. V., & Appleby, D. C. (manuscript submitted). Factors that affect academic dishonesty in college students. College Teaching.

I served as a research assistant for Dr. Drew Appleby (1987-89).

Experience: Residential Supervisor at the Center for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (1988 - 1989)

Counselor at the St. Vincents Hospital Stress Center (1989)

References: Dr. Drew Appleby Dr. Faye Plascak-Craig