This presentation was created for both the TRAPS Region 6 Workshop, as well as the State Institute in McAllen, Texas. A similar presentation was also created and presented at the Texas Outdoor Leadership Conference in 2011.

1. Kim Rottet
Assistant Director, Recreational Sports
kim.rottet@tamucc.edu

2. What You Will Get Out Of This
Presentation!
 Information on the Mast of a Resume
 Information on the Formatting of a Resume
 Information on the “Letter of Application” (Cover
Letter)
 Content of your resume – listing your experience
 How to detail your educational listings
 Tips on how to make your resume stand out in a stack of
applicants
 Interview Tips
**Information applicable for even those not necessarily in the
recreation field – but geared towards recreation
professionals.**

3. This Resume “Stuff” – What’s It All About??
“Finding a job is actually tougher than the job itself?” (CareerBuilder – 12.06)
 “Purpose” of a resume – It is a blueprint of you (past and present). It’s
also a roadmap to who you are and where you want to go!
 Adds better professionals and “polished” individuals to any field.
 How do I keep my resume up do date?
 Regular Updates - Pick a day weekly or monthly to spend time on your
resume. You lose too much if you don’t keep it updated regularly!
 A resume tells who you are. It can portray you as being
professional/unprofessional, happy or sad, polite, your work ethic,
and more…Your resume is the only voice you have when you are
not there in person!
 Save to multiple sources (posting to a website)
 http://sites.google.com/site/knr98webportfolio
 Be wary of scam artists because of the information they can get about
you.
 Posting on NRPA or Bluefish (NIRSA) can be successful

4. Relevant Research in Recreation
(Where I Base my information from)
1. What are Recreational Sports Directors looking for from
a candidate? (Dr. Craig Ross, Indiana University, 1997)
2. Jim Jamriska examined resume preferences for Graduate
Assistants (Ball State University, 2004)
3. My own personal experience in the field, development I
received as a student, presentations I’ve done, books,
Internet, and resumes I’ve examined for others.
4. Fellow professionals
**Like I mentioned, much of this information is applicable to
other professions outside of recreation; however, this
presentation is geared towards recreation professionals.

5. Overall Resume Components
What EACH Resume Should Include:
 The Mast or HEADING of your resume (name, address, email,
website, etc – HOW DO WE CONTACT YOU!)
 Career Objectives (my own personal rules about objectives, but you
may choose to use them.)
 Educational Record (high school listing not always needed)
 Professional/Related Work Experience (W, W, W, W, W and H)
 Non-Related work experience (waiter, cashier, laborer) – Show good
work ethic, dedication, skills not seen in other areas! (Is this good? –
Yes…Transferable Skills.
 Personal Information – How much is too much?
 Professional Development – YES! Listing of conferences attended –
NO!
 References - Many rules here
 Style, font, pages, and how your resume looks
 The cover letter (“Letter of Application”)

6. From the Professional:
Kimberly Duncan, Student Activity Coordinator, University Center & Student Activities
Resume Formatting
 Formatting is a big deal to me. I don’t want to see wasted
space. If it isn’t formatted properly the first impression I
have is that you are either a) lazy and are using a template
or b) not experienced.
 ie. When typing a description if the sentence only has
one word that goes into the next line-pick a word to
delete to make if fit on one line.
 Also, if you can provide quantifiable examples that helps.
 ie. Increased recruitment by 50% or managed a budget
of $30,000

7. “Relevant” Personal Information –
in the Mast
What is the Mast of a Resume? – HINT: It makes your resume “Pop!”
 Current Campus Address
 Current Permanent Address – Suggested for students who may
still be in school or moving!
 Telephone Numbers
 Email Address (Be Careful!)
bigsexy@yahoo.con; cssr1l1@yahoo.com (ones or L’s??;
Bloodandguts@netzero.coml stan_hooper@yahoo.com
(underscores???)
 Date Current information is no longer valid
 Don’t tell too much! – being a minister, ordained, political
preferences, sexual orientation, etc. People do have
stereotypes!
 Don’t forget the voicemail messages either. If you list a phone,
make sure it has voicemail only YOU have access to.

8. Mast Example
Kim N. Candidate
kimncandidate@yahoo.com
Permanent Address School Address
600 West Market Street 6300 Ocean Drive
Logansport, Indiana 46947 Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
(574) 555.5555 Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
Cell: (361) 555.5555
(Valid Through May 15, 2011)
____________________________________________________________________________
 Name should be very bold and STAND OUT – drawing attention
(32-36 pt)
 Two address if in school/or you are moving are recommended –
don’t forget to tell when school address is no longer relevant –
Just one address if you aren’t currently in school or moving
 Essentials are name, email, correct telephone numbers, and
alignment

9. Educational Record
What I DO suggest! What I DON’T suggest
 All institutions  High School Info
attended  Unless it’s the applicant’s only
educational experience or
 Field(s) of Study internship
 Major/Minors  GPA – consider the
 Degree(s) Earned rules (unless 3.7 or
 Thesis Information (if higher or looking at
relevant) graduate school)
 Certificates earned  “Bragging” about your
(related to the job) school

10. Educational Record - Example
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Texas A & M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
Currently taking courses towards a doctorate of education in Higher Educational Leadership
United States Sports Academy, Daphne, Alabama
Master of Sport Science-Sport Management
Awarded Fall 2007
Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
Bachelor of Science-General Studies English Concentration/Including 17 credit hours in education
Awarded Spring 2004
 You must list ALL universities or colleges attended
 Only list GPA if over 3.7 or if you are trying to get into graduate school and your GPA is over the
graduate school requirement for admittance
 In some cases, particularly if you work in higher education, a transcript will be required as well
 You can also list these side by side – just like you may have listed out your addresses

11. Professional/Related Work
Experience
 Job Function – What IS the job you performed?
 Be descriptive (DESCRIPTORS!) and tell what you did, how many, what types, what
it involved, and more! WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND HOW YOU did
what you did or are doing now
 Achievements and accomplishments
 Positions/Exact Titles (don’t make it up)
 If you received a promotion during your tenure, list it out separately.
 Actual dates of employment (don’t guess)
 Name and Address of Employer and Supervisor
 This may be listed on the application – may not always need it on a resume.
 Location of Employer (street, city, state)
 Concerns/Red Flags: “Gaps in dates”
 If you have a gap in your employment, you should list that on the application with
specific dates that you were looking for employment. Your application may not
make it through screening if you don’t.
 Some key phrases hiring managers pick up on - Experience in Diversity; Collaboration,
Budget/Money Management; Customer Service; Team Player; Risk Management, and
Assessment.
 Can you name some others?

12. What Your Recreation Experience
Says About YOU! (and how to say it)
 Consider EACH Aspect of your Position for your resume
 How To List This - Order
 What do you do?
 Programming
 Leadership Development
 Counseling/Coaching
 Communication
 Marketing/Promotional Development
 Trusted with keys (particularly for students)
 Processing paperwork
 Diversity
 Size of your facility
 Conflict resolution skills (Something I encourage our Intramural Sports student
employees to showcase. Transferable to Athletics positions in PARDs.)
 Risk Management
 Cash Handling (particularly for students)
 Collaboration (Encouraged for all student /professional positions, as we frequently
collaborate with other departments within Division of Student Affairs at TAMUCC.
Transferable to working with PD or Parks Board for a special event in PARD setting.)

13. Position “Descriptors” - Example
Assistant Director, Recreational Sports
6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
Immediate Supervisor –Dr. Jacqueline Hamilton, Director of Recreational Sports
March 2008 - Present
Responsibility for the administration and supervision of the Programs Division within the Department of
Recreational Sports to include: Aquatics, Extramural Sports, Fitness/Wellness, Intramural Sports, Marketing and
Promotions, Outdoor Adventure, Special Events, Sport Clubs and Youth and Family Programs. This includes the
supervision, direction, evaluation, training and development of multiple full time program specific Coordinators and
over 100 student/part time employees, as well as financial accountability for the Programs Division.
 Provide leadership and administrative support to the Programs Division
 Develop and assess programming areas through learning outcomes
 Directly administer and manage all Outdoor Adventure programs and operations
(trips, workshops, rentals and Islander Challenge Program)
 Oversee all departmental marketing including website maintenance, flyer
production, and signage creation and information table staffing
 Implement and facilitate Islander Challenge (team building) program for University
community
 Implement the Islander Rec Camp summer camp program
 Oversee Special Events programming, specifically the Paws for a Cause breast cancer
fundraiser event

14. Non-Related Work Experience
Why this is so important to add!
 Job Function – What did you do?
 Positions/Exact Titles Held
 Dates of Employment
 Name of Employer
 Name of Immediate Supervisor
 Volunteer Information
 Hint…Tell us about experiences handling money,
leadership skills, labor, etc…
 Perhaps title this area “related experiences”

15. Professional Skills and
Development
 Certifications earned (also list in descriptors)
 Professional Organization Memberships (as related to the
position)
 Professional Conferences/Workshops Attended
 Sometimes good and bad…just attending doesn’t work for everyone!
 Professional presentations delivered
 Professional publications authored
 Computer proficiencies (very important today)
 Community/Volunteer involvement
 Campus/City Committee involvement/chair

16. From the Professional:
Patsy Kott, Director of Outdoor Adventures Texas A&M College Station
Professional Skills & Development
 Certifications should not outweigh experiences. As hiring
managers we have had applicants with a full page of
certifications, but no experience actually using them.
 Hiring managers also want to see that you have not only been a
member of your student/professional organization(s), but an
active participant in it.
 ie. Instead of just listing - Member of TOADs (Texas Outdoor
Adventure Directors), I might also need to note “Served as a
member of the planning and host committee for the Texas
Outdoor Leadership Conference (2010)

17. Professional References:
What I DO Suggest
 Ask your references if you can list them.
 Only ask those who can give OUTSTANDING comments
 Why get “average” comments from someone?
 Give references a copy of your updated resume and keep them aware
of jobs you are interested in
 As someone who has served as a reference for several former
employees, it isn’t fun to be caught off guard with a phone call from
your potential employer without a head’s up
 List previous professional references that you are comfortable with
 Include reference list with complete citations (name, title, phone,
address, email)
 4-7 Balanced (men/women)
 How to list these “power references”
 May also need to list job titles of references that may have changed
since you worked for them.

18. Professional References:
What I DON’T suggest
 “References Available Upon Request”
 Family or Friends as references (what if you worked in a family owned
business?)
 Listing “power” people (Producers or “name people” you met once, people
that cannot comment on your actual work experience)
 All of one gender listed (remember “balanced”)
 “Character” references – let the employer be the judge of
your character
 Three or more references from the same location or
setting
 References without email addresses listed (Trend today to
contact references with an email/online form)

19. Reference Page - Example
 Display these – stacked – left/right – 1st location is
your POWER reference….
Jim Jamriska Dr. Jacqueline Hamilton
Assistant Director, Facility Operations Director, Recreational Sports
University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Texas A & M University Corpus Christi
2820 Bearcat Way 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5713
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
(513) 556-0708 (361) 825-3397
james.jamriska@uc.edu jacqueline.hamilton@tamucc.edu
Troy Vaughn Elisa Angeles
Director of Recreational Sports Assistant Director, Strength and Conditioning
Southeast Missouri State University University of Notre Dame
One University Plaza F21 Joyce Center
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701 South Bend, Indiana 46556
(573) 651-2105 (574) 631-7784
tvaughn@semo.edu eangeles@nd.edu

20. Additional Helpful Information
 Resume paper color and weight
 Designs/Artwork on the resume – No, unless perhaps you are applying
for a marketing position.
 Length of resume (myths) – Athletic Administration vs. Business vs.
Education
 Resume format – How to list information
 Paragraph vs. paragraph style – Suggested Chronological with the use of bullets
 How to stand out – hints: colored paper clip, personal business cards, follow
up with an emailed resume, telephone calls to the person you apply to, etc
 Using Email – be careful! Never write what you can say
 Abbreviations in a resume? NEVER (Including states) Only permitted in
titles (Mr. Mrs. Dr.)
 Spelling or grammar – the “mortal” errors
 Do NOT use resume template or a “canned resume”

21. Additional Helpful Information II
 Common Mistakes made (which can kill you): Wrong information
listed – telephone, email, addresses, reference information changed,
etc), misspellings, bad grammar, gaps, flow problems, following
directions (i.e. applying on line when it is stated in the listing NOT to
apply on line)
 New technology is adding to our field (Facebook/Myspace) BE
CAREFUL what you post. Employers will check these sites. Works in
reverse for you too!
 How to address people – Mrs. Miss, Ms. Those with Doctoral degrees,
make sure you add Dr.
 Make regular updates/edits to your resume
 Practice makes perfect – although you are NEVER done with your
resume. It is always a work in progress.
 Am I qualified for each job – Shot gunning your resume out.

22. Resume “Action” Words
Thanks to jobweb.com for this partial listing
achieved acquired adapted addressed
administered analyzed anticipated assembled
assisted audited budgeted calculated
centralized changed collaborated composed
condensed conducted constructed contracted
converted coordinated created cultivated
demonstrated designed developed devised
discovered doubled drafted edited
enforced established evaluated expanded
explained forecasted formed founded
generated guided hired implemented
improved informed insured interpreted
interviewed launched maintained managed
marketed minimized motivated negotiated
obtained operated organized originated
performed planned prevented produced
programmed promoted provided publicized
published posted recruited reorganized
reported researched resolved reviewed
selected separated set up simplified
solved surveyed supervise(d) taught
tested trained used instructed
What other “action” words can you add?

23. Letter of Application
(Cover Letter Information)
 3-4 paragraphs in length (MAX) stating your interest in the position
and just a bit of an overview of why you are qualified for the position.
 Average view for a cover letter is only a few seconds when a
committee/individual to look at it. Be brief but efficient.
 Use “power” words in your letter – same as your resume (see small
listing of helpful words)
 Dear…Mr., Dr., Mrs., Ms., Professor, Committee Chair - Use proper
titles, but DO YOUR RESEARCH – don’t settle for anything less than a
name! (what if they don’t give you a name when you call?)
 (See next page) – Paragraph #1 – stating your intention (you may also
list where you saw the ad); Paragraph #2 – a short synopsis of your
experience as related to the position description; Paragraph #3
Reaffirming the skills you bring to the position, a thank you and how
to contact.

24. Letter of Application Example
March 25, 2010
Ms. Kim Rottet
Assistant Director, Recreational Sports
Texas A & M University Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5713
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
Dear Ms. Rottet:
Please accept this letter of application and attached resume as formal application for the position of Coordinator, Intramural
Sports with the Department of Recreational Sports at Texas A & M University Corpus Christi.
As you can see by my resume, I have serves as both a Graduate Assistant and Intramural Sports Supervisor at Ball State University. I
have been responsible for league, tournament, and dual and individual sports and events for over 30 events annually. Additionally, I
have worked as a sports official for basketball and flag football and recently was certified as a basketball official in the State of
Indiana.
Your position description indicates you need someone with supervisory experience and the ability to train officials and peers. With
my experiences, I feel that I can assist in your program and fit the needs you require. I am available for an on campus interview at
your convenience. I will be at stated school address through May 12, 2010 and at my listed home address after that date. Thank you
for any consideration given!
Sincerely,
Jamie Rogers
attachment: Resume

25. The Interview…
 “Networking gets you the interview, you get the job.”
 Arrive Early (15 Minutes)
 “Early is on time, on time is late, late is unacceptable.” If you are
late, you shouldn’t even bother to show up.
 Do your homework!
 Relax
 Attire
 Suit/Business Attire
 Ladies – Suit (solid color) with coordinated blouse. Limited
jewelry. Sparse make-up/perfume and manicured nails.
Men – Suit (solid color) with long sleeve shirt (white) and tie.
Very limited jewelry and trimmed nails. Go easy of aftershave.
 Shoes (But be prepared to walk)
 Bag (Snacks, Water, Pens, Supplies)
 Supplies - Extra Resume Copies, Notebook Paper, Job
Description, Research, Prepared Questions

26. Interview Tips
 Sit on the Edge of Your Seat
 Write Down the Names of the Interviewers
 Make Good Eye Contact
 Never Lie
 Listen as Well as Talk
 Use Specific Examples from Your Life
 Be Proud of Your Accomplishments.
 Be Open About Your Background or Experience
 Don’t Give One Word Answers. Employers want to
know what you think.
 Don’t Chew Your Fingernails, Smoke, Drink, or Eat
 Turn off your cell phone!
 Do Not use Profanity or Slang
 Bring Extra Copies of Your Resume, References, or
other pertinent information
 Ask Appropriate Questions
 ALWAYS Thank the Interviewer

27. Common & Tricky Questions
Common Tricky
 Why did you choose the  What is Your Greatest
recreation field? Weakness?
 What will this job do for you?  Where Do You Want to be in 10
 Give an example of a time Years?
when you took initiative.
 What qualities do you look for  How Would You Evaluate Your
in a boss? Last Boss?
 Why do you want to work for  What is Your Greatest
(insert City name)? Strength?
 Tell me what your boss will say  Why Do You Want This Job?
about you.  What are your salary
 What is your greatest expectations?
accomplishment?  Tell Me About Yourself…
 Why should I hire you for this
job?

28. Questions To Ask (and DO ask questions!)
*Remember you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.
 Structure, History, Department Structure
 Pro’s and Con’s of working here?
 Whom would I report to?
 What are you looking for in ideal candidate?
 What concerns if any do you have about hiring
me?
 What’s the next step from here?
 What is the turnover ratio?

29. Conclusion
 I am available for resume assistance, LOA or
interview tips, comments and suggestions (It’s what
I do – almost daily with my students – I can be
available to help you too)
 Stay in touch with me – Send me a resume draft and
I can provide feedback.
 Remember – my OPINION only based on my
research. Other comments will vary.
 For additional help (Students) Career Center, other
staff professionals, Internet
 The role of the professional in your setting (mock
interviews and career preparation – utilize your
resources)

30. Questions?
Contact Information:
Kim Rottet, Assistant Director
Recreational Sports
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
361-825-2976
kim.rottet@tamucc.edu