Portfolio One Job Search Materials

Two Basic Components Resume Cover Letter

The Resume

What is a resume? In its simplest form, it is an advertisement-- a catalog of what you have to offer prospective employers. It tells them who you are, what you know, what you can do, what you have done and what your job objectives are.

How will a resume be used? It is one major factor in deciding if you are invited for a job interview. It may be the basis for the questions that you are asked in the interview. It can help the employer evaluate the interview. It serves as a reminder for the employer after the interview.

Three basic steps to complete a resume Analyze yourself and your background. Identify the readers. (Audience analysis) Organize and prepare the resume.

Treat your resume like an advertisement You are trying to sell yourself and your skills to a potential employer. You have, on average, 45 seconds to do so. You have to convince an audience, who may be a hostile audience, that you are worth an interview. It needs to be flawless.

If your resume is sloppy, poorly organized or hard to follow, you will be tossed aside and denied an interview.

Know the company! Research the company. See if they have an internet presence. Read any recruiting materials that you have been given.

Sell Yourself. Only include positive points. Every point should show how you are qualified for employment Show the highlights of your career. You need to decide what will be mentioned and what will be left out.

Easy ways to deny yourself a job. Typos Padding in your resume No contact information Excessively large or small point size Vagueness Poor printer quality Lie

Easy ways to help your resume Use 10 or 12 point text Use a serif font for your resume. Be consistent with use of bold, italics and underlining. Do not overuse. Don ’ t copy a friend ’ s resume. Your resume needs to be personalized for you and your potential job.

Cover Letters

What is a cover letter? It is a personal, customized message to a specific person in a specific organization. It should always accompany a resume. Usually the first thing that the employer reads. Like the resume, its purpose is to get you an interview.

Three types of cover letters Letter of Invitation –Letter replying to advertised opening Letter of Prospect –Letter to company not advertising an opening Broadcast Letter –Letter to many companies

Greatest hits of your resume The letter is not an expanded resume. It takes two or three points and expands upon them. Emphasize results

Format One page, single spaced with double spacing between paragraphs. Inside address is very important. It names the audience of your letter. Do not send a letter to a department or “ To Whom It May Concern ” if possible.

Essential Content State the specific position for which you are applying. Why you want to work for the company. –Good: Type of work, growth opportunities, challenge –Bad: Time off, strong retirement plan, “ easy work ” –Inappropriate: Salary

Show, Don ’ t Tell Don ’ t just repeat your resume. Summarize it and stress strong points such as Education, experience, personal attributes

Other Important Aspects State when you can begin work. Request an interview. List phone numbers where you can be reached during work hours. (No beepers or cellular phones if at all possible.) Thank the reader.

Writing and Appearance Direct and brief Write in natural English. Customize the letter to a specific company Free of errors. Relate your qualifications to the job you want. Don ’ t flatter

Writing and Appearance, cont. Be specific Use active voice Trim fat from sentences Express self confidence Be enthusiastic Never settle for the first draft

Four Parts of a Cover Letter

Introductory Paragraph Identify your source of information Identify the position you are seeking State that you wish to be considered for that position

Education Paragraph Take your cue from the job ad. What are they seeking? Make sure to have a topic sentence that ties all of the paragraph together.

Employment Paragraph Again, you need a topic sentence You might discuss how a particular job has given you skills that would aid you in your new job. Positive information only.

Concluding Paragraph Make a reference to your resume Request an interview State your phone number and , if applicable. Thank the reader

Information About Your Career? Consult trade publications for your field. (For example, you might consult the MLA job list if you are seeking employment in the field of Liberal Arts.) Occupational Outlook Handbook Almanac of Salaries and Jobs Annual reports from company