Preparing an Effective Resume and Cover Letter Mike Imwalle Career Services Bldg 10, Room 10312

Resume Basics  No one “perfect resume” that fits everyone  Purpose of the resume is to get an interview  Resume is marketing tool, not an autobiography  Resume style (functional vs. combination) will vary with experience  Resume should pass 10 second scan; neat, organized and easy read.  List most relevant details in top half of resume  Use precise non-repetitive wording (omit pronouns and articles) Preparing an Effective Resume

Resume Layers  Make your contact info easy to find/read (Heading)  Identify Job Target (Objective)  Identify Core Job Skills (with evidence if possible) (Skills)  Emphasize Education as Key Credential (Education)  Describe Work Experience and Accomplishments (Experience)  Add Extras (Licensures, Volunteerism, Associations …)  Format, Edit, Proofread and Polish your Resume Preparing an Effective Resume

Contact Heading  Contact Info should be at top of the resume.  Name should include middle initial (bold, + 1 font size)  Use your most permanent address  Use most reliable phone number (include area code)  Include an address (professional, not social)  No WordArt or exotic font style, unless… Preparing an Effective Resume 1

Job Objective  Be specific about the job you want. (For example: To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.)  Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek. Preparing an Effective Resume 2

Education  New graduates list educational information first. Experienced can list it after the work experience section.  Your most recent educational information is listed first.  Include full degree, major, institution attended, grad year  Add your (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0  Mention academic honors  Program Accreditations Preparing an Effective Resume 3

4 Skills Summary  Can be designated Qualifications, Summary, Profile, Skills …  List key skills in a bulleted fashion (usually)  Utilize concise phrasing for space efficiency and impact  Insert computer skills  Include any skills (hard and soft) relevant or listed in job ad  Split into two columns if list is causing a two page resume Preparing an Effective Resume

Experience  Divide into two category “Relevant” and “Other”  Omit older non-relevant experience  List Employer, City and State  Insert Job Title  List Duties  List Accomplishments Preparing an Effective Resume 5

Extras (Optional)  Associations  Volunteerism  Second Languages (fluency) Preparing an Effective Resume 6

References  References should be on a separate sheet  Heading for Correspondence should be consistent  Present References at Interview (unless otherwise)  Contact references for permission  “References Available Upon Request” still suitable Preparing an Effective Resume 7

Preparing a Cover Letter What does a cover letter accomplish?  Serves as a companion document to resume  Used to target relevant skills that pertain to job  Exhibit polished written and grammatical skills  Utilize persuasive writing skills 1

Preparing a Cover Letter Things to remember when composing  Limit cover letter to one page  Always create a “unique” cover letter for each application  Insert resume contact heading for a consistent professional look  Use a standard format with date and “inside address”*  Minimize the use of the pronoun “I”  Conclude the letter by stating follow-up info 2

Preparing a Cover Letter Cover Letter Components  Introduction - Indicate the purpose of the application along with the source of the referral  Body -Indicate how yours skills match the job requirements and any other contributions you have to offer  Closing State your interest in the position and your follow-up plans 3

Preparing a Cover Letter Mail Application  When using traditional mail use place cover letter on top  Do not staple  Be sure to sign Cover Letter Application  Paste cover letter into  Attach resume to  Copy yourself in on 4