Resumes and Cover Letters

Key Points Preparation Resume Formats Importance of Cover Letters Cover Letter Format

Resume A brief account of one’s professional or work experience and qualifications, often submitted with an application. (thefreedictionary.com) First glimpse that employers have of you. Advertisement of what you can offer to the employer.

Preparation It takes time to create a strong resume. Gather information before you start the writing process. – Your Contact Information – Educational Background – Work Experience – References

Preparation Take time to understand the business or organization you are applying to. Study the job announcement Check out their website Visit their location

Resume Formats The Basics Reverse Chronological Functional

Basics Usually 1-2 pages. – Include contact information on multiple pages. Choose Simple Fonts: – Times New Roman, Ariel, Verdana Be consistent with formatting and bullet points. Use bold words to your advantage. Take advantage of white space.

Basics Choose statements over full sentences. Focus beginning your statements with action verbs and vary your vocabulary. Avoid the first pronoun.

Reverse Chronological Resume The most common resume layout in use. Highlights your work experience. Starts with your most recent employment and goes back through your succession of previous positions.

When to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume If you have past experience in the field that you are applying for now. If your most recent employer is a respected name in the industry. If your work record does not have any major lapses in time.

Reverse Chronological Format Contact Information Objective Summary Professional Experience Education Activities/Interest

Contact Information First and Last Name Address Phone Number

Objective or Summary… That is the question!

Objective: Self-centered. States the position you want. Project Manager (Job Title) Objective: Administrative position with a privately held hospice services provider. Objective: An opportunity to apply technical skills and communications ability in a Sales or Customer Service position.

When to Use an Objective When you know the position being offered. If you are entering the workforce for the first time or after a long leave of absence.

Summary: Employer-Centered. States what you have to offer. A detail-oriented, high energy art teacher with the ability to motivate students to work at optimum levels while maintaining a comfortable, creative environment, and keeping a clear perspective of goals to be accomplished.

When to Use a Summary When you have widely applicable skills. When you have already devoted time to a specific career. When you know that your resume is headed to a database.

Professional Experience and Accomplishments Job Title Employer, Location Dates Statement starting with an action word describing relevant skills/achievements.

Examples of Achievements Increased revenues Saved money Increased efficiency Cut Overhead Improved Service Increased Sales Designed programs Improved safety Purchasing Accomplishments New products Increased productivity Successful advertising Effective budgeting

Education and Professional Training New graduates give more detail on course work. Omit high school or prep school if you have a college degree. Also list relevant seminars, workshops and conferences.

Functional Resume Focused on what the job-seeker can do for the employer. Attention is directed to specific Skill Sets, rather than Employment History.

When to Use a Functional Resume If you’ve changed careers multiple times. If you’re a recent graduate, ex-military personnel, or contract worker. If you’re re-entering the workforce after a long period of absence.

Functional Format Contact Information Objective Summary Skill Sets Employment History Education Activities/Interests

Functional Skill Sets First Skill Set – An achievement illustrating this skill. – A second achievement illustrating this skill. – A third achievement illustrating this skill… Second Skill Set – An achievement illustrating this skill… Third Skill Set – An achievement illustrating this skill…

Proofread, proofread, proofread! Don’t trust your own eyes to catch mistakes. Print out copies of resumes to read and mark-up. Have someone else proof-read it. Resume Blooper Hall of Fame – Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year. – Experience: Stalking, shipping & receiving. – Duties included cleaning the restrooms and seating the customers. – Languages: English and Spinach.

Follow Directions… If responding to a job posting, carefully follow their directions for submitting your resume. If you have the chance to drop off your resume in person, do it!

Plain Text Format (ASCII) Plain-text resume is an online document constructed without formatting. Saved as a plain-text file format. Bullets, bold, and underlined font will not appear in plain text documents.

Saving as Plain Text in Word 2010 Click File Click “Save As” Click the bar by “Save as Type” Choose “Plain Text”

– Allows you to express yourself in writing. – Demonstrates your knowledge of the business/organization. – Sets yourself apart from those who don’t take the time to write one! Why bother with a Cover Letter?

Cover Letter—Greeting Make an effort to use the name of the person who will receive your letter. Look online Ask a current employee Call human resources If you can’t locate a name, use a gender- neutral title. – Dear Hiring Manager or Staff Selection Team.

Cover Letter First paragraph – Introduce yourself. – Mention how you became aware of the position. – Mention any referrals.

Cover Letter Second Paragraph – Focus on what you bring to the table. Give 2 or 3 examples of job-related achievements. – Share your knowledge about the company. Mention changes in structure, growth, or current challenges and how you can help. – Allow the employer to see why you are passionate about the position.

Cover Letter Third Paragraph – Reiterate your interest in the position. – Convey your enthusiasm towards meeting in-person. – Thank the employer for their consideration.

More Resume and Cover Letter Examples: References Resumes for Dummies, by Joyce Kennedy Lain. Wiley Publisher, Careers-Cover Letters, Goodwill Community Foundation