Resume and Cover Letters Megan Riksen and Breeann Gorham Career Center Advisors

Resume Key Points Purpose? (Does not get you the job!) Marketing yourself Targeted to the job Read job descriptions to use buzz words Content-what do you want the employer to know

3 Golden Rules Eye appeal- Bold, italics, underline, NO TEMPLATES! You only have10-30 seconds to impress Order- Headers and Content Descriptors- Accomplishment Statements

Myths One page? References? Objective?

Taking Action! Identity – Make it Bold! – Name, address, phone number and address Objective The FOCUS Specifies position and skills to contribute To obtain an information technology internship to contribute my programming skills

Taking Action! Headings Highlight skills and experience – Examples- Leadership, Coursework, Activities Education Name of College with city and state Degree-date received or expected, GPA Coursework, Study abroad

Do Are Know Your Me-Search Writing, Organizing Flexible, Detail-oriented Software, Technical

Activity #1 Share your Me-search qualities and major with a partner. Notice similarities and differences of qualities Be Specific!

Accomplishment vs. Duties Action verbs- “Directed” instead of “Responsible for” Adjectives and adverbs- excellent, progressively Quantify- Supervised a group of 20 students Positive Results- So What?? Why?

Accomplishment Statement Before: Supervised front desk of the residence hall After: Supervised eight front desk employees to ensure excellent customer service to 150 residents

Action Words

Let’s Create Create your own Accomplishment Statement using all four points Be specific So what?

Content Awards Activities-Extra-curricular, Intramural Sports Community Involvement-Volunteer, Outreach Research Projects Conferences References- Make sure person knows

Cover Letter Key points Target to match organization or position Match skills to job description Address to specific person Name drop if referred by someone

Format Use same header as your resume Put the date and address of the organization Address letter with a contact name Keep everything aligned to the left side

First Paragraph Introduce yourself, major, degree Indicate reason you are writing Specify the position you are applying for Show you did some research by mentioning something that impressed you about organization Display your enthusiasm!

Second Paragraph Show off your skills, knowledge, passion and how you would contribute Demonstrate experiences and match with position requirements Show don’t Tell!

Third Paragraph Express interest in an interview Display your interest in the position again End with a positive statement that lets them know you look forward to hearing from them End with a “Cordially” or “Best” and your signature

Time for Tens Location: Allendale – 206 Student Services Building Pew Campus – 101B DeVos Center Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 3:00 pm