POWER HALF HOUR: RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS Center for Career Education East Campus, Lower Level

WHAT IS A RESUME A marketing document, the purpose of which is to get you an interview A presentation of your skills, experience, education and accomplishments targeted to a specific industry or job A document which will change as you apply for different positions and develop throughout your career

RESUME WRITING: Research job/industry All resumes should be targeted to specific positions or industries; therefore, research the job/industry before you start. Find out: What the employer will be looking for Key skills/experience/education About the industry About the organization

RESUME WRITING: Research Yourself It is essential that you have an understanding of the what you have to offer; assess and audit your: Skills Abilities Achievements Experiences – all inclusive

CONTENT Name and contact details Objective/Summary Education Experience Activities Skills Interests

PRESENTING YOUR EXPERIENCE Responsible for fundraising OR Coordinated a team of fundraising volunteers to raise money for a local charity. Developed innovative fundraising activities and motivated a team to achieve a 50% increase in funds raised.

FORMAT AND SIZE Ideally one page Font size Divided into clearly labeled sections Consistency Tense Reverse chronological order Spelling!

Sample Resume LYDIA ASKINS Lerner Hall, New York, NY (212) EDUCATION Columbia University New York, NY Bachelor of Arts, Expected May 2003 Major: English; GPA: 3.7 HONORS Dean’s List ( Present) Joseph and Ann Perlman Prize (2001) EXPERIENCE Random House, New York, NY 06/ /2005 Intern Fact-checked and proofread manuscripts for the entertainment books section of Random House. Worked directly with editors and authors on various projects including book launches and publicity events. Attended editorial meetings and internship program development training sessions. Maintained manuscript database and filing system using Microsoft Access. Columbia Spectator, New York, NY 09/ /2005 News Editor and Food Critic Edited copy prior to publication and assisted with layout and production for a 5,000 person circulation college newspaper. Gathered daily news events within the university community by interviewing students, faculty, and administrators. Researched current social and political issues through contact with local community organizations. Analyzed food, decor, and service of local restaurants; wrote critiques for arts magazine. ACTIVITIES Tutor, Community Impact, New York, NY01/2004-Present Treasurer/Member, Columbia University Tae Kwon Do Club, New York, NY09/ /2005 SKILLS Languages: Fluent Spanish; Intermediate French Computer: Fluent in MS Word, MS Excel, WordPerfect, Access, Lexis-Nexis

COVER LETTERS Your opportunity to ‘make a case’ Choose the most persuasive elements of your application Tailor the cover letter! Make sure to use a professional structure

Cover Letter Structure Introduction- who you are, why you are writing, position you are applying for, where you found job/internship Body – highlight your qualifications, make connection between your background and what employer is looking for Conclusion- thank the reader and reaffirm your interest in the position

East Campus, Lower Level (212) Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm Wed (term time), 9am–8pm Walk-Ins, 1pm-4pm