1. Cover Letter and Resume Writing to Get You Noticed

2. Cover Letter & Resume Writing
INTRODUCTION TO
Cover Letter & Resume Writing
Why it is important to have a Cover Letter
Keywords
The do’s and don'ts of a Cover Letter
Format of a Resume
What companies are looking for in their employees
What to put on Your Resume
How to word Your Resume
Ideas to help you
Tips and pointers

3. A well-written cover letter distinguishes your application.
WHY A COVER LETTER?
A well-written
cover letter distinguishes
your application.

4. J O B The Basics to start you off No more than 1 page
Standard fonts, size between 10-14, single spaced
Print on Quality paper either white or off white
Make a pdf. if ing to avoid track changes showing up
Strive for neatness and personality
J O B

5. from the job description in your Cover Letter and Resume
USE KEYWORDS
from the job description in your
Cover Letter and Resume
Some skill keywords include: wrote, planned, programmed, designed, provided, created, built, enabled, taught and trained.
Some results oriented keywords include: increased, reduced, redesigned, upgraded, initiated, implemented, generated and produced.
Some recognition related keywords include: honored, awarded, promoted, selected, lauded for, recognized, chosen and credited.

6. Do’s and Don’ts of writing a cover letter
DON’T SEND
A Cover letter with errors
DO CHECK
Grammar & spelling

7. DON’T SEND A Generic cover letter This is not one size fits all
DON’T SEND A Generic cover letter This is not one size fits all!! DO MENTION The Job you are applying for Skills, Experiences and Qualities that would best let you STAND OUT at this job.

8. Make sure you use the right company name
DON’T SEND A letter with the incorrect contact
Or company
DO Address it to the right person
Make sure you use the right company name

9. Dear Human Resources Manager
DON’T USE
Informal greetings
Ex, Hey, What’s up? DO USE
Dear Human Resources Manager
or a woman as Ms. not Mrs. Or
Dear Sir or Madam

10. DON’T Have it too short or too long Too short = No Enthusiasm Too long = Over bearing DO No longer than 3 to 5 paragraphs and no more than 6 lines in each one.

11. SAMPLE
First Name Last Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Cell Phone Number
Name or
Title or Human Resource Manager Company Address City, State, Zip Code
Date
Dear Hiring Manager, or Ms. Smith
I am interested in the summer position at Super Store advertised in The Huntsville Times.
I have excellent communication skills and an aptitude for customer service. My past experience as a volunteer at Huntsville Hospital made it necessary for me to focus on providing quality customer service, and also enabled me to work with all types of people.
I believe that my communication skills, customer service abilities, and positive work ethic would make me an asset to your store.
Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached at address or I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Your Signature Your Typed Name
Your Contact Info
Employer Contact
Information
Date
Greeting
Introduction
What you offer them
What happens now
and close

12. THINGS TO REMEMBER
Cover Letters are Important
Include Keywords
Follow the Do’s and Don’ts for Cover Letter Content

13. Top 10 Employee Skills
Communication skills verbal, written, and listening
Analytical and research skills
Computer & Technical Literacy
Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing Multiple Priorities
Interpersonal Abilities
Leadership/Management
Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness
Planning/Organizing
Problem-Solving/Reasoning/Creativity
Teamwork

14. THE TOP 10 QUALITIES EMPLOYERS SEEK
Communication Skills
Honesty
Technical & Computer Competency
Work Ethic
Flexibility
Determination and Persistence
Teamwork
Eager and willing to add their knowledge and skills
Problems Solving or Analytical skills
Loyalty
These skills and qualities are so very important and should
appear in your resume. Many employers will scan
your resume. The software program will scan for
key words / skills that pertain to the job.

15. 2.0 JOB OBJECTIVE This states what job you are seeking.
Keep it short and sweet
Seeking part-time employment in the
restaurant industry. or
Weekend employment at a retail store
specializing in books.
SAMPLE
Each resume you send out should be tailored
to the job you are applying for.

16. 3.0 EDUCATION Include name of school and projected graduation date.
Include grade point average if greater than 3.0.
Include any academic honors
Include perfect attendance if applicable since this displays punctuality and reliability
If you are an upcoming senior state your future plans. For example, I will be attending Calhoun Community College this fall majoring in Nursing.

17. 4.0 WORK EXPERIENCE Non- paid internships Lawn Care Service
Child care- baby sitting
Elderly care (Grand Parent)
Volunteering
Church Groups
Shadowing a career
Pet Sitter

18. What is Work Experience? Maybe you have Volunteer Experience
SAMPLES
Volunteer Experience
Big Brother / Big Sister
American Cancer Society, Run For Life participant

19. Listing Work Experience
Use Action Words to Describe Your Experience
Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills.
Use action words to describe your job duties.
ACTION WORDS EXAMPLES
Achieved
Arranged
Collected
Communicated
Determined
Guided
Influenced
Handled
Motivated
Selected
Tutored
Utilized

20. 5.0 INTERESTS / ACTIVITIES
Member of sports teams
Member of church group
Member of the Band / Choir
Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts
Clubs or youth organizations

21. 6.0 Skills Taking a foreign language Communication skills Child caring
Researching and resource skills
Computer Skills
SKILLS
Spanish – Beginner
Communication Skills
Experience in child care- Intermediate
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Internet
SAMPLE

22. Example Resume Included in Backup
SUMMARY
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Format of a Resume
Top 10 skills employers seek
Top 10 qualities employers look for
What to put on Your Resume
How to word Your Resume
Some ideas to help you
NO grammatical or spelling errors
Example Resume Included in Backup

23. Customize Each Job Application
Your resume should be adapted and customized for each job application. This is why it is important to know the skills that each job entails especially the one you desire.
Job Categories:
Life Guard
Office Clerk
Food Prep
Stock Person
Construction
Child Care
Lawn Service