1. Resume & Cover Letter Essentials Presented by: Liz Herrera, Assistant Director SPH Career Services

2. Agenda Welcome & Introductions What is a branding statement? Components of a Resume How to enhance your current resume Cover letter essentials

3. Getting Started What is the goal of your resume? What BRAND are you marketing to your targeted audience? What is your professional story?

4. Take Inventory of your Experience work experience paid, non-Paid practicum experience special course projects activities committees languages technical skills volunteer work academics publications leadership conferences

5. Reflect on your experience What are your credentials? What are your major achievements/accomplishments? How did you stand out in each of your positions? What major contributions have you made to your field? Special Projects? How did you go above and beyond? Unique skills

6. Sample Resume Headings Contact Information (E-mail, LinkedIn URL) Introductory Statement (Summary of Qualifications, Career Profile, Highlights) Education Work Experience Professional Development Awards /Recognition Trainings /Certifications Skills (Computer and Languages) Leadership Experience Presentations Publications

7. What is your resume brand? Career Profile Summary of Qualifications Professional Profile Career Highlights Career Summary Professional Qualifications Core Competencies Areas of Expertise

8. Example Profile Health Educator ~ Program Development ~ Partnership Development Certified health educator of 5 years. Deliver culturally competent health education workshops to community based organizations to help address health issues. Experience training diverse audiences on health topics in English and Spanish. Expert knowledge in the field of diabetes with comprehensive experience teaching self-management skills and presenting innovations through seminars and workshops. Experience cultivating relationships and building rapport with healthcare/ business professionals within various healthcare environments.

9. Overused words and phrases Demonstrated excellence Proven ability to Accomplished professional – or any statement that includes professional Team player Able to exceed in fast-paced environments Works well independently or with a team Excellent communicator (or its counterpart: Excellent verbal and written communication skills) Results-oriented, results-driven, or proven ability to deliver results

10. Does this look familiar? Responsible for…. Duties included… Helped…. Worked on… Made a…. HIPPA? Hobbies/Skills (from the template)

11. Stand out in your experience Always tailor and customize your resume Highlight strengths and relevant points Quantify (use numbers, percentages, accomplishments) Begin statements with powerful action verbs Do not use a template Show your contributions… Your resume should be polished and visually appealing!

12. Enhance your bullet points Before: Responsible for developing a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services After: Developed and published 300-page report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services providing foundation for policies governing electronic exchange of information in healthcare Before: Submitted monthly data on state and federal contracts After: Saved $10K annually by systemizing procedures for submitting monthly data on state and federal contracts

13. Power statements Served as a member of a team selected to write and implement $50,000 grant proposal to develop innovative programs addressing childhood obesity. Developed strategic relationships with key healthcare systems providers, including Medicaid HMO plans for commercial memberships. Standardized and delivered training/rehabilitation to 25 patients recovering from immune-systems cancer and neurological disorders.

14. Additional Tips Check & double check for content flow, grammar, punctuation, and spelling Keep to 1 or 2 pages Do not clutter your resume Use variations in style to help the reader’s eye pick up most important information and move through the resume Use a readable font size Avoid using templates Send in PDF format

15. Prioritize bullet points Keep format organized and consistent Avoid the use of “I” or “my” Stick with two fonts at most Use bullet points sparingly Avoid underlining in most instances Have enough white space Edit and proofread for possible errors

17. Cover Letter Essentials… Research the company Decipher the job posting Assess your skills, strengths and knowledge related to the job requirements Reflect on accomplishments and contributions to a prior employer Identify what you can bring to the prospective employer

18. Components of a Cover Letter INTRODUCTION: (What is your purpose?) Identifies the position you are applying for Tells how you learned about the position Include your special interest in the position

19. BODY: Highlight the most important qualifications that match the job requirements Describe points that may be of special interest to the employer Focus on an example that provides evidence of your experience and accomplishments Be sure to use keywords Components of a Cover Letter

20. CLOSING: Indicate your interest in having an interview or the next step you plan to take Inform that your resume is enclosed Reiterate your contact information Thank the reader

21. FINAL COVER LETTER TIPS Check for content flow, grammar, punctuation and spelling Keep to one page Tailor your cover letter Use standard business letter format Use a font style and size that is easy to read Be honest!

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