Developing a Resume and Cover Letter

Developing a Resume and Cover LetterWhat is a Resume?A written document that consists of work experience, education, credentials, and accomplishments.What is a Resume used for?To apply for jobs, internships, Graduate School programs, etc.3 Different TypesChronologicalFunctionalCombination

Types of ResumesChronological This is the most popular format. It places information in reverse chronological order (i.e. from most to least recent).Getting StartedNameAddressTelephone NumberEmail AddressObjectiveDescribe your career goal or ideal jobExample:Seeking a position in sales where five years of customer service experience will add value.

Work Experienceemployers name, location (city & province), dates of employment, position/job title, summary of responsibilities and accomplishmentsState the full name of the corporation rather than using acronyms that may not be familiar to a prospective employer. For dates of employment include the start and end datesWhen providing details of the positions you held, include three pieces of informationBasic responsibilities, industry or company specific information.2. Specific skills required.3. Accomplishments/achievementsEducationname and location of school, graduation date, degree and major area of studyReferencesList of people of who know how you work professionally and know you personallyYou need at least 3 references.Reference list should contain:NameTitle (i.e. Chemist)AddressTelephone NumberEmail AddressExtrasYou can also add to your Resume:Skill(i.e. Microsoft Word)Awards and Honors (i.e. Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar 2010)Professional and Social Affiliations (i. e. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.)

Cover LetterAlso known as a Motivation LetterNormally 1 page longContains:HeaderIntroductionBody Closing

HeaderCover letters use standard business letter style, with the sender's address and other information, the recipient's contact information, and the date sent after either the sender's or the recipient's address. IntroductionThe introduction briefly states the specific position desired, and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.BodyThe body highlights or amplifies on material in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. If there are any special things to note such as availability date, they may be included as well.ClosingA closing sums up the letter, and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction ("Sincerely"), and then a signature line. Curriculum VitaeAlso known as C. V.Similar to a Resume but specifically focused on academic achievementsA CV summarizes educational and academic history, and may include details about teaching experience, publications (books, articles, research papers, unpublished manuscripts, or book chapters), and academic honors and awards. C. V. (cont.)Use a CV rather than a resume for teaching or research opportunities, applying for fellowships or for further academic training.

C. V. (cont.)Typically organized in this way: Name and Address Education Dissertation Fellowships and Awards Teaching Experience Research Experience Publications and Presentations Works in Progress Related Professional Experience Languages References Dissertation Abstract

AssignmentDevelop a Resume and Cover LetterYou are applying to be an Assistant for me!!!I need:Someone good at multi-tasking and work independentlyGood communication and organizational skillsType at least 45 wpmWork well in groupsDue July 9th at midnight via email