Awesome Resumes and cover letters

Presented by the Texas State Writing Center

Cover Letter Basics Begin with a salutation, preferably a specific name (“Dear Mr. Smith”)

State the specific job you are hoping to obtain.

Use professional language. Easy to read. Strongest and most relevant qualifications should be highlighted and tied directly to actual work experience or knowledge.

Letter should be one page.

Cover Letter Model

Cover Letter PurposeCover letters do more than introduce your resume.

A cover letter's importance also includes its ability to: Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in your resume.

Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements.

Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application.

Provide a sample of your written communication skills.

Cover Letter Organization

A cover letter has 4 main sections: · Heading · Intro · Argument · Closing

In your heading, include your contact information: · Name Phone · Number · Address · E-mail Address

(Address the letter to the specific individual in charge of hiring. If you do not know this information, make the effort to find out. Otherwise “hiring professionals” is a good way to address the letter. )

Cover Letter Introduction

The body of your introduction can be organized in many ways. However, it is important to include who you are and why you are writing.

Like an essay, your introduction can serve as an attention-getter.

Open with a strong and confident statement: “My name is _____ and I am very interested in your ______ position.”

It is also acceptable to mention how you found out about the position: “My name is _____ and I am very interested in your ______ position advertised in the Austin American-Statesman.”

Cover Letter Argument

In your argument, you should try to Show you're a good match for the organization's

mission/goals and job requirements. Include in each paragraph a strong reason why your employer

should hire you and how they will benefit from the relationship.

Avoid explaining your entire resume, but use your resume as a source of data to support your argument.

Highlight your skills and experience that suit the position: “My ability to multitask and knowledge of Microsoft Excel make me the ideal candidate for your administrative position.”

Don’t be afraid to sound confident; it’s better to say “I am the person for the job” rather than “I might be a good match.”

Cover Letter Closing

In your closing, you should try to

Restate why you align with the organization's mission/goal.

Offer to follow up with the recruiter (and actually do it!)

Include your phone number and e-mail address.

Thank your readers for their time and consideration.

Resume Purpose A resume (also spelled résumé or resumé) is a brief document that summarizes your education, employment history, and experiences that are relevant to your qualifications for a particular job for which you are applying.

The purpose of a resume (along with your cover letter) is to get an interview.

Sample Resume

Resume Design Build your own resume and avoid templates.

Create a balanced and clean look. Indent, bold, bullet, underline, italics, CAPS.

Avoid dead white space (view in quadrants).

Serif and Sans-serif Fonts—more commonly used, stand out more

Resume 20-second Test

Try having someone perform the 20-second test on your resume. Simply time your reader for twenty seconds as he or she reads your resume. What did he or she learn about you?

Standard Resume Sections

Contact Information Formal name (middle initial included), e-mail, URL, permanent address.

No cutesy e-mail address; create a new one if necessary.

Value Statement or an Objective? Your personal ad or attention-getter. Positive job review comments. Often begins with job title. Shows employer that you have what they need. Shows employer what sets you apart. Be as specific as possible.

Standard Resume Sections

Education Schools attended GPA Major GPA Graduation date(s) Can list awards & achievements here or in a separate section

Dean’s ListHonors ProgramScholarshipsAwards and Recognition

Standard Resume Sections

Employment History Reverse chronological listing.

Think in terms of achievements rather than duties.

Consider Problem, Action, Result (P.A.R.)

Problem: Overtime, messy shelves Action: Suggested to manager that employees straighten during downtime Result: 75% reduction in overtime, saving company $1000’s of dollars

Think in numbers (quantify) for impact.

Internships are appropriate here.

Resume Pointers Build your own resume

Format for a clean look. Keep your margins aligned. Beware of clutter as well as white space.

Emphasize Cross-Functional Attributes Skills that can be applied to many different fields, industries, and job types.

Cross-functional examples: organization, management, software and/or technology skills, problem solving, attention to detail

Create your own headings Relevant Coursework/Research Interests, Activities and Affiliations, Scholarships and Awards, Community and Volunteer Work, etc.

Use P.A.R. when applicable.

Resume Language Don’t use passive voice.

“The following tasks were completed by me…” Instead, use action verbs. “I completed the following tasks…” Use high impact phrases and

personality descriptors with care. “Possesses effective communication skills” vs.

“Very outgoing” Make sure your verb use is parallel

“Organized workspace, updated information in Excel, maintained communication via e-mail” vs. “Organized workspace, updating information in Excel, maintains communication via e-mail”

Online Resources www.careerservices.txstate.edu www.owl.english.purdue.edu