Resumes and Cover Letters

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DO YOUR RESEARCH

Use the requirements and descriptions given by the job, internship, position, etc.

Structure format depending on what they want

Use similar vocabulary in forming your descriptions

Formats

Chronological Skills Categorical Mixed

Don’t…

…Use Word’s templates – Make your own! …Use fancy fonts …Lie or exaggerate …Have spelling or grammar mistakes

At the top

Name Bigger Font, Bold Could be separated by a line

Address, phone number, email address Make sure these are appropriate Smaller Font

Optional: Personal web site Justification

Formatting

Put Categories Followed by Content Add dates and locations Up to you whether you want these on the

same line, or different lines, depending on space

Starting a Resume…

Starting a Resume…

Starting a Resume…

Starting a Resume…

Starting a Resume…

Starting a Resume…

Starting a Resume…

Required Categories

Education After high school Date of graduation Major/Degree Optional: GPA

Work Experience Since high school

Other Categories

Extra-curricular activities Volunteer Activities Awards/Honors Research/Publications Skills/Abilities Related Classes

Optional Categories

Languages Travel Hobbies/Interests Objective

Would be first thing listed

References

Presentation=Professionalism

Titles/Positions Describe Organization Describe Responsibilities

Use action verbs

Quantify EVERYTHING Put hours dedicated per week

CONSISTENCY

Make use of Bold Italics Indentations Bullets

Examples…

Cover Letter

1. Personal Information

Street Address City, State, Zip Code Email Address Phone Number Date

2. Addressee Information

Name Title Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code

3. Greeting/Salutation

Dear (Last Name), Try to use a specific

name or Title

If all else fails - To Whom it May Concern,

4. Capture Their Attention

Name your Contacts What is your objective Why are you a good

candidate?

5. Body

Talk about stuff not in your resume – what you have to offer

Interests, classes, etc. Elaborate about something in

your resume Future Goals Sometimes 2 Paragraphs

6. Closing

Request for an interview Inform reader you will

contact them Thank them for time and

consideration

7. Signature Line

Sincerely,

Sign name

Type name

Paper

Use Resume Paper Gray or Off-White At least 20 lb. Bond Elle Woods sprayed pink paper w/ perfume

Use same type of paper for both resume and cover letter

P4 has resume paper for you!