resumes & cover letters
DESCRIPTION
Resumes & Cover Letters. What is a Resume?. is a document to market your skills, experience, education and accomplishments to employers is meant to get you an interview is NOT your life history is very concise and easy to scan for information. Basic Guidelines. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
RESUMES &COVER LETTERS
WHAT IS A RESUME?
is a document to market your skills, experience, education and accomplishments to employers
is meant to get you an interview
is NOT your life history
is very concise and easy to scan for information
BASIC GUIDELINES
use consistency in your presentation
utilize a 10 to 12 point, plain font
organize your information to make it easy to read
use your white space effectively
start all of your descriptive statements with past tense action verbs
proofread to check for errors
BASIC GUIDELINES
do not use high school information
place your most relevant information towards the top
include industry related keywords
target it to the career field you are entering
keep your margins even
CATEGORIES
Objective
Summary of Qualifications
Education
Honors
Related Coursework
Internships
Research
Related Experience
Additional Involvement
Volunteer/Community Service
Skills
Employment
Activities
RESUME STATEMENTS
use past tense action verbs to describe what you did in each position or experience
be descriptive and specific – who, what, where, when, how, results action verb + details + results = strong resume
statement
look at job postings to get ideas
practice telling someone else what you did in each position or how you demonstrated each skill
PERSONAL INFORMATION
LEAH M. HELPER
2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.330.3333, [email protected]
INTRODUCTION
Objective
states what type of position you are looking for and what you will bring to the position
Summary of Qualifications
highlights your related qualifications for the position
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN May 20XX
Major: PsychologyMinor: Communication Studies GPA: 3.7
Honors: Dean’s List, Psychology Honor Society, Augsburg Academic Scholarship
Study Abroad: University of Galway, Galway, Ireland Spring 20XX
INTERNSHIP(S)INTERNSHIPS
Intern, Crisis Nursery, Minneapolis, MN, Spring 20XX
• Selected to demonstrate therapeutic interventions to volunteers at a newly developed parent-child educational and therapeutic group
• Consulted with other therapists regarding client case management
Intern, Washburn Child Guidance Center, Minneapolis, MN, Fall 20XX
• Taught emotional regulation and social skills to preschoolers in a classroom setting
• Provided therapeutic interventions for children, ages 2 to 10, who were at risk of neglect and abuse
• Counseled children and parents with many emotional and mental difficulties to help create a safe home environment
RELATED EXPERIENCE
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Student Worker, Augsburg Admissions Office, Minneapolis, MN, Sept. 20XX – May 20XX
• Promoted the college to prospective students by giving campus tours and providing them with college information
• Provided administrative tasks including student mailings, filing, and data entry
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Student Orientation Leader, Augsburg College, Sept. 20XX – May 20XX
• Served as a mentor for first-year students by introducing them to the college, showing them resources on campus and helping them meet new students
• Coordinated large on-campus events for 400 students to participate in
COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Volunteer, Meals on Wheels, Minneapolis, MN, Jan. 20XX – Aug. 20XX
Sunday School Teacher, St. Edwards, Bloomington, MN, Oct. 20XX – April 20XX
OTHER EXPERIENCE
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Server, Applebee’s, Minneapolis, MN, June 20XX – May 20XX
• Trained new employees and evaluated their performance
• Succeeded in providing excellent customer service to six tables of people by multitasking and prioritizing orders
FINAL TIPS
have your resume reviewed by a career specialist
print on good quality paper
look at sample resumes and to get help
COVER LETTERS
WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?
is a letter that gives you a change to elaborate on more skills you have that may not be specifically highlighted on your resume
is meant to get the employer to read your resume
BASIC GUIDELINES
should always accompany a resume even when not requested
needs to be well-written and in a professional tone
do not start all of your sentences with “I”
customize each letter with a job description of the organization you are applying for
HEADING
your name and address should come first
then put the date
next the employer’s name, title, and work address
always address your employer as:
Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name:
OPENING
indicate the position you are applying for and how you came to learn about the position
state why you are interested in the position
say something you know or admire about the organization
shows you have done your research
MIDDLE SECTION(S)
highlight your experience as it relates to the position
provide them with the key skills you have that are mentioned in the job description
be specific about how your achievements and education have prepared you for the position
elaborate more in-depth than what is on your resume
CLOSING
reiterate your interest in the position and thank them for their consideration
state that you hope to discuss your qualifications in an interview
say when you plan to follow-up with them and then do so
FINAL TIPS
sign your letter with sincerely and your signature
do your research on the employer
PROOFREAD!
use the same font and paper as your resume
show enthusiasm for the position
1212 University AvenueMinneapolis, MN 55505
March 10, 2010
Ms. Brenda PetersonDirectorNew Hope Center2222 – 11th Street N.E.Minneapolis, MN 55444
Dear Ms. Peterson:
Please accept the following materials as my application for the Lead Social Worker position advertised on Augsburg College’s job and internship database, Augpost. I am particularly interested in working for the New Hope Center because it is an organization that strives to bring the best community resources to all those in need. In addition, my case management experience, leadership abilities, and strong academic record would benefit your organization and the clients you serve.
My recent work as a Case Manager Intern at Equal Access has provided me with a variety of skills that will make me successful in this position. My responsibilities there included overseeing a case load of eight families in which I assessed their needs and helped them develop and work to achieve self-sufficiency goals. I also organized and facilitated a family support group which is still in existence.
In addition, because I feel strongly about advocacy issues, I am utilizing my leadership skills and community resource knowledge by serving as a Peer Counselor Volunteer at Chrysalis. Here I have demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills as I counsel and connect with a diverse population. This experience, along with my role as Secretary for the Augsburg College Social Work Club, has allowed me to enhance my organizational and problem solving skills and capacity to work as a team player.
I would like to discuss my qualifications with you further and will call you next week to arrange an interview. Thank you for your consideration for this Lead Social Worker position.
Sincerely,Your Signature(type your name)Enclosure
COVER LETTER SAMPLE
http://cswl.pb.works.com
QUESTIONS?