Internship Resume Guide: Internship Selection and Targeted Resume

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Please bring an electronic copy of your resume to the Internship Resume Workshop (e.g. save it to a flash drive, OneDrive, email, etc.), so that it is accessible for review and editing.

Use this guide to create a rough draft or so that it is accessible for review and editing.

revise an existing resume for your internship search.

If you have chosen an internship site, please also bring the posting (or information about the organization and your internship duties) to the workshop.

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THE CAREER VALUE OF A WELL-CHOSEN INTERNSHIP

“They won’t hire me without experience, but I can’t get experience unless they hire me.” A successful internship has become an essential tool in the “hire me” toolkit of new college graduates. Future employers see internships as a way of measuring commitment to a specific career and industry and identifying experience in doing work similar to the position for which a candidate is applying. For you as a job seeker, internships can help you determine whether a career truly is a fit with your skills, interests and personality.

Your internship is an important step toward your future career. Think carefully and choose wisely!

Select an internship that offers the opportunity to build on your academic knowledge, do career-related activities that build your resume and add to your portfolio, and are similar to the kind of work you want to do after graduation. Consider your internship site as a way to establish connections in your future industry. If you are considering an internship at your current employer, ask yourself:

Will the internship give me new assignments and a new supervisor?

Will the internship prepare me for my post-graduation career goal? Basic Steps for Selecting an Internship

1. Identify 2 -3 careers that interest you (Options 1, 2, and 3 ) and require a college degree 2. Determine the skills and experiences desired when hiring new graduates in these areas

(http://www.onetonline.org/ is a good resource for this information) 3. Select an internship that offers development of the skills you identified (pt. 2) and that will

provide experiences that make you a good job candidate for your desired position Is this a good Internship for you? Ask yourself:

Will this develop skill sets related to my career aspirations?

Will I use frameworks, theories, and knowledge learned in my major/support?

What kind of projects or experiences are there (do presentations, write articles, etc.)?

How will I be mentored? .

Can I develop my professional network and identity in my field here?

Will it help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice?

How will this internship help me determine my first work destination after graduation?

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HOW TO ANALYZE A JOB POSTING: A job posting is an employer’s way of saying “I have a business need for someone to do this specific work, have these specific skills and experience, and work in this specific time frame.” An effective resume is one that is targeted to the employer’s needs and expectations as outlined in the posting. To create a targeted resume that starts off highlighting your best match to employers’ needs:

create a resume analysis template with the components cited below

cut and paste the posting text into the appropriate areas

analyze the components of the job and rearrange them from best match to weakest match

in the right column, identify your achievements/activities that match each of the job components

design your resume to put your best matches at the top

Job title and employer:

The duties of this job are: My experience doing similar tasks:

The skill sets and education required are: My education and skill match:

The experience and/or training sought are: Relevant experience/certifications, etc.:

The personal characteristics sought are: Words that describe my attitude, skills:

List other aspects of the job to consider before applying: (e.g., future relocation required, travel required, weekend or evening hours required, etc.)

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WHAT IS A TARGETED RESUME? A targeted resume is one designed for specific position with a specific employer. A targeted resume provides evidence that you can do the job as described. All items on it must connect to the knowledge, skills and experience required by the employer. A resume is not an autobiography! Resumes cite only those achievements and activities from relevant course, employment and volunteer experiences that relate to the position.

Always remain focused on the firm’s business needs and how you match those needs

For job fairs, you may create resumes with generalized objectives for the types of positions that interest you (Marketing Intern, Elementary Teacher, Management Trainee, etc.). After the fair, follow up with a targeted resume, focused on the job description of the position you seek.

THE OBJECTIVE STATEMENT

Computerized Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) make the inclusion of an objective essential.

For the employer: the objective speeds up the hiring process by making it easy to determine which position you are seeking and to forward your resume to the right reviewer.

For you: the objective serves as a kind of “thesis statement” for the construction of your resume. By referring to it, you can assure that everything on the resume is relevant to the specific job for which you are applying.

A one-line objective is standard business practice! Your objective is to interview for a specific position; therefore, the objective line is the title of the position (as listed in the posting), division or department (if named) and the name of the employer. That’s all! Here are some examples: Objective: Marketing Intern, Miller Brewery Objective: Payroll Specialist, Human Resource Department, St. Luke’s Hospital Objective: Communication Coordinator, American Civil Liberties Union, Milwaukee Objective: Accountant, Student Financial Aid, UW-Spokane

REMEMBER A job exists for one reason: the firm has a business need for someone to do the described duties using the described skill sets. You must show that you can meet those specific needs.

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CREATING ACHIEVEMENT STATEMENTS – NOT JOB DESCRIPTIONS

The most common resume mistake: presenting job duties, rather than achievements

Interviewers look for accomplishments; therefore, each line on your resume must present you as effective at doing a task similar to the tasks of the job you seek. Alverno students often find that they developed skill in tasks related to their targeted jobs through projects from upper level courses, internships, field placements and clinical rotations.

Action Result of the action (achievement) Start each line with a descriptive verb in past tense; end with an accomplishment (why it matters).

For every line you write, ask yourself: Why is this important to the reader, given the job I seek?

Did I indicate the impact or result of this action?

Did I show a positive effect or result?

Did I quantify: How many? How much? How often?

Did I show technological skill required by the employer?

Did I show skill in tasks that I would have in the internship/job?

Here are some before and after samples that show how asking “so what?” can improve your presentation. Note how the underlined portion sites specific that enhance understanding Original: Have working knowledge of Dreamweaver and Photoshop Example 1: Created 5 business websites using Dreamweaver Example 2: Edited and customized athletic team photos for website using Photoshop Original: Assisted cooperating teacher Example 1: Reviewed student math homework to identify problem areas Example2: Designed lesson plans, including kinesthetic, reflective, and cognitive strategies to address the diverse learning styles of each child

See the following page for samples of strong, descriptive verbs.

A ONE PAGE RESUME? WHAT SHOULD I OMIT?

Photos, graphic designs, clip art (these will often be converted to code by the ATS)

Hobbies, interests, age, sex, weight, marital status, etc.

On electronic submissions: horizontal lines, italics, graphics, headers/footers, tables, fields

So what? Why does the reader need to know this?

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DESCRIPTIVE VERBS: STATE WHAT YOU ACTUALLY DID

Each line of your resume will begin with a descriptive verb in past tense (the action you took) followed by a phrase that the result of that action (the result of your action - the “so what?”). Do not begin lines with adverbs, nouns, or adjectives. Whenever possible, incorporate verbs and noun phrases that appear in the job posting; this helps you get a higher rating from the ATS scanner:

When using data, I have: Administered Analyzed Calculated Compared Composed Computed Compiled Conducted Consolidated Controlled Coordinated Determined Developed Devised Directed Figured Implemented Innovated Logged Operated Organized Planned Recorded Reported Researched Synthesized Theorized Wrote

When interacting with people, I have: Advised Assessed Coordinated Corresponded Consulted Counseled Created Diagnosed Directed Entertained Evaluated Initiated Instructed Interviewed Led Managed Motivated Negotiated Organized Persuaded Planned Processed Promoted Referred Shared Supervised Taught Trained

When dealing with things, I have: Adjusted Altered Assembled Balanced Built Constructed Created Delivered Designed Distributed Driven Fabricated Guided Inspected Lifted Mixed Moved Operated Ordered Performed Protected Repaired Restored Set up Shaped Tended Tested Translated

Avoid weak verbs such as: assisted, attended, aided, collaborated, helped, handled, responsible for, used, worked with, oversaw, provided, etc. To select verbs that create “pictures” of you in action; ask yourself, “What did I actually do?” Follow the verb with the success or result of that action. Weak: Helped with New Student Orientation program (What did she actually do?) Strong: Created New Student Orientation logo using Adobe Photoshop and designed event agenda Wrote and delivered welcoming speech to 250 entering students

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CONTENT COMMON TO ALL RESUMES

All resumes contain the same basic information. It is how the writer chooses to present job-related information (the layout and selection of items) that makes the resume an effective marketing tool. Contact information: Name, email address and only ONE phone number (street address optional) Objective: Job title, employer, and posting number (if given) exactly as they appear in the posting. Education :

List degree(s) correctly (B.A.,B.S., B.M., M.A., etc.) with correct title of your major

First line contains year(s) of attendance and the degree in bold or capital letters

Second line is Alverno College (see samples for different ways to present your education)

Do not include high school on a resume or colleges from which you did not graduate Achievement Section – Academics: Lead with an academic section if your best qualifications for a position comes from your course projects, not employment. Use a descriptive header that connects coursework to the job you seek: Relevant or XXX Projects (replace XXX with name of major or course concentration) Historical Analysis Projects Student Teaching (or Field Experience), Grades X-X Medical/Surgical Clinical Rotations Business & Management Internships Achievement Section – Work Experience or Employment History: Avoid blandness: create descriptive headers to present relevant work experience. Some examples: Sales (Teaching, Consulting, Accounting, etc.) Experience Recent Marketing Experience Management Achievements Selected Employment History For each job, type the years, tab over, type job title in bold (the focus is on you), followed by the company name in regular type. Use the asterisk key or dash to start each line, followed by a descriptive verb in past tense and end with the result, scope or effect of the action. Do not use boxes, arrows, or other symbols instead of the asterisk key or dash. Time Frames Whether leading with academic or work experience, account for the time you spent on the activities you cite. For academic projects, indicate the semester (Spring 20xx); for employment, indicate the years without months (20xx – 20xx). Do not go back further than 10 years. Here are samples of each: Spring 20XX STUDENT TEACHER, Grade 4, Silverado Grade School Fall 20XX MARKET ANALYST, Happy Baby Daycare, Marketing Principles Course (MGT 300) 20xx-Present SALES ASSOCIATE, Boston Store, Southridge Mall Highlight Value-Added Activities Add headers that highlight important activities that enhance your candidacy, such as: Awards & Recognition Academic Leadership Professional (or Community) Memberships Performances, Art Shows, Publications

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SAMPLE FORMAT: BASIC REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

This is the format is overwhelmingly preferred by recruiters hiring interns and new graduates.

Most recent activity is placed first under each header (reverse chronological order)

JANE ADDAMS 312-123-1234 | jaddams@chicago.net

(Use a dedicated, professional email address and include only one telephone number) Objective: Bank Examiner I, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Education 2012 – Present B.A. Business & Management (make sure degree is correctly named!) Alverno College (anticipated graduation: December 20XX) Accounting Course Projects (Historical Research Projects, Music Therapy Internship, etc.)

Bullet point, descriptive past tense verb (not adverb or adjective), followed by result of the action

All bulleted items must be related to the job you seek; no set number of bullets per header Fall 2014 Accounting Intern, R.W. Baird Co, Milwaukee, WI

Created GAAP based questions to correct and revise financial statements Spring 2013 Accounting Manager (Simulation), Principles of Accounting (MGA 202)

Analyzed cash flow records to determine . . . Relevant Financial Experience List years employed, job title and employer; no addresses

20xx – Present Personal Loan Officer, MoneyBags Bank, Milwaukee, WI

Reviewed loan applications to determine . . .

Organizations, Memberships, Affiliations, Volunteer Activities, etc. Give dates, title of your position (if any), name of group. Include achievements, if relevant. 20xx – 20xx President (20XX), Member, Institute of Management Accountants (Alverno) 20xx – 20xx Treasurer, Good Luck School Athletic Boosters

Include achievements here only if they are related to the job you seek Awards & Recognition List academic, civic, corporate, and club awards or recognitions in the same style as items above: 20XX Student Panelist, Alverno Open House Event 20XX Recipient, $20,000 Alverno Merit Scholarship 20XX Accounting Tutor, nominated by Alverno Business School faculty

Note: “References provided upon request” is passé: do NOT include it on your resume.

1. References are not part of your resume; they are listed on a separate sheet. 2. References are not included with cover letter/resume unless specifically requested. 3. Always ask permission to use someone as a reference. Never assume agreement.

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RESUME STYLE TIPS: Do not use templates! Do not use tables! Do not use unique colors and fonts!

o Computers do not process clever and original formatting well (lines move, formatting shifts, the ATS resume software cannot read it)

o Templates and tables often have poor spacing and generic headers

The first 20-25 lines are the most important: your best information must be there.

Use a readable and universal font such as Arial or Calibri.

Avoid serif fonts and italics for body of text. In small type, the serifs can appear to touch each other and a scanner will not recognize the shape of the letter. These are also hard for human eyes to read. Examples:

o Andalus - every o Times New Roman – every These are set in 12 pt. font and

o Centaur - every are hard to read on screens

For aesthetic appeal, there should be no more than a 4 pt. difference between largest/smallest font sizes.

Never include paragraphs on resumes – reviewers want to quickly find the information they seek and paragraphs slow them down.

Achievement lines are phrases, not sentences: eliminate periods, pronouns (I, me, we, our) and unnecessary “small words” such as “the” and “a.”

Tips for on-line resume submissions o Always use MS Word. HTML, PDF, RTF, WP are often unreadable by the ATS o Do not use templates, tables, arty type, unusual bullets, boxes, columns,

PDFs, headers, footers, or graphics: ATS systems cannot read these items or read data in tables, headers.

o Use only symbols that are on a typewriter keyboard such as *, -, #, + to start lines or separate areas.

o Do a trial run: convert resume to 8 pt. type to see if it still reads correctly. Fix any problems. Save as .txt and make sure it still reads correctly. Remember, .txt is “plain text” and will eliminate dividers, underlining, bolding, and italics.

o For more information, go to: www.sovren.com/faq/TipsForElectronicResumes.pdf

Tips for paper resumes: o White or lightly-shaded paper is fine o Slight texture (i.e., linen finish) is acceptable o Do not use art or your photo unless you are in a graphic career, model or

actress. (Note: government agencies will automatically discard your resume packet if it has a photo)

o Include white space (to separate sections) and adequate margins

Follow each firm’s submission instructions carefully! Some want the resume in the body of an email and will automatically discard applications with attachments (to protect the firm from viruses). If unsure, put your resume in the body of the email.

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Alice Krusinska

krusinxx@alverno.edu 414-987-6543

OBJECTIVE: Communications Intern, Milwaukee Wave EDUCATION: 20xx-present B.A. Interactive Media Design, Global Studies Minor Alverno College (Anticipated Graduation: Fall 2012) WEB DESIGN PROJECTS (ACADEMIC) Fall 20xx Web Design Consultant, Professor Dorothy Dancer, Alverno College

Constructed a 7-page website, using Adobe Dreamweaver, to market faculty-selected research sites to students in advanced Global Studies courses (in process)

Integrated photos customized and enhanced in Adobe Photoshop Fall 20xx Web Designer, Computer Information Technology courses

Learned and applied basic web design techniques

Learned HTML and coding required for style sheets, tags, linking, etc.

Applied HTML concepts and coding to creation of web pages ADDITIONAL VISUAL/DESIGN EXPERIENCE: Spring 20xx Brochure/Marketing Designer, Alverno Athletic Department

Used Adobe Photoshop to crop and edit game, individual and formal team photos

Used Adobe Illustrator to create brochure for the Alverno Athletic Department and distributed to fans to promote Alverno sporting events

Spring 20xx Graphic Designer

Designed new logos for a start-up company to use on business cards and for other marketing purposes, through a business simulation

Created and integrated logos into marketing materials using Adobe InDesign

Adjusted and cropped images using Adobe Photoshop ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE 20xx-20xx Captain, Alverno Basketball Team

Collaborated with coaches on scheduling and communicating responsibilities to teammates

Organized team fundraising activities, raising $3,000 for local food pantries 2009-present J.V. Volleyball Coach (Seasonal), South Milwaukee High school WORK HISTORY 20xx-present Front Desk, Fitness Station 20xx-present Server, Old West Saloon 20xx-20xx Usher, Summerfest

Internship Resume Resume

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CAROL SHELBY

(414) 123-4565 cccc@alverno.edu

OBJECTIVE Intern for LGBT Resource Center EDUCATION 2012-Present B.A. PSYCHOLOGY, WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES minor

Alverno College (Junior Standing)

ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGY COURSES Fall 201X EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 350)

Conducted experiment using Qualtrics to observe the relationship between online self-discrepancies and overall satisfaction with life and self

Created questionnaire distributed to 25 adult participants

Analyzed data using SPSS to identify response distributions Spring 201X ABNORMAL PYSCHOLOGY (PSY 250)

• Conducted literature research review on the connection between the social oppression of women and the prevalence of mental health disorders

• Studied mood disorders using DSM criteria • Examined a variety of therapy techniques and their applications

PROGRAMING EXPERIENCE 201X PLANNING COMMITTEE, “Annual Alverno Drag Show,” Alverno Gay Straight Alliance

• Collaborated with LGBT Resource Center on print and social media marketing • Contacted performers to retrieve music and created a playlist using iTunes • Assisted with financial decisions regarding cover charge and tips

201X PLANNER & COORDINATOR, “Disney Memories,” Taniec Dance Studio • Organized a team of 9 volunteers to complete necessary tasks • Generated schedule of performances and activities • Created flyers using Microsoft Word and distributed to the public

TEACHING EXPERIENCE 201X-Present PEER TUTOR, Alverno College

Created individualized instruction for students in Communication and Biology

Taught study skills and reviewed key course concepts

Tutored ESL international students, strengthening English writing skills 200X-201X DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Taniec Dance Studio

• Adjusted teaching methods to incorporate each student’s needs • Developed multiple choreographies for dancers aged 6-20 • Created lesson plans weekly for individuals and groups

HONORS & RECOGNITION 201X TUTOR NOMINEE (Communication & Biology), at Alverno Faculty Recommendation 201X RECIPIENT, $80,000 Merit Scholarship, Alverno College

Psychology Internship

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Mai Li

321 W. 2nd St. • Milwaukee, WI 53888 • (414) 341-1989

OBJECTIVE: Nurse Extern, Froedtert Hospital SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

3+ years of nursing assistant experience Clinical experience in medical-surgical unit Recognized for strong therapeutic communication skills and ability to build trust with patients

EDUCATION 20XX-Present B.S. Nursing, Alverno College (Senior standing) CERTIFICATIONS 20XX-Pressent Certified Nursing Aide, State of Wisconsin (#XXXXXX) 20XX-Pressent CPR Certified, American Heart Association CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Spring 20XX Medical-Surgical Clinical, St. Luke’s Hospital Conducted intake interviews, health history, and physical examination on one patient each week; implemented

a nursing care plan Notified Registered Nurse or instructor of any observation of abnormalities in patient condition for further

intervention; recorded data on EMTEK software Established a comfort level of communication, collaboration and social interaction skills with patient to achieve

a more effective outcome Fall 20XX Geriatric Clinical, The Village of Manor Park: Wesley Park Conducted weekly Blood Pressure Clinic for clients to maintain health promotion Taught asthma care to client to avoid further progression of the disease Performed head-to-toe physical assessment for in-depth knowledge of normal/abnormal findings

HEALTH CARE EMPLOYMENT 20XX – Present Patient Care Associate, Cardio/Oncology & Critical Care, St. Michael’s Hospital Provided patients’ basic restorative and personal care to promote higher wellness Documented vital signs, weight, intake and output on chart for possible out-of-range numbers Collected specimens as required to detect for bacteria growth Discontinued and performed Foley catheter, intravenous, and nasogastric tube insertions Performed glucose meter check and Electrocardiogram to decrease the chances of distress Performed sterile technique on wound care and tracheostomy care to prevent infection

20XX-20XX Nursing Assistant, Jewish Home and Care Center Provided basic nursing care for 15-20 long-term care residents, including assisting with activities of daily living

20XX Caregiver, Harbour Assisted Living Obtained orders and served clients food in a professional manner, ensuring client satisfaction Engaged clients in recreational activities to increase social interaction and improve mental health status

AWARDS & AFFILIATION 20XX – Present Member of Alverno College Student Nurse Association (ACSNA) 20XX Recipient of $20,000, 4-year Alverno Merit Scholarship 20XX Recipient of $12,000, 4-year Milwaukee Metro Association Commerce (MMAC) Scholarship

Nursing Externship

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Pauline Anne Hornung pah@yippee.com

Objective: Student Teacher, mathematics specialty, K5-5th grade Education: 20xx B.S. Elementary Education, Mathematics minor, Alverno College Field Placement Experience: Spring 20xx 5th Grade (19 students), General Mitchell Elementary

Designed differentiated instruction based on students' strengths, needs, learning styles,

and learning differences to engage all students in learning

Planned and implemented 4-week social studies research unit on Civil War

Guided students through research process using online resources such as databases,

encyclopedias, and journals

Spring 20xx 3rd Grade (25 students), Lovell Elementary

Developed classroom assessments including rubrics, self-evaluation, peer feedback, and

one-on-one conferences to measure student performance

Assessed students’ math knowledge through observation, open-ended questions, and

student performance to form next step in lesson planning

Designed lesson plans involving kinesthetic, reflective, and cognitive strategies to address

the diverse learning styles of each child

Fall 20xx K5 (26 students), Llewellyn Elementary

Created and implemented guided reading and read aloud lessons focused on enhancing

literacy skills and strategies for students

Fall 20xx K4 (26 students) & K4-Exceptional learners (9 students), New Wales Elementary

Designed and executed developmentally appropriate teaching strategies for children with a

variety of learning needs and styles

Tutoring Experience (Alverno College) 20xx-20xx Math Resource Center Assistant, College Geometry and Trigonometry 20xx-20xx Peer Tutor, College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry Community Service 20xx-Present Activity Assistant, Girl Scouts of Southeast Wisconsin, Troop 3493 Scholarships 20xx-20xx Recipient, $1,000 Promise Scholar Award, Alverno College 20xx-2xx Recipient, $18,000 Alverno College Merit Scholarship Professional Memberships 20xx-20xx Member, Alverno Student Education Organization (ASEO) 20xx-Present Member, National Education Association (NEA)

Education Senior: Focus on Field/Teaching Experience

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RESUME CHECKLIST

To assess the effectiveness of your resume, use this checklist.

Layout and Formatting Yes No N/A

The résumé is 1-page (preferred), 2-pages max

The layout is attractive, with consistent formatting (bolding, underlining) and fonts

Information is presented logically and is well organized

There are NO spelling errors, typos, poor grammar, etc. on the Résumé

Objective/Professional Summary Yes No N/A

Job objective is clear (job title, employer, etc.) and work-oriented

Only RELATED knowledge, skills and experience are referenced

Does not claim personal qualities (e.g. energetic, friendly, etc.)

Education Yes No N/A

Includes Alverno degree, indicating major, minor, and graduation date

Presents other degrees, relevant training, and study abroad experience

Does not include transfer institutions or high school information

Includes only related, intermediate-level or higher course work

Includes certifications and licenses (e.g. CPR, CNA, teaching, etc.), if applicable

Experience (Employment, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, class projects) Yes No N/A

Most relevant experiences are positioned high on the résumé

Résumé does not present a list of job duties, but highlights relevant achievements

Specific results (stats, percentages, etc.) are presented whenever possible

Includes only related course projects and assignments

Unnecessary information (company address, supervisor’s name, etc.) is not included

Awards and Recognition Yes No N/A

Presents special recognitions (e.g. scholarships, awards, tutor recommendations, etc.)

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HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

The cover letter is your marketing tool. In it, you demonstrate your understanding of the importance of the position by indicating how your skills and experience match the employer’s business needs, and how you fit the corporate culture of the firm to which you are applying.

1. Do not send a generic letter. Letters must be targeted because each job is unique. 2. Do not use the letter to describe how the position will develop you, to catalog your

needs and wants, or to list benefits you expect to receive. Use the letter to state how you can help the firm.

3. Use standard cover letter protocol. Email-specific options are noted in italics.

Email Subject line: Clear and specific to the job: “Application for Chemistry Internship” Your Address – Type or use a letterhead. Do not do this on Email letters Date – Spell out (May 5, 2016). Do not use abbreviations (Dec., Feb.) or numeral-only formats (5/1/2016) Internal Address Mr., Ms., Dr., etc. with first and last name of an individual and title (e.g., Mr. James Brown, Director) If you do not have a name, use: Attn: Human Resources Company Name Company Address Salutation

Dear Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr. Plato, or Dear Hiring Manager: o Do not use first and last names in the salutation o Do not use only the first name unless the person is known to you personally

Always follow salutation in a business letter with a colon ( : ) not a comma (,) Body Paragraph One

State the specific position for which you are applying (scanners seek this information)

State how you heard of the position or mention who referred you

Add a statement that gives the reader a sense of your interest and enthusiasm for the position

Paragraph Two

Mention qualities you possess that indicate a fit with position/firm

Cite ways that your experience and interests match the company’s business needs

Paragraph Three

State clearly that you are interested in the position

State that you believe you can contribute to the firm (not what the job will do for you)

State what you will do next (and follow through!) Closure

Standard close (Respectfully, Respectfully yours, Sincerely)

Skip three (3) lines; type your name on the fourth line

Email letters: type your phone and email address under your name; address is optional

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TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR PAPER COVER LETTER LAYOUT

Margins: Set the top margin to 1.5 inches and set the left, right, and bottom margins to 1 inch.

Date: Type out full name of month (September 1, 20XX) With letterhead: skip down two blank lines and type in the date. Without letterhead: type in your address (no name), skip a line, and then type the date

Internal Address: Skip down 2 lines from the date. Type name of the person to whom the letter is addressed, with title, if known. Go to next line. Type name of the division or department, followed by the firm’s name, and address:

Ms. Jane D. Boss, Director Publication Division Association of Historians of American Business 123 Wall St. New York City, NY 00011

Salutation:

Skip down two lines from internal address

Formal salutation is title and surname: Dear Ms. Boss, Dr. Smith, Professor Jones, Director

If writing to someone you know, use first name, but not nicknames: Dear Ben (not “Bruiser”)

If you do not know the person, use a title: Dear Human Resource Manager

Salutations always end with a colon, i.e., Dear Mayor Rodriguez:

Body: This is where you market/create interest in reading the resume.

No longer than one page

Focus on marketing your preparation to take on the challenges of the job: - Match your experience, corporate values, attitude to the firm’s need - Cite ways you are prepared to contribute from “day one”

Integrate phrases and language from the job posting into your text

Closing and Signature:

Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Respectfully, or Respectfully yours, followed by a comma.

Skip three lines (for your signature)

Type your name with middle initial. (Several applicants may be named Maria Gomez.)

Enclosure: Use because you will be sending your resume, or other materials. Skip two lines and type either Enclosure or the abbreviation encl.

Special Notes for Submitting by Email or in On-line applications:

Many employers request on-line submissions be set in plain text. Plain text eliminates dividing lines, underlining, bolding and italics in your text, and will replace “black dot” asterisks with traditional asterisks. It is not “pretty” but all computers and ATS systems can read it. To do this, convert your document to 8 pt. type to see if it still reads correctly. Then save as .txt. If you used a template, fancy fonts, wingdings, etc., you may find that you have to fix the text before you send it to the firm.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER

Laila Alexander

laila.alexander@gmail.com 414-987-6543

May 16, 20xx United Way of Greater Milwaukee Attn: Human Resource 5001 N. Sherman Boulevard Milwaukee, WI 53211 Dear Hiring Manager: Please accept my application for the School Program Intern (574-983) position at United Way of Greater Milwaukee, which I was referred to by my Psychology professor, Julia Cruz. I have two years of experience working in Milwaukee area youth programs with children and teens ranging in age from 6-18. Growing up in Milwaukee, I relied on programs, such as those offered by the United Way, to form positive relationships with adult role models and peers. Therefore, I was excited to learn about the School Program Intern opening, which would allow me to continue to work with urban youth.

Currently, I am a senior Psychology student at Alverno College. Through my academic work, I’ve developed strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, as well as case management skills. In addition to my academic preparation, I’ve completed an internship with the Teen Parent Program through the Glenfield School District. As an intern, I worked with at-risk teens, assisted them in identifying and accessing community resources, and instructed them in life skill areas. My experience also extends to elementary school aged children. I’ve worked as an Academic Assistant at the Clark Community Learning Center for the past two years, where I facilitated after-school activities with children ages 6-12 that promoted social and cognitive skill development. I’m confident that my experience working with at-risk children of all ages has provided me with the

qualifications to be successful at United Way of Greater Milwaukee.

I am eager to speak with you at your earliest convenience regarding the School Program Intern position and can be reached at 414-987-6543 or laila.alexander@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely,

Laila Alexander Laila Alexander Enclosure

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THANK YOU LETTER Within 24 hours of an internship interview, email and/or mail a thank you letter to the professional(s) who interviewed you. This is your opportunity to again draw positive attention to your professionalism. You may reiterate your interest in the position, as well as present additional pertinent information.

Example: In addition to the foreign studies I mentioned during our discussion, I believe you would be interested to know that I also attended three sales seminars offered by The International Group, Inc. focusing on international marketing.

It is often most appropriate to email your thank you because of the momentum of the hiring process (they want to fill the position quickly) or the preferred communication style (electronic) of the employer. You can also follow up with a written thank you. It is appropriate to either type or hand write your thank you letter, though there exists a slight bias in favor of a brief, handwritten note, which is regarded as more personal and more confident. Use quality stationery or a simple thank you card. A suggested format might be:

FORMAT

Dear... Introduction: Thank interviewer for the opportunity to meet and discuss the position;

restate date and location of interview. Second paragraph: Refer specifically to aspects of your discussion which were particularly

interesting to you. Closing: Reemphasize specific skills and abilities which will enhance your

candidacy; indicate how eager you are to take on the challenges of the position and join the organization.

Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Typed

SAMPLE THANK YOU

Dear Ms. Clancy,

I want to again thank you for the opportunity to meet with you yesterday to discuss the marketing

internship available at Shamrock Industries.

Your vision for international expansion is both exciting and timely. I am eager to be part of

Shamrock’s international launching. My success as an intern at International Marketing Network

(IMN), particularly with “first time internationals,” prepares me to significantly contribute to this

endeavor.

I look forward to our next meeting.

Sincerely,

Abbey Kennedy

Abbey Kennedy