Preparing an Effective Resume and Cover Letter

Mike ImwalleCareer Services

Bldg 10, Room 10312

Resume Basics

No one “perfect resume” that fits everyone

Purpose of the resume is to get an interview

Resume is marketing tool, not an autobiography

Resume style (functional vs. combination) will vary with experience

Resume should pass 10 second scan; neat, organized and easy read.

List most relevant details in top half of resume

Use precise non-repetitive wording (omit pronouns and articles)

Preparing an Effective Resume

Resume Layers

Make your contact info easy to find/read (Heading)

Identify Job Target (Objective)

Identify Core Job Skills (with evidence if possible) (Skills)

Emphasize Education as Key Credential (Education)

Describe Work Experience and Accomplishments (Experience)

Add Extras (Licensures, Volunteerism, Associations …)

Format, Edit, Proofread and Polish your Resume

Preparing an Effective Resume

Contact Heading

Contact Info should be at top of the resume.

Name should include middle initial (bold, + 1 font size)

Use your most permanent address

Use most reliable phone number (include area code)

Include an email address (professional, not social)

No WordArt or exotic font style, unless…

Preparing an Effective Resume

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Job Objective

Be specific about the job you want. (For example: To obtain an

entry-level position within a financial institution requiring

strong analytical and organizational skills.)

Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you

seek.

Preparing an Effective Resume

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Education

New graduates list educational information first. Experienced

can list it after the work experience section.

Your most recent educational information is listed first.

Include full degree, major, institution attended, grad year

Add your (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0

Mention academic honors

Program Accreditations

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Skills Summary

Can be designated Qualifications, Summary, Profile, Skills …

List key skills in a bulleted fashion (usually)

Utilize concise phrasing for space efficiency and impact

Insert computer skills

Include any skills (hard and soft) relevant or listed in job ad

Split into two columns if list is causing a two page resume

Preparing an Effective Resume

Experience

Divide into two category “Relevant” and “Other”

Omit older non-relevant experience

List Employer, City and State

Insert Job Title

List Duties

List Accomplishments

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Extras (Optional)

Associations

Volunteerism

Second Languages (fluency)

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References

References should be on a separate sheet

Heading for Correspondence should be consistent

Present References at Interview (unless otherwise)

Contact references for permission

“References Available Upon Request” still suitable

Preparing an Effective Resume

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Preparing a Cover Letter

What does a cover letter accomplish?

Serves as a companion document to resume

Used to target relevant skills that pertain to job

Exhibit polished written and grammatical skills

Utilize persuasive writing skills

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Preparing a Cover Letter

Things to remember when composing

Limit cover letter to one page

Always create a “unique” cover letter for each application

Insert resume contact heading for a consistent professional look

Use a standard format with date and “inside address”*

Minimize the use of the pronoun “I”

Conclude the letter by stating follow-up info 2

Preparing a Cover Letter

Cover Letter Components

Introduction - Indicate the purpose of the application along with

the source of the referral

Body -Indicate how yours skills match the job requirements and

any other contributions you have to offer

Closing

State your interest in the position and your follow-up plans 3

Preparing a Cover Letter

Mail Application

When using traditional mail use place cover letter on top

Do not staple

Be sure to sign Cover Letter

Email Application

Paste cover letter into email

Attach resume to email

Copy yourself in on email

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