50
Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Resume & Cover LetterDevelopment

From a Life Calling Perspective

Indiana Wesleyan University

Page 2: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Job Search Essentials(Your Personal Action Plan)

Know where to go for job search assistance Research your career field of choice Learn about relevant trends in the labor market Identify employers and positions of interest Consider your network of connections Identify your “net worth” (www.salary.com) Take advantage of on-campus recruitment activities Taylor your resume & cover letter to specific jobs Learn how to market yourself & interview effectively Apply for positions -AND- Secure interviews Send thank you notes after each interview

Page 3: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Job Search Statistics

One of every five Americans will be unemployed sometime this year

The average person will switch jobs 5 to 8 times in their life

80 - 85% of people do not know how to do a job search

Page 4: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

What is a Resume?

Essential job search tool

Often an employer’s first impression of you

Your personal commercial

Typically one to two pages

Highlights your knowledge (what you know), skills (what you can do), experience (what you have done) and career goals

Invites employers to learn more about you

Should get you an interview!

Page 5: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

When Do You Use a Resume?

Throughout your Career Development

Part-time Work / Full-time Employment Internships / Practicums / Assistantships Graduate school applications Board Nominations / Committee Appointments Anytime someone asks for your background information

Not just for upcoming graduates!

Page 6: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make A Resume?Overview

Gather your information – Get it down on paper Create a draft resume

WinWay Resume Writing Software Program Create your own in Microsoft Word Resume resources in the Center’s Library

Get feedback from others The Center’s Career Development staff Professors in your major Professionals in career field of interest

Revise and finalize resume

Page 7: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Resume? Gathering Your Information

The Obvious Contact Information Objective / Profile Education / Training Honors / Scholarships Relevant Coursework Experience / Activities Memberships / Affiliations References

Behind the Scenes Responsibilities Transferable Skills / Abilities Specialized Knowledge Accomplishments Position Requirements Unique Features

Page 8: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Resume?Creating the Draft – Contact Info

Full name (no nicknames) Present address, telephone number & email Permanent address, telephone & email (if moving)

Fredrick T. [email protected]

Present Address

5050 West Road Lane

Kansas City, Kansas 50550

(555) 555-5050

Permanent Address

Harmony Street Avenue

Marion, Indiana 46952

(765) 555-2000

Page 9: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Resume?Creating the Draft – The Objective

Could include combination of the following:

Desired position, career field or occupation Type of organization, department or industry Type of people, population or area of interest Specific skills or abilities to be used Short-range or long-range career goals Years of experience in area of interest

Example

Efficient, goal-oriented team player devoted to social action. Competent in organizing and facilitating community events, especially those requiring motivating others toward action. Seeking position in broadcast media.

Page 10: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Resume?Creating the Draft – Education

Full name of college or university City and state where institution is located Degree you are pursuing or have obtained Title of majors, minors and/or concentrations Month and year of graduation Grade Point Average (GPA) or Major GPA Honors and Scholarships (can be separate category) Relevant Coursework (can be separate category) Most recent degree shown first (i.e., Master’s degree

followed by Bachelor’s degree entry)

Page 11: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Resume?Creating the Draft – Experience

Sections may include: Work Experience (Full-time and Part-time) Internships / Practicums / Assistantships Volunteer Work Leadership Positions Activities (can be separate category)

Information included: Name of organization City and state where organization is located Beginning month and year of service Ending month and year of service (or to present) Job title and specific department (if applicable) Statements describing “Behind the Scenes”

Page 12: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Résumé?Creating the Draft – Statements

Basic Writing Tips Begin with action verbs Don’t use full sentences Watch use of present / past tense No personal pronouns (i.e., I, me) Qualify or quantify (i.e., numbers) Avoid abbreviations & slang Limit font selection

Examples

Spearheaded campaign to redesign marketing endeavors for local nonprofit organization. Presented proposal to board of directors. Implementation was credited with increasing clientele by 35%.

Behind the Scenes Responsibilities Transferable Skills / Abilities Specialized Knowledge Accomplishments Position Requirements Unique Features

Page 13: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Résumé?Presentation Standards

Font (Arial, Times New Roman, Tahoma) Type size (10-12 point) Margins not less than ½ inch Type enhancements (Bold, Italics, Underline, CAP) Resume is snapshot of experience (1 or 2 full pages) Vitae is more extensive professional history Paper color and type (white, ivory, light gray) White space (plenty of it) Accuracy and perfection – Proofreading Xerox your resume/vitae to see how it photocopies

Page 14: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Résumé Creating the Draft – Format

Chronological Contact Information Objective / Profile Education / Training Honors / Scholarships Relevant Coursework Experience / Activities Memberships / Affiliations References

Functional Contact Information Objective / Profile Education Skill Categories Work History References

Page 15: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Résumé?Creating the Draft – References

Add “References Available Upon Request” to resume Create separate page for References Always ask references for permission to use them! Provide reference with your resume Don’t ask friends or relatives Pick people who represent you well

REFERENCES

Professor Margaret Beeman

Indiana Wesleyan University

4201 South Washington Street

Marion, Indiana 46953

765-555-5555

Page 16: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

How Do You Make a Resume?Other Tips

Check job vacancy ads to ensure that your resume highlights desired skills, knowledge and experience

Tailor your resume and cover letter to the position and organization to which you are applying

Page 17: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Life Calling… More than a Career

Focus on the Dream…Not the Challenges.

Page 18: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

® SkillsGifts Knowledge TOTAL

Page 19: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

PHYSICAL STRENGTHS

The capacity of your life that gives your body distinct

features and enables you to perform actions with your body.

Page 20: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

PHYSICAL STRENGTHSM

echan

ics

Mu

sic

ArtistryBrute Force

Appeara

nce

Kin

esthetics

Oratory

Craftsmanship

Page 21: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

EMOTIONAL STRENGTHS

The capacity of your life to identify, access, generate,

understand, regulate, and use feelings and sensibility

Page 22: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

EMOTIONAL STRENGTHS

Iden

tifyi

ng Em

otions

Emotional M

anagement

Using Emotions

Underst

andin

g Em

otions

Page 23: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

INTELLECTUAL STRENGTHS

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

The capacity of your life that enables you to acquire and

process knowledge.

Page 24: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

INTELLECTUAL STRENGTHSWords

Imag

es

Hands-on

Page 25: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

INTELLECTUAL STRENGTHS

Teachableness

System

atic

Th

inkin

g

CuriosityP

ersistence

Cri

tica

lT

hin

kin

g

Integrit

y

Patience

Courage

Ad

van

cem

ent

Humility

Page 26: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

PSYCHOLOGICAL STRENGTHS

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

The capacity of your life that enables you to exercise your

will in deciding upon courses of action.

Page 27: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

PSYCHOLOGICAL STRENGTHS

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

Perceptional Intake

Jud

gm

enta

l P

arad

igm

Public ProcessD

ecision

al En

ergy

Page 28: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

SPIRITUAL STRENGTHS

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

The capacity of your life that enables you to discern and respond to the supernatural

inner leading of God.

Page 29: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

      

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

StrengthsMATRIX

®

SPIRITUAL STRENGTHS

Proclaiming Comforting

Research

ing

Hel

ping

Exh

ort

ing

Managing

Giving

Page 30: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

StrengthsWeaknesses

All you can get from correcting weaknesses…good, but not great

Page 31: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

StrengthsWeaknesses

Success comes when we move beyond mediocrity and maximize our strengths

Page 32: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Spiritual

Psychological

Emotional

Intellectual

Physical

Spirit

Soul

Heart

Mind

Body

Gifts Knowledge SkillsStrengths

MATRIX ®

ESFPLearned to move up deadlines

Function best in structured environment

HelpingComforting

Giving

Self-MotivationIdentifying Emotions in Others

EnduranceHigh Energy

Sample Strengths Matrix

Information on Nutrition

CourageHumility

TeachablenessIntegrity

Psychology CourseCommunity Service

Hands-OnLearner

Understands who to turn to for support

Page 33: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Marketing Yourself EffectivelyRevisit Your Resume Statements

Basic Writing Tips Begin with action verbs Don’t use full sentences Watch use of present / past tense No personal pronouns (i.e., I, me) Qualify or quantify (i.e., numbers) Avoid abbreviations & slang Limit font selection

Examples

Spearheaded campaign to redesign marketing endeavors for local nonprofit organization. Presented proposal to board of directors. Implementation was credited with increasing clientele by 35%.

Behind the Scenes Responsibilities Transferable Skills / Abilities Specialized Knowledge Accomplishments Position Requirements Unique Features

Page 34: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Portfolio Development

What is a portfolio?

Collection of work samples that demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience in your field of study.

Showcases achievements mentioned on your resume.

Vary depending on your field of study.

Page 35: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Portfolio Development

Tips to creating a portfolio…

Identify achievements mentioned on your resume and consider how to showcase them visually.

Think about the responsibilities associated with the position or career field of interest to you, and then identify work samples that might demonstrate your ability to perform those responsibilities.

Page 36: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Purpose of Cover Letter

Introduces your resume States desired position Summarizes your qualifications Provides additional clarification to your resume Requests an interview Provides contact information

Page 37: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Writing the Cover LetterProfessional Format

Concise – One Page

3 - 4 paragraphs

Professional

Your Address Today’s Date Name of Contact Name of Organization Street Address or PO Box City, State and Zip Code Dear : The first paragraph states the purpose of your letter. If you are responding to a job posting, indicate the name of the position for which you are applying and how you learned about the opening. Also, include a statement that expresses your knowledge or interest in the organization to personalize the letter. If you have already made contact with the individual, then your cover letter can serve as a continuation of that conversation. The second paragraph explains why you believe you are a good match for the position and/or organization. Typically, you will highlight your degree and relevant experience that relates to the position, career field and/or occupation. This section may be written in paragraph format or shown in a bulleted style, depending on your personal preference. The third paragraph will refer to the next steps that you would like to have happen. Most likely, you will desire an interview. Refer to your enclosed resume if you have not done so earlier in your letter. Typically, you will indicate your telephone number and/or email address as preferred methods of contacting you. Sincerely,

Remember to sign your letter!

Your Name Enclosure: Resume

Page 38: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Writing the Cover LetterAddress Information

Your address

Today’s date

Name, title, and address of person you are writing

Personalized salutations best (i.e., Dear Dr. or Dear Ms.)

Your Address Today’s Date Name of Contact Name of Organization Street Address or PO Box City, State and Zip Code Dear : The first paragraph states the purpose of your letter. If you are responding to a job posting, indicate the name of the position for which you are applying and how you learned about the opening. Also, include a statement that expresses your knowledge or interest in the organization to personalize the letter. If you have already made contact with the individual, then your cover letter can serve as a continuation of that conversation. The second paragraph explains why you believe you are a good match for the position and/or organization. Typically, you will highlight your degree and relevant experience that relates to the position, career field and/or occupation. This section may be written in paragraph format or shown in a bulleted style, depending on your personal preference. The third paragraph will refer to the next steps that you would like to have happen. Most likely, you will desire an interview. Refer to your enclosed resume if you have not done so earlier in your letter. Typically, you will indicate your telephone number and/or email address as preferred methods of contacting you. Sincerely,

Remember to sign your letter!

Your Name Enclosure: Resume

Page 39: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Writing the Cover LetterSection One – The Opening

Purpose of your letter

Position of interest

How you heard of opening

Statement expressing your knowledge or interest in organization

Your Address Today’s Date Name of Contact Name of Organization Street Address or PO Box City, State and Zip Code Dear : The first paragraph states the purpose of your letter. If you are responding to a job posting, indicate the name of the position for which you are applying and how you learned about the opening. Also, include a statement that expresses your knowledge or interest in the organization to personalize the letter. If you have already made contact with the individual, then your cover letter can serve as a continuation of that conversation. The second paragraph explains why you believe you are a good match for the position and/or organization. Typically, you will highlight your degree and relevant experience that relates to the position, career field and/or occupation. This section may be written in paragraph format or shown in a bulleted style, depending on your personal preference. The third paragraph will refer to the next steps that you would like to have happen. Most likely, you will desire an interview. Refer to your enclosed resume if you have not done so earlier in your letter. Typically, you will indicate your telephone number and/or email address as preferred methods of contacting you. Sincerely,

Remember to sign your letter!

Your Name Enclosure: Resume

Page 40: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Writing the Cover LetterSection Two – The Body

Explains why you believe you are a good match for position or organization

Highlights your degree and relevant experience

May be paragraph format or bulleted style

Your Address Today’s Date Name of Contact Name of Organization Street Address or PO Box City, State and Zip Code Dear : The first paragraph states the purpose of your letter. If you are responding to a job posting, indicate the name of the position for which you are applying and how you learned about the opening. Also, include a statement that expresses your knowledge or interest in the organization to personalize the letter. If you have already made contact with the individual, then your cover letter can serve as a continuation of that conversation. The second paragraph explains why you believe you are a good match for the position and/or organization. Typically, you will highlight your degree and relevant experience that relates to the position, career field and/or occupation. This section may be written in paragraph format or shown in a bulleted style, depending on your personal preference. The third paragraph will refer to the next steps that you would like to have happen. Most likely, you will desire an interview. Refer to your enclosed resume if you have not done so earlier in your letter. Typically, you will indicate your telephone number and/or email address as preferred methods of contacting you. Sincerely,

Remember to sign your letter!

Your Name Enclosure: Resume

Page 41: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Writing the Cover LetterSection Three – The Closing

Refers to the next steps you would like to have happen

Refers to your resume

Indicated contact information

Your Address Today’s Date Name of Contact Name of Organization Street Address or PO Box City, State and Zip Code Dear : The first paragraph states the purpose of your letter. If you are responding to a job posting, indicate the name of the position for which you are applying and how you learned about the opening. Also, include a statement that expresses your knowledge or interest in the organization to personalize the letter. If you have already made contact with the individual, then your cover letter can serve as a continuation of that conversation. The second paragraph explains why you believe you are a good match for the position and/or organization. Typically, you will highlight your degree and relevant experience that relates to the position, career field and/or occupation. This section may be written in paragraph format or shown in a bulleted style, depending on your personal preference. The third paragraph will refer to the next steps that you would like to have happen. Most likely, you will desire an interview. Refer to your enclosed resume if you have not done so earlier in your letter. Typically, you will indicate your telephone number and/or email address as preferred methods of contacting you. Sincerely,

Remember to sign your letter!

Your Name Enclosure: Resume

Page 42: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Resume & Cover Letter Development

No resume created                WinWay Resume Writing software on all computers in lab                                              CareerGuide booklet & other library resources                                               Resume Writing Workshops

Drop off resume review Front Desk of Center for Life Calling & Leadership

Personal resume review        Walk-In Hours Wednesdays &Thursdays 6pm – 9pm Appointments with Career Development staff

Other Assistance                   LDR 310: Life Skills, Work & Leadership Class The PREP Institute: Major-Specific Job Search Series                                               Specific Senior Seminar Classes                                               Career Development page on Center website

How we can assist with this process

Page 43: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

College Central Network Online Job Board & Resume Referral Database Over 1,200 employers registered with service Resume uploads for employer accessibility Resume forwarding to prospective employers Maintains your job search history Monitors employers review of your resume Logs your resume submissions to employers Includes job search starter kit

http://collegecentral.com/iwu/

How we can assist with this process

Page 44: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

The Center’s Computer Lab & Library Research your career field of choice Learn about relevant trends in the labor market Identify organizations and positions of interest Resources for resume & cover letter development Resources for effective interviewing Grad School preparatory materials & resources

Open daily 8am – 5pm or select evening hours

(Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday from 6pm – 9pm)

How we can assist with this process

Page 45: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Job Search Action Plan & Interviewing Strategies Resources In Center’s Computer Lab & Library LDR 310: Life Skills, Career and Leadership The PREP Institute: Major-Specific Job Search Series Appointment with Career Development Staff

Graduate School Application Process GRE Computer-Based Preparatory Test Appointment with Career Development Staff

How we can assist with this process

Page 46: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

LDR 310 Life Skills, Career & Leadership Three-credit senior-level course (juniors welcome) A “wish list” for everything you want to accomplish

before graduation… and more!

The PREP Institute: Major-Specific Job Search Series Resume development & cover letter development

from a Life Calling perspective Interviewing techniques & strategies focused on your

Life Purpose and Life Direction Advice from alumni and employers in the field Diversity training for the workplace Three-course etiquette dinner

How we can assist with this process

Page 47: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

On-Campus Recruitment Activities (Connecting w/ Employers) College Central Network (CCN) Online Database IWU Career & Internship Fairs (Fall & Spring) Job Fair Road Trips (to IU… IUPUI… and Ball State) Employer Recruiting Tables in Student Center Mallway On-Campus Interviews / Employer Information Sessions The PREP Institute: Major-Specific Job Search Series LDR 310: Life Skills, Career & Leadership Course

Researching Career Fields of Interest Resources In Center’s Computer Lab & Library Job Shadowing / Informational Interviews

How we can assist with this process

Page 48: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Life Calling… More than a Career

Focus on the Dream…Not the Challenges.

Page 49: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Identifying Life Calling & Life Purpose LDR 310: Life Skills, Career & Leadership Course The PREP Institute: Major-Specific Job Search Series Individual Life Coaching Appointments

Specific Exploratory Resources Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) IMAGE Assessment Instrument Internship Program / Volunteer Opportunities Mentoring Relationships / Job Shadowing Options Experiential Learning Opportunities

How we can assist with this process

Page 50: Resume & Cover Letter Development From a Life Calling Perspective Indiana Wesleyan University

Nancy WetterauCenter for Life Calling & Leadership

Student Center, Suite 290765-677-2520

[email protected]

Indiana Wesleyan University