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Resumes & Cover Letters
Career & Advising ServicesLewis-Clark State College
www.lcsc.edu/cas
Your Resume ~ What is it ?
It’s your first impression – make it positive!
A description of you – on paper
An example of your communication and writing skills
An avenue to obtain an interview
Resumes:Three Components
Content: What you choose to include in the body of the resume
Format: The order in which you choose to arrange the information
Finishing Touches - Paper, Font, Graphics: Your style and personality
The Four Resume Types
ChronologicalFunctional
CombinationCurriculum Vitae (C.V. or Vitae)
Chronological Format Job Titles & Dates Stand Out
You have a strong work history
You have several years of employment in the field or type of position you seek
Listing your job titles or the companies you have worked for creates an image that presents you as qualified for your objective
The positions you have held show growth in your desired field
Samantha Needajob
500 8th Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501
208-555-1212 [email protected]
OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position in entry-level management EDUCATION: May 2006 Bachelor of Science, Business Administration GPA 3.8 Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID Computer Science Minor President’s List – Six semesters
EXPERIENCE: June 2005 – Internship, Assistant Department Manager Dec 2005 J. C. Penney Company, Lewiston, ID Learned aspects of managing a retail department: Sales Leadership Inventory
Visual Merchandising Buying Investment Control Loss Prevention Human Resource Development
Jan 2002 - Food Service May 2005 Polar Bear Yogurt, Lewiston, ID
Served the public utilizing excellent customer service skills, in addition to opening and closing of the facility ACTIVITIES:
Business Professionals of America, 4 semesters Boys and Girls Club Volunteer, 3 years
References available upon request
Chronological FormatReverse Chronological Order
Functional Format Skill Headings Stand Out & Get Attention Dates Are Absent Or Minimized
You have very old experience
You have little or no work history
You have no “paid” experience
You have a very erratic work history
Samantha Needajob
500 8th Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501
208-555-1212 ~ [email protected]
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, May 2006 Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID GPA 3.8 Computer Science Minor ~ President’s List, Six Semesters
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Assisted customers with retail purchases utilizing excellent customer
service skills Waited on, and served customers in a restaurant setting ensuring customer
satisfaction with their order Focused goal of customer satisfaction to ensure return business
MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Acquired skills in retail operations through intensive sixth month internship Experienced training in the areas of Sales Leadership and Human Resource Development;
Visual Merchandising, Buying, Inventory and Loss Prevention Trained and experienced in store opening and closing activities
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Access and Excel Database programs Knowledgeable of 10-Key by Touch, 6-line phone systems with 14
extensions and most office machines
Functional Format Skills - Based Categories
Combination Format Skill Headings Highlighted ~ Dates/Places Validate
You have gaps in employment, erratic or short work history
You are making a career change & past work isn’t related to new objective
Older experience qualifies you for the job instead of most recent employment
Samantha Needajob 500 8th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501 208-555-1212 ~ [email protected]
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration May 2006 Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID GPA 3.8 Computer Science Minor ~ President’s List, Six Semesters
BUSINESS SKILLS
Customer Service: Assisted customers with retail purchases; served customers in a restaurant
setting ensuring customer satisfaction with their order; focused goal of customer satisfaction to ensure return business
Management Skills: Six month intensive internship learning retail operations of Sales
Leadership, Human Resource Development, Visual Merchandising, Buying & Inventory, Loss Prevention. Experienced in store opening and closing activities
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Access and Excel Database programs;
knowledgeable of 10-Key by Touch, 6-line phone systems with 14 extensions and most office machines
EXPERIENCE Internship, Assistant Department Manager June 2005 – Dec 2005 J. C. Penney Company, Lewiston, ID
Food Service Jan 2002 – May 2005 Polar Bear Yogurt, Lewiston, ID
ACTIVITIES
Business Professionals of America Four semesters Boys and Girls Club Volunteer Three years
Combination Format Skills and Dates
Curriculum Vitae
Detailed account of one’s career
More information than a resume – more like a career biography
C.V.’s can be required in positions of research, academia, science, healthcare, some internship and graduate programs
Categories should include research, thesis/dissertation, publications, presentations, fieldwork, grants, fellowships, memberships, and languages
Formatting Your Resume Arrangement on the Page
Heading: At the top of the page, name is large and bold ~ try 22 font
Categories: Can be traditional or skills based; left justified or centered
Style: Font size 10-12 point for content Times New Roman/Arial easy to read Use graphics with caution
Paper: Conservative color, resume quality bond/parchment
CategoriesOrganization of Content
Objective: What is your employment goal?
Education: List your degree and school, certificates, licenses and specialized training
Experience:Positions, employers, dates, responsibilities, skills
Activities: Career related memberships, publications, volunteering
References:Optional, or use statement “Available upon request”
Samantha Needajob
500 8th Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501
208-555-1212 [email protected]
OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position in entry-level management
EDUCATION: May 2006 Bachelor of Science, Business Administration GPA 3.8 Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID
Computer Science Minor President’s List – Six semesters
EXPERIENCE: June 2005 – Internship, Assistant Department Manager Dec 2005 J. C. Penney Company, Lewiston, ID
Learned aspects of managing a retail department: Sales Leadership Inventory
Visual Merchandising Buying Investment Control Loss Prevention Human Resource Development
Jan 2002 - Food Service May 2005 Polar Bear Yogurt, Lewiston, ID
Served the public utilizing excellent customer service skills, in addition to opening and closing of the facility
ACTIVITIES: Business Professionals of America, 4 semesters Boys and Girls Club Volunteer, 3 years
References available upon request
Chronological Format #1
Name is large & bold
Clear contact information
Add email only of you read it regularly!
Line separates heading from body of resume
Objective optional – Can mention in cover letter
Capitalized & bolded categories sort content
Bolded degree & positions draw eye down page
Dates off to left, can place to the right margin
Volunteer activities show community involvement
Reference statement is optional
Chronological Format #2
Another heading style
Contact information still clear and easy to read
Line separates heading from body of resume
Profile instead of Objective Mention objective in cover letter
Capitalized & bolded categories sort content
Bolded degree & positions draw eye down page
Dates off to right balance print on page
Volunteer activities show community involvement
Reference statement is optional
Samantha Needajob 500 8th Avenue 208-555-1212 Lewiston, ID 83501 [email protected]
PROFILE: Excellent customer service skills
Efficient time management High attention to detail
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration May 2006 Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID GPA 3.8 Computer Science Minor President’s List – Six semesters
EXPERIENCE:
Internship, Assistant Department Manager June 2005 – Dec 2005 J. C. Penney Company, Lewiston, ID Learned aspects of managing a retail department: Sales Leadership Inventory
Visual Merchandising Buying Investment Control Loss Prevention Human Resource Development
Food Service Jan 2002 – May 2005
Polar Bear Yogurt, Lewiston, ID Served the public utilizing excellent customer service
skills, in addition to opening and closing of the facility
ACTIVITIES:
Business Professionals of America 4 semesters Boys and Girls Club Volunteer 3 years
Samantha Needajob
500 8th Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501
208-555-1212 ~ [email protected]
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position in entry level management
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, May 2006 Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID
Computer Science Minor President’s List – Six semesters, GPA 3.8
EXPERIENCE
Internship, Assistant Department Manager, June 2005 – Dec 2005 J. C. Penney Company, Lewiston, ID
Learned aspects of managing a retail department:
Sales Leadership Inventory Visual Merchandising Buying Investment Control Loss Prevention Human Resource Development
Food Service, Jan 2002 – May 2005 Polar Bear Yogurt, Lewiston, ID
Served the public utilizing:
Excellent customer service skills Opened and closed facility
ACTIVITIES
Business Professionals of America, 4 semesters Boys and Girls Club Volunteer, 3 years
Chronological Format #3
Centered heading style, phone and email on same line to conserve space
Contact information still clear and easy to read
Line separates heading from body of resume
Objective clearly stated
Centered categories, capitalized & bolded, sort content
Bolded degree & positions draw eye down page
Dates centered with content
Volunteer activities show community involvement
Optional reference statement has been left off
Samantha Needajob
500 8th Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501
208-555-1212 ~ [email protected]
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, May 2006 Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID GPA 3.8 Computer Science Minor ~ President’s List, Six Semesters
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Assisted customers with retail purchases utilizing excellent customer service skills Waited on, and served customers in a restaurant setting ensuring customer satisfaction
with their order Focused goal of customer satisfaction to ensure return business
MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Acquired skills in retail operations through intensive sixth month internship Experienced training in the areas of Sales Leadership and Human Resource
Development; Visual Merchandising, Buying, Inventory and Loss Prevention Trained and experienced in store opening and closing activities
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Access and Excel Database programs Knowledgeable of 10-Key by Touch, 6-line phone systems with 14
extensions and most office machines
Functional Format
Emphasis on skills
Heading can be centered or left justified
New graduates – Education is usually listed near top, move down on resume as more experience is acquired
Categories should reflect your main employable skills - categories can be centered or left justified
Samantha Needajob 500 8th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501 208-555-1212 ~ [email protected]
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration May 2006 Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID GPA 3.8 Computer Science Minor President’s List, Six Semesters
BUSINESS SKILLS
Customer Service: Assisted customers with retail purchases; served customers in a restaurant setting ensuring customer satisfaction with their order; focused goal of customer satisfaction to ensure return business
Management Skills: Six month intensive internship learning retail operations of Sales Leadership, Human Resource Development, Visual Merchandising, Buying & Inventory, Loss Prevention. Experienced in store opening and closing activities
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Access and Excel Database programs; knowledgeable of 10-Key by Touch, 6-line phone systems with 14 extensions and most office machines
EXPERIENCE Internship, Assistant Department Manager June 2005 – Dec 2005 J. C. Penney Company, Lewiston, ID Food Service Jan 2002 – May 2005 Polar Bear Yogurt, Lewiston, ID
ACTIVITIES
Business Professionals of America Four semesters Boys and Girls Club Volunteer Three years
Combination Format Skills and Dates
The best of both styles – important skills and consistent dates are listed
Final Resume Tips Points to remember
Be dynamic – do not be understated about your accomplishments and achievements
Your resume should be visually powerful – use white space, readable font style (no courier) and touches such as bullets to create a document easy to read
Grammar, spelling and tenses should be perfect – use spell check and have at least two others proofread
Do not use contractions, abbreviations or acronyms
Use positive action verbs to describe your strengths
Create on a computer and print on a laser printer or high quality inkjet, on conservatively colored bond, linen or parchment quality paper
Two page resumes are acceptable as long as second page is three-fourths full of meaningful information
References Make sure they speak to your employable
skills
Three to Five references are standard
Your best and most current employer references who can speak about your job skills should be listed first
Personal or character references should be last – they may not necessarily know your career strengths
Ask your potential reference to be a resource before you list them – never assume
Thank your references with a handwritten card
Samantha Needajob
500 8th Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501
208-555-1212 ~ [email protected]
REFERENCES
James Morestore, Manager JC Penney Company
1845 19th Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501
208-555-3344 [email protected]
Jane Latte, Owner Polar Bear Yogurt 556 16th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501 208-555-8468
Joseph Profit, Instructor Business Division
Lewis-Clark State College 500 8th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501 208-555-1234
ReferencesCopy and paste heading to create new document
Line divides heading from references
Centered format creates balance
3 – 5 contacts are standard
List name, title and business contact information
List email addresses if known
Cover Letters The tie between the job and your resume
Reinforce specific qualities that show you fit the job
Provide more detail than the resume might include
Provide pertinent personal information the resume would not include
Another example of your communication skills
Take time and care writing this challenging letter
Formatting your LetterTips for a professional look
Copy and paste your resume heading to start this document – by using this same heading, it creates a visually coordinated package
Start date two - three lines down from the graphic line dividing heading from the body of the letter
Three lines between date and employer’s name, and three before greeting – use two lines if space is tight
Two lines dividing paragraphs, and ending of letter
Allow four lines for signature – remember to sign your letter in addition to your typed signature
Two lines below printed signature, place the word “Enclosure” to designate another document is enclosed – plural if more than one
Samantha Needajob 500 8th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501 208-555-1212 ~ [email protected]
2-3 lines Date 2-3 lines Name, Title Try to find this out – you can call the company Company or Business name in full Address or P.O. Box City, State Zip 2-3 lines Dear Ms. Manager; Use Mr. or Ms. , and colon or semi-colon 2 lines Tell the employer what you are interested in or the title of the position for which you are applying. Let the employer know where you heard or read of the opening. Tell the employer you are enclosing your resume. 2 lines Give the employer a concise overview of your work history and the skills you have that will help you perform the job. Mention the job skills that were advertised for this position and give examples of how you possess those skills. 2 lines State your confidence in your abilities and give information on how you can be contacted. Let the employer know if you have a cell phone or an answering machine if you are frequently absent from home. Share your email address and that you check it frequently (assuming that you do, of course). 2 lines Thank the employer for their time with your application. 2 lines Sincerely, (Only Sincerely, do not use anything else, not Yours Truly, Have a nice day, etc.) 4 lines Remember to sign your name! Samatha Needajob 2 lines Enclosure (Lets the employer know something else is enclosed – your resume)
Cover Letter Basics
Formatting of your letter
Left justified or indented paragraph style
Be consistent with line spacing
Remember to sign your name
Samantha Needajob 500 8th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501 208-555-1212 ~ [email protected]
May 4, 2006 Mary Center, Manager The Unique Department Store 2334 Mall Road Lewiston, ID 83501 Dear Ms. Center; I am writing to express my interest in the position of Department Manager, Women’s Career Wear, recently advertised in the Lewiston Morning Tribune. I am acquainted with Debbie Jones, who is employed at your store and who encouraged me to apply for this position. Enclosed you will find my resume detailing my education and experience. Later this month I will be graduating from Lewis-Clark State College with my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. This program has provided me with a wide variety of experiences and an understanding of various business arenas. I recently completed an intensive management internship for JC Penney Company, adding to my skills and education in the areas of department store management. I am confidant that these experiences and my degree will enable me to be a successful manager for your company. I would appreciate the opportunity to visit with you about my qualifications. I can be reached at 208-555-1212, and I do have an answering machine and will return all calls promptly. I also regularly read my email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for you consideration of my application. Sincerely, Samatha Needajob Enclosure
Standard Cover LetterLeft justified margins are clean and easy to read, but indented paragraph style is acceptable
Heading provides your return address
Date your letter
Name and title of employer is important – if unknown, direct letter to Human Resources Manager or Representative
Paragraph #1: Tell what you want and how you heard about the opening – mention your resume is enclosed
Paragraph #2: Give a concise overview of your work and skills and tie them to the position you are applying for
Paragraph #3: State your confidence in your ability to do the job and provide contact information
Closing: Always say thank you and Sincerely
Resumes & Cover LettersA reflection of you on paper…Make it count !
Career & Advising Services has additional resume and cover letter resources in the office at Reid Centennial Hall, 110
Trained staff can assist you with your resume questions
With workshop completion, you are eligible for resume critique services
CAS has two computers available for your resume processing
Laser printing and resume paper available for small fee
Visit LCSC Career & Advising Services ~ Reid Hall 110
Debra Lybyer, Director, Career & AdvisingDebi Mundell, Associate DirectorSusan Lawson, Career CounselorAndrea Masom, Career AdvisorGreen Baggett, Staff Volunteer
Denise Harris, Administrative Assistant
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. school year