When searching and applying for jobs, your resume and cover letter are the first thing that employers look at! Here are some tips and tricks, as well as different types of resumes and cover letters that you can use to your advantage to make sure that you land the job the first time!
Resume
The resume is your marketing tool for getting the interview. This is the employer's first impression of you, so it needs to be excellent! Being a summary of your employment qualifications, a resume should highlight your education, experience, skills, and other relevant information. Below are some things to consider when crafting your resume:
Can be used to effectively present your education, skills, and related experience. The combination resume will not only highlight your qualifications, but will also provide employers the chronological format they expect. A combination resume is recommended for college students and recent graduates.
Focuses on your experience presented in reverse chronological order (most recent first). A chronological resume is the preferred format when you have extensive related experience to showcase.
Functional or Skills-Based ResumeConcentrates on skills developed through education or work experiences. This is done by listing the skills you have and documenting specific examples of how you utilized those skills. Use caution when preparing this type of resume, as many employers are somewhat suspicious of resumes without specific dates. This resume is only recommended when experience is lacking or is inconsistent.
Other Samples- Attend a Career Services workshop on resume and cover letter writing
- Use Action Words
- Be original and honest
- Keep font between 10 - 12 point
- Resumes should be appealing to the eye and allow the employer to quickly retrieve information
- Use bullets to effectively present your information - do not write in paragraph format
- Do not include photographs or personal information such as age, height, marital status, children, etc. unless it is required for the specific position (acting, modeling, etc.)
- Do not include references on bottom of resume - put references on separate page, see more reference page tips below
- Proofread; proofread; proofread!
- Have at least one other person also edit your resume and/or have a professional staff member review your resume (this is a free service in our office)
- Print your resume on quality paper (use the same for your resume, cover letter, and references)
- Avoid flecked or dark papers because they do not photocopy or scan well
- Use a quality printer - do not send photocopied resumes
- Use a large manila or white envelopes that allows you to mail your resume and cover letter without folding
- Use our Resume Writing Rubric to edit your resume
- See Sample Reference Page
- Print references on separate page
- Use same paper as your resume and cover letter
- Use the same heading on this page as you have for you resume and cover letter
- Indicate reference list with a sub-heading like "References" or "Professional References" at the top
- When providing references, include the same information that would be found on the person's
business card:- name, title, organization, mailing address, email address, and telephone number
Selecting References
- Good references are people who are professional and in positions of responsibility such as Professors, Advisors, Employers, Coaches, and Community or Business Leaders
- Have 3 to 5 references
- Select people who know your abilities
- Ask permission of each reference before you use them as a reference
- Assist your references by giving them a copy of your resume-this way they have easy access to your strengths, experience, skills, activities, etc.
- Tell your reference the type of job you are looking for, so they are able to relate your positive attributes to the potential employer
- If a letter of recommendation is needed give your reference a stamped envelope addressed correctly (do not send these unless they are specifically requested by the employer)
Cover Letter
Like your resume, your cover letter is an important self-marketing tool, and is the first impression you will make on a potential employer. The functions of a cover letter are to demonstrate a fit between you, the company, and position; to show that you can contribute to the organization as a whole; and to convince the employer to offer you an interview. Here are some tips for making sure that your cover letter is up to the job:
Use our Components of a Cover Letter Template and Cover Letter Steps to get started
Heading: Applicant & Employer Mailing information
Paragraph 1: Introduction should include how you learned about the position and why are you applying
Paragraph 2: Skills, education, experience, training, achievements, etc.
Paragraph 3: Why you are the best fit for the company/position - what sets you apart from other applicants?
Closing: Provide contact information
Samples and Other Helpful Tools
- Action Words
- Elements of a Cover Letter
- Sample Cover Letter
- Sample Bad Cover Letter
- Sample Teacher Cover Letter
Helpful Hints
- Attend a Career Services workshop on resume and cover letter writing
- Focus on what you can contribute to the employer - not what they can do for you
- Don't exaggerate - be honest and positive
- Proofread! Have at least three different people proofread your letter
- Keep a copy of every letter you send
- Customize each letter for the specific company/position
- Make an Appointment with Career Services to review your letter
- See our Resume and Interviewing Guidelines for more employment tips
A good cover letter demonstrates knowledge about the specific company and position. Show that you are familiar with company history, recent events, or, at the very least, that you know what the company does. Keeping up on current events, reading trade journals, and browsing the company website will provide all kinds of information you can use in your cover letter and later in an interview
Research the Company
- What does the company do?
- How do the goods/services they provide impact you personally?
(Company values vs. your values.) - Know who does the hiring so you know to whom you should address your cover letter.
- What opportunities are available for training, advancement, and career growth?
- Do you want to work for this company? Why?
Research the Position
- What will you do?
- How will you do it?
- What skills/ tools will you need?
- How does the position contribute to the organization as a whole?
- Where is the position located?
- What hours will you work?
- What are the benefits, salary range, etc.?
Research Your Own Abilities
- Can you do the job?
- Do you have the necessary education?
- Do you have experience in the field or any related experience?
Want your resume or cover letter reviewed by Career Services?
To make an appointment to have a career specialist review your resume or cover letter, schedule an appointment in Handshake, or call 970.248.1404.