unit 4: resume building

Unit 4: Resume Building

Cover Letter and Resume

Cover Letter What is the purpose of the cover letter?

Introduces your resume, and thereby yourself to the hiring authority and shows why you are a good candidate.

Effective letter writing is linked to a successful job search.

First Paragraph Why are you writing:

Title of the position.Where or from whom you learned of the

position.Why are you interested in the position.Entice the reader to look further.

Example: My education and experience in education has given me a solid foundation in this field of work.

Second Paragraph How can you contribute to the organization?

Evidence of your ability to do the job.Relate aspects of your background to the

essential requirements.Emphasize your achievements.Convince the reader you are an excellent

candidate!

Third Paragraph The close – ask for an interview!

Confidence. Leave the impression you are worthy of an interview.

Example: I am confident that I have the background and ability to be successful in this position. I would like to further discuss with you how I could be an asset to your school. I have enclosed my resume which will offer additional information on my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

What is a resume? A brief summary of your educational

background and your employment history. An important means of communication with a

prospective employer. Uses a specific format: reverse

chronological, combination, functional…

How should it look? Standard fonts: Times New Roman, Arial,

Courier. Type size: 10 – 12 point font. Paper: white, beige, light gray. Be neat and accurate. Copies well. Logical arrangement with important sections

first.

Heading Includes Contact Information

Top of the page.Large and bold.Address: street, city, zip code.Telephone numbers.Email address.

Sample Heading

Owlsly Owl1 Florida Court

Stuart, FL 34997

Home: (772)286-7745

Cell: (772)341-3734

OOwl@yahoo.com

Objective Short and specific. Indicates the type of position you want. Preferred work environment. Ok to omit.

Sample Objectives To obtain a position in a secondary school

teaching science and math.

Education Educational institutions where you have

attended.Name and location.No High School information.

Major, minor. Graduation or anticipated graduation. GPA 3.2 or higher. Relevant Certifications. Relevant coursework.

Sample Education

Kaplan University, Chicago, IL

Associate of Applied Science

Major: Accounting

Anticipated Graduation: December 2011

Professional Experience Related employment Internships Summer Jobs Volunteer Work Projects or academic research Other jobs

Sample of ExperienceIntern

Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Port St. Lucie, FL

Fall 2010 (6 weeks)Assisted with staff development programs.Planned conversion of software system.

General Tips No absolute rules regarding format. Tailor your resume for each position. More than one page is acceptable. Describe you accomplishments positively and

accurately. Use industry buzzwords. Do not limit your resume to just work. Omit personal pronouns.

Tips Continued Omit personal data. Do not include references as part of your

resume. Do not mention salary on your resume. Always send a cover letter. Maintain an eye pleasing balance. Proofread!

Questions? Questions?