JOBTALKSJOBTALKS

Writing Killer Resumes and Cover Letters Workshop

Indiana UniversityKelley School of BusinessC. Randall Powell, Ph.D

Writing Killer

Cover Letters and Resumes

A Workshop Approach

Indiana University

Purposes of This Session

Understand the overall concept of your resume for your job search

Discover what employers really want Understand how to “market” yourselfKnow the mechanics of writing an

effective cover letter

What is a Resume?

30-second infomercial Marketing brochureDoor openerGuide for interview questions It should:

summarize your qualifications and values highlight the history of your experiences and

accomplishments

Why Do You Need a Resume?

market yourself to a potential employersummarize your skills identify your strengths fine-tune your career plansprepare for an interview

Launching the Product

Package yourself Know your product – Assessing Yourself

What are your strengths?How can you differentiate yourself?What makes your product better than the

competition?What are your accomplishments?

Know your marketDo you know your target audience?Have you done your research?

Package Yourself

Use terminology appropriate for the industry or professional job

Ensure content is relevant and marketable

Quantify your actionsCheck for errorsMake it easy for the reader

How to Differentiate Yourself?

Leadership Teamwork/Building partnerships Initiative and Follow Through Communication Decision-making Learning & Growth Creativity and Innovation Analytical Customer ServiceHow Do You Show This?

Leadership/Management Skills

Has a vision or takes initiative to make improvements.

Aligns resources to achieve results Founded lawn care business and grew to a

customer base of 30 residences Led a team of six to develop a marketing plan for

volunteer event resulting in largest attended event in 3 years

Initiated philanthropy program for nonprofit group to increase participation by 10%

Teamwork Skills

Works cooperatively and collaboratively with diverse people to seek their opinions to achieve a common goal and shares credit with others. Collaborated with camp staff to organize special events and

educational programs for more than 20 children ages 5 – 12 Managed and trained a kitchen staff of 12 for a private club

with a membership of more than 800 families Acted as a liaison between my University and local politicians

in organizing meetings for 1,400 students with local political concerns and issues

Communication Skills

Demonstrate verbal, written, presentation, and listening abilitiesContacted customers by cold-calling to

increase customer database by 5%Composed training manual for 60

employees to introduce new servicePresented to groups of 40 persons using

PowerPoint to explain product benefitsAdapted rapidly to living in another culture

during 6-month studies in Spain

Analytical Skills

Ability to synthesize information and form conclusions.Analyzed financial data for loan department

to determine credit worthiness of commercial accounts

Evaluated customer service by surveying customers over a 3 month period

Researched market effectiveness for 2 products and reported results using spreadsheets, tables, and graphs

Solved technical problems for up to 45 daily users of a computer lab

Decision Making Skills

Make rational decision based on factual information and logical assumptions

Ability to develop alternative solution to problems. Conceptualized new service offering to solve

summer delivery problem Developed strategic plan for local non-government

organization using strength-weakness-opportunity-threat (SWOT) analysis

Planned layout for summer garden merchandise display in a 3600 sq. ft. area

Creativity and Innovation Skills

Takes informed risks and thinks out of the box. Strives for technical and market leadership.Crafted set displays for local theater group

using recycled materialsDisplayed merchandise to increase traffic

through kitchen wares departmentEntertained groups of residents in a nursing

home using music and drama

Image-Involvement

Employers look for engagement – not just membershipStudent Professional OrganizationsCommunity Service & volunteerismStudy AbroadStudent CompetitionsStudent GovernmentStudent Athletics

Wrap the Package

Wrap the package by highlighting essential skills and experiences that bind the “total package” together Internship Experience Part-Time Job Experiences Volunteer Work Experiences Balance of core skills with broader workplace competencies

Communication Leadership Teamwork Computer literacy Interpersonal skills and personal traits Integrity Second language skills

Organize the Resume

Contact information must be accurate List information in order of importance

from the top to the bottom from left to right within headings

Use bullets, short statements, and powerful verbs Start with action words, then show results

Be consistent in your format Avoid jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms Keep it to 1 page--2 pages if for network partners

Contact Information

Design it like a letterheadUse clear, bold, large font

NameCurrent and permanent addressTelephone/cell number with area codeE-mail address Use a clear, bold, large fontSecond e-mail backup? (parents/friends)

Mary Jane Parker

Current Address: Permanent Address:1515 Foster Drive 111 Ariel StreetMy campus, IN 47405 My Home, IN 44444(812) 555-5555 email@indiana.edu (812) 555-1212

Objective

OptionalRelate to job and industryMake it powerful and employer focusedHelps the employer see the “total

package”Be specific, goal and outcome oriented

Mary Jane Parker

Current Address: Permanent Address:

1515 Foster Drive 111 Ariel Street

Bloomington, IN 47405 Connersville, IN 44444

(812) 555-5555 email@indiana.edu (812) 555-1212

Career Objective

Internship position which will use my finance and accounting skills in budgeting, analysis, and reporting supported by my valuable communication, information technology, and organizational skills to result in a more profitable company.

Career Objective

Sales Representative. Strong communicator seeks to contribute to the continued success of a retail company that desires an entrepreneurial, innovative, and resourceful employee. Desire to use my skills in management, data analysis, and problem solving.

Education

Complete name of university and location with descriptions

Anticipated Graduation Date(s)Identify highest degree firstList majors and minorsDescribe academic programGradesStudy Abroad experiences

Mary Jane Parker

Current Address: Permanent Address: 1515 Foster Drive 111 Ariel Street Bloomington, IN 47405 Connersville, IN 44444 (812) 555-5555 email@indiana.edu (812) 555-1212

Career Objective

Sales Representative. Strong communicator seeks to contribute to the continued success of company that desires an entrepreneurial, innovative, and resourceful employee. Desire to use my skills in management, data analysis, and problem solving.

Education

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, Bloomington, IN May 2007 Bachelor of Science in Business Majors in Accounting and Marketing GPA 3.4/4.0 Minor in Spanish

Fluent in Persian and Hebrew

Study Abroad, Wells College, Florence, Italy (Spring 2005) Studied intensive language and multi-cultural courses

Work Experience

Name of organization (describe)LocationDates of employmentJob titleUse reverse chronological order1or 2 paragraphs per employer/title

Mary Jane ParkerCurrent Address: Permanent Address:

1515 Foster Drive 111 Ariel Street

Bloomington, IN 47405 Connersville, IN 44444

(812) 555-5555 email@indiana.edu (812) 555-1212

Career Objective

Sales Representative. Strong communicator seeks to contribute to the continued success of company…

Education

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, Bloomington, IN May 2007

Bachelor of Science in Business

Majors in Accounting and Marketing GPA 3.4/4.0

Work ExperienceFirst Investors, Indianapolis, IN October 200x - presentHuman Resources Intern

Maintain Access database for human resource department and track employee Series 6, 63 and life insurance certification training

Work to pay for college tuition and living expenses

Sheraton Hotel and Suites, Indianapolis, IN Summer 200xBanquet Prep Team

Provided assistance to customers, guest speakers, and hotel staff to ensure facility specifications and requirement were meet in a professional and timely manner

Performed supervisory role in absence of supervisor, including scheduling a team of 15, assignment of tasks, and customer service

Capital Management, Chicago, IL January – May 200xFinance Intern

Analyzed financial performance of various funds in excess of $5.6 billion to determine the correlation between fund size and actual performance

Researched and analyzed more than 30 potential investors to discover mandate size and level of interest in the hedge-fund industry

Activities and Honors

Indicate membership in professional organizations and student associations

Identify leadership roles or offices heldList additional training, certifications, or

conferences attendedHonors, awards, and scholarshipsCommittee work

Mary Jane ParkerCurrent Address: Permanent Address:

1515 Foster Drive 111 Ariel Street

Bloomington, IN 47405 Connersville, IN 44444

(812) 555-5555 email@indiana.edu (812) 555-1212

Career Objective

Sales Representative. Strong communicator seeks to contribute to the continued success of company…

Education

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, Bloomington, IN May 2007

Bachelor of Science in Business

Majors in Accounting and Marketing. GPA 3.4/4.0

Work ExperienceFirst Investors, Indianapolis, IN October 2005 - presentHuman Resources Intern

Maintain Access database for human resource department and track employee Series 6, 63 and life insurance certification training

Work to pay for college tuition and living expenses

Activities and Honors Volunteer, Nonprofit Agency – Directed the recruitment of new members and developed a strategic

marketing campaign to promote the benefits of involvement. Assisted in managing 15 social and networking events

Captain, Soccer Team – Organized daily team practices and provided leadership to 12 players Peer Tutor, Business Administration Department – Assisted students enrolled in an introductory

computer course with Excel, Word and Access. Selected by faculty for exceptional performance while enrolled in class

PricewaterhouseCoopers Case Competition National Winner – Evaluated and presented recommendations to corporate judges about the accounting standards and business practices of a fictitious economy

Other Examples

Activities and Honors

Volunteer, Nonprofit Agency – Directed the recruitment of new members and developed a strategic marketing campaign to promote the benefits of fraternal involvement. Assisted in managing 15 social and networking events

Captain, Soccer Team – Organized daily team practices and provided leadership to 12 players

Peer Tutor, Business Administration Department – Assisted students enrolled in an introductory computer course with Excel, Word and Access. Selected by faculty for exceptional performance while enrolled in class

PricewaterhouseCoopers Case Competition National Winner – Evaluated and presented recommendations to corporate judges about the accounting standards and business practices of a fictitious economy

Cadet, Army Reserve Officers Training Corps – Training concentration included leadership, physical fitness, and motivation. Responsible for up to 10 cadets while serving as underclass mentor

President, Local Volunteer Group - Coordinate daily management activities of nine operational boards and oversee a budget of $14,000 with a 5 member executive board

Volunteer, Big Brothers – Volunteer hours to provide companionship to 7th grade student Dean’s List (Fall 200x)

References

Use a separate page with--Your contact information duplicated from resumeProvide name, title, company name, address,

telephone, fax, and email for each reference Be sure to get permission to use each

reference Help your references by providing them with

a job description/resume in advance

Be prepared to distribute to employers

Jeffrey L. Herbert1752 E. Sixth StreetLocation Address(812) 555-1555

email@indiana.edu

References

Michael J. FixxProfessor, Marketing StudiesIndiana University, Kelley School of Business1309 E Tenth StreetBloomington, Indiana 47405(812) 555-5555email@indiana.edu

Sally J. RiddenDirector, Habitat for Musicians1515 N Left StreetBlominer, Indiana 44555(812) 555-1111email@indiana.edu

Petra Mc NamminDepartment SupervisorTarvyn’s Supercenter919 Mall Center RoadSan Diego, CA 24552(213) 555-5555email@indiana.edu

UCSO Registration

Main source of information for recruiters and Career Center staff

Keep your information up-to-date and accurate Contact information including phone and email Graduation date Grades Major academic study areas Activities and Honors Geographic preference

Registration Information

Do you have a location preference?

Don’t forget your activities

Be sure to release your resume

Are you fluent in a second language?

Simple MS Word Resume Format

Career center recommends a basic MS word format for all Web Resume Book resumes.

Preferred by employers. Easier for recruiters to read

and compare candidates. Chronological format

Career Objective Education Work Experience Activities and Honors

Other Resume Formats

You may have up to 3 additional resumes on the career center website based on the job targets that you select. (different language)

You may choose any resume style for these “job target” resumes.

Electronic Delivery

Word resume and cover letter uploadCan upload other documentsText version without graphics, colors, or

uncommon fonts, etc.Unprofessional sounding email

addresses should be avoidedConsistent use of keywords

Resume/Cover Letter Resources

Career Center Resume WebsiteView and Upload Word ResumesCreate Targeted ResumesResume/Cover Letter Writing GuideResume Action WordsResume/Cover Letter Templates and

SamplesReference Templates

Review and Proofread

Look for errorsRemove any negativesAsk for other opinionsSpell CheckRead it CAREFULLY!

Remember

Tailor your resume to each job position.Keep your resume updated.Re-read your resume before every

interview (the recruiter is doing the same)

Seek resume/cover letter help from the Career Center staff

Cover Letter

Accompanies your resumeCan illustrate more of your personality

than the “factual” resumeEnables you to attract the employer’s

interest and get your resume read!Communicates skills and highlights

specific qualifications that are directly relevant to the job you are seeking

Cover Letter Format Hints

Use 11 - 12 pt. font (Usually Times New Roman)

Electronic cover letters are the email body

Different formats can be used (A safe bet is to left justify)

Pay attention to spacing (See sample format)

Pay attention to grammar and spelling

Format Example

Salutation

Inside address and salutationAttempt to contact the organization/program

for the actual name of employer you are addressing

Verify address and the correct spelling of name

Do not use “Dear Sir or Madame” and avoid “To Whom It May Concern”

If employer or recruiter is unknown, use “To Employer” or “Dear Search Committee”, etc.

Keywords

Try to include keywords directly from the job posting or employers website in your email cover letter

Deconstruct the job descriptionAddress specific needs of the employerUnderstand how you fit more specifically

with the job description and how you can present this fit

First Paragraph

Include information about how you learned of the particular position or organization

Clearly state the particular position for which you are applying

“Name drop” if someone referred you Indicate what interests you about the position

(based on your research of the organization and its products)

Example: The fact that OrganizationX uses a “teamwork” atmosphere appeals to me.

Second Paragraph

Sell yourself in this paragraph! It basically should tell the employer why they should hire you!

Describe your educational background and relevant experiences that qualify you for the position

Illustrate through SPECIFIC examples how you will be an asset

Use key words from the job listing and focus directly on the skills/qualifications that the company/program is looking for!

You can use 1-2 paragraphs for this section

Third Paragraph

Invite the employer to contact you by including your phone number and e-mail address and the best time to reach you

Illustrate open dates for an interview (for example if you are visiting that city during a particular week, etc.)

Thank the employer for their time/considerationPerhaps use the aggressive approach – inform the employer that you will call during a particular week to follow up/set up an interview

A Good Ending

Your signatureUse “Sincerely”, “Respectfully”,

or “Best Regards”

The Subject Line

Be specific as possibleDo not leave subject line blankRead job posting carefully to see if a job

number or specific use of the subject line is required

Cover Letter Reminders

Proofread!!!Have a friend, instructor or career coach

proofread your cover letter Target your letter to the specific job

Contact career center at:Location:Email: Web:

Career Center

Questions?

If you would like to If you would like to learn more, learn more, Career Career Planning StrategiesPlanning Strategies textbook will supply textbook will supply additional information additional information on this topic.on this topic.