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Writing an Effective Resume and Cover Letter

Career and
Professional Planning
Presenters

ErickLarson, Manager
Career Advising & Professional Development
Career and Professional Planning
(CAPP)
We help students with all aspects of the job
and internship search process, as well as
serve as a resource for service-learning and
other experiential education opportunities.
Overview of Workshop

Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviewing


Techniques
Basic outlines
Philosophy and purpose
Common pitfalls
The Next Step
Purpose of a Resume

A self-marketingtool.
Represents YOUyour
accomplishments and skills.
Summarizes what you have to offer
employersyour unique selling points
in an easy-to-read format.
Basic
Resume
Outline
How we read resumes.

Top to bottom, left to right


10-second glance, most recent and relevant

Important information needs to


be found easily and quickly!
Resume as Map:
Make it easy for your
reader!
Bold, italics, Order of categories
underline Use of white space
Font size Bullets
Category headings

Dont lose the employer in a maze of


job descriptions and extracurricular
activities.
Common Pitfalls of Resumes

Manger for
manager: Failure to
proofread!
Microsoft Word or
other widely
distributed
templates.
Microsoft
Template
Resume Pitfalls: Objectives

Too specific: A Leave off objective.


mechanical engineering This information is
position at Micron already in your cover
letter.
Too vague: A summer Mention field: A human
internship where I can resources internship for
gain valuable work
summer 2005.
experience.
Resume Pitfalls: Special Skills

DONT: List subjective, vague skills


Sample: Good people skills, excellent
teamwork capabilities, enthusiastic, hard
worker.

DO: List concrete, job-specific skills


Computer Skills
Certifications
Languages
Skills relevant to field
Resume Pitfalls:
Not Making the Most Out of Your
Experiences
Use strong action verbs and key words to describe
your work experience. Numbers count!
Create a section of Projects or Course Highlights
to show specialized knowledge in your field.
Dont forget about extensive volunteer or
extracurricular activities.
- Use these experiences, even if you were
not paid.
Volunteer and Extra-Curricular
Activities as Experience: Examples
Treasurer, Delta Chi Fraternity (2004-Present)
Manage over 100 active accounts receivable for members on
campus.
Manage and prepare payroll and benefits for nine employees.
Work with collection agency to collect delinquent accounts.

Student Alumni Relations Board (2003-Present)


Committee chair responsible for coordination of Graduation
Salute event. Assist with organization, planning, and execution of
campus events such as Homecoming and Moms Weekend.
Putting It All
Together:
Before
Putting It All
Together:
After
Cover Letters: What Your
Resume Cant Do
Show writing ability.
Demonstrate
specific interest in
the organization and
position.
Allow for greater
personalization.
Basic
Cover
Letter
Outline
Sample
Cover
Letter
Cover Letter Pitfalls: No
Personalization

DONT use the same letter to apply for all positions.

DO your research and tailor your letter to the position


and the organization:
Based on the project descriptions, it is clear that my skills
and experience would be a valuable contribution to your
program. Both the University Residences and Commons
projects, for example, will require a complete analysis of
student, faculty, and staff needs.
I am very interested in an internship position with your
agency. I was impressed with your recent campaign for
Nike, and I would enjoy the opportunity to work in such an
innovative environment.
Cover Letter Pitfalls: Generic
Statements
Avoid vague clichs:
I am a hard worker and a good team player.
I have excellent problem-solving skills.

Use specific details and examples.


One project in particular demonstrates my teamwork skills. Last
year, I participated in a robotics design competition with four other
students.

My strong background in accounting would be a valuable addition


to your team. As an office assistant for ABC Rentals and Sales, I
was responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable,
payroll, and quarterly reports. I have also completed several
upper-division accounting courses.
Cover Letter Pitfalls: No
Action Plan

DONT wait for the DO be proactive and


employer to take the suggest a plan of
next step: action:

Thank you for reading the Thank you for reading this
enclosed application materials. letter and my resume. I shall
I look forward to hearing from call you the week of February 7
you about the opportunities to discuss opportunities at
available at Micron. Micron and the possibility of an
interview.
What Now?: Taking the Next Step

Review sample resumes for more ideas.


Websites: VandalTRAK.com and Jobweb.com
CAPP Library: Resume guides and student samples

Sign up for an individual resume review


with a career advisor at Career and
Professional Planning.
Participate in a resume clinic.
Send it out! Visit Career and Professional
planning for suggestions on how to begin
your job search.

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