Writing Cover Letters & Resume
Cover Letter
A letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying another document such as a rsum or curriculum vitae
Writing the cover letter
1. First Paragraph - Why you are writing 2. Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer 3. Concluding Paragraph - How you will follow-up
Why you are writing?
Response to a job posting
Tell from where you learned of the position and the title of the position. More importantly, express your enthusiasm and the likely match between your credentials and the position's qualifications.
Writing a prospecting letter
A letter in which you inquire about possible job openings - state your specific job objective. Since this type of letter is unsolicited, it is even more important to capture the readers attention.
What You Have To Offer ?
How your particular abilities and experiences relate to the position for which you are applying. Express your potential to fulfill the employer's needs rather than focus on what the employer can offer you. Emphasize your achievements and problemsolving skills Show how your education and work skills are transferable, and thus relevant, to the position for which you are applying.
How You Will Follow Up?
Letting the employer know how they can reach you Bid directly for the job interview or informational interview and indicate that you will follow-up with a telephone call to set up an appointment at a mutually convenient time. Be sure to make the call within the time frame indicated.
Cover Letter Salutation
Examples
Dear Mr. Jones Dear Ms. Jones Dear Jane Doe Dear Dr. Haven
Follow the salutation with a colon or comma, a space, and then start the first paragraph of your letter. For example: Dear Mr. Smith:
First paragraph of letter.
When You Don't Have a Contact Person
General Salutations for Cover Letters
Dear Hiring Manager To whom it may concern Dear Human Resources Manager Dear Sir or Madam
Your Contact Information Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address (space) Date (space) Employer Contact Information Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code (space) Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: (space) First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your cover letter should include information on the position you are applying for, including the job title. (space between paragraphs) Middle Paragraph(s): The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention why you are qualifed for the job and how your skills and experience are a match for the position for which you are applying. (space between paragraphs) Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. (space) Closing: (space) Sincerely yours, (double space) Signature: Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)
Cover Letter Closing Examples
Sincerely Sincerely yours Regards Best regards Kind regards Most sincerely Respectfully Respectfully yours Thank you Thank you for your consideration
Resume Writing
Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
Latin word means the course of ones life It is a marketing piece, an advertisement, for your unique set of skills, abilities and experience.
It is a tool that you use to gain an interview
Rules of Resume Writing
No typing errors No errors in spelling No lying No negative information should be included Include only relevant information
Things to be included in your resume
Name Address Phone number / Email Objective Summary Education Experience References
Others
Licenses/Certifications Accomplishments/Achievements Affiliations/Memberships Activities and Honors
What Should Never Be on your Resume?
Height, weight, age, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, sex, race, health (some of these items may be necessary on an International Resume). The word "Resume" at the top! Any statement that begins with "I" or "My" Reasons for leaving previous job (s) Picture of yourself Salary Information for previous positions or Salary Expectations Reference names Religion, political affiliations
What You Should Avoid
Avoid Abbreviations That May not be Clear Avoid Too Much Highlighting
Avoid Using Many Font Types and Colors
Avoid Using the Same Resume to Apply for Many Positions Avoid Using Very Small Fonts
Type/Design Details
Use a professional, readily-available font such as Times New Roman, Arial, Bookman, Trebuchet, Lucida Sans, Garamond, Verdana or Courier. Font should be between 10 & 12 pt
You can use a different font for the headers of your resume as well as your contact information but don't use more than 2 types.
Be consistent with headings (size, boldness, etc.) Use bullets to draw the readers eye. But dont bullet everything! Make sure your resume looks good!
Tips for writing an effective resume
Be Neat and Error Free; Sometime only one mistake, you could miss the interview. Make it Easy to Understand; o not try to impress potential employers with the depth of your vocabulary. Be Concise and Organized Use Active Verbs and Power Words; managed, developed, communicated, directed, established etc Use Common Word for Headings
Your Name
Objective Summary Experience [Describe your career goal or ideal job.] [Briefly describe the best elements of your resume including your Experiences, Accomplishments, Abilities, Skills and so on.] [Job Title] [Company Name], [City, ST], [Dates of Employment] [Job Responsibility / Achievement] [Job Responsibility / Achievement] [Professional or Technical Skill] [School Name], [City, ST], [Date of Graduation] [Degree obtained] [Training/ Workshop Title], [Content] [Licenses/Certification Title], [Date] [Honors/Awards Title], [Date] [Publication Title], [Date] [Job Title] [Organization Name], [City, ST], [Dates] [Job Responsibility / Achievement] [Street Address], [City, ST ZIP Code] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
Skills
Education
Training and Workshop Licenses and Certification Honors and Awards Publication Volunteer Experience
Interests
[Briefly list interests or hobbies that may pertain to the type of job you are applying for.]
References
References available upon request
