Resume and Cover Letter Writing

1. Resume and Cover Letter Writing Alison Bowes Director, Career Services Building M-8 abowes@alliant.edu

2. What is a Resume? • Your marketing tool • A way to sell yourself • A way to highlight your experience and accomplishment • A way to get you an interview

3. What should be on a resume? • Heading- name, address, contact info, etc. • Objective statement (optional) • Summary of qualifications (optional) • Education • Work experience • Skills (computer, language) • Honors/Awards/Affiliations

4. What should not be on a resume? • Personal information such as age, ethnicity, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, children, etc. • Personal pronouns such as “I”, “me,” “My,” etc. Use sentence fragments only • Reference information

5. How do I get started? • What are you applying for? • What experience/classes have you had that relate to what you are applying for? • Talk about yourself in glowing terms • Use action oriented words • You don’t have to include every job/experience you have had • Just get it on paper! (You can revise later)

6. Example CHRISTOPHER A. SMITH 4444 Antigua Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124 christopher.smith@gmail.com 619-555-2328 SUMMARY * Thorough understanding of Project Management, in theory and practice * Experienced leader of multiple levels across diverse cultures and circumstances * Well organized, detail-oriented; yet, highly focused on mission goals and strategy * Energetic and creative self-starter with a reputation for process improvement EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS US Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) Adjudicated by the Department of the Navy – Valid until September 23, 2008 Master of Science, Global Leadership School of Business Administration, University of San Diego, CA – Mar 2008 Graduate Certificate in Project Management University of San Diego, CA – Mar 2008 Bachelor of Arts, International Relations University of San Diego, CA – 2001

7. Example PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE LEADERSHIP SKILLS * Supervised multiple production teams in generating accurate portrayals of complex geo-political climates around the world for timely dissemination to operators * Trained over 700 aircrewmen in evasion procedures during combat * Processed extensive escape protocols for over 2,000 combat missions during the 2005 Iraqi invasion that resulted in the safe recovery of all downed aircrew * Set the vision and direction for enriching the scholastic experience of more than 4,800 students by chairing multiple student board meetings, overseeing a $500,000+ budget COMMUNICATION SKILLS * Adapted communication style to accommodate varying personalities and ranks * Appraised and counseled staff on performance, work ethic, and values * Disseminated varying degrees of sensitive material to appropriate personnel * Effectively mediated staff conflicts and implemented realistic solutions EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Apr 2007 - Present Project Manager Accredited Home Lenders Jan 2007 - Present Management Trainee Accredited Home Lenders 2006-2006 Senior Intelligence Watch Officer US Intelligence Cell 2004-2006 North Africa Analyst Joint Analysis Center 2002-2004 Security Manager Naval Air Station 2001-2002 Intelligence Officer in Training Naval Air Station

8. Sample Internship Resume Jane Smith 300 4th Avenue apt. 1 San Diego, CA 92103 mobile:(619) 555-0000jsmith@gmail.com EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts, International Business Administration 2008 Alliant International University, San Diego, CA Associate of Arts, Psychology, 2005 San Diego Mesa College, San Diego, CA COURSES TAKEN: International Trade and Economics International Marketing International Business Business Law Finance Strategic Management Marketing, Communications and Buyer Behavior Work Motivation and Productivity

9. Sample Internship Resume Cont’d STRENGTHS Editing Writing Teaching Presenting International orientation Microsoft Office Suite Interpersonal communication WORK HISTORY Business English Teacher May 2005 – March 2006 XYZ Language Academy, Taipei, Taiwan • Private teacher for business professionals • Catered each class to fit students’ industries, position, and occupational responsibilities • Prepared and edited presentations for XYZ’s human resources department for overseas conferences • Edited staff handbook (mission statements, visions/goals, team-building, moral-building, etc) Intern Fall 2004 Acme Cross Cultural Community Center, Garden Grove, California

10. What is a cover letter? • A way to introduce yourself and your resume • Your opportunity to say why you are the right person for the job • A chance to talk about skills that relate to the job that are not on your resume

11. Cover Letter Outline • First paragraph: why are you writing? Reference the job you are applying for and where you saw it • Second paragraph: link your education, skills and experience with the job description • Third paragraph: ask for an interview and thank them for their review of your resume

12. Cover Letter Example Same Heading as Resume Date Name Title Company Street Address City, State, Zip Re: Job Title Dear Hiring Manager: I am applying for the Sales Associate position that we discussed during the Career Fair at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on (date). My varied sales experience and my bachelor's degree in Business Administration are my strongest qualifications for this position. As you can see from the enclosed resume, I have sold a variety of products through my extracurricular activities and have worked in many banking environments through my cooperative education and internship positions. My marketing, computer research, and customer relations experiences, as well as my oral and written communication skills, should prove valuable in increasing (name of company's) sales volume. I am enthusiastic about pursuing a career in sales with (name of company) because of its diverse product line and international scope. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and can be reached at (phone number) from noon to five daily. I will be in New York next week and will call you on (date) to discuss the possibility of an interview. Sincerely, (Handwritten sig.) Your name, typed

13. Interviewing- Get to Know Yourself • Why should the interviewer hire you rather than someone else ? • Know your strengths, job-related skills, work-related interests, goals, and your basic values and attitudes towards work • Be Prepared • Review your work history and education • Make several copies of your resume • Make a list of your qualifications and experience

14. Get to Know Yourself, cont. • Practice Interviewing • See the list of Commonly Asked Interview Questions and answers • Use the STAR interview answer technique to answer each question. This is done by the following: • S/T—Describe the Situation or Task • A—Describe the Action you took to improve the Situation or complete the Task • R—Describe the Results which occurred because of your Action

15. Research the Employer • Research the Company Background • Research the companies history, mission, values products or services, business methods, standing in the industry and organizational structure • Research the position that you are applying for • Research the Company Location • Plan your route/transportation to the interview, locate parking, be prepared to show up 15 minutes early for the interview

16. Dress for Success • Dark two-piece suit, white dress shirt or blouse, conservative shoes (closed toe, low heel for women) • Showered, clean shaven, little cologne/perfume, well-groomed hairstyle, carry breath mints • Little jewelry, no visible tattoos, not too much makeup and conservative nail colors for women

17. Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication • Interviewing “Do’s” • Wear the appropriate clothing and be well groomed • Be polite and courteous to all persons in the building and office • Be 15 minutes early • Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake • Make plenty of eye contact with the interviewer • Smile and have good posture • Be a good listener

18. Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication • Interviewing “Don’t’s” • Don’t chew gum or smoke • Don’t wear too much jewelry, perfume or makeup • Don’t interrupt the interviewer • Don’t look at your watch during the interview • Don’t volunteer negative information about yourself and don’t criticize former employers or coworkers

19. Types of Interviews • One-on One • One person will be interviewing you only • Group • Several candidates are interviewed at once • Panel • You alone are being interviewed by a panel of several employees • Multiple • Several interviews set up with different members of the same company

20. Typical Steps in the Interview Process • Establishing Rapport • Arrive 15 minutes early, Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, and make small talk • Questions About You • Make your responses positive, organized and informative, Use the STAR technique

21. Typical Steps in the Interview Process, cont • Questions for the Interviewer • You should have two or three questions prepared to ask the interviewer • This expresses your interest in the company • Concluding the Interview • Thank the interviewer by name • Express interest in the position • Arrange a reason and time to call back

22. Interview Follow-Up • Send a Thank You Letter within 24 hours of your interview • 76% of those employers polled indicate that it is helpful for a job candidate to send a thank-you note after the job interview • This is an excellent opportunity for you to let the employer know how interested you are in the position while thanking them for their time and the opportunity to interview

23. Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions or Need Assistance? • Contact Career Services • (858) 635-4568 for an appointment • Visit the Career Center in M-8 • Email abowes@alliant.edu

24. Questions or Comments ???