Resume & Cover Letter Writing

1. Resume & Cover Letter Writing LuAnn Schwery, Assistant Dean Creighton University Graduate School

2. Resumes • No right or wrong format • Look professional & easy to read • Well written – relevant content • May be tailored and updated for each position

3. Most students have a reverse chronological resume Most common categories: • Objective • Education • Experience • Additional Experience • Honors • Activities • Skills

4. Information • Name – Larger and in bold • Address • City, State, Zip • Phone • Email

5. Basic Information – Two Styles William A. Smith 12835 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68143 (402) 343-3274 williamsmith@creighton.edu William A. Smith 12835 West Center Omaha, Nebraska 68143 (402)343-3274 williamsmith@creighton.edu

6. Objective Gives resume purpose and direction Should be short and concise Examples: To obtain a position as a Resident Advisor To obtain a summer Nexus internship To obtain admission into medical school To obtain a position in accounting

7. Education University, City & State Degree Graduation Date Major: Minor/Emphasis: GPA:

8. Bachelor of Arts May 2013 GPA: 3.5 Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska Major: English Minors: Business & Spanish Millard North High School, Omaha, Nebraska Diploma June 2009

9. Education Bachelor of Science in Business Administration May 2012 Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska GPA: 3.5 Major: Marketing Minor: Spanish Trinity University, Dublin, Ireland Spring 2011 __________________________________________________________________________ Bachelor of Arts – English Specialization: American Literature May 2013 Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska GPA: 3.8

10. Objective: To obtain a Resident Advisor position Education: Bachelor of Arts – English May 2014 Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska

11. Experience • Experience can be . . . . . . . • Paid or not paid • Employment related to your field • Summer jobs • Internships • Leadership positions • On campus employment • Part-time jobs **Put the most emphasis on this information

12. Experience • Format • Reverse chronological order • Most recently obtained at the top • Where you worked, city & state • Title • Dates • Descriptions

13. Descriptions Don’t use a template Use bullets or dashes Start each sentence with an action verb No periods Spell out states & dates Utilize a variety of action verbs to describe experiences Use terms related to your field List responsibilities from most important to least important Past tense vs. present tense Use professional language Managed, supervised and evaluated 18 employees

14. Experience Delta Zeta Sorority, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska New Member Educator January 2011 – Present - Educate and orient new members to the organization - Plan and facilitate workshops and educational programs - Mentor members and address issues and concerns

15. Experience vs. Additional Experience

16. Additional Experience Old Navy, Omaha, Nebraska Sales Associate March 2011 – Present • Assist customers with purchases and provide quality customer service Or Up Stream Brewery, Omaha, Nebraska Hostess June – September 2010

17. Activities • Delta Zeta Sorority • Biology Club Secretary • CU STAR Tour Guide for Undergraduate Admissions • Service Trip Coordinator

18. Honors & Activities • Creighton Student Employee of the Year – 2012 • Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit Honor Society) • International Relations Club • Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity • Rush Chair 2010-2011 • New Member Educator 2009-2010

19. Skills Computer Skills: Windows XP, Microsoft Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Webpage design in HTML, Dream Weaver and social media

20. Additional Categories (if needed) • Research or Research Experience • Service • Publications • Conferences & Workshops • Presentations • Additional Training • Teaching Experience • Licensure/Certifications

21. References • References: Should be included with resume • References listed on a separate page • Include 3-5 professional references • “References Available Upon Request” – optional on resume

22. References (continued) Information to include: • Your name & contact information at the top of reference page • Reference’s name • Title • Where employed • Business address • City, state, & zip code • Business phone number • Email address • Relationship (optional)

23. Cover Letters

24. Cover Letters • Your introduction to the employer • Must be sent with every resume • “Please submit resume . . . . (and cover letter)” • Summary of your experience, skills, and abilities – show a match • More descriptive than your resume • Three paragraph format

25. Cover Letter Salutation Date Ms. Andrea Smith (Name) Human Resource Manager (Title) First National Bank (Company name) 1620 Dodge Street (Address) Omaha, Nebraska 68116 (City, State, Zip) Dear Ms. Smith:

26. Cover Letters • 1st Paragraph • Why you’re writing • Applying for a particular job/position • Inquiring about possible job/position • Relocating to the area and job searching

27. Cover Letters • 2nd Paragraph • Experience that is related to the position • What you have to offer the employer • Show a match between your experience and the job description

28. Cover Letters • 3rd Paragraph • Wrap up and thank you • Reiterate your interest in the position • Express interest in an interview • Contact information: phone number & email address

29. Resumes & Cover Letters Questions?