Developing a Resume and Cover Letter

1. Developing a Resume and Cover Letter

2. What is a Resume? A written document that consists of work experience, education, credentials, and accomplishments.

3. What is a Resume used for? • To apply for jobs, internships, Graduate School programs, etc. • 3 Different Types • Chronological • Functional • Combination

4. Types of Resumes • Chronological • This is the most popular format. It places information in reverse chronological order (i.e. from most to least recent).

5. Getting Started Name Address Telephone Number Email Address

6. Objective • Describe your career goal or ideal job • Example: • Seeking a position in sales where five years of customer service experience will add value.

7. Work Experience • employer’s name, location (city & province), dates of employment, position/job title, summary of responsibilities and accomplishments • State the full name of the corporation rather than using acronyms that may not be familiar to a prospective employer. For dates of employment include the start and end dates • When providing details of the positions you held, include three pieces of information • Basic responsibilities, industry or company specific information.2. Specific skills required.3. Accomplishments/achievements

8. Education name and location of school, graduation date, degree and major area of study

9. References • List of people of who know how you work professionally and know you personally • You need at least 3 references. • Reference list should contain: • Name • Title (i.e. Chemist) • Address • Telephone Number • Email Address

10. Extras • You can also add to your Resume: • Skill(i.e. Microsoft Word) • Awards and Honors (i.e. Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar 2010) • Professional and Social Affiliations (i. e. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.)

11. Cover Letter • Also known as a Motivation Letter • Normally 1 page long • Contains: • Header • Introduction • Body • Closing

12. Header Cover letters use standard business letter style, with the sender's address and other information, the recipient's contact information, and the date sent after either the sender's or the recipient's address.

13. Introduction The introduction briefly states the specific position desired, and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.

14. Body The body highlights or amplifies on material in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. If there are any special things to note such as availability date, they may be included as well.

15. Closing A closing sums up the letter, and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction ("Sincerely"), and then a signature line.

16. Curriculum Vitae Also known as C. V. Similar to a Resume but specifically focused on academic achievements A CV summarizes educational and academic history, and may include details about teaching experience, publications (books, articles, research papers, unpublished manuscripts, or book chapters), and academic honors and awards.

17. C. V. (cont.) Use a CV rather than a resume for teaching or research opportunities, applying for fellowships or for further academic training.

18. C. V. (cont.) • Typically organized in this way: • Name and Address • Education • Dissertation • Fellowships and Awards • Teaching Experience • Research Experience • Publications and Presentations • Works in Progress • Related Professional Experience • Languages • References • Dissertation Abstract

19. Assignment • Develop a Resume and Cover Letter • You are applying to be an Assistant for me!!! • I need: • Someone good at multi-tasking and work independently • Good communication and organizational skills • Type at least 45 wpm • Work well in groups • Due July 9that midnight via email