Easy Resumes and Cover Letters Using Microsoft Word

1. Easy Resumes and Cover Letters Using Microsoft Word Jane Morgan Memorial Library, Cambria – October 8, 2009

2. MATC Libraries Research Guide Links to: Job sites Resume/cover letter tips and templates Job fairs and expos Career advising and statistics Tax implications of job loss, and more • http://libguides.matcmadison.edu/workers

3. Why a good resume is important…. • It’s your personal marketing piece • Its purpose is to get you an interview

4. Successful resumes…. • are tailored for each occupation or job of interest • focus on employer’s needs • show how your qualifications/skills fit requirements of job • highlight specific achievements, increases in responsibility, work-related skills • include quantifiable results, where possible

5. Resume Basics • Your resume should be • concise (preferably 1 page) • clear and easy to read • free of spelling/grammar errors • targeted to specific job

6. Organization • Chronological • Organized around jobs you’ve held • Use if you have steady work history • Functional • Emphasizes skills not than job history • Use if you have employment gaps or previous jobs don’t relate to job you’re applying for • Combination

7. Chronological:

8. Functional:

9. Appearance • Standard font (e.g. Times New Roman) • Readable font size (12 point) • Headings for separate sections • White space • Ample margins (1 inch) • Single spacing, space between sections • Not too long • One page, if possible (2 pages max) • References on separate sheet • Use laser printer

10. Language and style Professional/formal language Consistent style throughout Use action/power verbs (see next slide) Include language from job notice/ position description, if possible Use spell check Check grammar Have several people proofread

11. Examples of action / power verbs Administered Analyzed Budgeted Collaborated Communicated Compiled Completed Conducted Consulted Contributed Coordinated Created Demonstrated Designed Developed Planned Presented Prioritized Produced Researched Reviewed Scheduled Shared Supervised Supported Trained Updated Worked Wrote …. Distributed Documented Enhanced Established Expedited Facilitated Generated Improved Implemented Initiated Investigated Led Managed Organized

12. What to include….?

13. Or not to include….?

14. Ask yourself… What information about me is most relevant to the job I’m applying for?

15. Save time and effort by…. Creating a basic resume which you can then modify to suit the specific situation

16. Identifying information Name Address Phone number Email address Resume basics include:

17. Objective (optional) Concise statement specifying position, field of work, or skills to be used on the job Near top of resume Example: “Receptionist position using my customer service, administrative, and communication skills.” Resume basics include:

18. Education Relevant training, certifications, schooling Start with most recent For each school, list name, location, diploma/ certificate/degree earned, date of completion If not completed, use “expected” plus date, or “in progress” Resume basics include:

19. Work/Experience Names and locations of organizations you’ve worked for, starting with most recent Years worked there Job title Main duties performed, results achieved Relevant volunteer activities, internships, projects (especially if little paid experience) Resume basics include:

20. Relevant skills / abilities (optional) If you have specific computer, foreign language, typing, or other technical skills (e.g. equipment operation), consider listing these in a separate section Resume basics include:

21. Activities / associations (optional) Include participation in organizations, associations, student government, clubs, or community activities, especially if related to position you’re applying for Resume basics include:

22. Awards / honors (optional) Any formal recognition you’ve received Professional or academic awards (if not listed in education or work experience section) Resume basics include:

23. EITHER “References available upon request” statement OR separate document with references listed Resume basics include:

24. Using Word 2007 for resumes Be sure you know which version of Word you’re using Word 2007 has different “look and feel” SAVE OFTEN Use “Save as….” option for saving Save in multiple formats (locally, email, flash drive)

25. Choosing a Word Template Click ‘Office’ button and select ‘New’ Select ‘Installed Templates’ or Select ‘Resumes’ category from list under Microsoft Office Online Choose style that fits your needs: Job specific? Chronological? Situation specific? Click to open category Select preference, click ‘download’ button

26. Troubleshooting… If you get a warning to install ‘Active X’, go ahead and install If the template won’t open, make sure it is compatible with your version of Word. You may need to select another template.

27. Templates… easy to use, professional look, help with formatting and layout BUT can be tricky to edit or rearrange preformatted options, so choose layout that’s close to what you want Most have “placeholder” text Click within the bracketed areas and replace text with your own information Creating your Resume from a Template

28. Hands-on Time - Resumes Up Next: Cover Letters

29. Cover Letters

30. Appearance Match font used in resume Readable font size (10-12 point) One page or less Paragraphs (opening, body, closing) Use laser printer Send along with resume OR as the body of an email or as an attachment

32. Cover Letter basics include: Your contact information Recipient’s contact information Date Salutation Paragraphs Opening Body (“sell” skills/qualifications) Closing (request for action) Signature Enclosure

33. Cover Letter specifics: • Tailor to job for which you’re applying – different letter for each application • Discuss your qualifications for particular position • Use letter to demonstrate your communication skills • Don’t simply repeat resume, expand on it -- additional information; relevant, noteworthy accomplishments • Let job notice be your guide (see example next slide)

34. LibraryDirector of the Todd Wehr Memorial Library.Description: The Todd Wehr Memorial Library of Viterbo University is seeking to evolve into an academic center for the 21st Century. The Director will provide strategic leadership for all functions of the library in collaboration with other academic units and in support of the mission of the University.  The Director serves as primary advocate for the library and must be able to articulate and implement a vision for the future of an academic library. The Director provides leadership in the Libraries’ mission to support the educational, research, and service missions of the University. She or he is responsible for all areas of library administration and operations, including strategic and policy planning, fiscal management, library services and collections, and supervision of personnel, facilities, and equipment.  The Director will understand electronic and multimedia resources, instructional technology, collaborative learning through creative learning spaces, and a learning commons philosophy while maintaining the bulk of the print and archive resources.Qualifications:  Viterbo University seeks a visionary leader who understands the learning styles of current students and trends in higher education, academic libraries, and information technology, and who will be able to take the lead in establishing the library for the 21st Century. The Director should have a demonstrable ability to generate excitement for an emerging new vision for the library, develop and hire staff open to innovative ideas, work with the entire University community, and devise an efficient operational plan. The Director must have an energizing, persuasive, and collaborative leadership style and respect the learner-centered philosophy of the campus. Evidence of progressively responsible administrative experience within an academic library environment. Practical knowledge and experience in the role and impact of current and emerging technologies in an academic library environment. The ability to foster an open, creative, and collaborative environment in the libraries The ability to work productively with faculty and university administration.  A commitment to a student-centered service philosophy. Academic qualifications include a degree or degrees in a liberal arts discipline and a master's degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program. Additional graduate degree in a liberal arts discipline is desirable. The director reports to the Academic Vice President.Terms of Appointment:  The Director is an 12 month administrative appointment with faculty rank, non-tenure track.To Apply:In addition to a letter of application, a CV, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references, please submit a statement describing a 21st Century  library and how to integrate it with instructional technology, undergraduate research, and the learning styles of today's students. Applications should be submitted Make use of language in the job notice

35. Hands-on Time – Cover Letters

36. Questions?

37. Thank you. Good luck with your job search!