1 / 30

Resume Writing & Cover Letters

Resume Writing & Cover Letters. Haley Sims Assistant Director/Career Counselor 2.28.13. Counseling/Advising. Haley Sims hgsims@vcu.edu wp.vcu.edu/hgsims (no www.) Seeing Criminal Justice Students this semester: Devon White (Mon. – Fri.) cccstwk11@vcu.edu

dale-tillman
Download Presentation

Resume Writing & Cover Letters

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Resume Writing & Cover Letters Haley Sims Assistant Director/Career Counselor 2.28.13

  2. Counseling/Advising Haley Sims hgsims@vcu.edu wp.vcu.edu/hgsims (no www.) Seeing Criminal Justice Students this semester: Devon White (Mon. – Fri.) cccstwk11@vcu.edu www.tinyurl.com/universitycareercenter

  3. How Can We Help? • Explore career goals / options • Where to look for jobs • Resume & cover letter reviews • Interview preparation – mock interviews

  4. How Can We Help? • Salary negotiation • Considering graduate school • Choosing between job offers • What to do the first year on the job

  5. Our Website www.students.vcu.edu/careers Resume writing / C.V. writing Cover letter writing Interview preparation RamsRecruiting Career & Internship Fairs On-campus interviewing

  6. Events and Workshops View the RamsRecruiting calendar, Career Center flyers or my blog: http://wp.vcu.edu/hgsims • CIA • Eta Lambda Sigma, Professional Homeland Security Fraternity Career Fair (open to all majors) March 20, 10/11-3 Commonwealth Ballroom , Student Commons (2nd floor) • See who is attending (on blog)

  7. Resumes • Content • Format • Appearance • Sample Criminal Justice resume on my blog • Resume Guide

  8. 1. What is a resume/CV? A work history A comprehensive list of skills, experience and other qualifications A marketing document Answer → C Representative, not comprehensive Strategic A personal marketing tool to sell your relevant experience, education, skills, accomplishments and qualifications to potential employers Pop Quiz

  9. Name & Contact Info Objective Education Relevant Courses Relevant Coursework Computer Skills Relevant Experience Research Project or Course in detail Volunteer Work Job/Internship/Co-op Other Work Experience Honors & Activities Resume Content & Format

  10. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu __________________________________________

  11. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu ______________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience.

  12. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu ________________________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2013, GPA: 3.0

  13. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu _________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2013, GPA: 3.0 RELEVANT COURSES: ▪ Criminalistics and Crime Analysis ▪ Crime Scene Evidence: Law and Trial Procedure ▪ Violent Crime Scene Investigation ▪ Computer Forensic Investigation

  14. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu _______________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2011, GPA: 3.0 RELEVANT COURSES: ▪ Criminalistics and Crime Analysis ▪ Crime Scene Evidence: Law and Trial Procedure ▪ Violent Crime Scene Investigation ▪ Computer Forensic Investigation COMPUTER SKILLS: ▪ Microsoft Word ▪ Microsoft Excel ▪ Microsoft PowerPoint ▪ Microsoft Access ▪ C++ ▪ Photoshop

  15. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu ______________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2011, GPA: 3.0 RELEVANT COURSES: ▪ Criminalistics and Crime Analysis ▪ Crime Scene Evidence: Law and Trial Procedure ▪ Violent Crime Scene Investigation ▪ Computer Forensic Investigation COMPUTER SKILLS: ▪ Microsoft Word ▪ Microsoft Excel ▪ Microsoft PowerPoint ▪ Microsoft Access ▪ C++ ▪ Photoshop RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Henrico County Police Department, Intern, Richmond, VA, Fall 2011 ▪ Conducted intake for approximately 10 people per four hour shift ▪ Took fingerprints

  16. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2011, GPA: 3.0 RELEVANT COURSES: ▪ Criminalistics and Crime Analysis ▪ Crime Scene Evidence: Law and Trial Procedure ▪ Violent Crime Scene Investigation ▪ Computer Forensic Investigation COMPUTER SKILLS: ▪ Microsoft Word ▪ Microsoft Excel ▪ Microsoft PowerPoint ▪ Microsoft Access ▪ C++ ▪ Photoshop RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Henrico County Police Department, Intern, Richmond, VA, Fall 2008 ▪ Conducted intake for approximately 10 people per four hour shift ▪ Took fingerprints RELEVANT COURSEWORK: Criminalistics and Crime Analysis, VCU, Richmond, VA, Fall 2011 ▪ Learned …

  17. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2013, GPA: 3.0 RELEVANT COURSES: ▪ Criminalistics and Crime Analysis ▪ Crime Scene Evidence: Law and Trial Procedure ▪ Violent Crime Scene Investigation ▪ Computer Forensic Investigation COMPUTER SKILLS: ▪ Microsoft Word ▪ Microsoft Excel ▪ Microsoft PowerPoint ▪ Microsoft Access ▪ C++ ▪ Photoshop RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Henrico County Police Department, Intern, Richmond, VA, Fall 2010 ▪ Conducted intake for approximately 10 people per four hour shift ▪ Took fingerprints RELEVANT COURSEWORK: Criminalistics and Crime Analysis, VCU, Richmond, VA, Fall 2011 ▪ Learned … OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE: ▪ Elephant Thai, Server, Richmond, VA, 08/10-Present ▪ Chili’s, Server, Richmond, VA, 05/09-08/10

  18. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2013, GPA: 3.0 RELEVANT COURSES: ▪ Criminalistics and Crime Analysis ▪ Crime Scene Evidence: Law and Trial Procedure ▪ Violent Crime Scene Investigation ▪ Computer Forensic Investigation COMPUTER SKILLS: ▪ Microsoft Word ▪ Microsoft Excel ▪ Microsoft PowerPoint ▪ Microsoft Access ▪ C++ ▪ Photoshop RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Henrico County Police Department, Intern, Richmond, VA, Fall 2010 ▪ Conducted intake for approximately 10 people per four hour shift ▪ Took fingerprints RELEVANT COURSEWORK: Criminalistics and Crime Analysis, VCU, Richmond, VA, Fall 2010 ▪ Learned … OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE: ▪ Elephant Thai, Server, Richmond, VA, 08/09-present ▪ Chili’s, Server, Norfolk, VA, 05/08-08/09 & academic breaks 08/09-present HONORS & ACTIVITIES: ▪ Dean’s List: Spring 2009-Spring 2010, Spring 2012 ▪ Eta Lambda Sigma, Fall 2010-Present

  19. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: To obtain the full-time Asset Protection position at Lowe’s utilizing my education and relevant work experience. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2013, GPA: 3.0 RELEVANT COURSES: ▪ Criminalistics and Crime Analysis ▪ Crime Scene Evidence: Law and Trial Procedure ▪ Violent Crime Scene Investigation ▪ Computer Forensic Investigation COMPUTER SKILLS: ▪ Microsoft Word ▪ Microsoft Excel ▪ Microsoft PowerPoint ▪ Microsoft Access ▪ C++ ▪ Photoshop RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Henrico County Police Department, Intern, Richmond, VA, Fall 2011 ▪ Conducted intake for approximately 10 people per four hour shift ▪ Took fingerprints RELEVANT COURSEWORK: Criminalistics and Crime Analysis, VCU, Richmond, VA, Fall 2010 ▪ Learned … OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE: ▪ Elephant Thai, Server, Richmond, VA, 08/10-present ▪ Chili’s, Server, Norfolk, VA, 05/09-08/10 & academic breaks 08/10 - present HONORS & ACTIVITIES: ▪ Dean’s List, Spring 2009-Spring 2010, Spring 2012 ▪ Eta Lambda Sigma, Fall 2010-Present

  20. Jamie T. Student 907 Floyd Avenue ▪ Richmond, VA 23284 804.123.4567 ▪ studentjt@vcu.edu ________________________________________________________________ References Dr. Anna Smith Criminal Justice Instructor Virginia Commonwealth University P.O. Box 123 907 Floyd Avenue Richmond, VA 23284 (804) 828-9999 arsmith@vcu.edu Dr. Smith instructed my Case Studies in Criminal Procedure class and has known me for two years. Mr. Howard Jones Assistant Manager Chili’s Restaurant 123 Main Street Norfolk, VA 23501 (757) 727-3191 hjones@chilis.com Mr. Jones supervised me while I worked as a server at Chili’s for one year.

  21. Margins can go out as far as .5 all the way around No grammar mistakes Consistency – all periods or no periods Bullets or symbols are uniform throughout resume, not cluttered Font is no smaller than 11 point font 1 or 2 forms of highlighting are used BUT NOT ALL Resume is printed on quality resume paper Resume is 1 page* All of the pertinent information is there for work experience The word “I” is not used The objective is specific and the right one* There is plenty of white space, but not too much It’s not stapled or double-sided Your name is larger than the rest of the resume Resume Appearance

  22. Cover Letters Job Search Correspondence Handout http://www.students.vcu.edu/careers/jobs/ • Should be tailored to the employer • Find a specific name if you can • Always address the person with a title

  23. Job Description www.godefense.com  Entry level job search • Job Title: Criminal Program Specialist • Department: Department Of Justice • Agency: U.S. Marshals Service • Job Announcement Number: CK387867AR • SALARY RANGE: $38,790.00 - $50,431.00 /year • OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, October 05, 2010 to Wednesday, October 20, 2010 • SERIES & GRADE: GS-0301-07 • POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Career/Career Conditional • PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 09 • DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Kansas City, KS • WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States CitizensJOB SUMMARY: Who may apply: All U.S. CitizensDo you want to make a difference in helping to protect our nation? • Are you interested in supporting the criminal justice system? • Are you interested in applying your analytical skills to assist criminal investigators? • This position is located in a United States Marshals Service (USMS) District office. You will provide administrative support on the warrants and perform administrative criminal support duties.

  24. More? Job Description • Gather and analyze various types of intelligence data • Monitor, evaluate and coordinate a variety of warrants • Coordinate investigative efforts • Access information from a variety of law enforcement databases, initiate appropriate actions and update as required • Review, coordinate, maintain, monitor and record criminal case actions • KEY REQUIREMENTS: • U.S. Citizenship or National • Resume and supporting documents (See How to Apply) • Must pass a drug test background investigation • This position is subject to funding and availability • Relocation expenses have NOT been authorized

  25. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: • SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 level that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience include: • Assisting with evaluating and coordinating a variety of warrants (i.e., for escaped prisoners, parole and probation, bond default, etc.); • Establishing and maintaining warrant files; • Assisting with the preparation of packages for and coordination of prisoner movements; • Utilizing a variety of law enforcement related databases to obtain information for investigations, warrants, prisoner data, etc. • OR • EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree with Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) OR one full year of graduate level education. (Note: You MUST provide copies of all transcripts if you are basing your qualifications on education). • If you are claiming Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.), you must submit documentation showing you have successfully completed all of the requirements for a bachelor's degree AND meet one of the following requirements: • Class standing in upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision; OR • GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 based on 4 years of education, or based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR • GPA of 3.5 or higher based on the average of all the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR • Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society that meets the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies (except for freshman honor societies). • If you are claiming one full year of related graduate course work, you must provide proof that you have successfully completed 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours of full time graduate study. (Note: You MUST provide copies of all transcripts if you are basing your qualifications on education).

  26. 1st Paragraph Haley Sims * 907 Floyd Avenue * Richmond, VA 23284 * hgsims@vcu.edu * 804-828-1645 October 11, 2010 Midwest Services Branch  Phone: (816) 426-5706  Email: KANSASCITY@OPM.GOV Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to apply for the Criminal Program Specialist position (Job Announcement Number: CK387867AR) with the U.S. Marshals Service. I will receive my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University this May.

  27. 2nd Paragraph Haley Sims * 907 Floyd Avenue * Richmond, VA 23284 * hgsims@vcu.edu * 804-828-1645 October 11, 2010 Midwest Services Branch  Phone: (816) 426-5706  Email: KANSASCITY@OPM.GOV Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to apply for the Criminal Program Specialist position (Job Announcement Number: CK387867AR) with the U.S. Marshals Service. I will receive my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University this May. I was excited to see this position posted because I am very impressed with the U.S. Marshal’s mission and work. I believe that there is nothing more important than the job of “provid[ing] physical security to federal judges and U.S. courthouses, to protect witnesses, jurors, and members of the public, to safely and humanely transport and detain federal prisoners, and to catch violent fugitives.” It would be an honor to work for such a crucial agency.

  28. 3rd Paragraph Haley Sims * 907 Floyd Avenue * Richmond, VA 23284 * hgsims@vcu.edu * 804-828-1645 October 11, 2010 Midwest Services Branch  Phone: (816) 426-5706  Email: KANSASCITY@OPM.GOV Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to apply for the Criminal Program Specialist position (Job Announcement Number: CK387867AR) with the U.S. Marshals Service. I will receive my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University this May. I was excited to see this position posted because I am very impressed with the U.S. Marshal’s mission and work. I believe that there is nothing more important than the job of “provid[ing] physical security to federal judges and U.S. courthouses, to protect witnesses, jurors, and members of the public, to safely and humanely transport and detain federal prisoners, and to catch violent fugitives.” It would be an honor to work for such a crucial agency. During my time at Virginia Commonwealth University, I have had the opportunity to study how to gather and analyze different types of intelligence data in my ___ class(es). Through my team projects and assigned papers, I have developed strong written and oral presentation skills, as well as the ability to work well as a member of a team. As an intern with the Henrico County Police Department, I assisted in evidence processing procedures. There, I watched the time and organization it takes to monitor, evaluate and coordinate warrants. While I have not had the opportunity to work with law enforcement databases, I am a quick learner and am eager to learn from my colleagues.

  29. 4th Paragraph Haley Sims * 907 Floyd Avenue * Richmond, VA 23284 * hgsims@vcu.edu * 804-828-1645 October 11, 2010 Midwest Services Branch  Phone: (816) 426-5706  Email: KANSASCITY@OPM.GOV Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to apply for the Criminal Program Specialist position (Job Announcement Number: CK387867AR) with the U.S. Marshals Service. I will receive my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University this May. I was excited to see this position posted because I am very impressed with the U.S. Marshal’s mission and work. I believe that there is nothing more important than the job of “provid[ing] physical security to federal judges and U.S. courthouses, to protect witnesses, jurors, and members of the public, to safely and humanely transport and detain federal prisoners, and to catch violent fugitives.” It would be an honor to work for such a crucial agency. During my time at Virginia Commonwealth University, I have had the opportunity to study how to gather and analyze different types of intelligence data in my ___ class(es). Through my team projects and assigned papers, I have developed strong written nd oral presentation skills, as well as the ability to work well as a member of a team. As an intern with the Henrico County Police Department, I assisted in evidence processing procedures. There, I watched the time and organization it takes to monitor, evaluate and coordinate warrants. While I have not had the opportunity to work with law enforcement databases, I am a quick learner and am eager to learn from my colleagues. I am very excited about the possibility of serving as a Criminal Program Specialist for the U.S. Marshals Service. I may be reached at (804) 828-1645 and/or at hgsims@vcu.edu. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Kindest regards, Haley Sims Haley Sims Enclosures: Resume, References

  30. Contact Info Haley Sims: hgsims@vcu.edu University Career Center 1st Floor, Student Commons Across from Chick-fil-A Devon White: cccstwk11@vcu.edu www.tinyurl.com/universitycareercenter

More Related