Resumes and Cover Letters that Get You Noticed

1. Resumes and Cover Letters that Get You Noticed July 26, 2011

2. Goals for this presentation • The logic of writing for the employer • Put yourself in the employer’s place • What is important to the reader vs. writer? • The Master Resume/Cover Letter • The Resume • The components • Be sufficiently and relevantly descriptive • You are your format • The Cover Letter • The components • Context, spin, framework • Matching to a job

3. Writing for the employer • What is affecting the employer? • Expanded responsibilities • Lots of applicants • Remember these factors as you write • Reader vs. Writer • What do you value in your resume/cover letter? • What does the employer value? • How do we match that up? • The Master Resume/Cover Letter • Your memory is not as good as you think it is • You never know what might come in handy • Who cares if it’s five pages long?

4. The Resume – Components • Contact information • Name, Street Address, Town, State • Phone number, E-mail address • Be professional • I object to the Objective • Summary of Qualifications • Certified Workforce Development Professional with 14 years experience as a Career Specialist. Identify values, develop possible career paths, and develop strategies for entering a career. Develop individual employment plans, goal setting strategy, and networking skills. Provide job search and resume writing assistance, soft skills vs. hard skills analysis, and instruction on completion of career portfolios. Increased employment placement rate by 20%. Proficient with Microsoft office programs, and use of database programs. • http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/l/blsummaryres.htm

5. The Resume – Components ctd. • Education • Did you get a degree there? • Did you graduate yet? • High school? • Examples • EDUCATION • Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2011 Bachelor of Science in Health Science, May 2008 • Sage Graduate School, Troy, NY Russell Sage College, Troy, NY, GPA: 3.9 • Education • Masters of Business Administration, Concentration in Business Strategy, May 2011 • Sage Graduate School, Albany, NY • GPA: 3.8 • Bachelors of Arts in Economics, Minor in Biology, June 2008 • Union College, Schenectady, NY • GPA: 3.5; Dean’s List; Scholars Program

6. The Resume – Components ctd. • Experience • Jobs, volunteerism, community service • Internships, clubs, professional memberships • Relevancy must be obeyed at all times • Other categories • Certifications, Skills • Awards, Achievements, Relevant Coursework • References? • Person of Reference Name, Title/Affiliation to You • Company or Organization Affiliation • Address • City, State Zip Code • Phone number (if person is willing to be contacted by phone) • Email address (if person is willing to be contacted by email)

7. The Resume – Be relevant • We all start with, “What did I do?” • “Customer service” • Ask a question: For whom? • “Provided customer service for bank clients” • What services, policies? Results? • “Resolved consumer problems, explained bank services and policies, and communicated knowledge of financial planning resulting in greater customer satisfaction” • Use action words • Achieved, collaborated, developed, etc. • Beware of “Assisted”

8. The Resume – Your format • To period or not to period? • I don’t care but be CONSISTENT • Hyphens, date formats, job formats, verb tense • Fonts, capitalization, typeface, sizes, punctuation • “I right grammar real gud” • I don’t mean to insult your intelligence but… • Field specific jargon • Where these resumes end up • The immaculate resume and cover letter • Properly aligned, no mistakes/inconsistencies • The anal-retentive nutcase = Mike Breslin • Do not upset him!

9. The Cover Letter – Components • Introduction • What position • Where did you learn of it • Transition • Don’t be afraid to kiss up • Example • In response to your posting for the Marketing/Promotions Intern, attached is my resume for your consideration. I learned of this position through the Career Center at Sage College of Albany. After reviewing the position description and researching Ticketmaster, I believe this internship represents an ideal opportunity.

10. The Cover Letter – Components • Middle section • Highlight your qualifications • Be enthusiastic • Be relevant • As a sophomore at Sage College of Albany, I have undertaken a number of courses and extra-curricular engagements that prepared me for this internship. Majoring in business has helped develop my research, analytical and creative thinking skills, as it has allowed me to contemplate the relationships between human behavior and economical, environmental and cultural factors. As part of a project, I am currently researching how companies effectively utilize branding strategies and catchy logos to increase their client base and better capture their target markets. I believe this on-going analysis of corporate markets and the knowledge I am gaining regarding effective marketing strategies will directly benefit the Marketing/Promotions department.

11. The Cover Letter – Components • The Conclusion • Reiterate your interest • Provide contact info • Indicate next action • Be aware of the firm’s instructions • Example • I believe I would be a strong asset to the Marketing/Promotions team at • Ticketmaster and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my • qualifications with you. I can be reached at 518-333-6565 or via e-mail at • breslm@sage.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration.

12. The Cover Letter – Context • Purpose is to explain your experience • NOT to restate it • Provide reasons why you are a fit • Cite experience to do so • Cover letter is a writing sample • What kind of writing does the employer value? • Concise? Flowery? • This is a business document • Address it properly • Format it properly • Sign it

13. The Cover Letter – Matching • Do not just send out the same letter again • Match each letter to each job • Example • The job ad asked for: • Team environment • Develop and maintain client relationships • Presentation and research skills • Organizational, verbal and written communication skills • The cover letter says: • Strong teamwork • Organizational and interpersonal abilities • Research, analytical and creative thinking skills • Marketing strategies

14. Any questions? Mike Breslin Assistant Director, Career Planning The Sage Colleges 140 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208 (518) 292-1793 breslm@sage.edu www.sage.edu/resources/career_planning