Creating Cover Letters and Resumes

1. CreatingCover Letters and Resumes

2. Do Your Research Know Thyself • Skills • Values • Goals • Experience Know the Company & the Position • Mission • Culture • Responsibilities

3. Cover Letters • Straightforward, brief business letter which introduces you and your resume • Expand upon and highlight your accomplishments and relate them to the job • Balance professionalism with your own personality

4. The Basics Maria Bates 56 Park Ave, New York, NY, 10021 (212) 545-2345 mbates@barnard.edu May 12, 2009 Ms. Sandra Davis Investment Management Human Resources Morgan Stanley 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 (212) 349-9494 Dear Ms. Davis: Maria Bates 56 Park Ave New York, NY, 10021 (212) 545-2345 mbates@barnard.edu (212) 545-2345 May 12, 2009 Ms. Sandra Davis Investment Management Human Resources Morgan Stanley 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 (212) 349-9494 Dear Ms. Davis: • Start with a proper business block • The body of the letter should be single spaced, include spaces between each • paragraph and no indentations.

5. Paragraph #1: Introduction In the opening you want to express: • Why you are writing • How you heard about the position • Why you are interested the: • Company/mission • Location • Type of work

6. Paragraph #1 Example: Dear Mr. Samson: Please accept my letter as an application for the Project Team Associate position, as posted on Barnard College’s NACELink. I am particularly interested in this opportunity because of your company’s mission to exceed your client’s expectations and aspirations by offering a customized and structured approach to wealth management which is congruent with my values, interests and education. Avoid saying, “I am writing to…”

7. Paragraph #2: Education • Expand on your educational background • Describe how your liberal arts degree makes you stand out • The 2nd and 3rd paragraphs should attempt to match your skills to the requirements of the job you are applying for

8. Example 1: My current and past academic and work experiences have provided me with the skills needed for the research your department conducts. For the past two years, I have worked extensively in a lab conducting research work on language acquisition and memory… Example 2: I will earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a minor in Sociology from Barnard College, Columbia University in May 2009. My degree program has prepared me to think analytically and approach complex problems from multiple perspectives. This dichotomy between economics and sociology has thus prepared me to operate successfully in diverse situations, think outside the box and adapt accordingly. *Provide examples of how your experience will benefit the employer

9. Paragraph #3: Experience Show what you have achieved outside the classroom: Consider: • Places you have interned and worked • Activities you have participated in • Skill sets you have developed

10. PARAGRAPH #3 EXAMPLE In addition to my education, I have a unique and varied set of internship experiences that have given me the financial skills to qualify for this position. While working at Oppenheimer Funds, I had the opportunity to see investing first hand. My knowledge of investing and finance expanded during my internships as I took initiative, assumed responsibility, and stayed organized to complete projects – attitudes essential for a Morgan Stanley Analyst.

11. 4th paragraph: Wrap-Up • Begin with a summary statement that reiterates that your skills and background make you a strong candidate • You can also thank the reader for their: • Time • Consideration • Reviewing of your qualifications • You will also want to say what will happen next

12. Wrap-up Example: Attached is my resume detailing my education and experiences. I welcome the opportunity to apply my skills as a Project Team Associate with UBS. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. If you need any additional information, please contact me at (201) 580-0987.

13. SIGNATURE Sincerely, (Your Signature) Maria Bates Enclosure or Attached

14. Resumes • Brief summary of your experience and skills • Strategically consider how each piece of information contributes to your overall attractiveness to the employer • Research on the company and position will allow you to create a fit with your resume

15. Appearance • Reverse chronological order • Keep font • Margins should never go below .5 • Keep on 1 page • Avoid colored paper, unless appropriate for industry • Create a simple format for online applications that require them

16. Categories On Your Resume Essential Categories: Contact Information Education Experience Additional Categories: Relevant Coursework Honors & Awards Internships Leadership Experience Volunteer Activities Professional Organizations Skills Interests Prioritize information to get resume on 1 page

17. Heading Beth Goldberg 89 Madison Avenue New York, NY 90879 (201) 890-0987 bgoldberg@gmail.com Beth Goldberg Temporary Address Permanent Address 64 Riverside Drive 89 Cherry Hill Road New York, NY 86749 Santa Cruz, CA 90777 (212) 986-0987 (763) 485-9759 bgoldberg@gmail.com Beth Goldberg 5881 Altschul, New York, NY 10027 ♦ (616) 531-2741 ♦ brg2104@barnard.edu *Make sure your email address is appropriate

18. Education Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, NY Bachelor of Arts, May 2015 Major: Film Studies; Minor: Economics GPA: 3.3/4.0, Dean’s List 2012-present Only include GPA if above 3.0 Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Major GPA: 3.9, GPA: 3.6, May 2015 Honors Student Academic Fellowship, spring 2014 Women in Science Award, fall 2014 (include study abroad and other colleges here) *Awards need to be merit-based if included on the resume

19. Experience Section Include: Company Position Location Duration Macy’s, Buyer Intern, New York, NY, Fall 2011-Present • Macy’s, New York, NY • Buyer Intern, September 2011-Present • Examine, select, order, and purchase at the most favorable price merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements and other factors • Negotiate prices, discount terms and transportation arrangements for merchandise • Analyze and monitor sales records, trends and economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns and determine what the company will sell and how much inventory is needed Appropriate Tense Keep in the 3rd person

20. Experience Section Make each bullet succinct and clear. Start each bullet with a strong action verb: • Analyzed and reviewed drug labels for compliance with federal regulations and information • Designed production line for each item in accordance with safety regulations

21. Experience Section Quantify when possible: • Supervised 90 students in development of small businesses • Allocated budget of $9,000 for student activities Provide qualitative results when possible: • Solely reorganized communication network and increased efficiency of inter-office correspondence • Counseled middle-school students and improved follow-through of behavioral contracts

22. Transferable Skills These are broad skills you have acquired during any activity in your life such as: jobs, classes, projects, sports Consider : • Communication • Leadership/relationship/team building • Critical and analytic thinking • Problem solving • Research, development and project management *Show how these skills would be applicable to the job

23. Also include: • Involvement in off campus organizations • Volunteering • Skills: • Computers • Languages • Personal • Special Programs or Certifications Related to Field

24. Select Content Wisely • To avoid confusing employer, chose experiences that fit the position • Your resume should fit the job description (take a look at O*Net Online) Consider having a large resume that you will cut down every time you apply to a job

25. QuESTIONS