Effective Employment Communications: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that get results

1. Effective Employment Communications: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that get results

2. The Employment Process • Is a matter of finding the best “fit” between two parties • Is much like a “courting” process • Is often a matter of timing – the right person at the right time • Can be ended by either party at any time for any reason

4. A Resume? A CV? Resume – employment information for business purposes Curriculum vitae (a running of the life) – detailed listing of all professional experience

5. A resume that produces results is: Neat and CORRECT! Short and to the point Demonstrates competence – education and experience

6. A Resume MUST contain: • Name, address, phone, email • Description of education & training • Description of skills and experience • A Resume MAY contain: • Statement of objective • Summary of qualifications • Description of volunteer, community activities, • Professional affiliations • Awards, honors

7. A Resume MUST NEVER contain: • Salary information (either requested or former) • References (provide at first interview or on separate sheet) • Personal information, hobbies • A photo • Letters of reference or testimonials (unless specifically requested)

9. Resume Fallacies • A resume should never be longer than one page. Not true; just be sure the most important information is on the 1st page • The purpose of a resume is to list skills and abilities. No; the purpose of a resume is to obtain an interview.

10. Resume Rules: • List items in reverse chronological order (most recent first) • Include month and year on all education and experience • Include full names, city and state • Include other identifiers (don’t assume reader knows this information)

11. A Resume works on the principle of EMPHASIS Put the most important information first Put the most recent information first

12. Suggested Resume Format: • 1. Objective: State clearly, specific to the position you’re requesting • 2. Education: • Include Palmer, other colleges, other degrees • Most recent first • Include city, state and dates (month/year)

13. 3. Professional Experience • Include preceptorship, Palmer clinic experience • Include names of supervising doctors • Other chiropractic experience • Other work experience

14. Special Training/Skills • Elective courses taken • Practice management seminars • Business classes at Palmer! • Volunteer Experience • Awards and Honors • Extra-curricular activities

15. John S. Wagner, D.C. 1234 W. 19th Street Davenport, IA 52800 319-558-4568 email: johnwagner@hotmail.com Objective: To join a dynamic, creative chiropractic practice in order to improve my skills and increase the wellness of patients. Education 1998-present Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport IA Anticipated graduation: June 2001 Degree: Doctor of Chiropractic 1994-1998 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Degree: BS in Biology Graduated Magna cum laude ProfessionalExperience 1999-present Student Extern Palmer College Main Clinic Supervising doctor: Larry Swank, D.C. 1999 Extern Palmer College – Campus Health Center Supervising doctor: Terry Bernard, D.C. Special Training/Elective Courses Ancillary Procedures I and II Upper Cervical Advanced Activator SOT I and II Volunteer Experience 1999-present Cornbelt Running Club First aid staff at running events Bix 7 Road Race 1999 CASI (Center for Aging Services, Inc.) volunteer for physical exams Awards and Honors PCC Dean’s List, every trimester since enrollment PCC President’s List, March 1997 and October 1998 trimesters Extra-curricular Activities PCC Campus Guides, 1998 to present SICA – member 1997 to present, Vice President 1998 and 1999 Vice President of Class 003 at Palmer College

16. Resume format tips: Use serif font for easier reading Don’t get too fancy – KISS Choose a format and stick with it Make sure the type is big enough Be consistent Use headings to lead the reader through the resume

17. Tips, continued.... Use neutral colored paper Don’t skimp on the margins Don’t abbreviate Use single spacing within listings Use a laser printer or high-quality copies

18. Cover Letters = Sales Letters Purpose: To persuade reader to look at the resume May be solicited (response to a specific position) Unsolicited (direct mail to many possible employers in an area)

19. Cover letters may include: A brief summary of your experience Discussion of points not covered in the resume, including gaps in employment, special circumstances, reasons for seeking the position Presentation of evidence, solid “selling points”

20. Opening paragraph: • Response – describe the reason you’re writing • “I’m writing to express my interest in the associate position ...” • b. Direct mail – interesting opening:

21. “Are you looking for someone who can: • Play a key role in patient care? • Work with children and adults in a gentle and caring manner? • Effectively handle emergencies? • Work to increase your patient base?”

22. Paragraph 2: • Point the reader to the resume • “I have taken a variety of technique electives, as listed in my resume....” • Highlight points of “fit” between your resume and the position • “My qualifications fit your requirements for a Gonstead practitioner....”

23. Paragraph 3: • Describe personal characteristics that make you outstanding • “I’m highly motivated and dedicated to the principle of subluxation-free life for all....” • Include specifics about you that the person needs to know: • “I am moving to the Boulder area in June after graduation and ...”

24. Paragraph 4: Ask for the “sale” and make reply easy • Tell when you’ll be available • Ask for a return response • Tell the best times and ways to reach you (phone? Email?) • Include your phone number AGAIN • State when you will call: “I will call in two weeks to set up a possible interview.”

25. Thank You Letters After the interview, ALWAYS write a brief thank you letter Include points of “fit” Express thanks for taking time to interview with you Express interest in the position (or not!)

26. REFERENCES Include 4 references on a separate sheet Good references: D.C., Palmer alumni Instructor at Palmer Professional (CPA, attorney, etc.) Community leader

27. REFERENCE RULES: • Ask for the reference before listing! • Use work numbers unless your reference specifies home numbers • Include email address • Don’t include friends, Palmer classmates, unless there is some special reason to do so (President of Gonstead Club might be ok)

28. PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! A resume or cover letter with errors is an ineffective communication!

30. Worst Resume/Cover Letter Mistakes: • Beginning with unimportant information • Using too much jargon • Writing too much • Presenting information in a confusing way • Failing to include dates

31. Including personal information (hobbies, marital status, children) • Reporting GPA • Not including other college experience • Not including other work experience • LYING on the Resume!