Preparing an Effective Resume and Cover Letter Mike Imwalle Career Services Bldg 10, Room 10312

1. Preparing an Effective Resume and Cover Letter Mike Imwalle Career Services Bldg 10, Room 10312

2. Preparing an Effective Resume • Resume Basics • No one “perfect resume” that fits everyone • Purpose of the resume is to get an interview • Resume is marketing tool, not an autobiography • Resume style (functional vs. combination) will vary with experience • Resume should pass 10 second scan; neat, organized and easy read. • List most relevant details in top half of resume • Use precise non-repetitive wording (omit pronouns and articles)

3. Preparing an Effective Resume • Resume Layers • Make your contact info easy to find/read (Heading) • Identify Job Target (Objective) • Identify Core Job Skills (with evidence if possible) (Skills) • Emphasize Education as Key Credential (Education) • Describe Work Experience and Accomplishments (Experience) • Add Extras (Licensures, Volunteerism, Associations …) • Format, Edit, Proofread and Polish your Resume

4. Preparing an Effective Resume • Contact Heading • Contact Info should be at top of the resume. • Name should include middle initial (bold, + 1 font size) • Use your most permanent address • Use most reliable phone number (include area code) • Include an email address (professional, not social) • No WordArt or exotic font style, unless… 1

5. Preparing an Effective Resume • Job Objective • Be specific about the job you want. (For example: To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.) • Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek. 2

6. Preparing an Effective Resume • Education • New graduates list educational information first. Experienced can list it after the work experience section. • Your most recent educational information is listed first. • Include full degree, major, institution attended, grad year • Add your (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0 • Mention academic honors • Program Accreditations 3

7. Preparing an Effective Resume • Skills Summary • Can be designated Qualifications, Summary, Profile, Skills … • List key skills in a bulleted fashion (usually) • Utilize concise phrasing for space efficiency and impact • Insert computer skills • Include any skills (hard and soft) relevant or listed in job ad • Split into two columns if list is causing a two page resume 4

8. Preparing an Effective Resume • Experience • Divide into two category “Relevant” and “Other” • Omit older non-relevant experience • List Employer, City and State • Insert Job Title • List Duties • List Accomplishments 5

9. Preparing an Effective Resume • Extras (Optional) • Associations • Volunteerism • Second Languages (fluency) 6

10. Preparing an Effective Resume • References • References should be on a separate sheet • Heading for Correspondence should be consistent • Present References at Interview (unless otherwise) • Contact references for permission • “References Available Upon Request” still suitable 7

11. Preparing a Cover Letter • What does a cover letter accomplish? • Serves as a companion document to resume • Used to target relevant skills that pertain to job • Exhibit polished written and grammatical skills • Utilize persuasive writing skills 1

12. Preparing a Cover Letter • Things to remember when composing • Limit cover letter to one page • Always create a “unique” cover letter for each application • Insert resume contact heading for a consistent professional look • Use a standard format with date and “inside address”* • Minimize the use of the pronoun “I” • Conclude the letter by stating follow-up info 2

13. Preparing a Cover Letter • Cover Letter Components • Introduction - Indicate the purpose of the application along with the source of the referral • Body -Indicate how yours skills match the job requirements and any other contributions you have to offer • Closing • State your interest in the position and your follow-up plans 3

14. Preparing a Cover Letter • Mail Application • When using traditional mail use place cover letter on top • Do not staple • Be sure to sign Cover Letter • Email Application • Paste cover letter into email • Attach resume to email • Copy yourself in on email 4