1. careers
2. resume writing and advice

The Résumé and Cover Letter
Your “Paper Picture”
Introduction
Imagine that you are the recruiter for XYZ Company. During the course of a year, you
probably look at stacks of paper and e-mails containing a summary of the work experience and
education of job seeking college students. Your job is to decide which of these summaries best
describe people that will perform effectively in the jobs that your organization may staff. You
are the hiring professional for the company! You are the person that examines a piece of paper
or an electronic transmission and determines whether the individual should be given further
consideration or be screened out of the process. You may use your scanning system to look for
keywords that match the job the organization has open or simply use your eyes to scan the
letter and résumé for a potential match for the position. The "bottom
line" is that you want to screen these résumés and cover letters to a
reasonable number of solid candidates that you can interview for the
position.
Let's reverse roles. You are now the job seeking college student.
Your goal is to produce a résumé and cover letter that will get you an
interview with the company because you meet a number of the
qualifications for the position. Therefore, you need to be sure that you
prepare your résumé and cover letter so that it is compelling to both
human and electronic eyes. You want to be screened into the interviewing
process. Everything you know about yourself and want others to learn
about you must be initially packaged and marketed so that your product –
YOU – will have as much appeal as possible to an employer. This package
is called your résumé and cover letter – putting together a good, solid résumé and cover letter
is one of the most important activities that you can do for yourself.
The résumé is a summary of your background and your
qualifications, while the cover letter is your opportunity to
indicate what position you seek and why you believe that
you are a fit for this position. These documents are your
"paper picture," a positive representation of yourself to
someone who has probably never met you; therefore, these
should be visually attractive, focused and easy to read.
Remember your goal is usually to obtain an interview for a
potential position.
You need to be sure that
you prepare your résumé
and cover letter so that it is
compelling to both human
and electronic eyes.
This guide is designed to provide you with some helpful hints and guidelines that should
assist you as you develop your résumé and cover letter. It will provide some instructions on
content and format, along with some other resources that you may use. Sample résumé and
cover letters are to serve as examples for you to follow.
1
Résumé Preparation
The Purpose of the Résumé
As mentioned previously, your reason for doing a résumé is
to become a candidate for a potential position. It should
present pertinent facts about your education, skills,
qualifications, involvement in activities and other related
information. It should reflect the thought that you have given
to your future and highlight those facts that enhance your
candidacy for a particular position. Remember that your
résumé and cover letter are tools to help you move to the next
step: the interview. You should review the information that
you provided to a particular company before you go to the
interview.
Research and Analyze
We have mentioned on several occasions the need to do your own self-assessment and
inventory of what you have to offer. Do some soul searching and capture how your knowledge,
skills, abilities and values relate to the qualifications required
for the position you seek. Write this information down on
Do some soul searching and
paper before you begin to prepare your résumé and cover
capture how your knowledge,
letter. Research employers and develop "accomplishment
skills, abilities and values relate
statements" that match the job specifications that the
to the qualifications required
employer wants. Consider the skills that are your strengths,
for the position you seek.
how you have used them and relate these experiences to the
position. You have probably solved countless problems and
resolved conflicts. If this trait is what an employer needs, take the time to briefly state that this
trait was used in your prior position.
Getting it Organized
The following categories are the items included in most résumés of a recent college graduate.
First, you need the framework of your résumé. It should begin with a heading that includes
your name, address and telephone number of your temporary and permanent domicile. You
should also include an e-mail address.
Next, you should include an objective that is clear, focused and positive. However, it is
important that it be open-ended enough so that you are not excluded from positions that are
possible considerations. This requires some thought so you may want to consult the Career
Services Office to get some assistance.
2
The education heading should indicate your present school, Franciscan University of
Steubenville, and BELOW THAT, any other higher education institutions that you attended. Provide
information on your degree including major, minor or concentrations, date of graduation, your
cumulative GPA and any other pertinent information such as your semester study in Gaming,
Austria.
The next section is your experience. Your work experience should be a chronological listing of
full and part time positions that you have had since you started your higher education with a brief
description of the major duties and accomplishments. Showcase your accomplishments where
possible. Related experience is a description of specific experiences that complement your
academic program such as an internship, a clinical experience or student
teaching. Depending on your experience you may have a related
experience section.
The activities section can be an effective way to enhance your
profile through a listing of a representative cross section of
organizations or activities that you have been involved in during your
college years. Volunteer work and leadership activities are examples of
items that you may list in this category.
Some individuals will have other characteristics that may not fit into
any of the above categories. The other category should be used to
provide information on particular areas such as computer skills,
language fluency, exceptional talents, licenses, certificates, etc.
The last section on the résumé is the reference area. If you have room on your résumé, you may
indicate that your references are available upon request. If you are forwarding references or have
referred to them in your cover letter, it is not necessary to have this section on your résumé.
The Scan
If you returned to your position as the staffing manager, it is quite possible that you would be
using a scanner to search for candidates that might be a good match for the position in question.
You would be looking for keywords that represent the characteristics that are related to the
position. Therefore, as a student, you should be trying to
pack your résumé with the "buzzwords" that are key
Pack your résumé with the
words or terms for an entry level position associated with
“buzzwords” that are key words or
your search. A resource listing of such words is available.
terms for an entry level position
Also remember that a scanner more easily reads white or
associated with your search.
off-white paper and has difficulty with a folded piece of
paper.
3
Cover Letter Preparation
The Purpose of the Cover Letter
A cover letter should accompany your résumé and is usually your introduction to a
prospective employer. It is your opportunity to express your interest in a particular position and
to let your prospective employer hear your voice. How and what you write tells potential
employers a great deal about your professionalism, competence and personality. You should
demonstrate that you have done your homework about the employer and that there are good
and sufficient reasons to believe that you can be an asset to the organization by briefly
describing how your qualifications match the requirements for the position. It should reflect your
personality, attention to detail, your enthusiasm, intellect and communication skills. You may
want to direct the employer's attention to something specific in your résumé concerning your
background and their needs. The cover letter should be the stimulus for an employer to read
your attached résumé and invite you to be interviewed.
If you neglect the importance of a good cover letter,
If you neglect the importance
you neglect one of the most important elements of a
of a good cover letter, you
successful job search.
neglect one of the most
Content
important elements of a
The address should be to a specific individual at an
successful job search.
employer. In most cases, it is possible to find the name
of the appropriate individual with a little research. The letter should be addressed to the person
who has the direct responsibility for hiring for the position you are seeking. If you are unable to
find a name, you should send the letter and résumé to the Personnel or Human Resources
Director.
The opening paragraph (the introduction) should get their
attention. It should state the position that you desire and how
you found out that it was available. If it was based on a
recommendation of another individual, you may want to
indicate that and provide the name of the individual if he/she
is connected with the organization.
The body (marketing pitch) of the letter should explain what you can offer to the organization
and why you believe that you will be an effective employee. It should demonstrate that you have
done your homework and know about the organization and the qualifications for the position.
You should reinforce your résumé without being redundant and take the opportunity to highlight
some important item or project that is not in your résumé.
The closing (follow-up) paragraph is your opportunity to let the organization know when you
may be available for an interview. You also should take the initiative to indicate that you plan to
follow up within the next few weeks to determine what the next steps will be for you to be
interviewed. Thank the individual for any considerations.
4
(Heading)
RÉSUMÉ - GENERIC SAMPLE
NAME
(Permanent Address)
Franciscan University of Steubenville (if on campus)
1235 University Blvd., Box 0000
City, State, ZIP
Phone (include area code)
Street Address
City, State, ZIP
Phone (include area code)
e-mail address
OBJECTIVE:
Be specific
EDUCATION:
List most recent degree first, major, institution and date of graduation or expected graduation. Point out
areas of specialization in academic work, honors, etc.
RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Same as work. Emphasis should be on areas related to academic endeavors such as internships, clinical
experiences, student teaching, etc.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Your job title, name and location of organization, dates employed starting with most recent and description
of your duties, including the variety of assignments, amount of responsibility, number of people supervised,
special accomplishments and dates. Include military service if applicable.
ACTIVITIES:
Name of organization, brief (optional) description of what you did and dates or activity.
OTHER:
Name of function, talent or skill, briefs description if necessary.
REFERENCES:
State "Available upon request" (or omit this section).
(for examples of résumés – see pages 13-16)
5
COVER LETTER GUIDELINES (BLOCKED STYLE)
Your address
City, State zip code
Date of Letter
Individual's Name Job Title
Name of Employer
Street address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Ms. or Mr. __________:
OPENING PARAGRAPH: (INTRODUCTION)
Entice them with some of your standout accomplishments; use keyword-rich opening lines that demonstrate
fit; highlight that you can meet their needs. (Name drop if appropriate.)
BODY (KNOWLEDGE OF COMPANY)
Explain why you want to work for this particular company. What do you know about its mission and
philosophy? Explain why you want to work for this employer and/or in this career field by mentioning
something about that organization or company's services, programs, products. Express enthusiasm for the
possibility of being employed there.
BODY: (MARKETING)
Summarize your qualifications and point out any achievements or skills that relate to this employer or
position. Be as specific as you can, using examples where applicable.
CLOSING: (FOLLOW-UP)
Refer the reader to the enclosed résumé and ask for consideration of your qualifications for a position.
Indicate your desire for a personal interview (Ask for an interview!) Express your appreciation for the
employer's consideration and reiterate your sincere interest!
Sincerely,
(Handwritten signature)
Your Typed Name
Enclosure (Indicates résumé is enclosed)
(for an example of a cover letter – see page 17)
6
Format Tips
Overall
• Use popular, non-decorative typefaces.
(Times New Roman or Arial are recommended)
• Good quality paper (cotton fiber bond paper) should
be used.
•
Avoid Italic text, script, underlined passage and open
"bullets."
•
White and ivory are the most widely accepted colors
of résumé paper. Avoid staples and folds.
•
Use large envelopes so you don't have to fold your résumé/ CL.
•
Use words specific to your career field to maximize the number of matches between what the
company is looking for and what you have to offer.
•
You should stress accomplishments while being honest and accurate. Fraud is sufficient reason
to be eliminated from consideration for a position.
•
Do not include personal information that is not related to the position you are applying for
(Example: race, age, sex, marital status, # of children, height, weight, health status).
•
Use caution also when including information related to political and/or religious affiliations.
•
Proofread carefully, using a dictionary, your board of advisors and spell check.
•
Save your résumé/CL with your name, i.e. john smith résumé.doc or john smith coverletter.doc
Résumé
Your résumé should be well
organized, concise,
professional, in style and
appearance, and easy to read.
•
Your résumé should be kept to one page if possible. If you
must go to two pages, put your name and Page 2 on the top
left hand side of the paper. Your name should be the first
readable item on each page.
•
Use 8 ½ x 11-inch paper. Center your résumé on the page from top to bottom. Top and side
margins should be one inch.

Your résumé is to be typed. Make it easy on the eyes. Some students use the services of a
professional printer. The majority of students, however, type their résumé on a computer and
save it on a computer disk so they can control expenses and update it periodically.

Use the "Chronological" type of résumé unless you have significant permanent work or
graduate school experience.

We recommend the use of a laser printer. Photocopying your résumé is not advised. Use a font
size of 10 to 12 points.
7


Your résumé should be well organized, concise, professional in style and
appearance, and easy to read. Make your words count. Avoid long paragraphs and
superfluous details.
Spelling, grammatical, punctuation or typographical errors are inexcusable. Have several
people proofread your résumé.

Don't use words such as I, my, she, they, their, etc.

You should use phrases instead of complete sentences.

You may use some abbreviations on your résumé (Example: Inc., Co.). For the most part,
however, they should be avoided. DO use abbreviations for State names.
Cover Letter

Your résumé should be accompanied by a cover letter when mailed to prospective
employers.

Type the cover letter on the same color and quality of paper that you used for your résumé.

You should single space the letter and double space between the paragraphs.

Your cover letter should be prepared individually for each employer. Ideally, you should
research each employer and be able to note something unique about that organization or
position.

Personal characteristics such as reliable, dependable, strong work ethic can be included in
the cover letter. You should, when possible, note evidence of these; i.e. examples.

Maintain a professional style of writing. Avoid clichés. Again, grammatical, punctuation,
typographical and spelling errors are inexcusable. Keep the tone of the letter positive. Don't
apologize for any deficiencies in your background. Focus on the positive.
8
Types of Résumés
Chronological (Recommended)
A chronological résumé arranges your experience and education in chronological order with the
most recent dates first. It is important to list accomplishments, skills, and qualifications – not just
job duties. Potential employers want to know what you can do for them. Use action words at the
beginning of each sentence and avoid personal pronouns.
You don't have to list every single position you ever held.
You don’t have to list every single
The trick is to pick and choose the ones that are relevant
position you ever held. The trick is to
to your objective. You can also eliminate low-level
pick and choose the ones that are
positions and positions that duplicate later experience.
relevant to your objective.
Functional
A functional résumé organizes your work experience by the functions you performed regardless
of date. The functional résumé highlights your skills instead of your work history. For example: if
you are reentering the job market after raising a family, this type of résumé also allows you to list
volunteer experience and community or school activities. List your functional paragraphs in order
of importance, with the bulleted items listed first that will help you get the particular job you are
targeting. At the bottom of the résumé, you should still list a brief synopsis of your actual work
experience with your title, employer, and dates worked.
Skills or Targeted
A skills or targeted résumé highlights all the skills an individual has which are related to the
position they are applying for. While used less frequently than any other résumé style, the
targeted résumé is designed to focus on one single career or occupational objective. In this type of
résumé, you include information from your past history which is only appropriate to the career or
job objective that you wish to obtain. The main emphasis of the résumé is on your skills, not your
work or volunteer experience. All skills are listed near the top of the résumé, after the objective or
education section of your résumé.
Combination
As the name implies, a combination résumé combines
elements of all résumés into one format. A combination résumé
includes both the listing of your functional skills and a listing of
your work history. Such a résumé format is appropriate when
you wish to emphasize both your skill set and your work history.
Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
A C.V. is a special type of résumé traditionally used within the academic community. Earned
degrees, teaching and research experience, publications, presentations and related activities are
featured. In short, a C.V. is an academic version of a résumé.
9
Personal Qualities & Characteristic Checklist
Able to work alone
Active
Adaptable
Adept
Adventurous
Aggressive
Ambitious
Analytical
Articulate
Assertive
Broad-Minded
Cautious
Cheerful
Committed
Competent
Congenial
Conscientious
Cooperative
Courageous
Courteous
Creative
Curious
Decisive
Dedicated
Dependable
Determined
Diligent
Diplomatic
Disciplined
Discreet
Effective
Emotionally Stable
Energetic
Enterprising
Entertaining
Enthusiastic
Exceptional
Experienced
Extroverted
Fair
Familiar
Firm
Forceful
Frank
Friendly
Generous
Genuine
Helpful
Honest
Idealistic
Imaginative
Impulsive
Industrious
Independent
Innovative
Insightful
Instrumental
Intellectual
Introverted
Judicious
Kind
Leadership ability
Logical
Loyal
Mature
Methodical
Nonconforming
Objective
Observant
Open minded
Orderly
Outgoing
Patient
Persistent
Personable
Persuasive
Pleasant
Poised
Positive
Practical
Productive
Rational
Receptive
Reliable
Reserved
Resilient
Resourceful
Responsible
Self-confident
Self-controlled
Self-motivated
Self-reliant
Sensitive
Sharp
Sincere
Sociable
Strong
Successful
Tactful
Talkative
Tenacious
Tolerant
Understanding
Well-organized
10
Action Word List
Abstracted
Accelerated
Accomplished
Accounted for
Achieved
Acted
Adapted
Added
Addressed
Adjusted
Administrative
Advanced
Advertised
Advised
Advocated
Aided
Allocated
Altered
Analyzed
Answered
Anticipated
Applied
Appraised
Approved
Arbitrated
Arranged
Articulated
Ascertained
Assembled
Assessed
Assigned
Attained
Chaired
Charged
Charted
Chartered
Checked
Chose
Clarified
Classified
Coached
Collaborated
Collated
Collected
Combined
Comforted
Communicated
Compared
Completed
Complied
Composed
Compounded
Computed
Conceived
Conducted
Confirmed
Conserved
Consolidated
Constructed
Consulted
Contacted
Contracted
Contributed
Controlled
Converted
Demonstrated
Designed
Detected
Determined
Developed
Devised
Diagnosed
Differentiated
Directed
Disbursed
Discovered
Discriminated
Dispatched
Dispensed
Displayed
Disproved
Dissected
Distinguished
Documented
Drafted
Drew up
Drove
Edited
Effected
Elaborated
Eliminated
Empathized
Enabled
Encouraged
Enforced
Enlightened
Enlisted
Ensured
Filed
Financed
Fixed
Followed
Forecast
Formulated
Fostered
Found
Founded
Framed
Functioned as
Furnished
Gained
Gathered
Gave
Generated
Governed
Greeted
Guaranteed
Guided
Halted
Handled
Headed
Helped
Hired
Identified
Illustrated
Imagined
Implemented
Improved
Improvised
Inaugurated
Increased
Indexed
Itemized
Joined
Judged
Justified
Kept
Launched
Learned
Lectured
Led
Lessened
Lifted
Limited
Listened
Litigated
Located
Logged
Made
Maintained
Managed
Manipulated
Manufactured
Mapped
Marketed
Mastered
Maximized
Measured
Mediated
Memorized
Mentored
Met
Minimized
Modeled
Moderated
Modified
Quantified
Queried
Questioned
Quoted
Raised
Ran
Ranked
Rationalized
Read
Realized
11
Rearranged
Reasoned
Received
Recommended
Recorded
Recruited
Reduced
Referred
Signed
Simplified
Sketched
Skilled
Smoothed
Sold
Solicited
Solved
Spearheaded
Specialized
Speculated
Spoke
Sponsored
Stimulated
Strategize
Streamlined
Strengthened
Stressed
Unearthed
Unified
United
Updated
Upgraded
Used
Utilized
Validated
Vaulted
Verified
Visualized
Volunteered
Won
Worked
Wrote
Use words specific to your
career field to maximize the
number of matches between
what the company is looking
for and what you have to
offer.
Copyright 2003, Dave Carpenter www.carptoons.com
12
LUKE Q. SMITH
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Blvd., Box 0000
Steubenville, OH 43952
(740) 555-1234
5678 May Lane
New York, NY 10014
(914) 555-7777
lsmith@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a challenging and rewarding position in the Public Accounting field, utilizing
accounting skills as well as leadership experience.
EDUCATION:
Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH 43952
Bachelor of Science in Accounting - May 20??
 Cumulative GPA 3.3
 Member of Tax Challenge Team
EXPERIENCE:
Audit Intern, State of Ohio Auditor's Office, Southeast Region, OH,
June 20?? - November 20??. Implemented and tested controls; successfully
developed and implemented three audit programs.
Resident Assistant, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH, Spring
20?? -20??. Assisted in maintaining men's dormitory. Directed programs to increase and
enhance unity, resolve conflicts, promote wellness and the social aspects of dormitory
life.
Bank Teller, National City Bank, Steubenville, OH, Summer 20??.
Managed customer transactions and strengthened interpersonal skills through interaction
with the public.
Office Worker, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH,
Fall 20?? - Spring 20??. Assisted Director of Development with all clerical and
administrative duties.
Lab Technician, HE Services, Pittsburgh, PA, Summer 20??. Tested automotive parts
and entered results using macros and spreadsheets.
Golf Club Assistant, Steubenville Country Club, Steubenville, OH,
Summer 20?? and 20??. Maintained and operated pro shop including the selling of
merchandise.
ACTIVITIES:
Franciscan University Student Association Senator, Internal Auditor, 20?? – 20??
Prince of Peace Fraternity – Member, 20?? - Present
Captain of Intramural Football and Basketball Teams, 20?? - Present
Completed Franciscan University Leadership Project Weekend – 20??
OTHER:
Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, Word Perfect, Quattro Pro
REFERENCES:
Available upon request
13
JESSICA P. JONES
5916 Everett Lane * Steubenville, OH 43952 * (740) 555-4213 * jpjones62@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a ministry position involving religious education and administrative
responsibilities.
EDUCATION:
Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH 43952
Bachelor of Arts – May 20??
Double Major in Theology and Catechetics - May 20??
Minor in Human Life Studies

Cumulative GPA 3.95/4.0, Dean's List

Studied abroad in Gaming, Austria - Spring 20??
EXPERIENCE:
Assistant to the Coordinator of Household and First Year, Franciscan University
of Steubenville, Fall 20?? – 20??.
Functioned as support staff for and co-leader of 43 households (Christian
sororities) and Household Council. Coordinated and led Household
Coordinator's Retreat, weekly meetings and university events. Facilitated and
maintained communications between household coordinators and university
departments. Assisted with the development of new and closing of old households.
Catholic Ministry Internship, St. Edmund's Retreat, Mystic, CT, Summer 20??.
Created Catholic Bible camp. Helped coordinate and led weekly retreats, music for
daily liturgies, lector. Assisted with development and implementations of two
fundraisers.
Day Camp Counselor, Greater Altoona Community Service Campus, Altoona, PA,
Summer 20??. Attended daily to 70-90 children's physical, mental, emotional and
social needs. Led daily prayer and activities. Facilitated weekly small groups and
assisted with family consultation.
ACTIVITIES:
Student Evangelization Network Team, Fall 20??
Christian Women's Sorority, Spring 20?? - Present
Eucharistic Minister, Spring 20?? - Present
Participated in intramural volleyball, Fall 20??
Facilitator of three Confirmation Retreats, St. Mary's, Altoona, PA,
Dec. 20??, 20??, 20??
OTHER:



Financed 75% of college education and living expenses
Working knowledge of Spanish and Sign Language
Familiar with Microsoft, Windows 2000, Internet
14
MARY Q. MENTOS
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Blvd., Box 000
Steubenville, OH 43952
(740) 555-5555
123 West Main St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 555-1235
mqmentos@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a challenging and rewarding position in the field of Elementary Education utilizing
educational background as well as experience.
EDUCATION:
Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH 43952
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education – May 20??
Licensure: pre-K-3, Reading Endorsement: K-12 (pending)
 Cumulative GPA 3.4
 Semester study in Gaming, Austria – Spring 20??
RELATED
EXPERIENCE:
Student Teacher, St. Aloysius & North Elementary School, East Liverpool, OH, Spring 20??,
Taught all subjects in 1st and 2nd grades.
Early Experience, Garfield Elementary School, Steubenville, OH, 20??-20??, Observed in
pre-school and 1st grade classroom. Assisted teachers in using a child-centered focus with
diverse population.
Private Tutor for Elementary Grades, Steubenville, OH, 20??-20??, Worked with students
in grades 2 and 3 to improve math and reading comprehension skills. Implemented
motivational activities through the use of manipulatives and educational games while always
teaching to the students’ learning modalities and multiple intelligences.
OTHER
EXPERIENCE:
Serials Assistant, John Paul II Library, Steubenville, OH, Fall 20?? - Fall 20??,
Dealt with the serials department mail, circulation and preservation process.
Student Marketing Manager, 1st National Bank, Summit, NJ, Summers 20?? – 20??
Met and surpassed monthly sales goals, opened new accounts and sold bank services, made
check cashing decisions based on bank policy.
Administrative Assistant, Hartzell Industries, Meadville, PA, Summer/Winter breaks 20??20??, Provided administrative support to staff for large projects.
ACTIVITIES:
Head Start Program, Volunteer basketball coach – (6th-8th grades)
Leader of Chastity Conference, Leadership Project, University Orientation Leader
Household Member, Flag Football, Intramural Volleyball
OTHER:
Proficient in Spanish, familiar with Sign Language, play piano
Experienced with Microsoft Office – Access, Excel, PhotoDraw, Power-Point
Participated in Multicultural Education workshops
REFERENCES/
PORTFOLIO:
Available upon request
15
JOHN NICHOLS
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Blvd. Box 0000
Steubenville, OH 43952
(740) 555-5555
123 West Main St.
New York, NY 10012
(914) 555-1235
john.nichols@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a challenging and rewarding career position in the Counseling field, utilizing professional and volunteer
experience.
EDUCATION:
Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH 43952
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Minor in Business Administration - May 20??

Dean's List, 3.5 cumulative GPA

Semester studying in Gaming, Austria - Fall 20??
EXPERIENCE:
Social Work Intern, Appalachian Youth Services, White Plains, N.Y., Spring, 20??. Assisted in group counseling for
juveniles and planned group field trips. Gained general knowledge of social services operations (i.e. intake, reality therapy,
report writing, etc.).
Tutor, Learning Resource Center, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH, Fall 20??. Tutored seven
freshmen and sophomores in introductory courses in finance and management.
Camp Counselor, Camp Hide-A-Way (day camp for children from low income Families), Mt. Pocono, PA, Summers 20?? –
20??.
Bank Teller, Mellon Bank, White Plains, N.Y., Summers 20??, 20??. Handled customer transactions and strengthened
interpersonal skills through interaction with the public.
Office Worker, Career Services, Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH, Fall 20??. Assisted the full-time secretary with all
clerical and administrative duties.
ACTIVITIES:

Household - Co-coordinator 20??

National Association of Social Workers
VOLUNTEER WORK:

Newburgh Women's Shelter

Orange County Mental Health & Retardation Program

CARELINE (24 hour crisis phone line)
OTHER:

Spent Summer living with Spanish family in Mexico, May - July 20??

Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Fluent in Spanish
REFERENCES:
Available upon request.
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Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Blvd., Box 0000
Steubenville, OH 43952
November 15, 20??
Mr. Brett Mayer
Director of College Recruiting
The Mercantile Company
45 Lake Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
Dear Mr. Mayer:
Cultivating relationships to deliver exceptional results is what I do best. Whether in an internship, retail work or
in a classroom setting, I have been able to develop first-class solutions. I read your company's description in
NACE's Job Choices in Business and would like to inquire about employment opportunities in your management
training program. I want to work in retail management specifically in the Chicago area after graduation.
This May I will receive my Bachelor of Science degree in Management. My interest in business started in Junior
Achievement while in high school and developed further through a variety of sales and retail positions as well as
my involvement with SIFE during college. My internship with a large department store convinced me to pursue a
career in retail. When I researched the top retailers in the Chicago, The Mercantile emerged as having a strong
market position, an excellent training program and a reputation for excellent customer service. In short, you
provide the kind of professional environment I seek.
My education and experience match the qualifications you seek in your management trainees, but they tell only
part of the story. As you can see from my résumé, I have quite a bit of experience in retail work. I know from
customer and supervisor feedback that I have the interpersonal skills and motivation needed to build a successful
career in retail management. And my relatively extensive experience gives me confidence in my career direction
and in my abilities to perform competently.
My résumé is enclosed for your consideration. I know how busy you must be during this time of year, but I would
appreciate a few minutes of your time. Please call or e-mail me to schedule a time for an interview to further
discuss my qualifications.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely,
Mary Smithson
Enclosure
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(REFERENCE SHEET EXAMPLE)
YOUR NAME
REFERENCES
Name
Title
Name of Business
Address
City, State Zip
Phone number
E-mail address
Name
Title
Name of Business
Address
City, State Zip
Phone number
E-mail address
Name
Title
Name of Business
Address
City, State Zip
Phone number
E-mail address
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