Résumé & CoveR LetteR
Résumé & Cover Letter Keys to Writing an Effective Résumé Do… • Research the job requirements. • Target your résumé to a specific occupation or type of job. • Write your résumé as an advertisement. • Emphasize your marketable skills and abilities. • Order your information with your most important qualifications first. • Keep the information on your résumé current. • Use solid, round bullets. • Start your descriptions with active verbs. • Use a laser printer on non-colored paper. • Have someone proofread your résumé before sending it. • Bring a copy of your résumé to Career Services for a critique. Don’t… • View the résumé as an autobiography. • Depend on employers to determine the job for which you qualify. • Expect employers to spend more than 10 seconds reviewing your résumé at first glance. • Use complete sentences. • Use personal pronouns such as “I,” “me,” or “mine.” • Include negative information. • Overlook volunteer experience. • Include personal information beyond your name and how to contact you. • Be afraid to brag. • Lie on your résumé. • Depend on job titles to convey the functions that you performed. • Depend on spell checker. • Mail, e-mail or fax a résumé without a cover letter. • Forget to have the Career Services staff critique your résumé. Choosing a Résumé Format Although there is no set format or formula for résumés, there are three types of résumés that are generally used. Chronological • The traditional format that organizes your information in reverse chronological order. • Good for those who have a strong internship and employment history. • Highlights company names and job titles. Functional • Qualifications and skills are organized by function. • Highlights skills gained in both work and non-work experiences. • Good if you are entering a field in which you have no direct experience. Combination • Combines the other formats to your advantage. • Helpful to use if the employer wants to see work history and related skills. • Shows skills that have been gained through work experience. What to Include in a Résumé Contact Information Include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address in the header. Objective The objective statement, which is optional, should be a brief explanation of what you want to do and should specify as closely as possible the type of position, organization, and job function that you want to perform. Education List your graduate and undergraduate studies in reverse chronological order. Be sure to include the name and location of the institution, degree received, major, minor, and graduation date. Experience Each position listed should include the company or organization name, city and state location, your title, and dates of employment. Include full-time, part-time, summer, volunteer, internships, and other active learning projects in reverse chronological order. Use action verbs to describe your duties and focus on the functions that you performed. When appropriate, quantify your duties (e.g., Exceeded sales quota by at least 60% each month). Other Categories Because each person has diverse experiences and strengths, there are many different categories that can be included in a résumé. The categories and order of content should be determined by their strength in marketing yourself to employers. The following is a suggested, although not exhaustive, list of additional categories to consider. • Activities • Honors • Volunteer Work/Community Service • Projects • Skills (including certifications, computer, and foreign languages) • Athletics • Publications • Overseas Experience References It is best to have references listed on a separate sheet from the résumé. Include your name and the references’ names, titles, organizations and contact information. Be sure to ask references to serve in that capacity before listing them and provide them with a job description, if available. It is not necessary to include “References available upon request” or a similar phrase on the résumé. Active Verbs Try to use active verbs to grab the attention of the reader. Some example active verbs are listed below. Acted Activated Adapted Addressed Administered Adopted Advertised Advised Aligned Analyzed Anticipated Applied Appraised Arbitrated Arranged Assembled Assessed Attained Attended Audited Budgeted Built Calculated Catalogued Chaired Changed Chartered Classified Coached Collected Communicated Compiled Completed Composed Computed Conceptualized Conducted Conserved Consolidated Constructed Consulted Coordinated Corresponded Created Critiqued Delegated Delivered Demonstrated Designed Detailed Detected Determined Developed Devised Diagnosed Directed Discovered Dispensed Displayed Dissected Distributed Diverted Drafted Dramatized Drew Drove Edited Educated Eliminated Enforced Enlarged Entertained Established Estimated Evaluated Examined Exhibited Expanded Expedited Explained Expressed Extracted Facilitated Familiarized Filed Generated Governed Guided Handled Headed Helped Hired Identified Illustrated Implemented Improved Improvised Increased Indexed Influenced Informed Initiated Innovated Inspected Inspired Installed Instituted Instructed Instrumented Integrated Interpreted Interviewed Introduced Invented Inventoried Investigated Judged Lectured Led Located Maintained Managed Mapped Marketed Measured Mediated Mentored Modeled Modified Monitored Negotiated Observed Organized Oversaw Painted Participated Perfected Performed Persuaded Piloted Pioneered Planned Played Predicted Prepared Presented Preserved Presided Processed Produced Programmed Projected Promoted Proposed Protected Publicized Purchased Quoted Raised Reasoned Recommended Reconciled Recorded Recruited Reduced Referred Rehabilitated Rendered Reorganized Repaired Replaced Reported Represented Revised Rewrote Saved Scheduled Selected Served Shaped Simplified Sold Solved Sorted Sparked Specified Spoke Stimulated Streamlined Strengthened Studied Suggested Summarized Supervised Supplied Supported Surveyed Tabulated Talked Taught Tended Timed Trained Transcribed Transferred Translated Transmitted Treated Tutored Unified Updated Upgraded Wrote Printing the Résumé When you are ready to print your résumé, be conscious of the following things. • A positive first impression is crucial. Make sure your résumé is attractive to look at, easy to read, wellorganized, and professional. • Use the same paper for the cover letter that was used for the résumé. Stick with white or other noncolored paper (beige, gray) for the résumé. • Résumés and cover letters should be printed on a high quality printer. • Do not fold or staple the résumé. Place it in a large envelope with your cover letter. Scannable Résumés A substantial number of companies in the United States use scanners to input résumés into a database. These résumés will not be read by a person prior to being scanned so keep the following in mind. • Scanners pay attention to key words, especially industry terminology found in the job description. • Use only white paper. • Make sure your name is at the top of each page. • Scanners cannot read lines, borders, multiple columns, italics, or underlining. • Stick with simple fonts like Times New Roman or Courier, and keep the font size between 10 and 14. • Use bullets and abbreviations minimally. Electronic Submission Many companies today request that résumés be sent to them electronically. Follow the company’s instructions regarding the submission process. If the company’s preferences are not stated, submit your cover letter as the body of the e-mail and make the résumé document the attachment. Ask the reader to let you know if they are unable to open your attachment. Quick Résumé Tips • Proofread. • Be consistent throughout the résumé. Make sure that dates are written in the same format and that your sections and fonts are consistent. • Unnecessary spaces or bullets that are not lined up are a distraction. Make sure that the résumé has a clean appearance. • Be proud of your accomplishments and show them off. The résumé is your time to shine. Cover Letters Every résumé that you mail, e-mail, or fax should be accompanied by a cover letter. This formal letter states the position for which you are applying and expands on your most important qualifications. Format and Content Cover letters should be one page in length and three to four paragraphs long. They should be written in professional business format and printed on the same paper as the résumé. Cover letters are not form letters. They should be targeted to each position and should address the specific employer’s qualifications. Cover letters are also more effective when addressed to an actual person rather than “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Find out the name and title of the person who should receive your résumé and cover letter. The heading of the letter should include your return address, the date, the person you are sending the letter to, and the business address. That will be followed up by a proper salutation (e.g., Dear Mr. Jones). In the first paragraph of the letter, you should clearly identify the position for which you are applying. If you are answering an ad or a job posting, state where you heard about the opening. If someone referred you to the position, mention that person’s name. If you do not know whether the employer has an opening, indicate the type of position you are seeking. The second and third paragraphs of the letter serve as your outlet to explain your qualifications and why you are interested in the position and the company. Do not repeat your résumé; rather, highlight specific examples of your experience and tell how they qualify you for the position. In the last paragraph, ask the employer to follow-up by contacting you to schedule an interview or state that you will contact the employer to request an interview. At the end, you must include a signature block. Be sure to sign the letter before it is mailed or faxed. Quick Cover Letter Tips • Proofread. Incorrect spelling and bad grammar leave a negative impression. • This is an advertisement for you. Tell them how you can contribute to the company. • Do your homework on the company. Use the letter to show the reader your knowledge of the organization in the context of why you want the job. Other Job Search Letters Thank You Letters Thank you letters should always be sent to individuals who have provided assistance whether in the form of information, advice, referrals, or an actual job interview. Not only do they say something positive about you, but they show that you respect the individual and appreciate the time spent with you. Sending a thank you letter within 24 hours of your interview will set you apart from the candidates who fail to do so. It will also give you the opportunity to reiterate any of your qualifications or provide additional information that was requested during the interview. Sometimes you will meet with groups of people during your interview. If it is not possible to write to each person individually, it is acceptable to send a thank you letter to your host and ask them to extend your appreciation to the entire group. Thank you letters can be typed or handwritten. If all of your previous communication with the employer has been through e-mail, then it is acceptable to e-mail your letter. However, it is always preferable to send thank you letters through the regular mail, doing so will make you stand out from other interviewees. Acceptance Letters Many companies will require your acceptance in writing after you are given a verbal job offer. Use this opportunity to formally accept the offer, confirm the financial terms of the position, and express your excitement about joining the company. Withdrawal Letters Once a job offer has been accepted, it is your ethical duty to inform all other companies that you are considering (i.e., those you have submitted résumés to and/or interviewed with) about your decision and the withdrawal of your candidacy. In the letter, be sure to express appreciation for the employer’s consideration. Rejection Letters Just as you may receive a rejection letter from a company, you may have to send one as well. Rejection letters must be carefully worded as you want to be sure not to burn bridges. Simply tell the employer of your plans, although you do not need to explain why you accepted another position or why you are declining the offer. Thank the employer for the offer and the consideration. BNSF Railway Career Center Jarvis Hall / 817-257-2222 Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm Alcon Career Center Dan Rogers Hall, Room 140 / 817-257-5572 Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm www.careers.tcu.edu Sample Résumé – Chronological Karen A. Graduate Current Address: TCU Box 348624 Fort Worth, TX 76129 (817) 555-1982 kagraduate@tcu.edu OBJECTIVE Desire a position as a Market Research Assistant EDUCATION TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Fort Worth, TX Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2009 Marketing, Major GPA: 3.7 Overall GPA: 3.5 HONORS RELEVANT EXPERIENCE OTHER EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES COMMUNITY SERVICE • • • • Permanent Address: 4410 Locust Tulsa, OK 74135 (918) 555-7843 Delta Sigma Pi Business Honor Society Order of Omega National Honor Society Francis R. Copeland Scholarship TCU Scholar MAIN STREET ARTS FESTIVAL Promotions Intern • Collaborate with producer to coordinate vendors and entertainers for the event • Negotiate contracts with entertainers • Communicate with corporate sponsors about supporting the event • Organize volunteer and staff schedules KAPPA TAU OMEGA SORORITY President • Established goals and measures for sorority activities • Created incentive programs to encourage excellence • Led all sorority meetings • Appointed committees and ensured compliance with policies EAT-EM-UP GROCERY STORE Assistant Bookkeeper • Recorded and balanced financial records • Managed payroll accounts TCU Frog Fit Program, Aerobics Instructor, Aug. 2005 – Present SuperFit Health Club, Aerobics Instructor, May 2005 – Jan. 2008 Union Junior High School, Cheerleading Coach, Summers 2004 – 2007 • PRISM Leadership Program • Student Foundation • American Marketing Association Fort Worth Zoo Special Events Volunteer Harris Methodist Hospital Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Fort Worth, TX Dec. 2007 – Present Fort Worth, TX Aug. 2007 – May 2008 Tulsa, OK Summers 2006, 2007 Sample Résumé – Functional Karen A. Graduate 315 Peabody Street, Apt. 14 Fort Worth, Texas 76137 (817) 555-7843 kagraduate@tcu.edu OBJECTIVE Desire a position as an Account Executive in an Advertising Agency EDUCATION TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Fort Worth, TX Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2009 Marketing, Major GPA: 3.7 Overall GPA: 3.5 QUALIFICATIONS Marketing Skills • Raised funds for city-wide event by soliciting support from local corporations • Designed and distributed promotion materials for special events • Promoted campus fitness program to students, faculty and staff Organization Skills • Planned schedules of large volunteer staff for city-wide event • Balanced financial records and managed payroll for medium sized grocery store • Coordinated activities of 10 chairpersons and 5 committees for sorority Communication Skills • Taught exercise classes at local health club and on campus • Made presentations to large groups of prospective students • Led campus tours for visitors EXPERIENCE Promotions Intern, Main Street Arts Festival, 2007 – Present Aerobics Instructor, TCU Frog Fit Program, 2004 – Present Assistant Bookkeeper, Eat-Em-Up Grocery Store, Summers 2006 – 2007 Aerobics Instructor, SuperFit Health Club, 2005 – 2008 Cheerleading Coach, Union Junior High, Summers 2004 – 2007 ACTIVITIES Kappa Tau Omega National Sorority – President Student Foundation Fort Worth Zoo Special Events Volunteer American Marketing Association Sample Résumé – Targeted Karen A. Graduate Current Address: TCU Box 348624 Fort Worth, TX 76129 (817) 555-1982 kagraduate@tcu.edu OBJECTIVE A position as a Fitness Instructor RELEVANT EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEER Harris Methodist Hospital, Cardiovascular Unit • Assess individuals health risk appraisal • Record blood pressure measurements Oct. 2006 – Present Fort Worth, TX AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR TCU Frog Fit Program • Identify safe and effective exercises for all major muscle groups • Teach weekly step aerobics classes for students, faculty and staff Aug. 2005 – Present Fort Worth, TX PRESIDENT Aug. 2007 – May 2008 Kappa Tau Omega National Sorority Fort Worth, TX • Established wellness program that included individual goals and incentives • Led all programs and activities AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR SuperFit Health Club • Taught aerobics classes for health club members of all ages • Worked with members individually on improving personal fitness May 2005 – Jan. 2008 Fort Worth, TX CHEERLEADING COACH Union Middle School • Trained squad of 12 girls in tumbling and cheers • Choreographed and taught dance routines • Judged city-wide cheerleading competition Summers 2004 – 2007 Tulsa, OK Permanent Address: 4410 Locust Tulsa, OK 74135 (918) 555-7843 OTHER WORK ACTIVITIES & HONORS Main Street Arts Festival, Promotions Intern, Dec. 2007 – Present Eat-Em-Up Grocery Store, Assistant Bookkeeper, Summers 2006 – 2007 EDUCATION Delta Sigma Pi Honor Society Golden Key National Honor Society TCU Outstanding Leadership Award American Marketing Association Habitat for Humanity Volunteer TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Fort Worth, TX Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2009 Marketing, Major GPA: 3.7 Overall GPA 3.5 Kappa Tau Omega Sorority PRISM Leadership Program Student Foundation TCU Ambassadors Fort Worth Zoo Volunteer Sample Cover Letter 315 Peabody Street #14 Fort Worth, TX 76137 September 18, 2009 Virginia M. Cooper, Marketing Director Fitness Initiative Health Center 202 Cunningham Boulevard Dallas, TX 75000 Dear Ms. Cooper: Please accept this letter and enclosed résumé as my application for your Public Relations Specialist position as posted on FrogJobs. The job description is a great fit with my background and interests. In addition to a degree in marketing and an internship in public relations, I have experience working in a health club setting. My internship with the Main Street Arts Festival involved contacting local corporations and soliciting support for the event as well as negotiating contracts with entertainers. Through this experience, I was able to enhance my skills in persuasion and negotiation. In addition to these important communication skills, I have honed my public speaking ability through teaching aerobics classes, coaching cheerleading squads and providing campus tours for TCU visitors. As an aerobics instructor, I am familiar with the health and fitness center setting. My experience has allowed me to work with individuals and groups to assess health care needs. This experience and my strong communication skills will be valuable assets in the position of Public Relations Specialist for Fitness Initiative Health Center. Thank you for your time and consideration. I will contact you next week to make sure that you received my résumé and set up a time for an interview. If you need to contact me before then, you can reach me at (817) 555-3456. I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely, Karen A. Graduate Sample Résumé John Doe 12345 Avenue A * Fort Worth, TX 76129 * 817-555-1234 * jdoe@hotmail.com Education Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX Bachelor of Arts, English and Political Science, May 2009 GPA: 3.25 TCU London Centre, London, England Attended classes and experienced the culture during six week study abroad program, Summer 2008 Leadership Experience Alpha Beta Gamma Fraternity Vice President, January 2008 – Present • Organize venues, security, transportation, and budget for all social events • Manage $100,000 annual budget • Supervise fraternity operations and make important decisions on chapter matters Alumni Relations Chair, January 2007 – January 2008 • Planned alumni events to improve relationships between chapter and local alums • Created an online alumni networking database in which over 100 people registered New Student Programs Orientation Student Assistant, Summer 2008 • Interacted with new students and their families • Guided first year students to complete course schedules and explained policies of the University Frog Camp Facilitator, Summer 2007 • Mentored incoming students in a camp setting • Collaborated with a team to facilitate activities and help new students transition into college setting Work Experience Office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Washington D.C. Intern, Summer 2007 • Performed research on legislative issues • Responded to constituent correspondence and conducted tours for visitors • Partnered with press secretary to write press releases and important memos ABC Exterminators, Palo Alto, CA Office Assistant, Summers 2005, 2006 • Provided administrative support to 8 staff members • Distributed paychecks and made deposits in a timely manner Honors Skills Alpha Beta Gamma Member of the Year, 2008 Dean’s List Sam Smith Scholarship Proficient in Spanish Microsoft Office, HTML, Pagemaker Sample Cover Letter 12345 Avenue A Fort Worth, TX 76129 March 23, 2007 Ms. Susan Jones Internship Coordinator Acme Group 10987 Alpha Road Dallas, TX 75000 Dear Ms. Jones: This letter is to inquire about internship opportunities with Acme Group. Recently your colleague, Bob Williams, spoke to my political science class. My conversation with him sparked my interest in applying for one of your internships in international relations. Based on my varied background and career interests, I am a perfect fit for this position. Last summer, I lived in Washington D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill as an intern in Senator Feinstein’s office. The experience allowed me to develop excellent communication skills and interact with constituents and government leaders. I provided tours to visitors, contacted individuals on the phone, provided assistance in person, and drafted printed and electronic correspondences. Along with my other responsibilities, I assisted the press secretary to write press releases and accompanied him into important meetings. In addition to my experience working on Capitol Hill, my other positions have also prepared me for this internship. As an office assistant, I relied on my ability to multi-task to meet the needs of a busy office and complete tasks in a timely manner. Furthermore, I am self-motivated and focused. This summer, I was selected to be an Orientation Student Assistant. This opportunity will allow me to work closely with all incoming TCU students and prepare them for school in the fall. In addition, during the break between orientation sessions, I am participating in a six week study abroad program in London. As you can tell, I take advantage of many opportunities and have enjoyed many different experiences that would be an asset to your company. You would get a hard worker, a quick learner, and someone excited to take on new challenges. Your internship combines my two passions, international politics and communication, along with merging the two to create the perfect career. I am looking forward to speaking with you further about internship opportunities for the fall. Please let me know if you have any questions about my qualifications. I am free to meet with you at your convenience. Sincerely, John Doe
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