1. careers
2. resume writing and advice

RESUMES AND
COVER LETTERS
CONTENT
FBLA-PBL, INC
 Resume Tips
 Cover Letter Tips
 Resume and Cover Letter
Samples
1912 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1591
Phone: 555-555-5555
Fax: 555-555-5555
E-mail: someone@example.com
FBLA-PBL
Thank You Note
Think a thank you note is old fashioned? Think again! If you are closely
matched with the number one job applicant, a thank you note might be all it
takes to tip the scale in your favor. Within 48 hours of a job interview, write
a sincere thank you note to the interviewer. It’s okay to send a thank you
email, but a personalized thank you note stands out.
Jennifer Smith
1234 Jupiter Lane
Jupiter, Florida 33458
October 30, 2015
Ms. Jean Buckley
FBLA-PBL, Inc.
1912 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Dear Ms. Buckley:
Thank you for taking your time to discuss the administrative assistant position with me. After meeting with you and observing the company’s work environment, I am further convinced that my background and skills coincide well
with your employment needs. I have much to offer FBLA-PBL and would certainly enjoy working with you.
I look forward to hearing from you in regards to your hiring decision, and I
can be contacted by phone at 777-888-9999 or via email jennifersmith@gmail.com. Again, thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Copyright 2013 ©
All rights reserved
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Jennifer Smith
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FBLA-PBL
Follow Up
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
4
As a job applicant, you should follow up with an employer a week after submitting your cover letter and resume. You can follow up by phone or email
and inquire about the interview selection process. If an employer requests
no phone calls send an email instead. Also follow up a week after an interview if the employer has not contacted you.
Resume Content
5
Resume Types
6
Resume Tips
7
Skills
8
EMAIL
Action Verbs
9
Dear Ms. Jones:
My name is Jennifer Smith and I emailed my resume to you on Wednesday,
April 14 in regards to the administrative job opening at FBLA-PBL, Inc.
Please email me at jennifersmith@gmail.com or call me at 777-888-9999 to
confirm your receipt of my resume/cover letter and discuss a time we can
meet for an interview. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Chronological Resume Sample
10
Combination Resume Sample
11
Entry-level
12
References
13
Cover Letter Tips
14
Cover Letter Sample
15
Follow Up
16
Thank You Note Sample
17
VOICEMAIL
My name is Jennifer Smith and I emailed my resume to you on Wednesday,
April 14 in regards to the administrative job opening at FBLA-PBL, Inc. I am
calling to check on the status of my resume. Please call me back at 777888-9999 to discuss a time we can meet for an interview. I look forward to
hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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FBLA-PBL
Introduction
Cover Letter
INTRODUCTION
A resume and cover letter are required
for specific FBLA-PBL competitive
events, including Job Interview (FBLA
and PBL), Future Business Leader (FBLA
only), Future Business Executive (PBL
only), and Future Business Educator
(PBL only).
WHAT IS A RESUME?
A resume communicates your skills,
strengths, qualifications, and work experience to an employer. The purpose
of a resume is to secure an interview.
WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?
A cover letter introduces yourself and your resume to an employer. A cover
letter addresses anything that is not noted in your resume, for instance
time gaps in employment, personal attributes, or hobbies related to the
position.
WHAT ARE REFERENCES?
References are professionals you have known for at least one year
(preferably a supervisor or colleague) who can provide employment verification. Most employers request three references for the purpose of gathering
additional information about your employment experience. This information
will be considered when making a hiring decision. Choose professionals
who think highly of you and will recommend you for a job.
Jennifer Smith
1234 Jupiter Lane
Jupiter, Florida 33458
October 30, 2015
Ms. Jean Buckley
FBLA-PBL, Inc.
1912 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Dear Ms. Buckley:
I am submitting my resume in response to the Marketing Manager position
posted on the FBLA-PBL, Inc. website. My qualifications include a Bachelor
of Science degree in Marketing and three years of marketing experience.
Exceptional outreach and customer service skills will enable me to excel in
this position.
Between September 2013 to December 2013 I focused solely on my academics and did not work at that time. As soon as I graduated, I accepted a
marketing position with the company where I am currently employed.
I look forward to meeting with you for an interview and can be reached by
phone at 777-888-9999 or email at jennifersmith@gmail.com.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Smith
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FBLA-PBL
Cover Letter Tips
A cover letter can set you apart from your competitors by revealing your personality and building rapport with the interviewer early on. In other words, it
provides an additional opportunity to sell yourself. A cover letter should always be included with your resume unless the application instructions specifically request no cover letter or an online application does not provide an opportunity to include one. Here are a few tips for an eye-catching cover letter.
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Include the hiring manager’s name in the salutation; if you don’t know
the specific name, use Hiring Manager
Begin with the position you’re applying for and your qualifications for
that specific position
Qualifications include highest education, years of experience, and relevant skills
Include the reason for any employment gaps in your resume; it’s much
better to address these gaps then ignore them
Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation to ensure 100% accuracy
Resume Content
While there are no strict rules for resume content, there are plenty of recommendations for effective resumes that lead to job interviews. The content outlined below has proven successful for countless job applicants.
1.
Contact Information
Name
Mailing Address
Phone Number
Email Address
2.
Career Objective*
The position are you looking for
Transferable skills correlate with the position
3.
Summary of Qualifications
Relevant skills, strengths, years of experience
4.
Education/Training
Include degree/diploma, major/minor, school name, school
location, GPA (only if above 3.5), graduation month and year
Place before work history if education is most recent
5.
Work History/Employment Experience
Include job title, company name, company location, employment
dates, and summary of achievements at that company
Place before education/training if work history is most recent
Ask three to five professionals to proofread your cover letter
6.
“The best cover letters are infused with energy, personality, and details
about the applicant’s skills and achievements,” says Laila Atallah, owner of
Career Counseling with a Twist. “I get a sense of the person and what
they’ve accomplished, and it’s easier for me to picture them in their next
job.”
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References*
Do not include on your
Resume; create a
separate document for
References
*Not required on every
resume
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FBLA-PBL
Resume Types
Effective resumes are classified as one of three types: chronological,
functional, or a combination of the two. Your experiences, skills, and
circumstances will dictate which resume type you choose.
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
A chronological resume emphasizes employment history with the most
recent position listed first. Dates of employment are used to organize the
resume and create a clear picture of employment history. Employers
typically prefer the straight-forward nature of a chronological resume.
FUNCTIONAL RESUME
A functional resume emphasizes skills and overall experiences as
opposed to specific employment and dates. It is ideal for job applicants
with employment gaps, or those seeking a career change.
COMBINATION RESUME
A combination resume emphasizes relevant, targeted skills first, then
provides chronological work history. This resume is ideal for students who
don’t have many work experiences but have gained skills through
education and training.
References
Name, Job Title
Relationship to applicant
Company Name
Mailing Address
Mailing Address
Phone Number
Email Address
Jane Doe, Executive Director
Supervisor
New Endeavors by Women
123 N Street, Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-682-6868
jdoe@new.org
Mary Smith, Guest Service Representative
Colleague
Tiffany’s Salon and Boutique
123 M Street, Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-682-8282
Mary.smith@tiffanyssalon.com
REFERENCE TIPS
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Always inform your references that an employer may be calling
Always bring a list of references to an interview, but do not give the interviewer your references unless he or she asks for them
Use as many professional references as possible (supervisors, colleagues)
Do not use provide more than one reference from a company
When asking friends to be references, verify that they can positively communicate your skills and strengths to potential employers
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Resume Tips
Entry-level
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICAITONS
Include transferable skills such as technical and interpersonal skills
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
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Include babysitting, pet sitting,
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Include all related coursework applicable to the position
Include clubs, like FBLA-PBL
Include honor society memberships
Include professional memberships
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Include FBLA or other student club community service
Include Girl or Boy Scout community service
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FBLA-PBL
1-2 pages in length (preferably 1)
Target your resume to the specific position you want
Experience, abilities, and skills should support your career objective
Place the most recent and important information first
Quantify when possible (how many times?)
Ineffective: Created training program for field sales employees
Effective: Developed four customer/employee relations training
modules for over 20 field sales employees
Describe work accomplishments versus duties
Ineffective: Developed and facilitated training
Effective: Developed and facilitated training, resulting in a 50%
decrease in employee turnover, a 12% increase in sales, and a
40% decrease in customer complaints
Focus on your audience (the employer), and what you can do for them
Demonstrate professionalism; use a professional email address and
voicemail
Bold job titles but not company names; job titles are transferable,
company names are not
Begin each descriptive bullet with an action verb
Avoid jargon, slang words, and abbreviations
Do not use “I,” it is implied
Should appear clean, uncluttered, and easy to read
Proofread your resume and ask three to five professionals to review it
Update your resume after a new work experience or skill is learned
Print on high quality resume paper
Always include a cover letter
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Combination Resume
Skills
JENNIFER SMITH
1234 Jupiter Lane ~ Jupiter, Florida 33458
777-888-9999 ~ jennifersmith@gmail.com
Marketable skills should be evident throughout your resume, communicating what you can contribute to a business or organization.
TRANSFERABLE
SKILLS
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KNOWLEDGE BASED
SKILLS
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PERSONAL TRAITS/
ATTRIBUTES
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FBLA-PBL
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Based on ability and aptitude
Used in a variety of situations/
settings
Expressed as verbs
Examples: communication, initiative/
self-starting, leadership, creativity,
flexibility, problem solving, teamwork, technology, organization
Knowledgeable of specific subjects,
procedures, and information pertaining
to particular tasks
Acquired through education, training,
and on-the-job experience
Expressed in nouns
Examples: personal administration,
contract management, accounting,
economics
Personality characteristics or traits
that contribute to work performance
and attitude
Developed through life experience
Expressed in adjectives
Examples: patient, diplomatic, goalsoriented, autonomous
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Marketing Manager with the ability to promote sales growth and exceed profit goals
while utilizing exceptional organizational, time management and interpersonal relationship skills
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
 Research and assess potential market size for new products
 Identify problems and the need for changes in product design
 develop detailed marketing plans based on team input
 Create catchy slogans and jingles to attract new customers
 Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
 Ability to type 75 words per minute with accuracy
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Minor: Business Administration
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
GPA: 3.97/ 4.0
June 2015
COMPLETED COURSEWORK
Marketing Policy and Strategy, Sales Management, Public Relations, Retail Management, Marketing of Services, Marketing on the Internet, Marketing Research, Multinational Marketing, Consumer Behavior
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Marketing Intern
January 2015-June 2015
Jupiter Marketing Office, Jupiter, Florida
 Analyzed marketing objectives and developed a training manual for new employees Generated over 300 new customer leads
 Wrote, designed and created annual fund-raising brochures
 Collaborated with office staff and produced quality work
 Completed 400+ internship hours
Sales Associate
May 2007-October 2007
Dip and Dots, Jupiter, Florida
 Engage customers and promote ice cream
 Answered customer questions and provided additional information as needed
 Processed cash, check and credit card transactions, cleaned store on a daily
basis Opened and closed store as needed
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Chronological
Resume
FBLA-PBL
Action Verbs
JENNIFER SMITH
1234 Jupiter Lane ~ Jupiter, Florida 33458
777-888-9999 ~ jennifersmith@gmail.com
Use strong action verbs at the beginning of each resume bullet.
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Marketing Manager with the ability to promote sales growth and exceed profit goals
while utilizing exceptional organizational, time management and interpersonal relationship skills
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
 Research and assess potential market size for new products
 Identify problems and the need for changes in product design
 develop detailed marketing plans based on team input
 Create catchy slogans and jingles to attract new customers
 Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
 Ability to type 75 words per minute with accuracy
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Marketing Intern
January 2015-June 2015
Jupiter Marketing Office, Jupiter, Florida
 Analyzed marketing objectives and developed a training manual for new employees Generated over 300 new customer leads
 Wrote, designed and created annual fund-raising brochures
 Collaborated with office staff and produced quality work
 Completed 400+ internship hours
Sales Associate
May 2007-October 2007
Dip and Dots, Jupiter, Florida
 Engage customers and promote ice cream
 Answered customer questions and provided additional information as needed
 Processed cash, check and credit card transactions, cleaned store on a daily
basis Opened and closed store as needed
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Minor: Business Administration
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
GPA: 3.97/ 4.0
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June 2015
Acquire
Achieve
Adapt
Address
Administer
Advise
Advocate
Affirm
Aid
Analyze
Apply
Arrange
Assemble
Assign
Assist
Award
Budget
Build
Calculate
Clarify
Classify
Coach
Collaborate
Communicate
Compare
Compile
Compose
Conclude
Condense
Confer
Configure
Conserve
Consolidate
Construct
Consult
Contribute
Convey
Coordinate
Counsel
Critique
Cultivate
Customize
Define
Delegate
Demonstrate
Describe
Design
Develop
Devise
Diagnose
Distribute
Edit
Educate
Emphasize
Encourage
Enforce
Establish
Estimate
Evaluate
Examine
Execute
Expand
Explain
Facilitate
Formulate
Foster
Gain
Generate
Guide
Handle
Identify
Illustrate
Implement
Improve
Increase
Influence
Inform
Initiate
Innovate
Inspire
Integrate
Interact
Introduce
Investigate
Learn
Led
Maintain
Manage
Manipulate
Market
Mediate
Modify
Monitor
Motivate
Negotiate
Observe
Obtain
Operate
Order
Organize
Originate
Participate
Persuade
Plan
Prepare
Present
Prevent
Prioritize
Produce
Promote
Propose
Provide
Publicize
Pursue
Receive
Recommend
Recruit
Reduce
Refocus
Reorganize
Repair
Replace
Represent
Research
Resolve
Restructure
Review
Revise
Schedule
Search
Select
Showcase
Simplify
Solve
Specify
Standardize
Suggest
Summarize
Supervise
Survey
Target
Track
Train
Transform
Translate
Tutor
Update
Upgrade
Utilize
Validate
Verify
Write
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