Washington College

Center for Career Development

Build Connections Annual Career Fair


Résumés & Cover Letters

Preparation

  1. Identify three strengths you have and give an example of each.
  2. Write a bumper sticker about yourself which reflects what you would want an employer to know about you. Identify three skills or characteristics desired in the career field you have chosen. (Students are encouraged to come to the Career Center and use Career Library resources to research these.)
  3. What are three things you want an employer to know about you? What is the basis for your choices? (I am, I can, I know; Personal Characteristics, Experiences, Training)
  4. Research the literature from three organizations. What do you like about each one? Why would you be good at a job like this? (Attraction; My Possible Contribution)

Presentation and Appearance

Keep your resume to one page, two only if you have worked full-time for a few years and have significant accomplishments. Your resume must be concise, focused and clear in its presentation.

A PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE IS EXPECTED.

PAPER

Use good quality (at least 20 lb. bond) paper no larger than 81/2 x 11. Color: neutral, white or off-white Use the same color paper for your resume, cover letter and envelope.

TYPE

Type on a word processor or a modern electric or electronic typewriter to produce clear, sharp type which will reproduce well. Photocopy only on the highest quality copier using 20 lb. bond paper or use offset printing. Use a laser printer if typed on a word processor.

ERRORS: NOT ALLOWED

Avoid errors in spelling or grammar. Present all statements in the same person and voice. Use "I" sparingly or not at all.

HIGHLIGHTING FOR EMPHASIS

Use italics, underlining, "bullets" or bold type selectively to emphasize important points.

DESIGN

The layout should lead the eye to the most powerful parts. Use crisp, clean lines and margins (one-inch margin minimum. Use plenty of white space.

PRESENT MOST IMPORTANT CREDENTIALS FIRST.

PERSONAL DATA

Make sure you have your name, address, city and state, and a telephone number at the top of the page. Include your email address and/or web page if you choose. (Make your telephone voice mail professional and appropriate for prospective employers to hear.) Do Not include social security number, religion, race, salary, age, weight, state of health, height, marital status, references' names and other extraneous data.

JOB OBJECTIVE vs PROFILE or SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Since most positions are not clearly targeted it is generally preferred that you include information about your areas of interest within an organization and provide a profile which will be a brief synopsis of your qualifications. If you are applying for a specific position indicate that in your cover letter and highlight your unique qualifications for the position. Include specific information on your education and work experience that support your job interest. Internships and volunteer work count as experience and should be included if related to the career field.

MENTION AWARDS, COMMUNITY OR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES WHICH SUPPORT

Mention these in ways which reflect your energy, versatility, or other exceptional qualities.

ELIMINATE CONTROVERSIAL ACTIVITIES OR ASSOCIATIONS WHICH MIGHT TEND TO ROUSE PREJUDICED REACTIONS.

USE ACTION VERBS TO BEGIN MOST OF THE SENTENCES.

BE SPECIFIC... ...NOT VAGUE

BE ACTIVE AND DIRECT ...NOT PASSIVE & WORDY

BE POSITIVE ...NOT NEGATIVE

FOCUS ON ACHIEVEMENTS ...NOT TIME & ACTIVITIES

"REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST."

This statement can be included but is typically omitted since employers assume you will provide references when requested to do so. You can create a separate list of names, addresses and phone numbers to send employers when they request your references. Remember to include your references professional title. Always ask your references for permission before you list them.

Sample Format for a Resume

Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Telephone
E-mail
(present and permanent address categories can be used)

Use a line to separate your name and address from the important skills information. Reader will start with the most important and refer back to name etc.

OBJECTIVE: You may use INTERESTS as a heading if you do not have a specific position in mind. Specific information related to the position you seek should be included in the Cover Letter.

STRENGTHS, SKILLS, PROFILE, QUALIFICATIONS: (A brief summary of what you have to offer the organization. Be sure to include specific skills: languages, computer expertise, writing, speaking, leadership. This is also the place for highlighting pertinent abilities, interests, and strengths.)

EDUCATION: Degree/Major, College, Town, State Date

GPA, if 3.0 or better
Senior Thesis
Internships
Courses related to the field you are seeking employment
Academic Honors or awards received

EXPERIENCE: Position; Name of company; Town, State (Dates)

Work skills and accomplishments
Use action words to describe what you did.
Be specific about type of business, customers/clients, budget
responsibilities, number of people trained or supervised.
Focus on your accomplishments, growth and change in the job.
Other terms to describe experience:
Related experience/Other experience
Management experience, Human services experience
Sales experience, or Summer work etc.

ACTIVITIES: (Team sports; student organizations; volunteer work; etc.)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: (Student member of American Psychological Association)

REFERENCES: It is generally understood you will supply reference information after the interview. A statement about references on the resume is optional. (Make a separate sheet listing reference names, addresses, telephone numbers and best times to reach.)

Cover Letters

Always address the letter to a specific person if at all possible. People respond more readily to mail which is addressed to them. If you don't know who should get your letter, call the organization and ask. Make sure to get the correct spelling of the person's name, their title and the correct address.

Keep your letter to one page. You want to use it to express your enthusiasm for the position and hit the highlights of your resume. Save the rest of what you might say for the interview.

Always target the cover letter for the specific job. Take the time to tailor it to the specific position for you which are applying. Even if you are writing a letter without knowing if there are positions available, you should give the recipient some idea of the kinds of positions which interest you and why you are qualified to fill them.

Make sure your letter is free of errors. Potential employers assume that you are giving your job search your best effort. If your letter and resume are sloppy and filled with errors, they assume that is how you will do your work as well.

Always type your cover letter and print it on good paper which matches your resume.

Make sure your name, address and phone number are on the letter. You may also want to include your e-mail address. Make sure you sign and date your letter.

Always keep a copy of your cover letter so that you know when you sent it and what you said. You can even mail a copy to yourself so that you will know about when your letter will arrive at the employer's desk.

Open your letter with a strong statement and keep its tone positive, upbeat and enthusiastic. Make it clear that you have something to offer the organization.

Indicate that you will call to follow up the letter, wait a couple of days, and then make the phone call. Tell the employer that you would like to interview for the position.

Standard Cover Letter Format

Your name
Your address
Your Phone #
Your e-mail address

Date and Year

Employer's Name
Employer's Title
Employer's Address

Dear Mr./Ms........Last Name:

Explain why you are writing. If you talked with the employer over the phone, refer to that conversation. If someone know to the employer suggested you apply for a position, use that person's name. Say something engaging and positive about yourself to get the employer's attention.

Explain why you are interested in the company and the position. Say enough to convince the employer you have done your homework and researched the organization. Then explain how you will fit into the position and can help the organization. If you have a specific job description and meet the qualifications they say they want, indicate those qualifications. If not, pick out the two or three most important things in your resume and highlight those.

Thank the employer for the opportunity to apply and explain that you will call to follow-up.

Sincerely, (align with date at top)

Sign your name

Type your name

Sample Cover Letter

John Baker
97 South Larson Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19709
(610) 555-6222
e-mail: jcbaker@aol.com

March 24, 200-

Mrs. Margaret Johnson
Director
Aim Inc.
144 22nd Street
Washington, DC 20010

Dear Mrs. Johnson,

As discussed, I will graduate in May of this year from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in communications. I seek an opportunity to assist a consulting firm while learning more about the profession.

The consulting projects I have worked on show my willingness to accept responsibility. These projects were successfully completed while I was carrying a full academic schedule. My major has helped me to develop skills in organizational and interpersonal communication. I would very much like to speak with you or one of your associates about future opportunities with your firm. I will contact your office within a week to see if this is possible. I have enclosed a copy of my major plan as well as a copy of my resume. Thank you for your consideration and time.

Sincerely,

(signature)

John Baker

300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782