Resume Cover Letter

CV-Resume &
Cover Letter
What is a Resume?
Marketing Tool: Designed to capture attention and get you to the next stage in the
recruitment process. It presents in writing the skills, accomplishments and qualifications
that you bring to a potential employer.
Key Component: It is the first essential tool in the job search process. The resume is the
first introduction a hiring manager will have of you. You want them to feel drawn in and
motivated to invite you in for an interview.
Written Inventory: The resume is an inventory of your skills, accomplishments,

experiences and education to date. It should be customized and targeted for each
individual position.
Interview Getter: This is your ultimate goal with a resume; it tells the hiring manager
that you have the necessary experience, skills and education.
What to include in a Resume
Here's a list of what many students include in their resumes. Some
of these may be heading titles, or not. Not all resumes will include
all these things. Remember, each job-seeker is unique.
• Education • Co-curricular Activities

• Coursework • Internships
• Computer Skills • Work Experience
• Projects • Volunteer Experience
• Leadership Activities • Awards
What Makes a Good Resume?
Clear – It gives the reader a clear understanding of who you are, what skills
you possess, your accomplishments, and the career path you have chosen.
Concise – Every word has purpose. Only content that makes you a strong
candidate is included.
Consistent – A consistent format focuses the reader on what you have

written, not on how you have written it.
Focused – For most people, this is the most challenging part. You must
market yourself on your resume. Focus on your achievements, strengths,
and skills. Use action verbs.
Focus on Transferable Skills
A transferable skill is a skill gained in one job that is useful in another. Many high school and college
experiences do not directly relate to a post-grad career, but most people can always talk about
transferable skills! Here's an example of a resume entry describing a yard work job, by a student seeking
a management trainee position:
Yard Care Worker

Smith's Lawn Service, Sacramento, CA: Summers 2007 and 2008
Consulted with customers regarding service and provided feedback to company owner
Trained new employees on use of equipment and proper landscaping techniques
Demonstrated punctuality by starting shift at 5 a.m. every day and achieving 100% attendance
Exhibited a strong work ethic by providing hard labor in demanding conditions
did not talk Note that the job candidate about the actual duties that would be obvious, e.g. mowing lawns
and trimming trees, but instead focused on the transferable skills that would be important to an employer
hiring for a management trainee position.
Quantify Accomplishments
Quantify your accomplishments if you can. For example:
◦ Consistently ranked as the #1 or #2 sales associate out of a team of
approximately 20 sales professionals.
◦ Awarded "employee-of-the-month" twice during eight-month employment.
◦ Planned and implemented activities for groups of 8-10 elementary school
students.
◦ Organized an awards ceremony attended by over 200 student athletes.
Action Verbs
Activity
1. Write down 3 transferrable skills that you have
2. Review the Action Verbs in your packet
3. Write each transferable skill, starting with an action verb

Before You Write Your Resume
What type of job are you seeking? It can help to have a
specific objective or use the position to craft a targeted
resume.
What type of person and experience are required for the

job? You can find this information through research,
informational interviewing, and networking.
What skills and abilities do you have to offer an

employer and what ones will you stress? Focus on those
that support your career objective.
COVER LETTER
The Cover Letter – Purposes
The cover letter accompanies your resume and its purposes are to:
demonstrate a match between the employer's needs and your attributes
demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and why you would be

a good "fit" if hired
showcase your communication skills, writing ability, and writing style

Cover Letter - Guidelines
Single space your letter and double space between paragraphs.
Use a business letter format.
Keep your paragraphs brief and relevant.
Tailor your letter to the position and company. You are selling yourself,
so show how your qualifications match the job duties and company
goals.
Proofread your letter carefully and ask one or two others to proofread it
as well. Misspellings and grammatical errors communicate that you are a
poor writer and/or are careless. Don’t let this happen to you!
The Cover Letter – Structure
A good cover letter is typically short, usually three-to-five paragraphs.
The opening paragraph should catch the employer's attention and state
what position you are applying for and why.
The middle paragraph should develop your theme by providing specific

examples of your qualifications.
The last paragraph should close by requesting an interview and

providing contact information.
Cover Letter – First Paragraph
Employers receive hundreds of resumes for each position. You want your cover
letter to stand out, so start with an opening that grabs attention immediately.
Following are a few examples of openings that are effective and interesting.
1. State how your skills and background match the job and are a benefit to
the organization
Example: In December, I will earn a degree in interior design at California

State University, Chico. I recently completed a job with an interior
designer in Northern California where I was given the responsibility of
running a fine art gallery and participating in multiple interior design
projects. I am looking for the opportunity to perform in this capacity for
Arthur McLaughlin & Associates. Please consider my resume in regards to
your design consultant position.
2. Name drop
Example: Laurel Flower, who supervised my work as an intern with your
company, recommended that I apply for the position of assistant sales manager.
(Follow with a description of your qualifications).
Example: One of my friends, Mark Star, works as a manager for XYZ Company.
He recommended that I write you about a position as a management trainee. He
speaks highly of your company and believes my leadership and past sales
experience would be an attribute to your organization.
3. Refer to company or career research you have done
Example: I read the April 20 issue of the Wall Street Journal with great interest.
The article, "Future Directions of Ten Corporations," mentioned that your
company is looking for college graduates with marketing backgrounds who are
bilingual in Vietnamese and English for your new office in Saigon. (Follow with a
description of your qualifications and how they match company needs).
4. Refer to the content of the employer's ad
Example: When I read your ad in the Daily News for a civil engineer, I almost
believed you had written it for me. (Follow with a description of your
qualifications).
5. Ask a question
Example: Are you looking for an individual who has set sales records for two
different companies and has reorganized an ad campaign to reach thousands
more customers? (Follow with the details of this accomplishment).
Example: How much are rising production costs affecting your bottom line?
(Immediately give an example of how your work can improve the bottom line.)
Cover Letter – Middle Paragraph
opening and bring up new examples. Provide specific examplWrite about
how your experiences and education match what the employer is looking
for. You can expand on the main point(s) you introduced in the es as to
how your qualities meet the employer's qualifications.
Example: My organizational communication major has given me

four years of public speaking experience and an extensive
background in professional writing.
Example: Competing on my college basketball team for three years

strengthened my teamwork skills and provided the opportunity to
build strong relationships with my peers.
Cover Letter – Middle Paragraph
Employers consider achievements to be indicators of future success, so do not be
modest about yours. Using numbers as in the example demonstrates achievement.
Show how your experience and achievements match the position requirements or
company goals. The better job you do at matching yourself to the position, the more
likely you are to get an interview.
Example: While I served as the fundraising chair for my fraternity, I planned the
campaign; researched and identified possible donors; and organized phone
solicitation efforts, visits to potential donors, and several one-day events. As a
result, we raised $50,000— a 200 percent increase over the prior year. To be
successful, I trained teams in solicitation techniques, acted as mediator when
tempers became frayed, and recruited committees who worked together to
anticipate and resolve difficulties before they became crises.
Cover Letter – Final Paragraph
Your closing paragraph or sentence should encourage action. Offer one of two choices: either
"you call me" or "I will call you." If you have a personal connection with the employer and actually
have a personal contact name and phone number, the "I will call you" approach is good. These days,
however, it is often difficult to get contact information so do not worry if you can't follow-up.
Finally, thank the employer for taking the time to read and consider your letter and resume.
Example: As I have described above, I am confident my sales skills, organizational abilities, and
technical expertise will benefit (name of company). I will call you in a week to check on the
status of my application. I look forward to setting up a time for an interview. Thank you for your
consideration.
Example: I would appreciate the opportunity to meet and further discuss my qualifications and
your new graduate registered nurse program. Please contact me at 530-898-3245 or
[email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Resume vs. Cover Letter
Resume
“Matter-of-Fact” Document
Skills, Experiences, Education
Include Scope, Size, and Achievements
Cover Letter
Enthusiastic, Passionate, Persuasive
How your Skills meet the position Needs
How and Why you can help

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CV-Resume &

Written Inventory: The resume is an inventory of your skills, accomplishments,

• Education • Co-curricular Activities

Consistent – A consistent format focuses the reader on what you have

Yard Care Worker

1. Write down 3 transferrable skills that you have

2. Review the Action Verbs in your packet

3. Write each transferable skill, starting with an action verb

What type of person and experience are required for the

What skills and abilities do you have to offer an

demonstrate a match between the employer's needs and your attributes

demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and why you would be

showcase your communication skills, writing ability, and writing style

The middle paragraph should develop your theme by providing specific

The last paragraph should close by requesting an interview and

Example: In December, I will earn a degree in interior design at California

Example: My organizational communication major has given me

Example: Competing on my college basketball team for three years

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