Resumé Tips and Samples

Remember: Your resume is your marketing tool.

Top 9 Tips to an Effective Resume

1. A great resume is a work of art. Frame it!  Be sure there is enough white space to ensure readability.  Use only resume specific paper.
2. Consistency is Key! Avoid too much bolding, italics and fonts that are hard to read.  The more consistent you are the more appealing your resume will be.  Always check spelling!
3. What can you do for me? “Me”, meaning the employer.  Employers need to know “quickly” how you will benefit them – This equals out to results.  This could be in a skill set section or brief profile section.  Try to include results throughout the resume (e.g., “increased sales by 25 %”).
4. What do you want? Be specific and truthful in your objective or summary.  Don’t make the employer guess what position you are seeking.  Employers want the right match “fast”.
5. One page or two? A novice resume is usually one page.  A two page resume is for the more advanced professional: people in the areas of academia, medicine and senior executives.
6. Process of Elimination Don’t use statements that are too wordy, be concise.  Fillers are not necessary.  Stick to your accomplishments and job responsibilities as they pertain to the position for which you are applying.
7. Grammar and Format No personal pronouns, use different action verbs, no abbreviations, and watch your tenses:  The past is in the past, the present is what you are doing now!
8. Contact Information Your telephone number, e-mail address and home address should all be presented correctly. Telephone numbers – no more than two.  E-mail addresses – should not be offensive to the reader.
9. Keep personal information to yourself! Don’t include personal information on the resume (i.e. national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, social security number, references, health status)

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a formal letter that accompanies your résumé. Use it to introduce yourself to potential employers, and to convince them that you’re the right person for the job.

Your cover letter doesn’t simply re-state your résumé—it offers some new information, and it highlights the skills you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Cover Letter Format

A cover letter is typically a 3 paragraph letter that is to address three main objectives:

1. To introduce yourself, identify the position you are applying for, and explain how you found out about the position
2. To explain how you are qualified for the position and why you would be a great fit for the job
3. To request an interview and thank the employer

Body of Cover Letter

The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

• First Paragraph: WHAT? The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one.
• Middle Paragraph(s): WHY? The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.
• Final Paragraph: HOW? Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. Summarize!

Top-10 cover letter tips

1. Do your homework. Learn what you can about the company or organization you’re applying to, so you can tailor your cover letter and really show the employer that you could be a good fit.
2. Follow instructions. Be sure to include any information that was requested in the job posting. If the posting asked for the amount of hours a week you are available to work, be sure to answer that question in the cover letter.
3. Don’t just restate your résumé. Use your letter as an opportunity to make a great first impression. Most employers read the cover letter first, so you want to catch their attention by describing your impressive skills. That way, they are more likely to read your full résumé.
4. Personalize your letter. When possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. Use their name and title, and make sure the spelling of the name is correct.
5. Tailor your letter to the job. Make sure the skills and experience you highlight in your cover letter are clearly connected to the job you’re applying for.
6. Presentation counts. Use a font that’s easy to read, like 12-point Times New Roman or Arial. Using 8.5 x 11-inch white paper is usually a smart choice.
7. Break it down. Make your cover letter easier to read by breaking the text down into short paragraphs.
8. Use a professional tone. Be sure to use professional and respectful language when writing your cover letter.
9. Be brief. Your cover letter should be no more than one page long—the best strategy is to keep it short and to the point.
10. Proofread. Review your cover letter several times; don’t just rely on spell-check. Ask someone else to proofread it as well.

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