Resumes

Resume Each resume gets a 20-35 second glance What is a resume? A summary of your personal, educational, and employment accomplishments & qualifications Each resume gets a 20-35 second glance If it passes it will be looked at again at a later date Appearance & correctness many times get your resume through the quick scanning phase. Don’t clutter your resume A resume is not an autobiography – it’s a sales brochure Include only those things which relate to the job you are seeking

Sections of a Resume Heading Tell the employer where they can reach you (Contact Info) Job Objective – What job are you looking for? 1 concise statement to tell the kind of work you’re looking for: “Seeking full-time position in….”, “Seeking an entry-level position in …”, “To obtain a position as…”

Sections of a Resume Education Shows that you are capable of learning Include any training, special workshops, military training, certificates awarded, and degrees. Provide Date of completion Degree awarded School’s name City & state

Sections of a Resume Experience Start with your most recent employer or Military Service In 1 line – provide the date you left the job If you’re still employed, state “Present” Your job title, the name of the company, and the city & state Provide quantitative and qualitative data whenever possible You’re using quantitative skills when you… Use Access, Excel, use Java, C++, or any other programming language, etc.. For example, instead of being “responsible for the sales team,” consider “directed the sales team to beat their repeat client objective by 10%”–remember that number thing!

Sections of a Resume Use action verbs & write in past tense i.e. Experienced at analyzing clients' financial needs i.e. Established market growth strategies that resulted in new units generating first year sales of nearly $50 million i.e. Increased company’s net worth through leasehold assets by $70-$100 million each year Different past-tense actions Minimum of 3 responsibilities per job Statements should refer to skills you gained, things you were good at, and impacts you had in the job

Sections of a Resume Skills Leave off personal information List the skills needed for the job: Soft skills - personal attributes, personality traits or communication abilities Less quantifiable than hard skills that include specific knowledge and abilities. i.e. attitude, communication, creative thinking, work ethic Hard Skills - can be defined, evaluated and measured i.e. computer skills, finance, electrical, finance, familiarity with technical language, proficiency in a foreign language

Sections of a Resume References Don’t list references on your resume. Instead, type “References available upon request” In a real interview: Do not use relatives Provide at least 3 references Give their name, address, & contact information Be sure you have that person’s permission to use them as a reference

Formatting Use easy to read fonts Margins should be .75-1 inch Heading should be in the largest font size There is no official format for a resume – everybody’s resume is different BUT all contain the same type of information. Examples

Cover Letters

Basics Your Sales Pitch! DON’T summarize your background – you’ve already done this on your resume! When? Always! Even if advertisement reads “send resume” Length? 3 to 4 paragraphs – should not exceed one page 3 to 4 sentences/paragraph Don’t forget to sign it! (Use Black Ink!)

Guidelines Always type & use a personalized salutation Do not use “To whom it may concern” Use Mr. or Ms. (Do not use Miss or Mrs., even if you happen to know the person’s marital status) Avoid abbreviations & contractions Don’t be negative Never give personal information Type “enclosure” at the end of the letter to indicate your resume is included Don’t overuse “I” – Limit of 5 If every other sentence begins with “I” change the focus! Use “you” emphasis! What is in it for them? How will they benefit from your skills?” Do not use fuffy filler words such as, “really”, “quite” or “very”

Opening Paragraph – “Why am I writing to you” Keep it short & hard-hitting Immediately & concisely state which position you wish to be considered “Please consider me an applicant for the ________ position at ______ company. My background and experience prepare me well for this exciting opportunity.” “I am responding to your advertisement regarding the Pharmaceutical Representative position. “Having majored in Mathematics at Boston University, where I also worked as a research assistant, I am confident that I would make a very successful research trainee in your Economics Research Department.”

2nd Paragraph – “Why I am qualified” Explain why your skills & background make you perfect for the position Pick 2-3 points Discuss how your skills relate to the job’s requirements BUT BE BRIEF – Save the details for the interview Longest paragraph – may break it into 2 paragraphs if it looks too lengthy

2nd Paragraph – “Why I am qualified” Examples “In addition to my strong background in mathematics, I also offer significant business experience, having worked in a data processing firm, a bookstore, and a restaurant. My courses in statistics and computer programming would prove particularly useful in the position of research trainee.” “My five years of public speaking experience and an extensive background in executive-level support will help grow your business.” “Your ad specifies five year’s experience in IT and I deliver six years of superior-rated performance in network design and administration.”

3rd paragraph – “Back to business” Specifically request an interview Include your phone number & hours you can be reached Refer to your enclosed resume Thank them for their time “I would like to interview with you at your earliest convenience. I am best reached between 3:00 and 5:00 P.M. at (617) 555-1483. Thank you for your consideration.” “Please find enclosed my resume detailing my education and experience.”