Layout, Content and Design Résumés Layout, Content and Design Prepared by Loyalist College

Loyalist College Career Centre Layout Loyalist College Career Centre

Content: Heading Name Address Telephone Number E-mail Address Answering machine with a professional message E-mail Address Professional e-mail address Professional on-line presence Use the same heading for References and Cover Letter

Content: Objective One to two lines that summarize you and your job search Optional – if you are looking for anything leave it off Tailor for each position you apply for Mention the type of work you are looking for Full Time Part Time

Content: Objective Objective Seeking a full time position in a fast paced, customer service oriented office environment.  

Content: Skills Focus on job-related, hard skills Cross reference with the job posting Use industry ‘buzz’ words Use strong language such as: Noted for Excellent Proficient Outstanding Fluent Knowledgeable Achieved Dedicated Trained

Content: Skills Include industry related skills, including: Experience with different office procedures Computer skills ***** Customer service Administration tasks Booking appointments Answering phones, greeting customers Problem solving, conflict management Communication and listening skills Physically fit General maintenance Mechanically inclined

Content: Skills

Content: Education Start with the most recent and work your way back Do not include anything before high school May mention special projects, accomplishments or marks Include any awards you have received

Content: Education

Content: Related Experience Career Experience Includes: Placements, Internships and Co-ops Volunteer Experience Related Work History Include Details Such As: Job Title Business / Organization Location Dates Responsibilities Skills Gained Accomplishments

Content: Related Experience

Content: Work History Does not have to include a list of responsibilities If unrelated to your career, use to demonstrate your history as a steady and reliable employee Should include: Job Title Employer Name Location Dates

Content: Work History

Design Use bold, italics and lines to highlight sections, job titles and important areas Use bullets Use 12 point font Select a legible and common font Keep your résumé to 1 or 2 pages Ensure the information is easy to read and true Use a consistent format to make your résumé pleasing to the eye Avoid using templates Make it your own

Common Errors Spelling mistakes Not including dates Too long Written in paragraph form Personal information Inaccurate contact information Use of I, my or me Difficult to read / understand Too much information / not tailored to position

Cover Letters Use a professional business format Copy your heading from your résumé Tailor the letter for each position you apply for Include the employer’s contact name, business name and address Include the date

Cover Letters Three parts: Opening Paragraph – State why you are writing and how you heard about the position Second (and Third) Paragraph (s) – Write about the experience and education you have that relates to the position Closing Paragraph – Summarize your points and ask for an interview, or state when you will follow up

Cover Letter: Opening Dear Ms. Jones,   As a student in the Business Administration Diploma Program at Loyalist College, I am currently seeking a summer employment opportunity in a dynamic office such as yours. Please accept my resume as application for a student position within your office for the summer of 2010.

Cover Letter: Middle While a student at Loyalist, I have had the opportunity to gain both theory knowledge and hands-on experience. My classes have taught me the fundamentals of customer service and business applications, while my class projects have taught me the importance of teamwork and organization skills. In addition, as a high school student, I had the opportunity to complete a co-op placement with the City of Belleville, where I learned a great deal about office administration and procedures. Throughout my school career I have maintained part time positions in customer service positions, where I have added cash handling, multi-tasking and teamwork to my skill sets. In addition, I have excellent computer skills, and excel with all Microsoft Office applications.

Cover Letter: Closing I believe my positive attitude would be a strong asset to your staff team. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you in an interview and welcome a phone call at the number above. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.   Kind Regards, Jane Smith