Resume Writing & Cover Letters Heidi Lender, Assistant Director Strommen Career and Internship Center LL of Anderson Hall 612-330-1148

RESUME’S BARNEY STINSON’S ADVICE...

Resume Do’s and Dont’s How many pages? One page is preferred Two pages are used when you have enough relevant experience to fill both pages Utilize 10-12 point font size and have enough “white space” The most impressive related experience should be on the top half of the page

Resume Do’s and Dont’s Using a summary of qualifications at the top of the resume is highly recommended – this is your opportunity to catch the readers interest! Use action words to start your bullets or statements Include industry “buzz words” whenever they are relevant

Resume Do’s and Dont’s Use consistency in your style and presentation of information Use quality resume paper and do not staple multiple pages Spell check and read through your resume twice, then have someone else read through and edit it

Chronological Resumes Focuses on work experience and skills developed through jobs, internships and community service Jobs and internships are listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent appearing first

Functional Resumes Highlights the skills which qualify you for the position you are applying for Downplays employment titles and dates Very useful if you do not have much related work experience, or are making a significant career change

Resume Statements use action verbs to describe what you did in each position or experience be descriptive and specific – write a full statement action verb + details + results = strong resume statement EXAMPLE: Counseled children and families with emotional issues to help create a safe home environment

Important Notes: Include a cover letter with your resume When e-mailing your resume, label your attachments with your name Use a professional email address Be professional on social networking sites After mailing your resume, follow up with an email or phone call

Application Questions Do I need to fill out each section if I already have that information on my resume? What do I put down for my reason for leaving? What about the salary expectations section? Who should I put down as references?

COVER LETTERS YOUTUBE VIDEOCLIP

HOW DO YOU CAPTURE THEIR ATTENTION IN 8 SECONDS? Make each cover letter fit the job in which you are applying for Use your experience and relate it to the job Express passion for the kind of work you would be doing Add something in the letter that states how what the organization does/mission fits with your values or interests

COVER LETTERS Jake Ryan Sample 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454 612-555-5555 sample@augsburg.edu October 11, 2009 Dan Howman Project Manager Pace Analytical Services, Inc. 14870 Granada Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Dear Mr. Howman:

INTRODUCTION Dear Mr. Howman:   I was excited to see your advertisement for the Chemist position on Augsburg College’s Augpost system. I have been looking for a position that would allow me to use my experience in research to work within a pharmaceutical environment, where the focus is on developing relationships with partners in the healthcare field. Pace’s mission fits extremely well with my values and passion to protect the environment and make the world healthier for everyone.

BODY OF LETTER I recently graduated from Augsburg College with a bachelor of arts in Chemistry and Computational Economics. During my junior year, I did an internship at the University of Minnesota’s Chemistry department. Within that position, I worked effectively on the team to develop useful methodologies for the synthesis of natural products as potential pharmaceuticals. I really enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in the development, testing and research of new pharmaceuticals. My education, internship, and research experience have increased my abilities in the following areas:   Effectiveness in testing and researching potential pharmaceuticals Strong analytical and problem solving skills Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills Successfully worked with research teams regarding product development and suggestions for optimization

ENDING My work, education, and leadership experiences have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I am passionate about working within the field of pharmaceutical research and believe that I can make an important contribution to Pace Analytical Services Inc. I have enclosed my resume for your further consideration. I thank you in advance and look forward to meeting with you soon.   Sincerely, Jake R. Sample Enclosure

http://cswl.pbworks.com/