Resume & Cover Letter Workshop Neal Carroll CLEAR Center

One way to find a job…

The most effective way to get the job you want: Write resumes and cover letters that are impossible to refuse.

This lecture will prepare you for your homework assignment to write a resume and cover letter and for the job market. (Refer to “Homework #1” handout) We will focus on 1. Cover letter format and craft 2. Resume guidelines and craft

Cover Letter Components (refer to “Business Letter” handout & Examples on the website) Letterhead with full contact information Date Recipient’s full name, title, and address Salutation Introductory paragraph Body paragraphs Summarizing paragraph Close Signature block Signature

Cover Letter Formatting 1 – 11/4” margins all around Times New Roman 12 pt font (except for letterhead) One blank line between paragraphs Left justify only Signature in blue or black ink only

Writing the cover letter According to Indiana School of Law, cover letters may best be organized into three paragraphs: Par. 1: Explains why you are writing, names the position for which you are applying and where you found the opening; Explains why you are interested. Par. 2: Explains how your experience qualifies you for the position. Par. 3: Paves the way for an interview; indicates your willingness to interview and/or how you will follow up on your application.

Let’s work on an example together. Here’s the job ad: Looking for a boxing teacher to work with at-risk youth in the Salt Lake Area. Applicant should have at least three years of boxing teaching experience and should be able to deal with conflict in a positive way. The job requires working with teenage boys who have histories with violence and acting out. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in making a difference for people who have had challenging upbringings. About 20 hours per week, mornings preferred. Applicant should have a Utah driver’s license and pass a background check and drug tests. Please mail resume to Rick Smith at 115 Park Place, Sandy, UT

You, the applicant, have this experience: 5 years experience as a Taekwando teacher for children between the ages of 10 and 12 9 years experience as a boxing student 1 year experience as a volunteer for big brother / big sister charity (what are the challenges in terms of the job requirements?)

Here are some common mistakes Bad Example # 1: Emphasizing less important aspects first Dear Mr. Smith: I have lived in Utah for seven years so I do have a Utah’s driver’s license. Also, I don’t do drugs, so I will definitely pass the drug test. I should be able to teach in the mornings, so the schedule for this job is perfect for me and for you. I’ve been a Taekwondo teacher for 5 years for little kids. This is a good reason for you to hire me.

Bad example #2: Leaving out important connections between experience and job requirements. Dear Mr. Smith: I have five years of experience as a Taekwondo teacher for children between the ages of 10 and 12. It was a really wonderful experience to teach young children because they look up to you and learn very easily and quickly. There’s nothing like being a teacher. I was also a volunteer for big brother / big sister. My “little brother” really helped me to see that there are people out there who need my help and attention. I think I would be a good fit for your program. I’ve attached a resume so you can see why.

Good example: Shows how even though the applicant has never been a boxing teacher or worked with teens, his cumulative experience makes him the right candidate for the job. Dear Mr. Smith: My extensive experience as a Taekwondo instructor along with my experience as a boxing student have prepared me for a job as a boxing instructor. Though my students were not at-risk teenagers, they did provide me with a lot of practice at resolving conflict and providing positive discipline. I am confident I could use these skills to be successful in this position, and I’m excited for the chance to use boxing as a way to teach discipline and confidence to your students. Enclosed you will find my resume, which further describes my education and skills.

Resume Tips Do strive for readability –20% White Space –One page in length (but no less than a page) Do tailor the resume for each application –Do not use “stock” resumes –Do your “homework”; research the company to which you are applying Do not make spelling or grammatical errors –One error sends your resume to the can

Resume Tips Use a functional, rather than strictly chronological, format Be spare with organizational sections Label your file correctly (w/ your name) Use a mix of sentence constructions and bullet points –Use parallel grammatical construction

Make your experience relevant to the job!

If you’re applying for a job that requires “managerial skills,” which of the following descriptions would you use for the following work experience? 1.Café Pierpont: Server and Hostess, September 2004 – present, Salt Lake City, UT - Worked efficiently in a high-stress environment - Handled money as a cashier OR 2. Café Pierpont: Server and Hostess, September 2004 – present, Salt Lake City, UT - trained 20 employees as Trainer and Supervisor - Interacted with the public regularly as a representative of the company

For more information, refer to handout, “Resume Guidelines” on the course website

Questions?

Exercise: Write the second paragraph of a cover letter accompanying your application for the following job posting

Position: Electrical Engineer Design and implementation of electrical systems and components of advanced air filtration systems within acceptable time and cost structures. Work closely with our Engineering, Materials and Production groups from product inception through development and production. The ideal candidate for this opportunity will possess a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, and a min. of 3 years electrical system and component design experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Additional experience with design of test equipment and embedded software, Basic, C, C++ is preferred. Knowledge of FTA, FMECA, NFPA, UL, IEC, IEEE, ISO, CSA, CE, ESD, CISPR, EN, etc. a plus!