1 Resume & Cover Letter Writing LuAnn Schwery, Assistant Dean Creighton University Graduate School

Resumes  No right or wrong format  Look professional & easy to read  Well written – relevant content  May be tailored and updated for each position

Most students have a reverse chronological resume Most common categories:  Objective  Education  Experience  Additional Experience  Honors  Activities  Skills 3

Information  Name – Larger and in bold  Address  City, State, Zip  Phone  4

Basic Information – Two Styles William A. Smith West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska (402) William A. Smith West Center Omaha, Nebraska (402)

Objective  Gives resume purpose and direction  Should be short and concise Examples: –To obtain a position as a Resident Advisor –To obtain a summer Nexus internship –To obtain admission into medical school –To obtain a position in accounting

Education University, City & State DegreeGraduation Date Major:Minor/Emphasis: GPA:

Bachelor of ArtsMay 2013 GPA: 3.5 Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska Major: EnglishMinors: Business & Spanish Millard North High School, Omaha, Nebraska DiplomaJune

Education Bachelor of Science in Business Administration May 2012 Creighton University, Omaha, NebraskaGPA: 3.5 Major: MarketingMinor: Spanish Trinity University, Dublin, IrelandSpring 2011 __________________________________________________________________________ Bachelor of Arts – English Specialization: American LiteratureMay 2013 Creighton University, Omaha, NebraskaGPA: 3.8 9

Objective: To obtain a Resident Advisor position Education:Bachelor of Arts – EnglishMay 2014 Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska 10

Experience  Experience can be –Paid or not paid –Employment related to your field –Summer jobs –Internships –Leadership positions –On campus employment –Part-time jobs **Put the most emphasis on this information 11

Experience  Format –Reverse chronological order  Most recently obtained at the top –Where you worked, city & state –Title –Dates –Descriptions 12

Descriptions  Don’t use a template  Use bullets or dashes  Start each sentence with an action verb  No periods  Spell out states & dates  Utilize a variety of action verbs to describe experiences  Use terms related to your field  List responsibilities from most important to least important  Past tense vs. present tense  Use professional language –Managed, supervised and evaluated 18 employees

Experience Delta Zeta Sorority, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska New Member EducatorJanuary 2011 – Present - Educate and orient new members to the organization - Plan and facilitate workshops and educational programs - Mentor members and address issues and concerns 14

Experience vs. Additional Experience 15

Additional Experience Old Navy, Omaha, Nebraska Sales AssociateMarch 2011 – Present -Assist customers with purchases and provide quality customer service Or Up Stream Brewery, Omaha, Nebraska HostessJune – September

Activities  Delta Zeta Sorority  Biology Club Secretary  CU STAR Tour Guide for Undergraduate Admissions  Service Trip Coordinator 17

Honors & Activities  Creighton Student Employee of the Year – 2012  Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit Honor Society)  International Relations Club  Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity –Rush Chair –New Member Educator

Skills Computer Skills: Windows XP, Microsoft Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Webpage design in HTML, Dream Weaver and social media 19

Additional Categories (if needed)  Research or Research Experience  Service  Publications  Conferences & Workshops  Presentations  Additional Training  Teaching Experience  Licensure/Certifications 20

References  References: Should be included with resume  References listed on a separate page  Include 3-5 professional references  “References Available Upon Request” – optional on resume

References (continued) Information to include:  Your name & contact information at the top of reference page  Reference’s name  Title  Where employed  Business address  City, state, & zip code  Business phone number  address  Relationship (optional)

Cover Letters

 Your introduction to the employer  Must be sent with every resume  “Please submit resume.... (and cover letter)”  Summary of your experience, skills, and abilities – show a match  More descriptive than your resume  Three paragraph format

Cover Letter Salutation Date Ms. Andrea Smith (Name) Human Resource Manager (Title) First National Bank (Company name) 1620 Dodge Street(Address) Omaha, Nebraska 68116(City, State, Zip) Dear Ms. Smith:

Cover Letters  1 st Paragraph –Why you’re writing  Applying for a particular job/position  Inquiring about possible job/position  Relocating to the area and job searching

Cover Letters  2 nd Paragraph –Experience that is related to the position –What you have to offer the employer –Show a match between your experience and the job description

Cover Letters  3 rd Paragraph –Wrap up and thank you –Reiterate your interest in the position –Express interest in an interview –Contact information: phone number & address

Resumes & Cover Letters Questions?