Cover Letters, Resumes, and Interviewing EDP 666 Career Counseling Keisha Love, Ph.D.

Cover Letters Why send a cover letter w/ your resume or vita? Why send a cover letter w/ your resume or vita? Types Types –Uninvited or cold –Invited –Referral

Cover Letter 1 st paragraph 1 st paragraph –Tell why you are writing –Showcase what you know about the company 2 nd paragraph 2 nd paragraph –Describe your qualifications  cite examples of your accomplishments

Cover Letter 3 rd paragraph 3 rd paragraph –Relate yourself to the company  show your fit for the position  show why you are more qualified than other applicants 4 th paragraph 4 th paragraph –Request action  ask for an interview  follow up Thank the interviewer for his or her time & consideration Thank the interviewer for his or her time & consideration

Do’s & Don’ts Don’t ever send your resume w/out a cover letter Don’t ever send your resume w/out a cover letter Do address your letter to a specific individual Do address your letter to a specific individual Don’t be negative or arrogant Don’t be negative or arrogant Do send an original letter to each employer Do send an original letter to each employer Don’t send a cover letter w/ typos Don’t send a cover letter w/ typos Do be brief (never write more than 1 page) Do be brief (never write more than 1 page)

Resume What is the purpose of a resume? What is the purpose of a resume? What should a resume include? What should a resume include? –Required Information –Optional Information What type of style should I use? What type of style should I use? –Chronological (historical) resume –Functional resume –Electronic resume Page controversy??...Paper controversy?? Page controversy??...Paper controversy??

Chronological Resume Presents information in chronological order Presents information in chronological order –Use reverse ordering Organization Organization –Contact info (required) –Objective (optional) –Educational history (required) –Employment history (required) –Special Qualifications (optional) –Certifications / Licenses etc. (required)

Functional Resume Emphasizes qualifications and abilities Emphasizes qualifications and abilities –Rejects the chronological formation and provides analyses of particular strengths and skills Include Include –Work history –Volunteer history –Talents –Certifications and special skills

Electronic Resume Online Resumes are popular Online Resumes are popular –Information you can provide is predetermined –Can post the resume online –Sites such as:   

Key Points What is a good resume? What is a good resume? –One that will get the reader’s attention  Use “action” words: consult, analyze, manage, supervise –Is well organized  Utilizes white space appropriately  Good font size and style –Looks professional –Is concise and succinct –Provides a good overview of professional life

Key Points List references separately List references separately –Include a “references provided upon request” statement Be consistent w/ the formatting Be consistent w/ the formatting –Bullets are OK –Don’t provide too much narrative

Vita Typically used in academic settings Typically used in academic settings Purpose is the same as the resume Purpose is the same as the resume Include Include –Contact info –Educational history + certifications & licensures –Work history –Academic accomplishments  Presentations, publications, service, grants, special training etc. –Professional memberships

Sample Vitas pt=edp pt=edp pt=edp pt=edp ltyMember.asp ltyMember.asp ltyMember.asp ltyMember.asp

Interviewing The basics The basics –Dress –Be prompt –The good handshake –Presentation  Posture, eye contact, vocalism –Follow the interviewer's lead –Make your weaknesses your strengths –What happens if I don’t know the answer?

Interviewing Why do employers conduct interviews? Why do employers conduct interviews? Have you been on an interview that went well? If so, what was good about it? Have you been on an interview that went well? If so, what was good about it? Have you been on an interview that did not go so well? If so, what was wrong? Have you been on an interview that did not go so well? If so, what was wrong?

Interviewing This is an excellent example of how NOT to conduct yourself in an interview. This is an excellent example of how NOT to conduct yourself in an interview. EO5U EO5U EO5U EO5U

Interviewing Be confident, but not cocky Be confident, but not cocky Prepare questions for the interviewer ahead of time Prepare questions for the interviewer ahead of time Hold off discussing salary unless you are pressed Hold off discussing salary unless you are pressed –Do YOUR RESEARCH: What are you worth?   Give a range of acceptable salary requirements Thank the person Thank the person Send a follow up note that thanks the interviewer, reiterates your interest in the position, fit for the job, qualifications etc. Send a follow up note that thanks the interviewer, reiterates your interest in the position, fit for the job, qualifications etc.

Questions or comments? Questions or comments?