Resumes & Cover Letters

Agenda Review the Basics Outline Targeting Cover Letters 1. Purpose of a Resume 2. General Tips 3. Formatting Outline 1. Heading 2. Objective 3. Education 4. Experience -Bullet points 5. Skills Targeting Cover Letters

What’s the Purpose? To get you an interview!

Reality Check… You have 1 minute or less to: On average, an employer will look at your resume for one minute or less. You have 1 minute or less to: 1. Make a good first impression 2. Communicate your relevant skills 3. Highlight your qualifications 4. Highlight your experiences 5. Show them you’re a good fit!

General Tips Tailor it Keep it to one page Be honest No personal pronouns Don’t include references No personal information age, hobbies, etc. Proofread and have others proofread again Use keywords

Basic Formatting Attractive Easy to Read Use indentations, bullets, lines, bold and capital letters .5 - 1” margins 10-12 point font- Simple and consistent Reverse chronological order

Resume Outline Header Objective Education Honors/Awards (if relevant) Relevant Courses (optional) Experience Activities Skills

Header Information No one “correct” header Include: Name, address, phone, email List the best phone number where you can be reached Keep email and voice mail professional

Objective A statement of goals for your employment Be Specific and Concise Can include job title, industry, and competencies or skills you would like to use in your position Optional Section Cover letter Job fairs Careful about Primary Resume in Careerolina

Education First section (after objective) College, Study Abroad, High School Degree, Major(s), Minor(s), Concentration Double major rules Graduation Dates (or anticipated) List GPA if 3.0 or higher (overall and/or major) 2 decimal places only

Example EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor of Arts Public Policy, Expected Graduation, May 2017 Minor in Psychology GPA: 3.25

Optional Sections Relevant Coursework Honors Include classes where relevant skill or knowledge was gained Honors List scholarships, academic honors, dean’s list

Experience What to include: Divide into types of experience Format: Jobs, Internships, Volunteer, Clubs, Organizations, Shadowing, Class projects Divide into types of experience Relevant, leadership, industry, volunteer Format: Be consistent Simple bullets

Section Outline RELEVANT EXPERIENCE UNC Student Congress, Chapel Hill, NC Elected Representative, October 2013-Present Participate in the formation of policies and writing of bills concerning budgeting for student groups Represent the interests of first year students Student Council, Chapel Hill, NC Student Body President, September 2012-May 2013 Presided over all student council meetings Delegated tasks to committees Announced upcoming events to student body

Strong Bullet Points Lead with strong action verbs Focus on YOUR role in a group Focus on accomplishments, results Quantify when possible Don’t: Be passive Talk about what you learned Provide a list of duties- focus on skills! Use first person

Example “I was responsible for yearly off-site training courses for team members” “Created and managed a technical training program of 8 off-site courses serving 300+ team members, resulting in a 20% increase in work productivity.”

Skills Include: Do not include: Computer, Social Media, Lab, Language Certifications Do not include: Communication, public speaking, organizational and similar skills – show those “in action” Place this section in the resume that markets you the best

Customizing Your Resume What is the employer looking for? Employer Me Time I did marketing for the collegiate conference Retail job, internship collaborations, campus club Led campus club Organized 3 events during internship Social media skills Communication skills Leadership abilities Strong organization skills

Targeted, Concise Resume

What Is a Cover Letter? An introduction that: Explains your qualifications and fit Arouses the employer’s interest and gets their attention Highlights important information on your resume Should not duplicate resume It is NOT a personal statement Must be tailored to individual position! Personal statements are mainly used by graduate schools and not employers

Before You Write… Gather key info: name address title company facts, etc. Read and highlight the job description What is important to them?

Tone Strike a balance: Stay positive stress enthusiasm for the position don’t be overconfident don’t be desperate Stay positive Maintain consistent tone throughout

Example I hope you will consider me for this marketing internship. I will not let you down, as I am sure that I am the right candidate for the position. I look forward to the opportunity to interview for this position. I believe that my academic background, as well as my prior experience as an account coordinator and communications intern make me well-suited for this position.

Style Be concise Be consistent Vary sentence structure Proofread! Keep it to one page Be consistent Font, size Vary sentence structure Avoid beginning every sentence or paragraph with the word “I” Proofread!

Before & After I gained invaluable insight into the world of politics through my previous internship for Senator John Smith. I was able to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings. I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed in and out of the classroom. Last summer, I served as an intern for Senator John Smith, where I gained invaluable insight into the world of national politics. In addition to drafting correspondence to constituents, I also had the opportunity to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings. Currently, I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed in and out of the classroom.

Letter Sections Header Paragraph 1- Attention Paragraph 2 - Interest Paragraph 3 - Fit Paragraph 4 - Closing

Header 224 Hanes Hall Chapel Hill, NC 27599 August 28, 2013 Michelle White Turner Broadcasting Systems 1 CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303 YOUR Address -> Date -> RECIPIENT Name and Address -> Try to find a person and title to address letter to

ATTENTION: 1st Paragraph Indicate your reason for writing Specify the position for which you are applying State how you found the position Include any prior contact with the employer or employees

Example Dear Mr. Jones:   Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Tricia Gibbs from your Marketing Department at a Careers Networking Night at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Gibbs suggested I contact you regarding my interest in the summer internship program at the Hilton Hotels Corporation. As a current student at UNC studying Marketing and PR, I believe I could be an asset to the summer internship program.

INTEREST: 2nd Paragraph Mention why you are interested in: The organization, position, their products or services Do your research and show it off This showcases your motivation and enthusiasm Number one detail left out

Example Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leader in the hospitality industry with a reputation that is unmatched. I have had the opportunity to stay at Hilton hotels on several occasions and was always impressed by the warmth of hospitality and attention to detail. Additionally, as someone very interested in the field of marketing, I instinctively pay attention to various companies’ marketing strategies. I found Hilton’s marketing team to be most impressive, specifically their work around the Hilton Honors program. The opportunity to learn from the best is something that I will take very seriously if given the chance.

FIT: 3rd Paragraph Why are you the right person for the position? What skills do you bring to the employer? Discuss your education, experience, skills Focus on what is most important to the employer (Go back to the job description!)

Example During my time at UNC, I have had a growing interest in marketing and public relations. Completing several business and communication classes piqued this interest and led me to the desire to gain some real world experience. Last summer I had the opportunity to intern at the National Sculpture Society in New York City. My position entailed developing web pages, utilizing social media and creating slideshows publicizing the success of the society's artists. I was able to utilize my web authoring skills, creativity and communication abilities to assist the organization in meeting their goal to promote sculpture. Additionally, I have been involved with and taken leadership roles in a few organizations on campus. Last semester I led the marketing team for Dance Marathon, a UNC club. Through my marketing and PR efforts I was able to increase the attendance for this year’s marathon which helped the club raise over $483,000 for a local children’s hospital.

CLOSING: 4th Paragraph Reiterate fit Invite them to contact you Thank them for their time and consideration Use Sincerely Always sign your letter Wrap it up!

Example I am confident that I have the talents and background to make a difference for the Hilton and its marketing department. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me by email at student@email.unc.edu, or by phone (123) 456-7890. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Joe A. Student

Questions?