Cover Letters & Resumes

COVER LETTERS Tailored to the job description AND company (industry) Cover letters should inform, entice and captivate prospective employers. Format: date, address, salutation. Usually 3-5 paragraphs HIGHLIGHT your qualifications as they pertain to the job or project Give short and concise examples to reinforce your point (s) Do not apologize, avoid being ‘negative’ focus on the positive and what you DO have to offer Mention people and business skills- how did you get them? Your letter should answer these simple questions: a) what can you do for them? b) what is your current situation? c) why do you want to work for them? d) why are you qualified for this position? Thank them for the opportunity and ask for the next step----the interview or the project.

August 29, 2007 Ms. Jane Doe Director of College Relations Bank of America 101 N. Tryon Street Charlotte, NC Dear Ms. Doe, I was very interested to see your advertisement for a Networking Security Engineer on your company’s website. I have been seeking just such an opportunity as this, and I think my background and your requirements may be a good match. Please allow me a moment to highlight my qualifications and how they may benefit your company. This is where you’d talk about what skills and experience you have in relation to the job itself and why are interested in their company and this position. (computer skills, labs, projects, work experience you may have) This next paragraph is just an example, of how you may want to highlight your interpersonal skills and qualifications. If you are seeking a hard working and responsible individual who stays abreast of the latest technology, then please consider what I have to offer. I would be happy to have a preliminary discussion with you or members of your committee to see if we can establish a mutual interest. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Include as much information as you can about WHO and WHERE

Your Resume and Cover Letter should address the following: Project: 1. Nature of Project a.Industry b.Products 2.Skill set (s) 3.Related Experience 4.Additional “pluses” You: 1.Why are you interested in it? a.Are you interested in that industry? If so, why? b.Do you use their products? 2. Software, equipment, tools, environment? 3.Any experience (lab, projects, internships, etc)? 4.Strong GPA, Leadership abilities/roles, student org. involvement, bilingual, additional education?

Objective Seeking a summer internship in the computer field utilizing several years of troubleshooting and hardware testing experience. Education The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering December 2007 GPA 2.9/4.0 (Dean’s List Fall 2005, Spring 2006) Relevant Experience BellSouth Corporation., Charlotte, NC Hardware Engineer July 2004 – December 2006  Tested functionality of prototype router designs.  Troubleshot the hardware at the component level.  Consulted with hardware and software groups to implement necessary design changes.  Worked with a team of diagnostic and test engineers to provide strategies for optimal functional test coverage in manufacturing.  Utilized laboratory test and troubleshooting equipment including meters, analyzers, oscilloscopes, frequency generators, routers, and switches. Solectron Technologies, Charlotte, NC Test Engineering Technician May June 2004  Performed the setup and maintained functional testing equipment.  Documented testing procedures. Trained 10 test operators and technicians to utilize equipment.  Troubleshot failing product to the component level. Provided failure analysis and feedback to vendors for high failure rate components.  Worked cross-functionally with manufacturing, test, management and customers to reduce board defect rates, streamline product flow, and optimize testing strategies. Technical Skills Java, C, C++, Ethernet, Window NT, Unix, TCP/IP, Verilog, VHDL, Embedded Systems, Schematics, Pspice, and VLSI Professional Associations IEEE, student chapter, Fall 2006-present Theta Tau, student chapter, Spring 2007

What ELSE Are They Seeking? Communication skills Honesty/Integrity Strong work ethic Teamwork skills Analytical skills Motivation & Initiative Interpersonal skills (get along with others) Flexibility & Adaptability Relevant work experience-desired How do you communicate these skills?

In and Out of the Classroom Involvement in student organizations Leadership Academy Internships or Co-ops Jobs (related or not) Projects (Team-based) Volunteer/Community Service MAPS Mentor, SI Leader, RA

Thank You for your time Questions? Linda Thurman 266 Smith Office Hours M-Th 3-4 pm or by appt. Ben Cudia Smith: Tuesdays 9am-11am Duke Centennial: Tuesdays 2pm-4pm Atkins