What is the purpose of a cover letter and résumé?

To get an interview NOT to get a job

Which questions from the audience analysis worksheet are most important to consider when writing a cover letter and résumé?

Primary audience, secondary audience, probable questions, probably objections, probable attitude toward writer, organizational climate, person most affected by this document, probably reaction to document, acceptable length, material important to this audience, most useful arrangement, tone, intended effect, due date

Write your cover letter and résumé with the job in mind. Read the advertisement closely. What are the key words used in the ad? What of your experience and skills can you emphasize given the unique requirements of this job?

Orient your materials toward your reader’s needs. What can you do for the reader/prospective employer? (NOT what can the reader/prospective employer do for you)

Use specific details and support your claims with evidence. Too GeneralMore Specific – and Better “much experience”“three years of experience” “many courses”“five courses” “increased sales” “a 35 percent increase in sales between June and October 2002” “I have leadership skills” “I was student senate president during my senior year and captain of the lacrosse team.”

Too GeneralMore Specific – and Better “a variety of courses in my major” “I excel in customer service.” “pay attention to detail” “skilled with power tools” “team player” “improved operations”

Use active verbs PassiveActive – and Better “presentations were given”“I presented... “documentation was created” “I documented...” or “I created...” NominativeActive – and Better “preparation of hot foods”“prepared hot foods” “training of new employees”“trained new employees”

Employ information, organization, and design conventions associated with cover letters and résumés. Opportunities for creativity are limited in this genre. Conventions make it easy for prospective employers to understand a document without having to learn a new format for every applicant.

Cover Letter Conventions Business formatted letter (pp ) Use a header common to letter and résumé Paragraph 1: Identify why you’re writing Paragraph 2: Focus on the qualifications you can bring to this job Paragraph 3: Call to action No longer than one page Sign your letter Use high quality paper

Résumé Conventions Use a header common to letter and résumé No longer than one page Use consistent formatting for headings and subheadings Vary word choice Do not repeat yourself, i.e., use the same wording to describe two different previous positions Employ headings in a sequence that implies priority (see next slide)

Typical Priority One Headings Education Objective Summary/Qualifications

Typical Priority Two Headings Employment/Professional Experience Lab Skills/Technical Expertise Relevant Coursework Certifications

Typical Priority Three Headings Awards/Honors Leadership Activities Volunteer Work/Community Service Other Interests Other Experience Special Skills Language Skills