Creating a Resume

Why Write a Resume? Highlight your positives Sell yourself Show professionalism

Resume Header Name Address Phone number address

Basic Elements of a Resume Objective Education Work Experience Computer Skills

Objective Why you are writing a resume Kind of job do you want Be specific But do not mention a company name Example: To obtain a position as a sales clerk

Education Dates attended Name of school(s) attended Location of school (City, State) Classes taken that support the job you are trying to get

Work Experience Dates worked Name of company Location of company (City, State) Brief description of what you did there

Computer skills May group skills if varied Hardware Software Programming Languages

Interests and activities Clubs Sports

Awards and honors

Volunteer Experience School Church Community Languages (spoken)

Ask Yourself… What are you good at? What are your ambitions? What classes have you taken that have given you job skills? What jobs have you had in the past? What have you been doing in your spare time?

Creating a Cover Letter

Why Write a Cover Letter? Make the employer want to look at your resume Introduce yourself Highlight your strengths Show professionalism

Elements of a Cover Letter Header Date line Inside address Salutation Body or message Complimentary close

Cover Letter Header Full name Address Phone number Fax number address Graphic representing who you are or the type of job you want

Dateline Date you are sending the letter Format like April 12, 2005

Inside Address Name of recipient Company name Company address

Salutation Dear Mrs. Cossa:

Body 1st Paragraph What position you are applying for? Why you are sending your resume? How did you find out about the position?

Body 2nd Paragraph Call attention to the elements of your background (education, experience, leadership) that is specific to the job listing Highlight your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm

Body 3rd Paragraph How will you follow up with them? Are you requesting an interview? Do you want to know if there are other positions available? Have you attached your resume? Have you attached a writing sample?

Complimentary Close Sincerely Signature block Your name

Ask Yourself… What job are you applying for? What makes you stand out as a good person for the job?