1. CAREER CONNECTION 2nd Floor, Younkin Success Center 1640 Neil Avenue 614-688-3898 www.careerconnection.osu.edu Resume and Cover Letter Writing

2. Resume Writing Identifying information Job objective Education Experience Additional skills Optional sections References

3. Identifying information Name (should be prominent) Present address Alternate or permanent address (if you’re moving within the next 6 months) Phone number(s) E-mail address (use your OSU account or other professional looking address) ***Do not include age, marital status, religion, or other personal information. Do not use abbreviations - spell out everything

4. Job objective Answers the question, “what do I want to do?” State the type of position you are seeking or the actual job title Consider including how you will benefit the employer – not what you are seeking from the employer 1. An exciting position within any clinical research company doing interesting things. 2. To obtain a clinical research associate position in a pharmaceutical and biotech industry where the amount of responsibility varies a great deal, including writing investigator brochures, discussing abnormal lab values, and that is located in the Northeastern part of the U.S., preferably in New England. 3. A pharmacy aid position where I can be promoted as a pharmacy technician in order to prepare prescribed medication. 4. To obtain a pharmaceutical sales representative position within the pharmaceutical industry, utilizing my excellent interpersonal skills.

5. Education Name and location of institution(s) attended in reverse chronological order Degree(s) awarded Anticipated or actual dates of graduation Majors and minors GPA (if 3.25 or higher) Study abroad experiences

6. Experience Name and location of employer Dates of employment Title of job position Knowledge, skills, and abilities developed on the job as well as accomplishments Use present tense for current job responsibilities and past tense for previous responsibilities Any experience that is particularly relevant to the job for which you are applying should be given more space for its description. ***Avoid using passive language such as “Responsible for”, “Duties included”, or “Worked on” in your descriptions. Do not use articles of speech (“the”, “an”) or pronouns (“I”). Winning Formula: action + object + outcomes

7. Additional skills Computer hardware and software with which you are familiar Foreign languages Work-related training or workshops attended Academic skills that are related to the job (research, leadership, etc.)

8. Optional sections Relevant Coursework Split Work Experience in two (Relevant Experience and Other Work Experience) Honors/Awards Community Service Volunteer Experience Extracurricular Activities Professional Memberships Publications/Presentations Licenses/Certifications

9. References List on a separate page Copy your identifying information at the top of your reference page Use the same format for references as the other sections Balance of academic and professional Consider supervisors from volunteer experiences and internships No family members

10. Characteristics of a successful resume Shows purpose and direction Consistent (verb tense, format, etc.) Factual Dynamic Visual appeal (material is balanced on the page and there are sufficient margins) Well-organized Reads like a good newspaper story - with headlines and leading phrases One page (in most cases) Zero typographical errors Printed on quality resume paper

11. Why proofread? Excerpts from actual resumes Received a plague for pharmaceutical sales representative of the year Personal Interests: Donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far. Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a research drug facility in Dayton. Marital Status: Often Attended The Ohio State University from 1895 – 1999

12. Cover letter writing The purpose of a cover letter is to tell a prospective employer what you can do for them and why you are qualified to meet their needs It is an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and it opens a window to your personality A well-planned and well-written cover letter is just as important as an impressive resume, and should accompany the resume whenever possible

13. Elements of a cover letter Your return address and today’s date Employer’s contact information Greeting Introductory paragraph Main paragraph Closing paragraph Signature

14. Cover letter format Your Street Address City, State Zip Code Date Name of Person Job Title Company/Organization Street Address City, State Zip Code Dear Mr./Dr./Ms../Mrs. XXXXXXXXX (an actual name vs. “To Whom It May Concern”): FIRST PARAGRAPH: SECOND PARAGRAPHH: CLOSING PARAGRAPH: Sincerely, Your Name

15. Introductory paragraph Get the reader’s attention, but avoid catchy phrases and gimmicks Tell why you are writing (e.g., name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying) Mention the resource used in finding out about the opening or company/organization Include when you’re graduating from The Ohio State University and with what degree, and future career plans (only if they’re related to the position)

16. Include certain skills you want to highlight that are mentioned in the job posting Where and how you developed those skills (academic background/training, work experience, personality traits) Achievements that relate to the field in which you are applying, without duplicating exactly what is included in your resume How you would make a good fit in the company based on its mission, goals, and current projects Main paragraph

17. Your resume is included which gives a more complete view of your qualifications You’d like to further discuss the job opportunity or you desire an interview How you can be reached (phone number and e-mail) to answer any questions, or when you will follow up with him/her Thank the person for his/her time and consideration ***If the employer is far away and you plan to visit the area soon, consider writing that you will be in the geographic vicinity on a certain day and will call to see if an interview can arranged at this person’s convenience on that day Closing paragraph