1. Unit 4: Resume Building Cover Letter and Resume

2. Cover Letter  What is the purpose of the cover letter?  Introduces your resume, and thereby yourself to the hiring authority and shows why you are a good candidate.  Effective letter writing is linked to a successful job search.

3. First Paragraph  Why are you writing:  Title of the position.  Where or from whom you learned of the position.  Why are you interested in the position.  Entice the reader to look further. Example: My education and experience in education has given me a solid foundation in this field of work.

4. Second Paragraph  How can you contribute to the organization?  Evidence of your ability to do the job.  Relate aspects of your background to the essential requirements.  Emphasize your achievements.  Convince the reader you are an excellent candidate!

5. Third Paragraph  The close – ask for an interview!  Confidence.  Leave the impression you are worthy of an interview. Example: I am confident that I have the background and ability to be successful in this position. I would like to further discuss with you how I could be an asset to your school. I have enclosed my resume which will offer additional information on my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

6. What is a resume?  A brief summary of your educational background and your employment history.  An important means of communication with a prospective employer.  Uses a specific format: reverse chronological, combination, functional…

7. How should it look?  Standard fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, Courier.  Type size: 10 – 12 point font.  Paper: white, beige, light gray.  Be neat and accurate.  Copies well.  Logical arrangement with important sections first.

8. Heading  Includes Contact Information  Top of the page.  Large and bold.  Address: street, city, zip code.  Telephone numbers.  Email address.

9. Sample Heading Owlsly Owl 1 Florida Court Stuart, FL 34997 Home: (772)286-7745 Cell: (772)341-3734 OOwl@yahoo.com

10. Objective  Short and specific.  Indicates the type of position you want.  Preferred work environment.  Ok to omit.

11. Sample Objectives  To obtain a position in a secondary school teaching science and math.

12. Education  Educational institutions where you have attended.  Name and location.  No High School information.  Major, minor.  Graduation or anticipated graduation.  GPA 3.2 or higher.  Relevant Certifications.  Relevant coursework.

13. Sample Education Kaplan University, Chicago, IL Associate of Applied Science Major: Accounting Anticipated Graduation: December 2011

14. Professional Experience  Related employment  Internships  Summer Jobs  Volunteer Work  Projects or academic research  Other jobs

15. Sample of Experience Intern Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Port St. Lucie, FL Fall 2010 (6 weeks) Assisted with staff development programs. Planned conversion of software system.

16. General Tips  No absolute rules regarding format.  Tailor your resume for each position.  More than one page is acceptable.  Describe you accomplishments positively and accurately.  Use industry buzzwords.  Do not limit your resume to just work.  Omit personal pronouns.

17. Tips Continued  Omit personal data.  Do not include references as part of your resume.  Do not mention salary on your resume.  Always send a cover letter.  Maintain an eye pleasing balance.  Proofread!

18. Questions?