RESUMES &COVER LETTERS

WHAT IS A RESUME?

is a document to market your skills, experience, education and accomplishments to employers

is meant to get you an interview

is NOT your life history

is very concise and easy to scan for information

BASIC GUIDELINES

use consistency in your presentation

utilize a 10 to 12 point, plain font

organize your information to make it easy to read

use your white space effectively

start all of your descriptive statements with past tense action verbs

proofread to check for errors

BASIC GUIDELINES

do not use high school information

place your most relevant information towards the top

include industry related keywords

target it to the career field you are entering

keep your margins even

CATEGORIES

Objective

Summary of Qualifications

Education

Honors

Related Coursework

Internships

Research

Related Experience

Additional Involvement

Volunteer/Community Service

Skills

Employment

Activities

RESUME STATEMENTS

use past tense action verbs to describe what you did in each position or experience

be descriptive and specific – who, what, where, when, how, results action verb + details + results = strong resume

statement

look at job postings to get ideas

practice telling someone else what you did in each position or how you demonstrated each skill

PERSONAL INFORMATION

LEAH M. HELPER

2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55410

612.330.3333, helper@augsburg.edu

INTRODUCTION

Objective

states what type of position you are looking for and what you will bring to the position

Summary of Qualifications

highlights your related qualifications for the position

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN May 20XX

Major: PsychologyMinor: Communication Studies GPA: 3.7

Honors: Dean’s List, Psychology Honor Society, Augsburg Academic Scholarship

Study Abroad: University of Galway, Galway, Ireland Spring 20XX

INTERNSHIP(S)INTERNSHIPS

Intern, Crisis Nursery, Minneapolis, MN, Spring 20XX

• Selected to demonstrate therapeutic interventions to volunteers at a newly developed parent-child educational and therapeutic group

• Consulted with other therapists regarding client case management

Intern, Washburn Child Guidance Center, Minneapolis, MN, Fall 20XX

• Taught emotional regulation and social skills to preschoolers in a classroom setting

• Provided therapeutic interventions for children, ages 2 to 10, who were at risk of neglect and abuse

• Counseled children and parents with many emotional and mental difficulties to help create a safe home environment

RELATED EXPERIENCE

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Student Worker, Augsburg Admissions Office, Minneapolis, MN, Sept. 20XX – May 20XX

• Promoted the college to prospective students by giving campus tours and providing them with college information

• Provided administrative tasks including student mailings, filing, and data entry

ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES

Student Orientation Leader, Augsburg College, Sept. 20XX – May 20XX

• Served as a mentor for first-year students by introducing them to the college, showing them resources on campus and helping them meet new students

• Coordinated large on-campus events for 400 students to participate in

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Volunteer, Meals on Wheels, Minneapolis, MN, Jan. 20XX – Aug. 20XX

Sunday School Teacher, St. Edwards, Bloomington, MN, Oct. 20XX – April 20XX

OTHER EXPERIENCE

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Server, Applebee’s, Minneapolis, MN, June 20XX – May 20XX

• Trained new employees and evaluated their performance

• Succeeded in providing excellent customer service to six tables of people by multitasking and prioritizing orders

FINAL TIPS

have your resume reviewed by a career specialist

print on good quality paper

look at sample resumes and to get help

COVER LETTERS

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

is a letter that gives you a change to elaborate on more skills you have that may not be specifically highlighted on your resume

is meant to get the employer to read your resume

BASIC GUIDELINES

should always accompany a resume even when not requested

needs to be well-written and in a professional tone

do not start all of your sentences with “I”

customize each letter with a job description of the organization you are applying for

HEADING

your name and address should come first

then put the date

next the employer’s name, title, and work address

always address your employer as:

Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name:

OPENING

indicate the position you are applying for and how you came to learn about the position

state why you are interested in the position

say something you know or admire about the organization

shows you have done your research

MIDDLE SECTION(S)

highlight your experience as it relates to the position

provide them with the key skills you have that are mentioned in the job description

be specific about how your achievements and education have prepared you for the position

elaborate more in-depth than what is on your resume

CLOSING

reiterate your interest in the position and thank them for their consideration

state that you hope to discuss your qualifications in an interview

say when you plan to follow-up with them and then do so

FINAL TIPS

sign your letter with sincerely and your signature

do your research on the employer

PROOFREAD!

use the same font and paper as your resume

show enthusiasm for the position

1212 University AvenueMinneapolis, MN 55505

March 10, 2010

Ms. Brenda PetersonDirectorNew Hope Center2222 – 11th Street N.E.Minneapolis, MN 55444

Dear Ms. Peterson:

Please accept the following materials as my application for the Lead Social Worker position advertised on Augsburg College’s job and internship database, Augpost. I am particularly interested in working for the New Hope Center because it is an organization that strives to bring the best community resources to all those in need. In addition, my case management experience, leadership abilities, and strong academic record would benefit your organization and the clients you serve.

My recent work as a Case Manager Intern at Equal Access has provided me with a variety of skills that will make me successful in this position. My responsibilities there included overseeing a case load of eight families in which I assessed their needs and helped them develop and work to achieve self-sufficiency goals. I also organized and facilitated a family support group which is still in existence.

In addition, because I feel strongly about advocacy issues, I am utilizing my leadership skills and community resource knowledge by serving as a Peer Counselor Volunteer at Chrysalis. Here I have demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills as I counsel and connect with a diverse population. This experience, along with my role as Secretary for the Augsburg College Social Work Club, has allowed me to enhance my organizational and problem solving skills and capacity to work as a team player.

I would like to discuss my qualifications with you further and will call you next week to arrange an interview. Thank you for your consideration for this Lead Social Worker position.

Sincerely,Your Signature(type your name)Enclosure

COVER LETTER SAMPLE

http://cswl.pb.works.com

QUESTIONS?