Resumes & Cover Letters

Agenda

• Review the Basics1. Purpose of a Resume2. General Tips3. Formatting

Outline1. Heading2. Objective3. Education4. Experience

-Bullet points5. Skills

Targeting Cover Letters

What’s the Purpose?

To get you an

interview!

Reality Check…

You have 1 minute or less to:1. Make a good first impression2. Communicate your relevant skills3. Highlight your qualifications4. Highlight your experiences5. Show them you’re a good fit!

On average, an employer will look at your resume for one minute or less.

General Tips

Be honest

Tailor it Keep it to one page

No personal information age, hobbies, etc.

Proofread and have others proofread again

Don’t include references

No personal pronouns

Use keywords

Basic Formatting

• Use indentations, bullets, lines, bold and capital letters

.5 - 1” margins

10-12 point font- Simple and consistent

Reverse chronological order

Attractive Easy to Read

Resume Outline

• Header• Objective• Education • Honors/Awards (if relevant)• Relevant Courses (optional)• Experience• Activities• Skills

Header Information

• No one “correct” header• Include:– Name, address, phone,

email– List the best phone

number where you can be reached

– Keep email and voice mail professional

Objective

• A statement of goals for your employment• Be Specific and Concise – Can include job title, industry, and competencies

or skills you would like to use in your position

• Optional Section– Cover letter – Job fairs

• Careful about Primary Resume in Careerolina

Education

• First section (after objective)• College, Study Abroad, High School

• Degree, Major(s), Minor(s), Concentration– Double major rules

• Graduation Dates (or anticipated)

• List GPA if 3.0 or higher (overall and/or major)– 2 decimal places only

Example

EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor of Arts Public Policy, Expected Graduation, May 2017Minor in PsychologyGPA: 3.25

Optional Sections

• Relevant Coursework– Include classes where relevant skill or

knowledge was gained

• Honors– List scholarships, academic honors,

dean’s list

Experience

• What to include:– Jobs, Internships, Volunteer,

Clubs, Organizations, Shadowing, Class projects

• Divide into types of experience– Relevant, leadership, industry,

volunteer

• Format:– Be consistent– Simple bullets

Section Outline

RELEVANT EXPERIENCEUNC Student Congress, Chapel Hill, NCElected Representative, October 2013-Present• Participate in the formation of policies and writing of

bills concerning budgeting for student groups• Represent the interests of first year students

Student Council, Chapel Hill, NCStudent Body President, September 2012-May 2013• Presided over all student council meetings• Delegated tasks to committees• Announced upcoming events to student body

Strong Bullet Points

• Lead with strong action verbs• Focus on YOUR role in a group• Focus on accomplishments, results• Quantify when possible• Don’t:– Be passive– Talk about what you learned– Provide a list of duties- focus on skills!– Use first person

Example

“I was responsible for yearly off-site training courses for team members”

“Created and managed a technical training program of 8 off-site courses

serving 300+ team members, resulting in a 20% increase in work

productivity.”

Skills

• Include:– Computer, Social Media, Lab, Language– Certifications

• Do not include:– Communication, public speaking,

organizational and similar skills – show those “in action”

• Place this section in the resume that markets you the best

Customizing Your Resume

What is the employer looking for?

Employer Me

• Social media skills

• Communication skills

• Leadership abilities

• Strong organization skills

• Time I did marketing for the collegiate conference

• Retail job, internship collaborations, campus club

• Led campus club

• Organized 3 events during internship

Targeted, Concise Resume

What Is a Cover Letter?

An introduction that:- Explains your qualifications and fit- Arouses the employer’s interest and

gets their attention- Highlights important information on

your resume Should not duplicate resume It is NOT a personal statement Must be tailored to individual position!

Before You Write…

Gather key info: - name - address - title- company facts, etc.

Read and highlight the job description- What is important to

them?

Tone

Strike a balance: - stress enthusiasm for the

position - don’t be overconfident- don’t be desperate

Stay positive

Maintain consistent tone throughout

Example

I hope you will consider me for this marketing internship. I will not let you down, as I am sure that I am the right candidate for the position.

I look forward to the opportunity to interview for this position. I believe that my academic background, as well as my prior experience as an account coordinator and communications intern make me well-suited for this position.

Style

Be concise- Keep it to one page

Be consistent- Font, size

Vary sentence structure- Avoid beginning every

sentence or paragraph with the word “I”

Proofread!

Before & After

I gained invaluable insight into the world of politics through my previous internship for Senator John Smith. I was able to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings. I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed in and out of the classroom.

Last summer, I served as an intern for Senator John Smith, where I gained invaluable insight into the world of national politics. In addition to drafting correspondence to constituents, I also had the opportunity to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings. Currently, I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed in and out of the classroom.

Letter Sections

Header Paragraph 1- Attention Paragraph 2 - Interest Paragraph 3 - Fit Paragraph 4 - Closing

Header

224 Hanes HallChapel Hill, NC 27599August 28, 2013

Michelle WhiteTurner Broadcasting Systems 1 CNN CenterAtlanta, GA 30303

YOUR Address ->

Date ->

RECIPIENT Name and Address ->

ATTENTION:1st Paragraph

Indicate your reason for writing

Specify the position for which you are applying

State how you found the position

Include any prior contact with the employer or employees

Dear Mr. Jones: Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Tricia Gibbs from your Marketing Department at a Careers Networking Night at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Gibbs suggested I contact you regarding my interest in the summer internship program at the Hilton Hotels Corporation. As a current student at UNC studying Marketing and PR, I believe I could be an asset to the summer internship program.

Example

INTEREST:2nd Paragraph

Mention why you are interested in:- The organization, position,

their products or services Do your research and

show it off- This showcases your

motivation and enthusiasm

Number one detail left out

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leader in the hospitality industry with a reputation that is unmatched. I have had the opportunity to stay at Hilton hotels on several occasions and was always impressed by the warmth of hospitality and attention to detail. Additionally, as someone very interested in the field of marketing, I instinctively pay attention to various companies’ marketing strategies. I found Hilton’s marketing team to be most impressive, specifically their work around the Hilton Honors program. The opportunity to learn from the best is something that I will take very seriously if given the chance.

Example

FIT:3rd Paragraph

Why are you the right person for the position?

What skills do you bring to the employer?- Discuss your education,

experience, skills- Focus on what is most

important to the employer (Go back to the job description!)

Example

During my time at UNC, I have had a growing interest in marketing and public relations. Completing several business and communication classes piqued this interest and led me to the desire to gain some real world experience. Last summer I had the opportunity to intern at the National Sculpture Society in New York City. My position entailed developing web pages, utilizing social media and creating slideshows publicizing the success of the society's artists. I was able to utilize my web authoring skills, creativity and communication abilities to assist the organization in meeting their goal to promote sculpture. Additionally, I have been involved with and taken leadership roles in a few organizations on campus. Last semester I led the marketing team for Dance Marathon, a UNC club. Through my marketing and PR efforts I was able to increase the attendance for this year’s marathon which helped the club raise over $483,000 for a local children’s hospital.

CLOSING:4th Paragraph

Reiterate fit Invite them to

contact you Thank them for

their time and consideration

Use Sincerely Always sign your

letter

Wrap it up!

I am confident that I have the talents and background to make a difference for the Hilton and its marketing department. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me by email at student@email.unc.edu, or by phone (123) 456-7890. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,Joe A. StudentJoe A. Student

Example

Questions?