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Resumes & Cover Letters Slide 2 Todays objectives Define the purpose of a resume Explore sections to include Explain how to write an action statement Discuss references Define cover letters Slide 3 In the employers shoes 1. What can you do for me? Needs & Wants Experience Skills, knowledge, competencies 2. How will you fit within my organization? Attitude Slide 4 What is a rsum? Marketing tool First impression Document of your experiences Communicates skills & knowledge Slide 5 What sections can I include? Objective Summary of Skills Education Work Experience Volunteer Experience Extracurricula r Activities Related Experience Publications Memberships Conference Attendance AwardsCertifications Lab Skills Technical Skills Interests Professional Development Slide 6 Contact information Jenny Jobseeker 226 Vernon Street Truro, Nova Scotia B3R 5T9 (902) 897-9760 jennyjobseeker@dal.ca Slide 7 Objective Statements A MY S MITH 123 Main Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, N4J 2B8 Home: (902) 434-5934, Cell: (902) 293-532, Email: asmith@dal.ca O BJECTIVE Seeking a position as a Library Assistant where I will be able to contribute my organization and customer service skills. Slide 8 Summary of Skills S UMMARY OF S KILLS Possess three years experience delivering excellent customer service Excellent organization skills as evidenced by extracurricular involvement Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks Experienced in writing and editing documents Ability to communicate and listen effectively as a member of a team Slide 9 Education E DUCATION Diploma in Enterprise Management (Equine)2011-Present Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia Slide 10 Associations/Memberships M EMBERSHIPS Student Member, Canadian Equestrian Association2011-Present Slide 11 What is experience? Part time/Full time Summer Experiential Learning Volunteer Extra-curricular In the classroom Internships/Co-ops Life Realizing WHO the reader of your rsum is Realizing WHAT the reader of your rsum is looking for Slide 12 Employment Slide 13 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Fundraiser Blue Hills School, NS, May Oct 2011 Raised money in support of local charities in cooperation with Senior Administrators at the Blue Hills School Utilized online social media to promote fundraising events resulting in a 30% increase in funds raised Successfully led a team of 12 volunteers ensuring a cohesive team environment Conducted post event surveys to improve upon future fundraising endeavors Volunteer Experience Slide 14 Academic Projects Project: Assessment of the Impacts of Community Organizations in Nova Scotia Class: Senior Seminar Collaborated with a team of four students to assess the effectiveness of local community groups Conducted a series of interviews with community members that measured the perceived effectiveness of community programming Made recommendations on future policies in community programming which were accepted by the United Way Academic Projects Slide 15 Created and implemented a new youth mentoring program by assessing the needs of youth in the community through one-on-one interviews and focus groups resulting in an 80% participation of local high school students Action Statements What I didHow or WhyResult Slide 16 Resume checklist Are you proving your fit? How does your rsum look? Does the person reading your rsum know you are effective? Is all your relevant experience included? Only you can write your rsum Proofread carefully ask a friend Organize in a logical fashion Approximately two pages Be honest Slide 17 References A person who can attest to your work experience, skills, character and personality. Personal Professional Slide 18 Reference example Slide 19 References Submitting references appropriately will allow you to: Gauge where you are in the job search process Increase the likelihood of a more position- tailored dialogue between the employer and your reference Slide 20 Things to Exclude Title page Photos Subjective Text Personal Information Politics References Objective Hobbies / Interests List of Classes Languages Slide 21 How Employers View Your Resume Visually Scanning Software Slide 22 Slide 23 Resume Scanning Software Types of organizations Fortune 500 Large organizations Sophisticated HR functions Government Slide 24 Why is it used? Overwhelmed HR department, cutbacks Sheer numbers of resumes Software's impartiality Assume that a digital "eye" will see your resume before any human eye sees it -- if a human eye sees it. Slide 25 Tips for Passing the Scan Key phrases Mention successes and skills early and frequently Do not worry about too much repetition Keywords Do NOT use fancy fonts, symbols, text boxes or try imbedding words Slide 26 Cover Letters Always Overview Concise Slide 27 Anatomy of a Cover Letter Introduction Position Where you learned about it Hook the reader in Main Body 2 3 paragraphs Prove it! -State Skill -Give example Conclusion Thank reader Show Enthusiasm Provide contact details Slide 28 Cover Letters Skills they WANTSkills I HAVEHOW do I have the skills? Degree (field) Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and presentation skills Good computer skills, proficient with MS Office applications Ability to communicate effectively in both official languages is an asset Willingness to travel Experience managing a budget Degree- Dalhousie University Job 1-Maintained large client database Intensive project management course Team leader, 1 st place Case Competition Certified Microsoft Office or Computer Applications Class Well-travelled, Exchange, Flexible. Previous role Slide 29 Q & A Slide 30 Career Services Centre 11 River Road Dalhousie University, Truro Campus 893-7895 rosanne.chapman@dal.ca Drop-in MyCareer.dal.ca Job postings Career calendar Book an appointment