Agenda
• Review the Basics1. Purpose of a Resume2. General Tips3. Formatting
Outline1. Heading2. Objective3. Education4. Experience
-Bullet points5. Skills
Targeting Cover Letters
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
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 [email protected], or by phone (123) 456-7890. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,Joe A. StudentJoe A. Student
Example
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