Transcript Résumé & Cover Letter Workshop

Resumé & Cover Letter
Workshop
How to Get Selected for an Interview!
Centre for Career Development
Memorial University
2011
Did you know…
Research has shown that most
resumés are viewed for 10
seconds or less.
Three Resumé Format Options
1. Chronological Resumé
2. Functional Resumé
3. Combination Resumé
Chronological Résumé
Primarily comprised of work experience with less
attention drawn to education, achievements, etc.
This format emphasizes time.
When to Use:
• No major gaps in employment history
• Work history is related to position and reflects
growth in the field
Functional Resumé
Focused on transferable skills; other headings, such
as education and work experience are mentioned but
not detailed. This format emphasizes skills.
When to Use:
• Possess skills acquired through experience other
than work (e.g. volunteer, education, membership)
• Entering or re-entering the job market
• Career change where experience does not relate to
new job objective
Combination Resumé
Expands on work experience and highlights any skills
acquired elsewhere. This format emphasizes both
experience and skills.
When to Use:
• Suitable in most circumstances
• To highlight both relevant skills and work experience
• Changing jobs within the same industry
Resumé Components
• Personal Information
• Objective
• Highlight of Qualifications (Chronological and
Functional Formats Only)
• Summary of Qualifications (Combined Format Only)
• Education
• Work Experience
• Additional Sections
• References
Personal Information
• Full name should be bolded and centered at the top of the page
• Include:
• Current mailing address
• Contact number
• Professional e-mail address (if checked regularly)
• Do not include:
• Date of Birth
• Marital status
• Social Insurance Number
• Picture
Highlight of Qualifications
• Used in Chronological/Functional formats only
• Highlights and summarizes top selling points
• Addresses the skills an employer is looking for (in the
job ad or job description)
• Should be tailored to each position
• Avoid using general statements. Instead provide
pertinent facts about your experience and skills
• Usually 4-6 bullet points
Summary of Qualifications
• Used in Combined format only
• More detailed than Highlight of Qualifications
• Specifically broken down into different skill sets
(e.g. Communication Skills or Computer Skills)
with 3-5 points in each
Education
• List in reverse chronological order
• Bold the name of your degree(s)
• Include the name of the institution(s) and month/year
• No need to list courses or GPA
• Example:
Bachelor of Arts (Major: Sociology)
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
Sept. ‘07-Present
Work Experience
• List in reverse chronological order
• Bold your job titles
• Include in the following order: job title, name of employer
(organization/company), date, and location
• Use action verbs to introduce your duties and responsibilities
• If you have a lot of short-term work, then group them together if
possible (e.g. bartending, waitressing, etc.)
Additional Sections
• Volunteer Experience (Same format used for
Work Experience – duties with action verbs)
• Awards and Accomplishments
• Professional Affiliations or Memberships
• Relevant Interests and Achievements
• Relevant Skills and Abilities
• Additional Professional Training
• Professional Development
References
• Listing references on resumé is optional; if not included,
indicate “References available upon request.”
• If reference list is included, list on a separate page and
include at least three references
• Seek permission before listing someone as a reference
• Provide references with an updated copy of your resumé
once you are invited for an interview
• If reference list was not included, bring it with you to the
interview
Additional Resumé Tips
• Avoid exceeding two pages (excluding references)
• Include your name and the page number on each page
as a header (except on first page)
• Keep spacing and formatting consistent
• Leave white space throughout your document
• Do not use paragraphs - use bullet statements
• Always have someone else proof read for errors
Cover Letters
Cover Letter Workshop
The session will include:
• Format/components of a cover letter
• General cover letter tips
The purpose of a cover letter is:
to highlight accomplishments or skills
that reflect your suitability for a position.
Cover Letter Format
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Return Address
Date
Addressee
Salutation (Greeting)
Body (4 paragraphs)
Closing
Signature
Starting the Cover Letter
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Return Address
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Date
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Location: two lines below your return address
Insert today’s date; do not abbreviate date
Addressee
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Location: top left margin
Insert your complete mailing address; do not include your name
Location: two lines below the date
Address the specific individual who will process your application
Include the mailing address of the company
Salutation
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Location: one line below company address
Use Dear Mr. or Ms.; only if specific name cannot be identified, use Dear Sir or
Madam
Insert a colon after salutation
Body: First Paragraph
Key Message: Why you are writing
• Clearly state which job you are applying for and
include the job competition number
• State how you learned about it and include the date
that you discovered the posting
• If you are inquiring about position availability and not
applying for a particular position that was posted,
state this in this paragraph
Body: Second Paragraph
Key Message: What you have to offer
• Provide specific information about the skills
you have and how your qualifications will
benefit the organization
• Respond to every possible requirement that is
mentioned in the job posting
Body: Third Paragraph
Key Message: How you are a good fit for this
organization
• Indicate why you would like to work for this organization
- e.g. products, service, place in the
community, etc.
• Show parallels between your interests or experiences
and the organization’s image
Body: Fourth Paragraph
Key Message: Request an interview
• Respectfully request an interview
- “I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you
to further discuss…”
• State where (i.e. phone #) and when you can be reached
• Thank the employer for his/her consideration
Ending the Cover Letter
• Closing
• Location: two lines below body of letter, aligned with left
margin
• Use standard business closing “Sincerely,”
• Signature
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Location: four lines beneath the closing
Type your full name as it appears on your resume
Sign above your typed name in black ink
If sending electronically, consider including an electronic
signature
Additional Cover Letter Tips
• Tailor each cover letter to the job for which you are applying
• Limit your cover letter to one page
• Use either Arial or Times New Roman font
• Ensure that the organization’s name and title of the position are
consistent throughout
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Do not forget to sign your cover letter
• Always have someone else proof read for errors
For additional advice, contact:
Career Development & Experiential
Learning
University Centre, UC-4002
(709) 864-2033
[email protected]