Transcript Cover Letters and Resumes
CREATING COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Know Thyself
Skills Values Goals Experience
Know the Company & the Position
Mission Culture Responsibilities
COVER LETTERS
Straightforward, brief business letter which introduces you and your resume Expand upon and highlight your accomplishments and relate them to the job Balance professionalism with your own personality
THE BASICS
Maria Bates
56 Park Ave, New York, NY, 10021 (212) 545-2345 [email protected]
May 12, 2009 Ms. Sandra Davis Investment Management Human Resources Morgan Stanley 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 (212) 349-9494 Dear Ms. Davis:
Maria Bates
56 Park Ave New York, NY, 10021 (212) 545-2345 [email protected]
(212) 545-2345 May 12, 2009 Ms. Sandra Davis Investment Management Human Resources Morgan Stanley 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 (212) 349-9494 Dear Ms. Davis: Start with a proper business block The body of the letter should be single spaced, include spaces between each paragraph and no indentations.
PARAGRAPH #1: INTRODUCTION
In the opening you want to express: 1.
Why you are writing 2.
How you heard about the position 3.
Why you are interested the: Company/mission Location Type of work
Paragraph #1 Example: Dear Mr. Samson: Please accept my letter as an application for the Project Team Associate position, as posted on Barnard College’s NACELink.
I am particularly interested in this opportunity because of your company’s mission to exceed your client’s expectations and aspirations by offering a customized and structured approach to wealth management which is congruent with my values, interests and education.
Avoid saying, “I am writing to…”
PARAGRAPH #2: EDUCATION
Expand on your educational background Describe how your liberal arts degree makes you stand out The 2 nd and 3 rd paragraphs should attempt to match your skills to the requirements of the job you are applying for
Example 1:
My current and past academic and work experiences have provided me with the skills needed for the research your department conducts. For the past two years, I have worked extensively in a lab conducting research work on language acquisition and memory…
Example 2:
I will earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a minor in Sociology from Barnard College, Columbia University in May 2009. My degree program has prepared me to think analytically and approach complex problems from multiple perspectives. This dichotomy between economics and sociology has thus prepared me to operate successfully in diverse situations, think outside the box and adapt accordingly.
*Provide examples of how your experience will benefit the employer
PARAGRAPH #3: EXPERIENCE
Show what you have achieved outside the classroom:
Consider:
Places you have interned and worked Activities you have participated in Skill sets you have developed
PARAGRAPH #3 EXAMPLE
In addition to my education, I have a unique and varied set of internship experiences that have given me the financial skills to qualify for this position. While working at Oppenheimer Funds, I had the opportunity to see investing first hand. My knowledge of investing and finance expanded during my internships as I took initiative, assumed responsibility, and stayed organized to complete projects – attitudes essential for a Morgan Stanley Analyst.
4
TH
PARAGRAPH: WRAP-UP
Begin with a summary statement that reiterates that your skills and background make you a strong candidate You can also thank the reader for his/her: 1.
Time 2.
3.
Consideration Reviewing of your qualifications You will also want to say what will happen next
WRAP-UP
Example
: Attached is my resume detailing my education and experiences. I welcome the opportunity to apply my skills as a Project Team Associate with UBS. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. If you need any additional information, please contact me at (201) 580-0987.
SIGNATURE
Sincerely, (Your Signature) Maria Bates Enclosure or Attached
RESUMES
Brief summary of your experience and skills Strategically consider how each piece of information contributes to your overall attractiveness to the employer Research on the company and position will allow you to create a fit with your resume
APPEARANCE
Reverse chronological order Use standard font style, 10-12 point size Margins should never go below .5
Keep on 1 page Avoid colored paper, unless appropriate for industry Create a simple format for online applications that require them
CATEGORIES ON YOUR RESUME
Essential Categories:
Contact Information Education Experience
Additional Categories:
Relevant Coursework Honors & Awards Internships Leadership Experience Volunteer Activities Professional Organizations Skills Interests
Prioritize information to get resume on 1 page
HEADING
Beth Goldberg
89 Madison Avenue New York, NY 90879 (201) 890-0987 [email protected]
Beth Goldberg
5881 Altschul, New York, NY 10027 ♦ (616) 531-2741 ♦ [email protected]
Beth Goldberg Temporary Address Permanent Address
64 Riverside Drive 89 Cherry Hill Road New York, NY 86749 Santa Cruz, CA 90777 (212) 986-0987 (763) 485-9759 [email protected]
*
Make sure your email address is appropriate
EDUCATION
Barnard College, Columbia University,
New York, NY Bachelor of Arts, May 2015 Major: Film Studies; Minor: Economics GPA: 3.3/4.0, Dean’s List 2012-present
Include GPA if above 3.0, SAT if it supports or enhances GPA
Barnard College of Columbia University,
New York, NY Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Major GPA: 3.9, GPA: 3.6, May 2015
Honors
Student Academic Fellowship, spring 2014 Women in Science Award, fall 2014
(include study abroad and other colleges here) * Awards need to be merit-based if included on the resume
EXPERIENCE SECTION
Include: Company Position Location Duration
Appropriate Tense Keep in the 1 st person
Macy’s, Buyer Intern, New York, NY, Fall 2011-Present
Macy’s,
New York, NY
Buyer Intern
, September 2011-Present •Examine, select, order, and purchase at the most favorable price merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements and other factors •Negotiate prices, discount terms and transportation arrangements for merchandise •Analyze and monitor sales records, trends and economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns and determine what the company will sell and how much inventory is needed
EXPERIENCE SECTION
Make each bullet succinct and clear. Start each bullet with a strong action verb: Analyzed and reviewed drug labels for compliance with federal regulations and information Designed production line for each item in accordance with safety regulations
EXPERIENCE SECTION
Quantify when possible: Supervised 90 students in development of small businesses Allocated budget of $9,000 for student activities Provide qualitative results when possible: Solely reorganized communication network and increased efficiency of inter-office correspondence Counseled middle-school students and improved follow-through of behavioral contracts
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
These are broad skills you have acquired during any activity in your life such as: jobs, classes, projects, sports Consider : Communication Leadership/relationship/team building Critical and analytic thinking Problem solving Research, development and project management *Show how these skills would be applicable to the job
ALSO INCLUDE:
Involvement in off campus organizations Volunteering Skills: Computers Languages Personal Special Programs or Certifications Related to Field
SELECT CONTENT WISELY
To avoid confusing employer, chose experiences that fit the position Your resume should fit the job description
(take a look at O*Net Online) Consider having a large resume that you will cut down every time you apply to a job