Resume and Cover Letter Writing

M I C H A E L P E N W E L L , C A R E E R A D V I S O R L Y C O M I N G C O L L E G E C A R E E R S E R V I C E S E M A I L : C A R E E R S E R V I C E S @ L Y C O M I N G . E D U W E B S I T E : W W W . L Y C O M I N G . E D U / C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

   Communicates availability, qualifications, and interest to employers Personalizes your resume by accenting strengths relating to the qualifications desired for the position Serves as a formal letter of application, as a response to a job ad, as a result of referral, or as unsolicited inquiry for employment

The Content of a Cover Letter

  Captures reader’s interest, makes reader want to learn more Explains your reason for interest in employment   Relates your strengths to an employer’s needs Contains a call to action  (a request for the next step)

Elements of a Cover Letter

W H A T T O I N C L U D E …

The Basics

 Return Address  Location: Top right, left, or centered    Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code Date  (Above or under return address)

Example:

2129 West Third Street Williamsport, PA 17701 March 22, 2008

The Basics

Many students are designing letterhead which complements their resume in lieu of return address information

The Basics

 Contact Information – Addressing to Employer   Location: Aligned with Left Margin Contact’s Full Name      Contact’s Exact Title Contact’s Department Name of Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code

Example: Ms. Angela M. Vermilya President and CEO Lycoming College 700 College Place Williamsport, PA 17701

The Basics

 Salutation  Location: Under contact information   Use Official Title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Rev., Sr., Hon., etc.) Last name of Contact

Example:

Dear Ms. Vermilya:

The Body Paragraphs

A C O V E R L E T T E R I N C L U D E S A N O P E N I N G P A R A G R A P H , M I D D L E P A R A G R A P H ( S ) , A N D A C L O S I N G P A R A G R A P H .

( D E P E N D I N G O N Y O U R W R I T I N G S T Y L E , I T C O U L D B E 3 O R 4 P A R A G R A P H S )

Opening Paragraph

 Purpose   Captures attention Sets the tone for the letter  Builds a match of your qualifications with the employer’s needs

Opening Paragraph

 Methods of accomplishing purpose:   State the purpose of the letter Mention name of mutual friend    State your top credentials or selling points Name the position, department, and company State source of lead

Middle Paragraph(s)

 Purpose:      Communicates main selling points Shows that you are the candidate to most benefit the company Proves that your skills match employer’s needs Creates interest Illustrates personality

Middle Paragraph(s)

 Methods of accomplishing purpose:  Point to achievements   Use action verbs Offer proof of skills and abilities

Closing Paragraph

 Purpose:  Reemphasizes strengths   Makes a request for or offers further action Provides your personal contact information, i.e. e-mail address, telephone number

Closing Paragraph

 Methods of accomplishing purpose:   Restate that you are the candidate who best fits employer’s needs Restate position and company name   State time line, specific follow-up information, and dates Express appreciation for time, effort, and consideration

Closing

  Sincerely, Signature   Typed Name Enclosure:  Resume, References, etc.

Example:

Sincerely, John Dida Greatjob Enclosures: Resume, References

Formatting a Cover Letter

UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING FORMATTING SUGGESTIONS IN COMPOSING YOUR COVER LETTER:

Personalization

    Address letter to person with hiring power Do not address your cover letter: “To whom it may concern:” State the position sought, organization name, and if appropriate, the geographic location Match your strengths and abilities to the organization’s specific needs

Personalization

   Do not state verbatim the information on your resume Provide additional information and details which are not on your resume Cover letters must accompany resumes and employment applications

Length

 Cover letters should be one page in length

Appearance

 Arrange cover letters using a standard business format   View other sample cover letters for formatting examples Cover letters should be single spaced

Word Choice

     Use positive words and/or action verbs capitalizing on your strengths Avoid clichés and trite language Avoid repetition and/or non-descriptive words including “is,” “or,” “was” Do not abbreviate, or use unnecessary jargon Use concise, specific statements and short paragraphs

Proofreading

     Misspellings, grammatical errors, and improper punctuation are unacceptable Cover letters must be well organized Avoid lengthy descriptions. Write lucidly and concisely.

Make sure the company name and title are consistent in the letter Sign your letter

Coordinate with Resume and References

  Select a font style that matches your resume and references Consider developing personal letterhead that carries over from cover letter to resume and reference list.

 Use matching paper of good quality

Resume Writing

Most Important information? Your Name! Make it big and bold so your employer can pick you out!

Be sure to put all information. Are you graduating or going on an internship? You want the employer to be able to contact you!

Objective: Why are you writing this resume? What do you want?

Education: What is your degree in? When did you get it? Where did you go? All other information can be used, but does not have to be

Computer Skills: Skills appropriate to your discipline. Not always computer related.

Coursework: Classes you have taken that you believe give you a heightened understanding of the field or job you are applying for.

Experience: Important, but it’s ok if you do not have a lot of it. Summer/Part time Jobs still show reliability and dedication.

Activities: Show off what you have accomplished! Leadership roles, Volunteer activities, Professional affiliations, and co curricular activities are important to employers.

Honors: Anything that will make you stand out.

Availability: Especially important if applying while still in school. How long after graduation will you need before you can start to work?

Tips

       An Employer spends about 15-20 seconds on a resume. Content should never be more than 1 page Margins can range from 1 inch to .5 inches Font = Times New Roman or Arial. (10-12) Do not include references on resume.

Begin each sentence with a strong action verb.

Put the most relevant and valuable information that relates to the position for which you are applying

Action Words

          Accomplished Achieved Analyzed Budgeted Compiled Composed Confronted Counseled Cultivated Delegated           Designed Developed Edited Evaluated Examined Facilitated Forecasted Gained Generated Guided • Identified • Illustrated • Implemented • Increased • Inspected • Maintained • Managed • Marketed • Motivated • Negotiated

Questions/Comments?

Check out our website for more resume writing tips: www.lycoming.edu/careerservices Come to Career Services to have your resume critiqued by a member of our staff!

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or call us at 570-321-4034