Job Search Documents Handbook
Cover Letter Worksheet
2
Sample Cover Letter
4
Résumé & Application Data Collection Sheet
5
Résumé Checklist
8
Résumé Action Words
9
Sample Résumés
12
Portfolios
16
Thank You Letter
17
Jean Wyer, Director
College of Education and Human Ecology Career Services
201 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
614-688-5663, wyer.6@osu.edu
http://ehe.osu.edu/career-services/
Revised 2014-10-24
1
Cover Letter Worksheet
With all the emphasis on résumé writing, the cover letter is often overlooked. However, employers
expect to see a cover letter with each résumé. While some employers admit to reading the résumé
first, they will read a cover letter second if the résumé piqued interest. A cover letter reflects your
ability to communicate, provides an opportunity to establish a unique connection with an employer,
and convinces an employer to take the next step, an interview. This worksheet is to help organize the
content of a cover letter. This is a general format. Actual content and layout will vary.
Candidate Letterhead (Note: This may be the same as that used for the résumé.)
Name:
(Optional) Local Address:
Permanent Address:
Cell Phone:
Email:
(Optional) LinkedIn or Web URL:
Date:
Employer Contact Information
Title: (Mr., Ms., Dr.)
Name:
Title or Position:
Company/Organization Name:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Introductory Paragraph
Job title:
How I learned of the position/company/organization: (publication, web page, personal referral’s
name)
Request for candidacy:
Summary of what I can offer:
2
Middle Paragraphs: Making a Match
Match an experience to the job requirements or organization’s needs:
Tell your story with reference to a relevant experience, abilities, or credential using action,
qualitative, and quantitative words:
Match an experience to the job requirements or organization’s needs:
Tell your story with reference to a relevant experience, abilities, or credential using action,
qualitative, and quantitative words:
Closing Paragraph
Thank you:
State interest/candidacy:
Next steps: (Please call me, I’ll call you within ## days, I’ll be overseas until…)
Salutation:
Signature:
Name:
3
(Sample Cover Letter)
Elizabeth A. Student
123 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43210
estudent@gmail.com
614-555-7516
April 17, 2014
Mr. Jack Bauman, Director of Personnel
Livonia Public Schools
15125 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48154
Dear Mr. Bauman;
I recently read of the Livonia Public Schools decision to expand the foreign language program to the
newly created grades 4-6 buildings. Please consider this letter and the attached resume as my
application for a foreign language teaching position. As a licensed teacher of both French and
Spanish, who has studied and lived abroad, I am able to provide the enthusiasm and experience
needed to play a role in the start of this exciting new program.
As you look at my credentials, you will find that my experience offers flexibility for your staffing
strategies. Licensed to teach both French and Spanish, I am able to easily transition between the two
subjects, or teach both. With teaching experience in the middle school setting, and a license to teach
at at any level, I am prepared to teach grades 4-6 as they prepare for grades 7-12.
One of the most valuable features I bring to the classroom is my experience living and studying
abroad. With the voice of expertise, topics of international culture will be brought into the
curriculum. Students will not only learn to speak, read, and write a foreign language; they will also
experience the sights, sounds, tastes, and character of the cultures attached to those languages. The
result will be that middle school students will develop a broad view of the world; its people, societies,
and cultures, through the study of a foreign language. Ultimately, the students will develop a passion
to continue their relationship with the world beyond our borders.
Thank you for taking the time to review these documents. As I frequently visit family in the Livonia
area, it is easy for me to make a trip to Michigan to meet with you. So, please feel free to contact me
at the address or cell phone number posted above. It would be my pleasure to meet with you to
discuss possible employment in the Livonia Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. Student
4
Résumé & Application Data Collection Sheet
This worksheet is to help organize information that you will consider for your résumé and
employment applications. Once this data is collected, select and organize the information to create
your résumé. This is a general format. Actual content and layout will vary. Not all items are required
or necessary. Take a copy of this sheet to interviews, as many employers require a standard
application be completed as a part of the interview process.
Résumé Worksheet
Candidate Letterhead (Note: This may be the same as that used for the cover letter.)
Name:
(Optional) Local Address:
Permanent Address:
Phone:
Email:
(Optional) LinkedIn or Web URL:
Objective or Summary
An introductory statement that includes the job for which you are applying.
Education (Reverse chronological order)
Institution:
Degree:
City:
State:
Major(s):
Minor(s):
Institution:
City:
Major(s):
Degree:
State:
Minor(s):
Graduation Date:
GPA:
Graduation Date:
GPA:
Certification, License, Examination Information
5
Professional Experience (Reverse chronological order)
Company/Organization Name:
City, State:
Job Title:
Dates:
Action + Object + Outcome or Purpose: Include action, quantitative, and qualitative words.
_
_
_
Company/Organization Name:
Job Title:
City, State:
Dates:
Action + Object + Outcome or Purpose: Include action, quantitative, and qualitative words.
_
_
_
Supplemental Employment
Company/Organization Name:
Job Title:
City, State:
Dates:
Action + Object + Outcome or Purpose: Include action, quantitative, and qualitative words.
_
_
_
6
Leadership Experience
Organization:
Title:
Dates:
Responsibilities/Accomplishments: Include action, quantitative, and qualitative words:
Organization:
Title:
Dates:
Responsibilities/Accomplishments: Include action, quantitative, and qualitative words:
Volunteer Experience
Organization:
Title:
Dates:
Responsibilities/Accomplishments: Include action, quantitative, and qualitative words:
Organization:
Title:
Dates:
Responsibilities/Accomplishments: Include action, quantitative, and qualitative words:
Awards/Honors
Award Name:
Award Name:
Award Name:
Professional Development
Activity:
Activity:
Activity:
Organization:
Organization:
Organization:
Dates:
Dates:
Dates:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Proficiencies, Skills (foreign language, related technologies)
7
Resume Checklist
Look




Is the resume printed on white or ivory paper with black type?
Common Font. Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman work well.
Is the font size appropriate? 11 or 12-point fonts read easily.
Even margins and aligned Bullet Points.
Format




Descriptive Section Headings
Reverse Chronological Order in Each Section
Consistent Content placement and features.
Bulleted Phrases start with an active verb
Content
 Eliminate vague or meaningless phrases such as responsible for, duties include, numerous, and
various.
 Reference job specific terminology and technologies to demonstrate industry knowledge
 Include leadership, research, and service to show engagement outside of class
 Tell one unique activity or exceptional accomplishment for each experience to set your story
apart
 Post data. Reasons, and outcomes to show results orientation
 Proofread for perfect grammar, punctuation, spelling and verb tense
8
Action Words
(Revised 2014-9-24)
Accomplished
Achieved
Acquired
Acted
Adapted
Addressed
Adjusted
Administered
Advised
Aided
Analyzed
Answered
Applied
Appointed
Approved
Arranged
Articulated
Assembled
Assessed
Assigned
Assisted
Attained
Authored
Balanced
Began
Boosted
Budgeted
Built
Catalogued
Categorized
Centralized
Chaired
Coached
Collaborated
Collected
Combined
Communicated
Compared
Compiled
Completed
Composed
Conducted
Conferred
Confirmed
Conserved
Consolidated
Constructed
Consulted
Contacted
Contracted
Controlled
Converted
Conveyed
Convinced
Coordinated
Corresponded
Counseled
Created
Cultivated
Customized
Decided
Defined
Delegated
Delivered
Demonstrated
Designated
Designed
Determined
Developed
Devised
Diagnosed
Directed
Discovered
Discussed
Displayed
Distributed
Documented
Drafted
Drew
Earned
Educated
Eliminated
Emphasized
Employed
Empowered
Enable
Encouraged
Energized
Enforced
Enhanced
Enlarged
Enlisted
Ensured
Established
Evaluated
Examined
Exceeded
Executed
Exhibited
Expanded
Expedited
Explained
Extended
Facilitated
Familiarized
Fashioned
Filed
Finalized
Focused
Forecasted
Formulated
Fostered
Founded
Fulfilled
Furnished
Furthered
Gained
Gathered
Generated
Grossed
Guided
Headed
Helped
Hired
Hosted
Identified
Implemented
Improved
Incorporated
Increased
Influenced
9
Informed
Initiated
Innovated
Inspected
Inspired
Installed
Instilled
Instituted
Instructed
Integrated
Interacted
Interviewed
Introduced
Invented
Investigated
Involved
Launched
Led
Linked
Listened
Lobbied
Located
Logged
Maintained
Managed
Marketed
Maximized
Measured
Mediated
Merged
Mobilized
Modeled
Moderated
Modified
Monitored
Motivated
Negotiated
Netted
Obtained
Officiated
Opened
Operated
Orchestrated
Organized
Overhauled
Oversaw
Participated
Performed
Persuaded
Piloted
Pioneered
Planned
Posted
Prepared
Presented
Presided
Prevented
Prioritized
Processed
Produced
Programmed
Projected
Promoted
Proposed
Provided
Publicized
Purchased
Raised
Reached
Recommended
Reconciled
Recorded
Recruited
Reduced
Referred
Registered
Regulated
Reinforced
Reorganized
Repaired
Replaced
Reported
Represented
Researched
Resolved
Responded
Restored
Reviewed
Revised
Revitalized
Routed
Saved
Scheduled
Screened
Searched
Secured
Selected
Served
Shared
Simplified
Sold
Solicited
Solved
Spearheaded
Staffed
Standardized
Streamlined
Strengthened
Studied
Summarized
Supervised
Supplied
Supported
Surpassed
Tabulated
Taught
Tested
Totaled
Tracked
Trained
Translated
Transmitted
Traveled
Tutored
Updated
Upgraded
Used
Utilized
Validated
Verified
Volunteered
Won
Wrote
Revised 2014-09-24
Jean Wyer, Director
EHE Career Services
10
Elizabeth A. Student
123 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43210
______________ __ eastudent@gmail.com
614-555-7516
SUMMARY
Licensed as a teacher of French and Spanish, with experience living and learning abroad, I am able to
teach foreign languages with pedagogical and applied perspective in the Livonia Public Schools.
EDUCATION
Master of Education in French and Spanish
The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Licensure: K-12 French and Spanish
Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish
Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
Summer Session Abroad
University of Dijon, Dijon, France
June 2013
June 2013
June 2012
May-August 2011
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Student Teacher, Urban Valley High School, Urban Valley, Ohio
January-April 2013
 Assume full responsibility for two French I classes, one French II class and two Spanish I classes
 Advise French Club and Spanish Club which established a volunteer ESL tutoring program
 Integrate a cooking project to explore cuisine of French and Spanish speaking countries
Field Experience Participant, Best Ever Middle School, Columbus, Ohio
November-December 2012
 Develop long range unit and lesson planning skills for beginning French and Spanish classes
 Assist with annual Spanish bazaar providing students with the opportunity to acquire items
representing Spanish culture
 Aid the teacher in general classroom activities such as setting up instructional technology,
monitoring group work, and assisting with individual verbal skills
Field Experience Participant, Holiday Middle School, Holiday, Ohio
August-October 2012
 Observe classroom management and teaching techniques in Spanish and French classes
 Tutor five students in introductory French allowing them to advance to intermediate level
 Supervise Spanish Club’s design of hallway display for Parent Open House
Tutor, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
January-June 2012
 Assist Japanese students with English conversation and grammar
 Apply role playing and group share to help students acclimate to American culture
Camp Counselor and Instructor, Camp of the Future, Roanoke, Virginia
June-August 2010, 2011
 Teach beginning Spanish and canoeing at residential summer camp
 Organize Multicultural Festival for campers to explore art and music from around the world
RELATED EXPERIENCE
 Alliance François, Columbus, Ohio, Membership Chairperson, Conversation Partner,
2010-2012
 Café François, Westerville, Ohio Waitress
January-June 2011
11
Samuel Student
1234 Sunnydale Lane  Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 555-1234  student.999@buckeyemail.osu.edu
Objective
To obtain a research or sales position in the nutritional supplements industry.
Education
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
 Bachelor of Science. Major: Nutrition
Otterbein College, Westerville, OH
 Major: Life Science. Minor: Psychology
June 2013
2009-2010
Nutrition and Research Experience
Café Supervisor
August 2012-present
Raisin Rack Natural Food Market, Columbus, OH
 Ensure quality and nutritious food is served to valuable customers
 Respond to customer inquiries about food items to meet dietary, nutrition, or
organic interests
 Train new employees to safely operate food production equipment, provide good
customer service, and manage monetary transactions
American Indian Science & Engineering Society Intern
Summer 2012
Capacity Building Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
 Helped to plan and initiate the first annual National American Indian HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day campaign
 Conducted interviews, participated in conference calls, researched effective
methods, organized committees, and gave presentations
 Presented outcomes at the Native Peoples of North America HIV/AIDS conference in
Anchorage, AK as a result of comprehensive research
Activities
Phi Upsilon Omicron Honorary Society Member
College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University May 2011- June 2013
Skills
Computer – Internet/web research, typing/data entry (60 WPM), Microsoft Office,
Advanced Excel
Language – Spanish at intermediate level
12
Alice Anyone
Campus Address
1234 River Run Dr
Columbus, OH 43210
(614)555-5555
Permanent Address
5678 My Street
Hometown, CA 44444
aanyone@hotmail.com
Summary
Experienced childcare provider, coach, and athlete with a history of community service; able to
apply organizational and communication skills to manage the Lido YMCA youth program.
Education
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Human Ecology in Human Development and Family Science
Columbus, OH
Expected June 2014
Youth Services Experience
Franklin County Board of MRDD
Columbus, OH
Intern
August 2013 - December 2013
 Plan and implement curriculum for two classes of 12-16 transitional preschool students
with MRDD qualifications
Wonder Family
Columbus, OH
Childcare Provider and Tutor
August 2012 – June 2013
 Provide after school childcare and individualized lessons to support a young boy’s social
development and academic success
Magnificat Field Hockey and Camp
Hometown, OH
Counselor, Co-Director
Summers 2011- 2013
 Introduce large groups of children, ages 3-14, to field hockey and lacrosse
 Coordinate intra-league tournaments and for over 100 campers so they may apply
acquired skills
 Manage the camp store which earned enough to fund 10 camper scholarships
The Bowman School
Big City, OH
Teacher Aid
Winter 2011
 Facilitate story time in a an urban classroom to encourage an appreciation for books
 Learn successful strategies to establish order and structure in the inner-city classroom
 Develop an awareness of the social issues of poverty that effect children’s learning
Always Summer Country Club
Hometown, OH
Swim Coach
Summer 2010
 Coach and manage practices and competitions for a swim team of eight year olds


Additional Skills
Foreign Languages: intermediate level Spanish and basic American Sign Language
CPR and First Aid certified


Distinctions
Ohio State Club Lacrosse, 2-year Captain
Ohio Student Education Association, Membership Chairperson
2010 - 2014
2011 - 2014
13
Walter Worker
300 Holiday Lane, Westerville, OH 43301
Worker.10@buckeyemail.osu.edu (614) 555-1234
Education
June 2012
Exercise Experience
Sep 2011-Jun 2012
Aug 2010-June 2011
Jun2010-Aug 2010
Oct 2010-Jun 2010
Retail Experience
Jun 2011-Present
Mar 2009-June 2010
Certifications
THE OHIO STATE UNIVVERSITY
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Columbus, OH
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Columbus, OH
Intern
 Evaluated 24 obese youth for risk factors related to diabetes,
hypertension, and other physical problems.
 Established personalized exercise programs and monitored clients’
weight loss progress so they may develop healthy lifestyle habits.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
Columbus, OH
After School Activities Counselor
 Provided after-school activities for 30 middle school children, with
themes such as “Healthy Snacking” and “Not a Jock/Not a Problem.”
 Developed children’s community pride through a service project.
 Responded to parents’ concerns regarding their children’s experiences.
HAPPY CHILDREN’S SUMMER FUN CAMP
Blue Mountain, KY
Camp Counselor
 Designed and led fitness fun exercise programs for children age 7-12.
 Instructed injured children how to exercise appropriately to avoid
injury.
 Assisted children with emotional concerns s to provide a positive away
from home experience.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Columbus, OH
Volunteer
 Assisted therapists with treating physical injuries to learn clinical
techniques.
 Observed testing and evaluation of patients.
 Engaged in recreational activities with children recovering from surgery.
THE LIMITED
Dublin, OH
Assistant Manager
 Supervised a staff of twelve associates which consistently met sales
goals.
 Assisted with receipts and orders to ensure a positive check out
experience.
 Arranged work schedules for employees with an awareness for traffic
flows.
Salesperson
 Facilitated customers’ shopping, purchases, and exchanges.
 Designed weekly merchandise displays to comply with corporate
standards.
America Red Cross CPR and Advanced First Aid
Criminal Background Check
14
Annabel T. Student
123 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43210
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science: Fashion and Retail Studies
The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Study Abroad
Retail and Retail Sourcing in Asia, Japan and Korea
________________
atstudent@gmail.com
614-555-7516
Expected December 2015
June 2013
RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Lead Sales Associate, Express, Columbus, Ohio
September 2013-Present
 Promoted to key-holder within three months due to demonstrated dependability and leadership
 Provide exceptional customer service through strong product knowledge and attentive
communication
 Comply with Express standards for floor sets, inventor sizing, and store appearance
 Process sales with accuracy and appreciation for a pleasant cash wrap experience
Campus Marketing Intern, Limited Brands/Pink, Columbus, Ohio
January -June 2013
 Assist with the planning and execution of the Back to School tours at college campuses
 Retrieve the collection of samples for placement in marketing visuals so the products matched the
targeted promotion
 Coordinate media requests for interviews, images, and information to support wide press
coverage
 Collaborate with brand training team to assess trends and ensure campus representatives are
prepared to communicate the Pink message
Brand Representative, Abercrombie & Fitch, New Albany, Ohio
June-July2012
 Arrange floor sets which serve as models to facilitate consistent branding across all stores
 Work with a team to adjust, strike, and reset visual displays in a quick and efficient manner
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Residence Hall Office Assistant, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
September 2011-June 2012
 Greet residents and visitors and provide answers to inquiries about hall services and programs



Inventory and distribute keys and packages, ensuring proper security procedures were
met
Receive service requests and alert hall management of urgent facility concerns
Answer the telephone and direct calls to the appropriate resources
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Co-Founder, Trendsetters, Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio
September 2012-Present
 Partner with three peers to establish a fashion student organization at The Ohio State University
 Arrange for industry guest speakers to present information about careers in the fashion industry
so members might explore career options
 Catalogue and research a collection of 20th century bridal fashions for a retrospective fashion
show
15
Portfolios
Benefits: A portfolio provides a tangible component to the interview experience. During an
interview, a portfolio may serve as a communication tool in support of the dialogue between
employer and candidate. A candidate’s portfolio may showcase work samples, credentials,
references, and awards that complement the résumé. An employer will be able to take the
portfolio away from the interview as evidence of a candidate’s skills and abilities in a wellorganized and professional package.
Presentation: A portfolio should be carefully arranged in a folder or three-ring binder. It should
be organized by either a table of contents with numbered pages or labeled page divider tabs.
Portfolio Option: Traditional
Résumé
Transcripts/Credentials
Project Samples
References
Portfolio Option: Director, Manager
Résumé
Recommendations
Sample Budget
Project Samples
Transcripts
Portfolio Option: Education
Résumé
Transcripts
License/Endorsement
Philosophies: Education, Discipline
Background Check
Sample Lesson Plans
Reference
s
Sample Assignments
Portfolio Option: Community, Non-profit, Children & Families
Résumé
Memberships/Certifications
Transcripts
Writing Samples
References
Community Service
Portfolio Option: Sales, Marketing
ResumeSpreadsheet
Sales Goals & Outcomes
Sample
References
Transcripts
Items that may be added:
16
Community Service
Honors/Awards
Professional Development
Thank You Letter
A thank you letter should be sent after each interview. Sending a thank you letter demonstrates
your ability to follow a project through to the very end. It shows you appreciate the recruiter’s
time and the opportunity that was given you. A thank you letter also gives you the opportunity
to remind the interviewer that you are a strong candidate and to note any additional points
that you may not have mentioned during the interview.
Same as cover letter
• Contact Information
• Greeting
• Closing
Different from cover letter
• Introductory paragraph
• Reflection paragraphs
• Final paragraph
Sample Thank You
17
Elizabeth A. Student
123 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43210
estudent@gmail.com
614-555-7516
April 18, 2013
Mr. Jack Bauman, Director of Personnel
Livonia Public Schools
15125 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48154
Dear Mr. Bauman;
Thank you for the interviewing me on April 17. It was a pleasure to meet you and discuss possible
employment in the Livonia Public School system. As you may recall, I am licensed to teach both French
and Spanish.
During our interview, we discussed how the introduction of foreign languages in the elementary school may
be best implemented through a survey course. I believe that I am extremely qualified to teach in Livonia’s
4th and 5th grade setting because I can easily teach French and Spanish. And, since I have a passion and
ability to acquire languages, I am able to add more languages to the curriculum as the program grows.
Again, thank you for meeting with me regarding a foreign language teaching position. I look forward to the
opportunity for continued discussion about possible employment in the Livonia Public School system.
Please feel free to call me at 614-555-7566 if you have any questions or would like to arrange another
meeting.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. Student
18