Resume & Cover Letter Writing
LuAnn Schwery, Assistant Dean
Creighton University Graduate School
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Resumes
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No right or wrong format
Look professional & easy to read
Well written – relevant content
May be tailored and updated for each position
Most students have a reverse
chronological resume
Most common categories:
 Objective
 Education
 Experience
 Additional Experience
 Honors
 Activities
 Skills
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Information
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Name – Larger and in bold
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Email
Basic Information – Two Styles
William A. Smith
12835 West Center Road
Omaha, Nebraska 68143
(402) 343-3274
williamsmith@creighton.edu
William A. Smith
12835 West Center Omaha, Nebraska 68143 (402)343-3274 williamsmith@creighton.edu
Objective
 Gives resume purpose and direction
 Should be short and concise
Examples:
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To obtain a position as a Resident Advisor
To obtain a summer Nexus internship
To obtain admission into medical school
To obtain a position in accounting
Education
University, City & State
Degree
Major:
GPA:
Graduation Date
Minor/Emphasis:
Bachelor of Arts
May 2013
GPA: 3.5
Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
Major: English
Minors: Business & Spanish
Millard North High School, Omaha, Nebraska
Diploma
June 2009
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Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
Major: Marketing
Minor: Spanish
May 2012
GPA: 3.5
Trinity University, Dublin, Ireland
Spring 2011
__________________________________________________________________________
Bachelor of Arts – English
Specialization: American Literature
Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
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May 2013
GPA: 3.8
Objective: To obtain a Resident Advisor position
Education: Bachelor of Arts – English May 2014
Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
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Experience
 Experience can be . . . . . . .
– Paid or not paid
– Employment related to your field
– Summer jobs
– Internships
– Leadership positions
– On campus employment
– Part-time jobs
**Put the most emphasis on this information
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Experience
 Format
– Reverse chronological order
 Most recently obtained at the top
– Where you worked, city & state
– Title
– Dates
– Descriptions
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Descriptions
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Don’t use a template
Use bullets or dashes
Start each sentence with an action verb
No periods
Spell out states & dates
Utilize a variety of action verbs to describe experiences
Use terms related to your field
List responsibilities from most important to least important
Past tense vs. present tense
Use professional language
– Managed, supervised and evaluated 18 employees
Experience
Delta Zeta Sorority, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
New Member Educator
January 2011 – Present
- Educate and orient new members to the organization
- Plan and facilitate workshops and educational programs
- Mentor members and address issues and concerns
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Experience
vs.
Additional Experience
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Additional Experience
Old Navy, Omaha, Nebraska
Sales Associate
March 2011 – Present
- Assist customers with purchases and provide quality
customer service
Or
Up Stream Brewery, Omaha, Nebraska
Hostess
June – September 2010
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Activities
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Delta Zeta Sorority
Biology Club Secretary
CU STAR Tour Guide for Undergraduate Admissions
Service Trip Coordinator
Honors & Activities
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Creighton Student Employee of the Year – 2012
Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit Honor Society)
International Relations Club
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
– Rush Chair
– New Member Educator
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2010-2011
2009-2010
Skills
Computer Skills:
Windows XP, Microsoft Excel, Access,
PowerPoint, Webpage design in HTML,
Dream Weaver and social media
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Additional Categories (if needed)
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Research or Research Experience
Service
Publications
Conferences & Workshops
Presentations
Additional Training
Teaching Experience
Licensure/Certifications
References
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References: Should be included with resume
References listed on a separate page
Include 3-5 professional references
“References Available Upon Request” – optional on resume
References (continued)
Information to include:
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Your name & contact information at the top of reference page
Reference’s name
Title
Where employed
Business address
City, state, & zip code
Business phone number
Email address
Relationship (optional)
Cover Letters
Cover Letters
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Your introduction to the employer
Must be sent with every resume
“Please submit resume . . . . (and cover letter)”
Summary of your experience, skills, and abilities – show a
match
 More descriptive than your resume
 Three paragraph format
Cover Letter Salutation
Date
Ms. Andrea Smith
Human Resource Manager
First National Bank
1620 Dodge Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68116
Dear Ms. Smith:
(Name)
(Title)
(Company name)
(Address)
(City, State, Zip)
Cover Letters
 1st Paragraph
– Why you’re writing
 Applying for a particular job/position
 Inquiring about possible job/position
 Relocating to the area and job searching
Cover Letters
 2nd Paragraph
– Experience that is related to the position
– What you have to offer the employer
– Show a match between your experience and the job
description
Cover Letters
 3rd Paragraph
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Wrap up and thank you
Reiterate your interest in the position
Express interest in an interview
Contact information: phone number & email address
Resumes & Cover Letters
Questions?