Overview of Workshop
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Resume [pronounced rez-oo-mey]
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Cover Letter

Purpose of a Resume
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A self-marketing tool
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Represents YOU—your accomplishments and skills
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Summarizes what you have to offer employers—your unique selling points—in an easy-to-read format

Resume as Map: Make it easy for your reader!
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Font: Times Roman, Arial
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Font size 10, 11, 12
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Category headings
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Order of categories
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One page
{A CV is usually more exhaustive than a resume}

Categories
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Name, Address
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Objective (What are you looking for?)
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Education (most recent one first)
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Experience (part time or full time jobs)
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Skills (be specific)
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Hobbies (don't mention "surfing the web")

Common Pitfalls of Resumes
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Manger for manager: Failure to proofread!

Resume Pitfalls: Objectives
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Too specific: A mechanical engineering position at Micron
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Leave off
"objective". This information is already in your
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Too vague: A summer internship where I can gain cover letter.
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Mention "field": A human resources valuable work internship for experience.

Resume Pitfalls: “Special Skills”
DO : List concrete, jobspecific skills
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Computer Skills
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Certifications
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Languages
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Skills relevant to field
DON’T : List subjective, vague skills
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Sample: Good people skills, excellent teamwork capabilities, enthusiastic, hard worker.

Make the Most Out of Your
Experiences
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Use strong action verbs and key words to describe your work experience. Numbers count!
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Don’t forget about extensive volunteer or extracurricular activities.
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Use these “experiences,” even if you were not paid.

Volunteer and Extra-Curricular
Activities as Experience: Examples
Treasurer, Warmhands Charity (2010-Present)
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Managed over 100 active accounts receivable for members on campus.
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Managed and prepare payroll and benefits for nine employees.
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Worked with collection agency to collect delinquent accounts.
Student Alumni Club (2011-Present)
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Committee chair responsible for coordination of “Graduation Salute” event.
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Assisted with organization, planning, and execution of campus events such as Homecoming and Moms’ Weekend.

Cover Letters: What Your Resume Can’ t Do
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Show writing ability.
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Demonstrate specific interest in the organization and position.
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Allow for greater personalization.

The Cover Letter
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Many employers do not consider applicants who apply without a cover letter.
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A cover letter is your opportunity to inform the employer of the type of position you are seeking and how you are qualified for the position.
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A well-written cover letter can give the employer a glimpse at your personality.

The Cover Letter
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Many employers do not consider applicants who apply without a cover letter.
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A cover letter is your opportunity to inform the employer of the type of position you are seeking and how you are qualified for the position.
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A well-written cover letter can give the employer a glimpse at your personality.

The Cover Letter
1. Each cover letter you send should be original
2. Write the cover letter in standard business-letter format
3. Clearly state skills and experiences relevant to the position
4. Make sure you invite the employer to interview you
5. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors
6. Make sure the cover letter is no longer than one page

Cover Letter Pitfalls: No
Personalization
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DON’T use the same letter to apply for all positions.
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DO your research and tailor your letter to the position and the organization:
○ “Based on the project descriptions, it is clear that my skills and experience would be a valuable contribution to your program. Both the University Residences and Commons projects, for example, will require a complete analysis of student, faculty, and staff needs.”
○ “I am very interested in an internship position with your agency. I was impressed with your recent campaign for Nike, and I would enjoy the opportunity to work in such an innovative environment.”

Cover Letter Pitfalls: Generic
Statements
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Avoid vague clichés:
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“I am a hard worker and a good team player.”
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“I have excellent problem-solving skills.”
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Use specific details and examples.
○ “One project in particular demonstrates my teamwork skills. Last year, I participated in a robotics design competition with four other students….”
○ “My strong background in accounting would be a valuable addition to your team. As an office assistant for ABC Rentals and Sales, I was responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and quarterly reports. I have also completed several upper-division accounting courses.”

Cover Letter Pitfalls: No Action Plan
DON’T
○ wait for the employer to take the next step:
DO
○ be proactive and suggest a plan of action:
“Thank you for reading the enclosed application materials.
I look forward to hearing from you about the opportunities available at
Micron.”
“Thank you for reading this letter and my resume. I shall call you the week of
February 7 to discuss opportunities at
Micron and the possibility of an interview.”

What Now?: Taking the Next Step
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Review sample resumes for more ideas.
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Websites: http://www.vietnamworks.com/en
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Monster.com
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Send it out!