Resumes &
Cover Letters
Today’s objectives…
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Define the purpose of a resume
Explore sections to include
Explain how to write an action statement
Discuss references
Define cover letters
In the employers shoes…
1.
What can you do for me?
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Needs & Wants
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2.
Experience
Skills, knowledge,
competencies
How will you fit within my
organization?
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Attitude
What is a résumé?
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Marketing tool
First impression
Document of your
experiences
Communicates skills &
knowledge
What sections can I include?
Objective
Summary of
Skills
Education
Work
Experience
Volunteer
Experience
Extracurricular
Activities
Related
Experience
Publications
Memberships
Conference
Attendance
Awards
Certifications
Lab Skills
Technical Skills
Interests
Professional
Development
Contact information
Jenny Jobseeker
226 Vernon Street
Truro, Nova Scotia
B3R 5T9
(902) 897-9760
jennyjobseeker@dal.ca
Objective Statements
AMY SMITH
123 Main Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, N4J 2B8
Home: (902) 434-5934, Cell: (902) 293-532, Email: asmith@dal.ca
OBJECTIVE
Seeking a position as a Library Assistant where I will be able to contribute my
organization and customer service skills.
Summary of Skills
SUMMARY OF SKILLS
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Possess three years experience delivering excellent customer service
Excellent organization skills as evidenced by extracurricular involvement
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks
Experienced in writing and editing documents
Ability to communicate and listen effectively as a member of a team
Education
EDUCATION
Diploma in Enterprise Management (Equine)
Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia
2011-Present
Associations/Memberships
MEMBERSHIPS
Student Member, Canadian Equestrian Association
2011-Present
What is experience?
 Part time/Full time
 Summer
 Experiential Learning
 Volunteer
 Extra-curricular
 In the classroom
 Internships/Co-ops
 Life
Realizing WHO the
reader of your résumé
is
Realizing WHAT the
reader of your
résumé is looking for
Employment
Volunteer Experience
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Fundraiser
Blue Hills School, NS,
May – Oct 2011
• Raised money in support of local charities in cooperation with Senior
Administrators at the Blue Hills School
• Utilized online social media to promote fundraising events resulting in a 30%
increase in funds raised
• Successfully led a team of 12 volunteers ensuring a cohesive team environment
• Conducted post event surveys to improve upon future fundraising endeavors
Academic Projects
Academic Projects
Project: Assessment of the Impacts of Community Organizations in Nova Scotia
Class: Senior Seminar
• Collaborated with a team of four students to assess the effectiveness of local
community groups
• Conducted a series of interviews with community members that measured the
perceived effectiveness of community programming
• Made recommendations on future policies in community programming which
were accepted by the United Way
Action Statements
What I did
How or Why
Result
Created and implemented a new youth mentoring
program by assessing the needs of youth in the
community through one-on-one interviews and focus
groups resulting in an 80% participation of local high
school students
Resume checklist
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Are you “proving your fit”?
How does your résumé look?
Does the person reading your
résumé know you are effective?
Is all your relevant experience
included?
Only you can write your résumé
Proofread carefully – ask a friend
Organize in a logical fashion
Approximately two pages
Be honest
References
A person who can attest to your work
experience, skills, character and
personality.
Professional
Personal
Reference example
References
Submitting references appropriately will allow
you to:
• Gauge where you are in the job search process
• Increase the likelihood of a more positiontailored dialogue between the employer and
your reference
Things to Exclude
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Title page
Photos
Subjective Text
Personal Information
Politics
References
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Objective
Hobbies / Interests
List of Classes
Languages
How Employers View Your Resume
• Visually
• Scanning Software
Resume Scanning Software
• Types of organizations
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Fortune 500
Large organizations
Sophisticated HR functions
Government
Why is it used?
• Overwhelmed HR department,
cutbacks
• Sheer numbers of resumes
• Software's impartiality
Assume that a digital "eye" will see
your resume before any human eye
sees it -- if a human eye sees it.
Tips for Passing the Scan
• Key phrases
• Mention successes and skills early and
frequently
• Do not worry about too much repetition
• Keywords
• Do NOT use fancy fonts, symbols, text boxes
or try imbedding words
Cover Letters
• Always
• Overview
• Concise
Anatomy of a Cover Letter
Introduction
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Position
Where you learned about it
Hook the reader in
Main Body
• 2 – 3 paragraphs
• Prove it!
• -State Skill
• -Give example
Conclusion
• Thank reader
• Show Enthusiasm
• Provide contact details
Cover Letters
Skills they WANT
• Degree (field)
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Demonstrated ability to establish and
maintain effective relationships
Demonstrated experience in leading and
managing complex projects
Strong interpersonal, communication,
facilitation and presentation skills
Good computer skills, proficient with MS
Office applications
Ability to communicate effectively in both
official languages is an asset
Willingness to travel
Experience managing a budget
Skills I HAVE
HOW do I have the skills?
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Degree- Dalhousie University
Job 1-Maintained large client
database
Intensive project
management course
Team leader, 1st place Case
Competition
Certified Microsoft Office or
Computer Applications Class
Well-travelled , Exchange,
Flexible. Previous role
Q&A
Career Services Centre
•Drop-in
•MyCareer.dal.ca
•Job postings
•Career calendar
•Book an appointment
11 River Road
Dalhousie University, Truro Campus
893-7895
rosanne.chapman@dal.ca