Resume & Cover Letter Writing
Job Search Strategies
Resume & Cover Letter Writing
Interviewing
Business Etiquette
Salary Surveys
Salary & Offer Negotiating
Career Library
Resume
Your resume should be a brief highlight of your experiences and education. The goal of your resume is to effectively market yourself to potential employers, and to obtain an interview.
While there is no right or wrong way to create a resume, it is important to remember that there are some generally accepted rules to follow in order to meet employer expectations. A resume by itself cannot land that dream job for you, but a poor resume may keep you from ever having a shot.
Use the following links to learn more about resumes and how to make sure yours is its best.
Tips & Content
Electronic Resumes
Sample Resumes
Cover Letter Writing
Cover letters and related correspondence pertaining to your job search are an important part of the process. This correspondence is often the employer's first contact with you so it is very important to make a favorable impression.
The following tips will help you with this important aspect of the job search:
- Target employers of interest
- Personalize letters to each employer giving the reader reasons for wanting to contact you. Avoid form letters.
- Verify gender and the spelling of the recipient's name
- Do not rely on spell and grammar check. Carefully proof your letters and have someone with good writing skills review for grammatical error, typos and clarity.
- Your letter should clearly explain your reason for writing and summarize your relevant experience, education and skills. Provide additional information that is not on your resume.
- When sending unsolicited letters, be sure the closing paragraph indicates the follow up action you will take. Example: I will contact you next week to determine an interest and, if agreeable, arrange a personal meeting.
- Many employers prefer all correspondence via email
- When sending by U.S. mail, use good quality, light colored bond paper with matching envelopes
- Use black ink to sign your letters
- Keep a record of all correspondence and dates mailed for effective follow up