Resume & Cover Letter Guide

Transcription

1 Resume & Cover Letter Guide

2 Table of Contents Introduction 1 Resume Builder Checklist 2 Action Verb List 4 Degree Language for Resumes: CPS Programs 7 Sample Resumes 8 Cover Letters 16 The George Washington University College of Professional Studies Career Services Office st St NW, Suite 301 Washington, DC Phone: cpscareer@gwu.edu Website:

3 I N T R O D U C T I O N A resume is your primary marketing tool when applying for a job or when networking as part of a job search. The goal is not to provide potential employers with every single detail about you, but rather to demonstrate your fit for a specific position. Since organizations and positions vary in terms of desired skill sets and experience, you may need to create more than one resume. Choosing a Format Below are the three common ways to organize and format your resume. Reverse Chronological Most common resume format Employment and education listed from most recent to earliest Works well when you have significant experience in the same field as the target position Functional Emphasizes skills rather than work history Can be useful to career changers with extensive previous work experience in another field Hybrid Combines elements of functional and chronological: positions listed in reverse chronological order major skill sets emphasized General Formatting Tips Avoid using a resume template. Most templates limit your ability to manipulate and format text. Choose a professional font (e.g. Arial, Times New Roman, Garamond, etc.). A single font should be used throughout your entire document. Use at least 11 point font size. Fonts smaller than 11 point may be difficult for some employers to read. Avoid excessive bold, underlined and italicized text. Using these can help highlight areas in the resume you want to draw the reader s attention. However, overuse can be distracting. Use bullets to break up long blocks of text. Doing so allows the reader to scan through your resume more efficiently. Save your resume in a Word document. Send your resume as a PDF file. Include your first and last name in the file name (e.g. John_Doe.doc) Limit your resume to one or two pages. If you use two pages, put the most important information on the first page. Make sure you put your name and page # in the header or footer of the second page in case the pages become separated 1

4 R E S U M E B U I L D E R C H E C K L I S T Contact Information Your name. List at the very top of your resume Full address. Include city, state and zip code. If you will be moving during your search and have an address in your target geographic location, list it. Phone #. Make sure your personal voic greeting has a professional feel to it. . One address is sufficient; keep it professional. REQUIRED SECTIONS Education If your CPS program of study is more closely related to the position you are applying to than your previous work experience, list it as the first section on your resume. Consider including relevant courses to further demonstrate how your degree has prepared you for the position. Never assume the individual reading your resume will fully understand the skills you ve acquired and specific knowledge obtained, as a result of your training. List the degree, institution, location and dates attended. Anticipated graduation date (if currently seeking degree through the College of Professional Studies). GPA is optional. However, it can be advantageous to list (if 3.5 or higher) Experience List in reverse chronological order. Include the following: position title held, employer name, location and dates employed. List key responsibilities for each position. Additionally, in this section, try to incorporate professional accomplishments from each position. Quantify where applicable (e.g. Managed $250K budget ; oversaw 6 direct reports ; Reduced overall expenditures by $1M ). OPTIONAL Objective It is unnecessary to include a straightforward objective (e.g. To obtain a position as a paralegal ) if you are applying directly to a job. However, including such a statement can be helpful when using your resume for networking purposes. It can help clarify your immediate employment interests to potential readers of your resume. Avoid generic cliché statements that do not add much value (e.g. Seeking position in IT that utilizes my previous training and education ) Summary (alternative titles, Summary of Qualifications, Qualifications, Profile) This section provides the employer with a snapshot of your most desirable professional attributes. Think of it as a billboard within your resume. It advertises and summarizes your most relevant experience and skills. You can list these as bullet items or summarize in a few sentences. Refer to the samples in this handbook for additional guidance on how to construct a summary section. Skills By designating a stand alone section, you can direct the reader s attention to relevant job specific skills. Add a technical skills section for IT and other technical positions. Including keywords, or specific skills, will help ensure your resume passes the initial screen. However, use caution as every item on your resume fair game for discussion. Be truthful and do not inflate your skill set just to get beyond the initial screening. Categorize your skill sets. You may want to highlight a variety of skills. If so, categorize these and provide separate subheadings to provide clarity (e.g. Languages, Computer, Publishing Software, etc.) 2

5 R E S U M E B U I L D E R C H E C K L I S T DO NOT list the following on your resume: Personal information. This includes age, date of birth, marital status, religious orientation, political affiliation, sexual orientation, etc. Your Social Security #. A picture of yourself. The phrase, References Available Upon Request. This is automatically assumed. Items you may consider including to add value to your resume: Your LinkedIn profile link. LinkedIn offers features that are not included on your paper resume including recommendations and endorsements for various skills from professionals in your network. Links to your online portfolio/completed projects and/or writing samples (e.g. publications, blogs, etc.). Providing these will allow the employer to view your previous work and assess your writing skills. Security clearance(s). Volunteer experience. Volunteer experience may provide some additional insight into your values if you are active with charitable causes or organizations with a particular mission. Additionally, it can serve to demonstrate your managerial potential if you ve assumed a leadership role through your volunteer work. 3

6 A C T I O N V E R B S To enhance the readability of your resume, avoid portions of dense text. Instead, consider including bullet statements that succinctly showcase your experience and skills. Below is a list of action verbs, categorized by function, that you can use to lead off your bullet statements. Leadership Administered Converted Founded Merged Secured Analyzed Delegated Generated Motivated Streamlined Appointed Developed Headed Organized Strengthened Approved Directed Improved Originated Supervised Assigned Eliminated Incorporated Prioritized Authorized Emphasized Increased Produced Chaired Enforced Initiated Recommended Consolidated Enhanced Instituted Reorganized Contracted Established Led Reviewed Controlled Executed Managed Scheduled Administrative (organization, detail and time management) Approved Distributed Logged Reserved Streamlined Arranged Expedited Maintained Reshaped Supplied Catalogued Extracted Monitored Responded Systemized Categorized Executed Operated Revamped Tabulated Classified Generated Organized Reviewed Targeted Coded Identified Prepared Scheduled Updated Collected Implemented Processed Screened Compiled Incorporated Reorganized Specified Corrected Inspected Registered Standardized 4

7 A C T I O N V E R B S Helping Advocated Collaborated Educated Facilitated Provided Aided Contributed Encouraged Guided Referred Assisted Cooperated Ensured Helped Resolved Clarified Counseled Encouraged Intervened Supported Coached Diagnosed Ensured Motivated Volunteered Technical Adapted Computed Fabricated Programmed Standardized Applied Designed Installed Remodeled Studied Assembled Developed Maintained Repaired Upgraded Built Devised Operated Replaced Utilized Calculated Engineered Overhauled Solved Research Analyzed Critiqued Examined Interviewed Reviewed Clarified Detected Explored Investigated Searched Collected Determined Extracted Measured Compared Diagnosed Formulated Organized Conducted Evaluated Inspected Researched Data/Financial Administered Assessed Corrected Prepared Researched Adjusted Audited Estimated Programmed Allocated Balanced Forecasted Projected Analyzed Budgeted Managed Reconciled Appraised Calculated Netted Reduced 5

8 A C T I O N V E R B S Creative/Design Adapted Designed Founded Invented Revised Composed Developed Illustrated Modified Revitalized Conceptualized Directed Instituted Originated Shaped Created Established Integrated Performed Solved Customized Fashioned Introduced Planned Miscellaneous (other action verbs to consider) Achieved Contracted Indicated Restored Surveyed Acted Disbursed Instituted Reviewed Sustained Activated Dispatched Involved Satisfied Traced Added Displayed Issued Screened Transacted Admitted Enlisted Licensed Secured Transformed Apportioned Excelled Maintained Served Transmitted Approximated Executed Operated Set Valued Attained Exercised Pioneered Smoothed Won Certified Familiarized Prepared Sought Completed Figured Realized Specified Commissioned Garnered Reduced Submitted Committed Guaranteed Related Succeeded Consented Improved Reserved Surpassed 6

9 D E G R E E L A N G U A G E F O R R E S U M E S : C P S P R O G R A M S **FOR ALL PROGRAMS: The George Washington University, Washington, DC PARALEGAL Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies, expected May 2012 Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies, May 2011 [note: Master s students can list both once they have completed certificate requirements] PUBLISHING Master of Professional Studies in Publishing, May 2012 SAFETY AND SECURITY LEADERSHIP Master of Professional Studies in Security and Safety Leadership, May 2011 POLICE SCIENCE Bachelor of Professional Studies in Police Science, expected May 2012 Associate in Professional Studies in Police Science, May 2011 LANDSCAPE DESIGN Graduate Certificate in Landscape Design, May 2010 Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Landscapes, expected December 2011 Master of Professional Studies in Landscape Design, expected May 2012 [note: should list any/all that are applicable] INTEGRATED INFORMATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Bachelor of Professional Studies, Integrated Information, Science, and Technology, May 2011 MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY Master of Professional Studies in Molecular Biotechnology, expected December 2012 HEALTHCARE CORPORATE COMPLIANCE Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Corporate Compliance, August 2011 LAW FIRM MANAGEMENT Master of Professional Studies in Law Firm Management, expected May 2012 Graduate Certificate in Law Firm Management, May 2011 [note: Master s students can list both once they have completed certificate requirements] SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning, August

10 R e v e r s e C h r o n o l o g i c a l - H e a l t h C o m p l i a n c e 8

11 R e v e r s e C h r o n o l o g i c a l ( w i t h S u m m a r y ) - I n f o r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g y 9

12 R e v e r s e C h r o n o l o g i c a l - P a r a l e g a l 10

13 R e v e r s e C h r o n o l o g i c a l - P u b l i s h i n g 11

14 R e v e r s e C h r o n o l o g i c a l P u b l i s h i n g 12

15 F u n c t i o n a l - L a n d s c a p e D e s i g n 13

16 F u n c t i o n a l - P o l i c e S c i e n c e 14

17 H y b r i d - P a r a l e g a l S t u d i e s 15

18 C O V E R L E T T E R S Guide to Writing an Effective Cover Letter You should include or submit a cover letter whenever possible. As you draft your cover letter, develop a rationale as to why you believe you are a good fit for the particular organization and specific position. Then, back this up with cited evidence. Cover letters provide you the opportunity to draw the employer s attention to specific aspects of your resume. In addition to reinforcing your qualifications, cover letters allow you the opportunity to tell the employer why you are interested in the opportunity. Tailor each cover letter to your specific audience s needs. Never send a generic cover letter since it will likely hurt your candidacy. Cover letter content (essential items): Clearly identify the position you are seeking. List this in the first 1-2 sentences. Succinctly highlight only your most relevant experience and skills. Do not go into extraneous detail and talk about your entire work history. Reference personal qualities you possess that will be of benefit to the job (e.g. dedicated, passionate, motivated, personable, etc.) Cover letter content (adding a personal touch): Write with an enthusiastic narrative. It shouldn t appear to the employer that you are simply applying because you meet the minimum qualifications. Be specific about what aspects of the position most appeal to you as well as qualities of the organization/employer that you admire. Personally address the letter. If possible, avoid general salutations (e.g. Dear Sir or Madam). Instead, try to locate an individual addressee. LinkedIn can serve as valuable tool these individuals. If you re applying to a relatively small organization, you may even try making direct contact to see if the receptionist can provide a name. Alternatively, you can address it to the group in which the position resides (e.g. Dear Marketing team) Show that you have inside connections You can use the opportunity to include information in the cover letter that would not appear on your resume. For example, if you have a trusted professional contact (who is in good standing) who works at your targeted employer, reference this person in the letter. Cover letter formatting: Type in standard business, block style format Use the same font as in your resume, preferably 11 or 12 point Times New Roman, Garamond, Arial, etc. 16

19 C O V E R L E T T E R T E M P L AT E The template below offers a suggested cover letter format and structure. Remember each must be specifically tailored to the particular position and circumstances. The CPS Career Services Office is available to review draft cover letters. Your Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Date Recipient s Name Title Company name Street address City, State, ZIP Code Dear (Ms., Mr., or Dr.) Last Name: Opening (1 paragraph): State the position you are applying for and how you learned of it. If you are writing at the suggestion of someone who knows the addressee, indicate so. ***Address what specifically interests you about that company/position.*** Middle (1-2 paragraphs): Spell out exactly how your experiences, skills, and education fit the position and can benefit the company. Do not repeat everything in your resume. Rather, focus on only the required skills the employer has identified. Use the job advertisement to provide guidance in writing this section. This section will be the longest portion of your resume. Closing (1 paragraph): Indicate that you are attaching or enclosing your resume. If you are relocating, indicate when you will be in town (best to be specific) or that you can come to town at the employer s convenience. Thank the employer in advance for consideration of your candidacy. Drive your enthusiasm and interest in the position home by referencing one additional aspect of the the employer/position that you admire. Sincerely, Your typed name 17

20 S A M P L E C O V E R L E T T E R John Doe 1234 Obscure Way Washington, DC March 10, 2013 Ms. Alice Winter Managing Editor IT Global Insight st Avenue New York, NY Dear Ms. Winter: I am writing in response to the Copy Editor (ID#123456) position posted on IT Global Insight s (ITGI) website. I was pleased to see that you are looking for someone with high level editing skills to work on a wide variety of publications. My prior industry experience in combination with my graduate training in Publishing has prepared me to work in ITGl s fast pace environment. Throughout my tenure at ABC Publishing where I served as a junior copy editor, I successfully managed multiple projects and consistently met deadlines. I have a strong work ethic and possess the ability to adapt to changing demands to drive projects to completion. My undergraduate degree in English has provided me with a strong foundation in writing and my volunteer work at GW s writing center refined my editing skills. Additionally, through my current graduate training, I ve acquired additional editing experience on various independent and team-based projects. These include the development of a mock trade journal and as well as an active industry (healthcare) blog site that was developed in my Digital Publishing course. I am proficient in MS Office an various Adobe products and am quick to learn new software packages and web platforms. I plan to relocate to New York City after obtaining my Masters in Professional Studies degree this May and am eager to discuss how my qualifications and prior experience fit your team s needs. I can be reached via phone, Skype or at your convenience. I can also make arrangements to meet in person with 24-hour s notice. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, John Doe 18