Resumes & Cover Letters. Introduction. Goals. Biotechnology Center Career Services, 103 Observatory, URL:

Transcription

1 Resumes & Cover Letters Biotechnology Center Career Services, 103 Observatory, URL: Introduction Kathleen Brinkmann Director Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center Career Services Goals Learn about Résumés Strategies How to Compose a Cover Letter 1

2 What is a Résumé? A résumé is a self-promotional document that presents you in the best possible light for the purpose of getting invited to a job interview. Purpose of a Résumé Reflects your goals/organizational skills Marketing tool Provides outline for interview Helps recruiter remember you Resume fundamentals Relevance (know your audience) Self-Promotion Appearance Honesty 2

3 Formatting your Resume Put most important information near top and left. Items listed in reverse chronological order. One page in length Sections of a Resume Contact information Objective Education Skills Experience Relevant Courses Honors and Awards Activities (or Interests) Contact Information Required, at top of page. Emphasize with bold or large font. Include: full name, address, phone number, and . May wish to include your personal Web site. 3

4 Objective Make sure your statement is identical to the position the listing advertises OR gives a general idea of the area in which you wish to work Education section Required, usually after contact info or Objective. Degree, institution name, location Expected graduation date. Include GPA and scale, ex.3.3/4.0 Top Skills and Qualities of the Perfect Job Candidate Communication Skills (written and verbal) Computer/Technical Leadership Teamwork skills Interpersonal Skills Source: Dr. Gardener, Recruiting Trends,

5 Skills section If you have research experience, can list expertise in column fashion, ex. Molecular Biology, PCR, HPLC List specific skills pertinent to the job and support with your experience. Ex. Computer softwares OR list relevant courses Experience section Consistently describe all RELEVANT experiences. Stress performance or accomplishments Tailor to each application. Use bullets to highlight tasks. Use active verbs. Awards and Activities List award, institution (dept, if pertinent), and year. Give contextual information Include activities in which you had a leadership role or that you volunteered in 5

6 Résumé Writing Do s Get the reader s attention Use sentence fragments or bullets to keep focus Stress your accomplishments; quantify if possible Tell the truth Provide only essential information Proof read your resume 3X Ask other to critique it Your resume demonstrates your ability or potential to do the job Résumé Writing Don ts Exaggerate Be cute or gimmicky Include info not specific to your job objective Use tiny font size Give a laundry list of responsibilities Disclose salary on your resume Tip Maintain a master résumé Keep up-to-date Use as the basis for each résumé you use for job applications, internships, etc. 6

7 Final Advice Resumes are your first introduction to the employer & dramatically impact the screening process Invest the time to create an excellent marketing tool for yourself What is the purpose of a cover letter? Allows you to introduce yourself to a potential employer. Demonstrates the fit between your background and the job/organization. Elaborates on your résumé and addresses any potential questions. 7

8 TIPS DO specifically address items mentioned in the job ad Mirror language in the job ad Take a little risk show who you are and how you are a good fit Demonstrate your knowledge of the organization Anticipate questions they might have about you, and answer them Opening Paragraph Direct to a specific person. Introduce self, purpose and objective. Personalize (why interested in job/ org). Name drop if relevant. Catch their attention. Middle Paragraph Relevance Highlight skills/experiences from résumé and discuss in further depth. Connect your qualifications and the job requirements. 8

9 Closing Paragraph Reinforce your interest. Thank you. Follow up. Contact info. Visual Appeal 1 page only. with résumé. Follow general business letter rules. Proofread! Coordinate 9

10 QUESTIONS? 10