ResumeandCoverLetterWorkshopFall.ppt

The Nuts and Bolts of Resumes and Cover Letters,Cover Letter Pop Quiz,Which of the following is NOT a function of a cover letter?To tell the employer what kind of job you seekTo show how well you write or express yourselfTo inform the reader of your expectations in the jobTo entice the reader to want to get to know you better by interviewing youThe best way to tailor your cover letter to a want ad is to:Avoid keywords and buzzwords in the ad because thats plagiarismTell the employer your resume is scannableUse keywords and buzzwords from the adTry to sound a little overqualified,Cover Letter Pop Quiz,How can you make the most of your college experience in your cover letter?Describe skills gained in the classroomDescribe sports and extracurricular activitiesDiscuss hands-on projectsAll of the aboveThe fact that few jobseekers demonstrate their knowledge of the company in their cover letter means that:Its an incorrect practiceIts hard to research companiesYou will stand out if you do demonstrate knowledgeThey are not really interested in the job,As A Reminder,As of August 2011,average length of unemployment is 40.3 weeks,or a little more than 10 months.This is the longest time of unemployment since statistics were collected beginning in 1948.,Some More Statistics,1 out of 4 Human Resources Managers said they receive,on average,more than 75 rsums for each open position;42%receive more than 50 rsums.38%of Human Resources Managers spend 1-2 minutes reviewing a new application;17%spend less than one minute.Source:Recent nationwide survey by CareerB,Importance Of Work Experience To Employers,2009 2008I prefer to hire candidates 76.3%76.2%with relevant work experience.I prefer to hire candidates with 18.9%18.2%any type of work experience.Work experience doesnt typically 2.6%4.8%factor into my decision when hiring a new college graduate.Other2.2%0.7%Source:Job Outlook 2009 and Job Outlook 2008,National Association of Colleges and Employers,A Quote To Consider,“The candidate who gets the job is the candidate who has the best total package from start to finish”Diann Lloyd-Dennis Employer Research Specialist at Northwestern College,Minnesota,Hiring Managers Want To Know 3 Things,Who are you?What motivates you?Can you do the job?So.How do you show this on your cover letter and resume?,The Cover Letter Gets Your Resume Read,ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVEResponsibilities include set up and carry through a schedule of high school visits within the recruitment territory,attend scheduled college fairs,conduct appropriate follow-up via phone,written correspondence,e-mail,and/or personal visits,represent St.Ambrose University at alumni functions and at regional conventions,attend and assist coordinating open house events and attend all first-year orientations.Travel and overnight stays required.Experience in sales is beneficial.Individual must have superior verbal,written and organizational skills with the ability to multi.-task.AA/EOE Requirements:Minimum of Bachelors degree and experience in area of responsibility or related area preferred.Please send letter of interest,resume and contact information for three professional referencesby 3 p.m.September 26,2012to:Email:,DUTIES SPECIFIC TO THE POSITION:Supervise and assure safety of the residential unit Monitor clients utilizing the Behavior Modification Program Provide crisis intervention,including intakes Administer medications Complete documentation as required Assure cleanliness of unit Provide positive role model for clients Provide information and referral as appropriate Other duties as assigned.,The Cover Letter Creates Interest In Reading Your Resume,A cover letter serves as a formal introduction and should briefly reflect why you are qualified for a position.Gives an employer a snapshot of your personality.Signals that you pay attention to details.Conveys professionalism.Demonstrates immediately your written communication skills.Gives you an opportunity to highlight your skill sets and experience.,Basic Grammar Lessons,Know your homophonesTheir,Theyre,ThereTwo,Too,ToYour,YoureWhose,WhosPrincipals,PrinciplesKeep tenses consistentPast work experience=Verbs in past tensePresent work experience=Verbs in present tense,Tips for Writing The Cover Letter,Conduct Targeted ResearchTake time to get to know the employer What is on their company website that stands out to you?Or what have you heard from others?What skills can you bring that adds value to the company?What impresses you about the organization?,Tips for Writing The Cover Letter,2)Have a Real Person in MindNever send a cover letter addressed to a general title or with the salutation,“To whom it may concern.”If the ad does not list a specific person,contact the Human Resources Manager and ask for a name to address the cover letter.,Tips for Writing The Cover Letter,3)Writing the letterHighlight your strongest qualifications for the job in one page.Do not restate everything on your resume.Invest in high-quality stationary and envelopes that match.Do not have ANY spelling or grammar errors.,NameAddressPhone NumberE-mailDateName of the specific person to receive application materialsProfessional Job TitleCompany NameCompany Street AddressCity,State and Zip CodeDear Ms.Jones:Paragraph one:Grab the readers attention.Also mention the position youare applying for and how you heard about it.Paragraph two:Highlight 1-2 key skills for the position and how you can demonstrate those skills.In another paragraph,you could demonstrate knowledge of the organization.Paragraph three:Provide an action plan and express appreciation.Sincerely,Your signatureTyped first and last name,Resume Pop Quiz,Whats a good way to sharpen the focus of your resume and provide the reader with a summary of what youre good at?An Objective StatementA Summary or Profile sectionA small,tasteful graphicAll of the aboveThe most important element to highlight on your resume is:Duties and responsibilities from past jobsSkillsNames of supervisorsAccomplishments,Resume Pop Quiz,What types of words are most important to include in your resume?Action verbs and job-specific keywordsColorful adjectivesMulti-syllabic words that make you sound sophisticatedAs much use as possible of the verb“to be”Students with little experience,especially in a chosen field,should consider this resume technique:Detailed explanation of transferable and applicable skillsUse of a combination resumeDescriptions of class projects and coursework that are relevant to the chosen fieldAll of the above,The Resume Gets You The Interview,Become Your Best Advocate Follow Some Basic RulesChoose A Format:Chronological,Functional or CombinationProduce Your Resume,10 Ways Your Resume Irks Hiring Managers,Spelling mistakes and grammatical errorsGeneric objective statementsPersonal attributes Interests and hobbiesDetails of every task ever performed in every job ever had,6.Excessive bragging7.Outdated information8.False information9.Unexplained gaps in work history10.A lack of professionalism,Step#1:Become Your Best Advocate,What SPECIFIC SKILLS and EXPERIENCES make you stand out?Which ACCOMPLISHMENTS would distinguish you from other applicants with the same experience?What benefits do I offer employers over other qualified candidates?Avoid descriptions such as good communicator or strong leadership skills.,WHAT IF I DONT HAVE WORK EXPERIENCE RELATING TO A JOB I AM APPLYING FOR?,Think about classroom activities and projects.Think about academic accomplishments.Think about extracurricular,volunteer and community service projects.Think about leadership positions.,Step#2:Follow Some Basic Rules,NEVER make spelling or grammatical errors!Do not use the word I anywhere on your resume.Start with action verbs to describe accomplishments,experience and skills.No information from high schoolException is volunteer experience or exceptional accomplishments.,Step#2:Follow Some Basic Rules,Do not type your information into a resume template.Optimal Resume:Free resume building program provided by Career Service Office.Go to:http:/,Step#2:Follow Some Basic Rules,Do not abbreviate or use acronyms.IWC,B.S.Use buzzwords in the field.Vocabulary that has been used in your courses that relates to the industryUse language from the job description,Step#2:Follow Some Basic Rules,Use numbers whenever possible.Increased company sales by 15%Tutored 3rd grade studentMentored 2 childrenThe resume is about more than past work experience.VolunteerismLeadershipManagementCommunication,Step#3:Choose A Format,Chronological/TraditionalConsider using when your past experience is directly related to future goals.FunctionalYou are a new graduate with a limited work history.CombinationGreat for new college grads because it combines the qualities of a chronological resume with the concept of a functional resume.,Step#4:Produce Your Resume,Purchase resume paper at Walmart,Staples or college bookstore.Select colors such as cream,ivory,gray or beige.Stay away from trendy colors and styles.,Recommended Fonts,Arial Georgia Impact Courier Lucida,Palatino Tahoma TrebuchetVerdanaSans Serif,Writing the Summary Statement,Summary of your training and background as it relates to the position you are applying for-Summary StatementEducated and trained professional in the sports industry with proven leadership and organizational skills seeking a position as an event manager.,Professional Profile:It is my desire as an educator to help students uncover their artistic potential by providing an environment that is safe,supports risk-taking,and invites a sharing of ideas.,Extremely well-rounded employee with experience in sales,management and information technology,PROFILEResponsible,committed and self-motivated.Holds a high self-standard and works hard to meet those standards.Strong communication,natural leadership and good relationship-building skills,Summary of Qualifications Extensive academic preparation in Psychology and Criminal Justice.Leadership experience through various college organizations.,Work Experience,Include job title,company name,location and length of time in positionList responsibilities and accomplishments by following the basic rules of resume writing.Information listed in reverse chronological order with most recent information first.-Relevant Work ExperienceIntern,Mount Pleasant Chamber of CommerceMount Pleasant,Iowa January 2012-May 2012Assisted director with Rock Around the Block eventCreated brochure for area businessesAttended meetings with community partners,Work History,Work experience not relevant to the position you are applying.Shows company loyalty/name recognition-Work HistoryCashier and Customer Service,WalmartMount Pleasant,Iowa August 2008-present,Volunteer Experience,Include company name,location and length of time in positionService Learning projects and volunteer hours are listed in this sectionVolunteerism shows time management skills,commitment to your community and leadership skills-ExampleMentor,Iowa State Extension OfficeMount Pleasant,Iowa August 2010-presentMeet with 13 year old girl to work on homework and visitAttend meetings once a monthCollaborate with other mentors to discuss new ideas,College Activities,It looks better to be involved with a couple activities than to have a laundry list of 8 activities with no participation or commitment.-ExampleHomecoming Committee,2011 and 2012Track and Field Team,2011-presentCollege Choir,2011-present,Other Optional Headings,Leadership ExperienceMember of Executive Board of campus organization;Captain of athletic team;Started new campus organizationInternational ExperienceGlobal Issues;Mission Trip;Study Abroad;Fluency in a foreign languageComputer SkillsSpecific computer programs,Tips on Electronic Resumes,More employers are requesting resumes sent electronically.Send your resume the way an employer requests:AttachmentCut and paste in the body of an e-mail messageThe subject line should catch the readers attention.,E-Mail Subject Line and Cover Note Examples,Subject:Cover Letter and Resume for Registered Nurse in Cardiac Rehabilitation UnitDear Mr.Johnson,Please see my attached cover letter and resume for the Registered Nurse at Henry County Health Centers Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.I look forward to hearing from you following the review of my application materials.Sincerely,Heidi Seegers,Final Recommendation,Have at least 3 people review your resume and cover letter before sending to an employer.Career Services DirectorEnglish ProfessorA professor who has high writing expectationsHuman Resources/Hiring ManagerSomeone who works for the company you are applyingFamily member or friend who has been through this process,