Resume and Cover Letters

Megan Riksen and Breeann GorhamCareer Center Advisors

Resume Key Points

• Purpose? (Does not get you the job!)

• Marketing yourself • Targeted to the job

• Read job descriptions to use buzz words

• Content-what do you want the employer to know

3 Golden Rules

• Eye appeal- Bold, italics, underline, NO TEMPLATES! You only have10-30 seconds to impress

• Order- Headers and Content• Descriptors- Accomplishment Statements

Myths

• One page? • References?• Objective?

Taking Action!

Identity

– Make it Bold! – Name, address, phone

number and email address

Objective

• The FOCUS• Specifies position and skills to

contribute• To obtain an information

technology internship to contribute my programming skills

Taking Action!

Headings

• Highlight skills and experience– Examples- Leadership,

Coursework, Activities

Education

• Name of College with city and state

• Degree-date received or expected, GPA

• Coursework, Study abroad

Do

Are Know

YourMe-Search

Writing, Organizing

Flexible,Detail-oriented

Software, Technical

Activity #1

• Share your Me-search qualities and major with a partner.

• Notice similarities and differences of qualities

• Be Specific!

Accomplishment vs. Duties

• Action verbs- “Directed” instead of “Responsible for”

• Adjectives and adverbs- excellent, progressively

• Quantify- Supervised a group of 20 students

• Positive Results- So What?? Why?

Accomplishment Statement

• Before: Supervised front desk of the residence hall

• After: Supervised eight front desk employees to ensure excellent customer service to 150 residents

Action Words

Let’s Create

• Create your own Accomplishment Statement using all four points

• Be specific• So what?

Content

• Awards• Activities-Extra-curricular, Intramural Sports • Community Involvement-Volunteer, Outreach• Research Projects• Conferences• References- Make sure person knows

Cover Letter Key points

• Target to match organization or position• Match skills to job description• Address to specific person• Name drop if referred by someone

Format

• Use same header as your resume • Put the date and address of the

organization• Address letter with a contact name• Keep everything aligned to the left side

First Paragraph

• Introduce yourself, major, degree• Indicate reason you are writing• Specify the position you are applying for• Show you did some research by

mentioning something that impressed you about organization

• Display your enthusiasm!

Second Paragraph

• Show off your skills, knowledge, passion and how you would contribute

• Demonstrate experiences and match with position requirements

• Show don’t Tell!

Third Paragraph

• Express interest in an interview• Display your interest in the position again• End with a positive statement that lets

them know you look forward to hearing from them

• End with a “Cordially” or “Best” and your signature

Time for Tenswww.gvsu.edu/careers

Location:

Allendale – 206 Student Services Building

Pew Campus – 101B DeVos Center

Hours:

Monday through Thursday

10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 3:00 pm