Technical Resume and Cover Letter WritingCareers.ucr.edu

(951) 827-3631

CONNECT. INSPIRE. EMPOWER.

Agenda

ResumesPurpose

Format

Components

Cover LettersPurpose

Format

Components

References

What You'll Learn TodayAt the end of this workshop, you will be able to...

Describe the purpose of

resumes and cover letters

Identify the different

structures of resumes and cover letters

List and explain the

components of resumes and cover letters

NACE CAREER

READINESS

COMPETENCIES

Obtaining requisite competencies that

broadly prepare college graduates for a

successful transition into the workplace.

Resumes

Why are resumes important?Resumes are…

Your introduction

Create a strong first impression

A highlight of your experience

Establish your qualifications

A living document

Update on a regular basis to reflect new skills

Formatting your resume

Chronological

• Presents education and

experience in reverse

chronological order

• Most commonly used format

• Easy to read quickly

• Most effective if the majority of

your experience and education is

related to the opportunity

Functional

• Presents experience based on

skills and abilities rather than by

position

• Allows for emphasis on

transferable skills

• Most effective for career changers,

graduate students, and

postdoctoral scholars

Formatting your resume

Many resumes are mixed format to highlight work history and transferable skills

“Tool Box”

Relevant Experience Counts

Formatting your resumeGetting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Keywords

Review the job description to identify skills and

responsibilities. Include them

throughout your resume.

Simplified format

Columns, tables, graphics are not typically understood by an ATS – limit their usage

File type

.doc files can be warped when opened by hiring

manager

.pdf retains formatting,butscanned .pdf files are read

as images and unreadable

Components of your resume

Objective

To obtain the Software Engineering Internship with ABC Company.

Components of your resumeContact information and objective

Scotty Highlander

900 University Place, Riverside, CA 92507(951) 827 – 5555

shighlander@ucr.edu

Linkedin.com/scottyhighlander

OR

Scotty Highlander

900 University Place, Riverside, CA 92507 | (951) 827 – 5555 | shighlander@ucr.edu | Linkedin.com/scottyhighlander

Optional; be specific

Always include name, phone number, and e-mail

Physical address, LinkedIn, and GitHub are optional

Components of your resumeEducation

Include associate’s degree(s) if earned

Optional items include GPA and relevant coursework

Always include school, degree you are seeking, graduation date

University of California, Riverside June 2020Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering GPA 3.5

University of California, Riverside June 2020Bachelor of Science, Bioengineering Relevant Coursework: Cellular and Molecular Engineering

University of California, Riverside June 2020Bachelor of Science, Bioengineering Relevant Coursework: Cellular and Molecular Engineering

Riverside City College June 2018Associate of Science, Social Science

Transferable

• Communication (written and verbal)

• Problem solving

• Project management

• Facilitation, mediation, referral• Interpersonal skills

• Assisting, representing, teaching

• Organization

• Time management

• Goal setting and implementation

Technical

• Programming languages

• Software development

• Network technology

• Handheld inventory machines• Technical devices

• Laboratory instruments

• Construction machinery

• Research techniques and tools

• Data science

Components of your resumeSkills

Components of your resumeSample technical skills

If it isn’t relevant or you don’t know it very well, don’t include it

Be prepared to speak about the skills you list in an interview

List most relevant skills at the top

• Programming Languages: SQL, PL/SQL, PLSQI Developer, TOAD (Quest), Oracle SQL Developer, Java

• Web Technologies: JSP, XML, HTML• Web and Application Server: WebLogic, JBoss• Databases: Oracle, 9I, 10g, 11g & SQL• Operating Systems: Windows, XP, 7 and UNIX (Sun Solaris)• Framework: ITIL V3, HPSD, ServiceNow, Alarmpoint• Scripting Languages: HTML, Java Script• Network: Design /Analysis of LANs/WANs, Routers, Switches, Firewalls,

Protocol• Communications: Digital and Analog , Fixed and Mobile Wireless, Satellite,

Antenna Design• Microelectronics: VHDL, FPGA, Microelectronic Manufacturing and Testing

(MCM, SOC), Electronic Packaging, VLSI

Components of your resumeTailoring skills

Even with multiple skills sections, stick to technical skills only

Separating skills lets you prioritize space on your resume

Technical Skills• Programming Languages: SQL, PL/SQL, PLSQI Developer, TOAD (Quest), Oracle

SQL Developer, Java• Web Technologies: JSP, XML, HTML• Web and Application Server: WebLogic, JBoss• Databases: Oracle, 9I, 10g, 11g & SQL• Operating Systems: Windows, XP, 7 and UNIX (Sun Solaris)• Framework: ITIL V3, HPSD, ServiceNow, Alarmpoint

Additional Skills• Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SPSS• Language: Fluent in Spanish and English

Components of your resumeExperience

•Paid or unpaid

•Presentations or public speaking

•SERVICE in student organizations

•Formal or informal faculty research

•Volunteering and internships

•Class projects, labs, MAJOR assignments

Components of your resumeSample experience

Include accomplishments and numerical data when appropriate

Start each statement with an action verbSenior Design Project, UC Riverside September 2019 – Present

Web Application Team Project

• Collaborate with a team of 4 interns by dividing up tasks to ensure completion of project.

• Develop a web application to streamline tutor scheduling for Academic Success Center using Java.

• Perform coding using JavaScript and transcribe notes into database to keep record of process.

• Create a PowerPoint to share the web application and training manual for staff and presented it to 4 managers.

Incorporate how you used technicaland transferable skills into your

statements

Resume checklist

•One page maximum

•10-second glance: most relevant first

•Tailor your resume to the position

•Use industry language to describe experience

•All relevant experience, paid or unpaid

•High school experience (Juniors + remove this)

•Avoid personal pronouns (I, me, my)

•Use appropriate verb tenses

•Error free (both spelling and grammar)

What NOT to include in a resume

• Include your picture

• List age, marital status and other demographic information

• Send as a word doc – save as PDF before sending

• Reference – create a separate page

Cover Letters

Why are cover letters important?Cover letters help you…

Express interest

authenticallyShare your passion for the organization – connect to

their mission, vision, and/or values

Connect your skills to their

opportunityFocus on the skills and qualifications they are

seeking

Tell your story

Expand on important parts of your resume, or share informal experiences

Formatting your cover letter

Formatting your cover letter

Academic Advisor for Student Athletes

Job # 72150

DescriptionThe Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes holds a

professional academic advising position in Athletic Department. The Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes works closely with coaching staff, athletic department administrators, faculty, academic advisors, and other campus offices, departments, and staff who are involved with the academic lives of undergraduate student-athletes to ensure that student-athletes are presented with a broad base of opportunities with which to optimize their experience at University of XYZ. The Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes implements and interprets university and department policies, and identifies and resolves complex issues using advanced knowledge requiring independent judgment.

QUALIFICATIONS• Advanced degree• 1-2 years of experience in academic advising and coordinating academic programs in a college or university• Participation as a Student-Athlete, and/or experience working with Division I Student-Athletes

Knowledge & Skills:• Strong communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to Student-Athletes, internal and external audiences, and management.• Advanced analysis and problem solving skills, including experience with NCAA compliance rules and regulations• Strong team work and interpersonal skills.• Advanced customer service skills.• Relevant computer systems/technology experience.• Ability to ensure and apply compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.

Review the job description

Formatting your cover letter

Instead of "To Whom it May Concern,” use name or Hiring/Selection Committee/Manager"

Same header as resume to "brand" your documents

1s t: Explain why are you writing, state your purpose

2nd/3rd: Relevant points on qualifications, why you are a strong candidate. Use student organization, work, volunteer and academic experiences.

4th: Further express your enthusiasm and interest in the position/company.

Components of your cover

letter

Components of your cover letter

Keep your contact information consistent with your resume

Dear…?

If you know the hiring manager, include the name

If you don’t, address your letter to the Hiring Manager, Selection Committee or Team

Your Name

City, State | Phone | Email | LinkedIn (optional)

Date

Name of Contact Person

Title

Organization

Mailing Address

City, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms., Mr., Dr., (etc)

OR Hiring Committee/Manager/Team

Header

The University of XYZ is a national leader in Division I athletics and is well-respected for emphasizing the holistic development of academic, career and life skills for all student athletes. It would be an honor to be a part of this program. I believe I am an ideal candidate for the position due to my personal experience as a student athlete, my experience serving as an academic advisor for student athletes, and my educational preparation.

I am very excited to express my interest in the Academic Advisor for Student Athletes position at the University of XYZ.

Components of your cover letterSample first paragraph

What are you applying for?

Why are you interested?

Why are you a great candidate?

Successfully witnessing breakthroughs with multiple athletes, we saw as a department student-athletes holding themselves accountable and being educated enough on the expectations of remaining eligible and compliant with university academic expectations. Seeing athletes succeed academically motivates me to continue to put in the extra time needed to ensure they are prepared. I fully intend on bringing the same service to the University of XYZ.

As an athletic academic advisor, I developed the skills to investigate and analyze information to draw conclusions about academic concerns regarding at-risk freshmen football athletes. Evaluating grades, course history, and teacher’s comments, I focused my appointments on noticeable behaviors that may have influenced each student’s particular situation.

Making sure I scheduled follow-up appointments, I interpreted and applied guidelines and procedures for each individual athlete so they understood what was required of them to remain eligible for current and post seasons.

Components of your cover letterSample middle paragraph

Provide evidence of the skills you’ll bring to the position

Demonstrate your skills – go beyond what is on your resume

Connect your experience to the description or to the skills you want

to highlight

Components of your cover letterSample closing

Connecting my personal experiences as a former student athlete with current athletes is something that is extremely important to me. If given the opportunity to use this platform to help students, I assure you that my work ethic and attention to detail will exceed the expectations of the position. If you have any questions, please call me at 951-827-3631 or e-mail me at scottbears@ucr.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Scott Bears

Include next steps

List your contact information

Leave space for your handwritten signature – even if left blank

Additional tips for your cover letter

• TAILOR IT!

• Avoid unprofessional language

• Length – should be one page, depends on industries

• Strongest and most relevant qualifications should be highlighted– limit to a few – ELABORATE!

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and originality

• Proofread for typos, grammar error, and spelling

• For a polished look, use the same header style for your contact information that you used for resume

• Font size 10-12

• Margin 0.5-1 inch

References

References

•A reference is someone who: • knows your work habits• has known you for a long time• is credible• is not just a personal friend or your mother

•Contact your references before• Ask if they are willing to give you a positive

reference

•Make sure their information is correct• Names, job titles and phone numbers

References Format Samples

SCOTT BEARS

City, State | Phone | Email | LinkedIn URL

REFERENCES

Name

Position

Company/Organization

Phone number

Email Address

Professional Relationship

Note: Your format for

the reference should

be the same as your

resume’s header

format.

Next Steps

1. Have your documents reviewed via appointment or drop-in by a Career Specialist virtually!

Drop-Ins: (Mon-Thurs 10am-3pm, Fri 10am-12pm)

2. Upload your resume and cover letter to UCR Handshake & complete your UCR Handshake profile

Questions?

careers.ucr.edu • (951) 827-3631 #HireHighlanders • #UCRCareerReady

Location: We are located in the Career Center Plaza. Our entrance is the University Lecture Hall and the Surge Building, behind the UCR Campus Store.

Hours:

Mon. - Fri. 8 am to 5 pm

except Wed. 9 am to 5 pm

Individual counseling appointments available

Schedule on Handshake

Drop-In Hours:

Mon. - Thurs. 10 am-3pm

Fri. 10 am-12 pm