Résumés & Cover Letters
A resume is a concise summary of your personal background, education, qualifications, and work experience. Think of it as your personal history of accomplishments designed to showcase your achievements and capture the attention of potential employers. A strong resume should spark curiosity and interest, encouraging employers to learn more and view you as a strong candidate for the role.
To get started:
- Make a list of your accomplishments, skills, and interests
- Use action verbs to begin each bullet point
- Action Verb + What YOU did + Result/Impact
- As you participate in new experiences, be sure to add them to your resume
A cover letter should reflect yourself and should go hand in hand with your resume. Your resume is a running list of your experiences and accomplishments, while your cover letter elaborates on those experiences and should align with the position you are applying for.
Tips for a cover letter:
- Thoroughly read the job description for the position you are applying for. You want to use keywords in your cover letter that can be found in the description.
- When you can it is best to address the cover letter to a specific person. If you are unable to identify a point of contact for the job, then addressing your letter to “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
- Keep your letter short. Your cover letter should be no more than three to four paragraphs.
- Begin with an introductory paragraph, followed by two to three paragraphs highlighting your most relevant work experiences and connecting your skills to the specific position.
- Conclude with a final paragraph that reinforces your interest and summarizes why you are a strong fit.
- Be confident and show your strongest skills!
Have questions about resumes and cover letters? Meet with a Career Coach and check out our handouts in Handshake for more information!