RESUME WRITING
What is a resume?
A resume is a
personal summary
of your
professional history
and qualifications.
It includes
information about
your career goals,
education, work
experience,
activities, honors,
and any special
skills you might
have.
A good resume
-Clarity
- Honesty
- Precision
General Guidelines
Length: It is best to limit an entry-
level resume to one typed page. Be
as concise as possible in stating
information in each section of your
resume.
Font: Avoid fonts smaller than 10
point and larger than 12 point.
Paper: Use 8 1/2” x 11” 20 lb paper.
Print your resume with a laser or
high quality ink-jet printer.
Know what you have to
offer
Think functional skills & personal
qualities
Build your list of…
work experience
academics
volunteer work
classes
course projects
Name of the applicant
Address
Phone number
E-mail
Professional Objective/Statement of Purpose: One sentence
thesis
Work Experience (Listed in reverse chronological order)
Place of employment (Organization and place), Dates
Position occupied
Chief responsibilities
Education (Listed in reverse chronological order)
Degree in Subject, Institution, Date
Specialization
Accomplishments and awards (Listed in reverse
chronological order)
Kind of accomplishments (patents ,publications,
language skills , etc.) , Date
Title of the award , Awarding Organization , Date
Other Relevant Information / Interests and Hobbies
(list in descending order of importance)
Extra – curricular activity, place, date
References
If required list names and contact information of 2-3
referees who know you and your work in sufficient details
Putting It All Together…
Things to
Remember
Avoid stating salary requirements
Avoid limiting geographical
considerations (unless necessary)
Avoid expounding on philosophy or
values
Avoid offering any negative
information
Check for grammatical, spelling &
typing errors
Putting It All Together…
Things to
Remember
Attract & hold your reader’s attention
Combinations of capital lettering, underlining,
bold face type, and indentations can jazz up
your paper (yet, watch for employers who
scan resumes)
Whatever format you choose, be sure to be
consistent
Laser print on resume paper
Be absolutely honest
Remember
A resume does not get you a job…
A resume does get you an
interview.
And, putting time and consideration
into your resume is one of the
best ways to prepare for your
interviews!
Cover Letter
A cover letter is the mouthpiece of
the resume
Use it to market yourself
Your interests in joining the
organization
Emphasise your plus points both in
experience and academics
Close with a strong reinforcing
statement
Use a formal style of salutation
245 Job Search Street
SAMPLE COVER LETTER
Sioux City, IA 51104
January 5, 2002
Ms. Recruiter Johnson
Marketing Director
Dynamics Corporation
1 Dynamics Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55436
Dear Sir,
I am applying for your training program in the area of marketing research. I learned of this position through Career
Services at Morningside College.
Your training program requires experience in marketing. I am graduating in May 2000 with a Bachelor of Science
degree in business administration and an emphasis in marketing. In addition, I have work-related experience in the
area of marketing. During the past four years, I have worked part-time for an advertising agency. In this capacity, I
have had responsibilities for editing and market research. Also, as a volunteer with United Way, I have coordinated
campaign materials. Please see my enclosed resume for more details on my qualifications.
I believe my course work, part time employment, and volunteer activities make me an excellent candidate for your
training program in market research. Further, I am greatly enthused about a career in market research and in
working for Dynamics Corporation.
Please consider my request for a personal interview to discuss my qualifications further. I shall call you next week to
see if a meeting can be arranged. Should you need to reach me, please feel free to call at (712) 277-3953. Thank you for
your time and consideration. I look forward to talking with you.
Sincerely,
Iwannajob Jones
“ Enclosure: resume”
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date
Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,
I am writing to apply for the position of Media Relations Manager.
ABCD is a fast-moving global institution and an outstanding
communications pioneer, now poised to guide the direction of print
journalism.
As a recent graduate of the State University with significant
experience in finance, administration and media, I bring the energy
and commitment to excellence necessary to thrive in ABCD's
innovative environment.
As the current Media Relations Coordinator of the XYZ company, I
am a practiced business liaison and an able administrator. These
strengths, combined with deep and varied employment and
internship experience as a journalist and media consultant with FGH
and LMD, prepare me to make a strong and immediate impact at
ABCD.
I am excited about the opportunity to join the ABCD team as it
moves to the center of the print media conversation. Thank you for
your time and consideration.
