RésumésEmployment Letters

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R É S U M É S | E M P L O Y M E N T L E T T E R S | G R E A T R E S E A R C H T I P S

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Résumé

Webster’s New College Dictionary definesthe word résumé as:

• A summary, esp. a record of one’s personal history, educational background and employment experience.

Bluffton University, Ohio, states that a résumé is:

• An outline for an interview.

• An advertisement to entice the employer to take a closer look.

• A valuable first impression to prompt an interview.

Résumé

Résumé Highlights

• Type of job/career you are seeking.

• Qualities and character traits.

• Gained experience and knowledge.

• Overall, a briefing of: Who you are

What you have accomplished

What you can offer an organization

Contributions you can make in a particular position. Desired professional growth (optional)

Résumé PackageThis should include the following items:• Cover Letter • Résumé • References • Thank You

Letter (follow-up item)

5 Parts of a Résumé

Heading

Objective

Education

Work History &Experience

Special Achievements

one

two

three

four

five

Heading

kiki daniels000 Empire Rd. Pottsville, PA 17901 | 570-555-1122 | happy@fun.com

K R I S T I N D A N I E L S000 Empire Rd | Pottsville, PA 17901p: 570.555.1111 c: 570.555.1234 e: kdaniels@gmail.com

Objective

Seeking an internship where I can show my abilities and talents in a advertising firm.

To obtain an entry-level position that provides an opportunity to utilize excellent graphic design and communication skills, in contribution to the organization’s goals and objectives achievement.

Education

Education:Hopkins High Graduating 6/07

Education:Hopkins High SchoolParadise Valley, CAGraduation Date: June 2011GPA: 3.5

Work History & Experience

Begin with most current employment; work backwards in time and include:

• Company Name

• Location (city and state)

• Employment Dates

• Position Title

• Job Responsibilities Describe accomplishments and

the various duties fulfilled.

If possible, choose examples relevant to requirements of the job for which you are applying.

Experience Sample

P R I N T E R N S H I P 5 / 0 6 - 8 / 0 6

• Helped new employees• Wrote a press release• Sent letters to local companies• Learned how to manage my time

B A I L E Y ’ S S O A P A N D S U D S , I N C . S O M E R S P O I N T, N JPublic Relations Internship May 2006-August 2006

• Assisted in the training of new employees by participating on the organization’s Co-worker Orientation Committee.

• Created press release copy for a laundry detergent product launch promoting environmental benefits and product effectiveness.

• Organized fundraisers in the local community resulting in $50,000 total donations to the organization’s sponsored charity.

• Developed time management skills; performed under strict project deadlines to meet deliverables.

Experience Sample

Special Achievements

V BBALL (04-07)Student Ambassador, Senior YearPeer ListeningArt September 2004-2005

A D D I T I O N A L O P T I O N :

President, Student Council SEPTEMBER 2009–MAY 2010• Prepared agendas and conducted student body meetings.• Partnered with local Police department to promote drug and alcohol awareness.• Chaired the school’s celebratory events and fundraising committees. • Orchestrated monthly student newsletter publication.• Managed projects within predetermined budgeted dollars.

Varsity Basketball DECEMBER 2008–MAY 2010Student Ambassador SEPTEMBER 2008–MAY 2010Peer Listener OCTOBER 2009–MAY 2010Contemporary Art Club Member SEPTEMBER 2009–MAY 2010

Special Achievements

Résumé Sample

Cover Letter

What is a cover letter and its purpose?

• A one page letter that allows you to present your interests and qualifications to an employer in a brief and targeted, introductory manner.

• Compliments your résumé to assist in gaining an employer’s attention, prompting contact and consideration of your candidacy.

• Directs your résumé to the correct person.

Cover Letter Basics• Customize your cover letter for each employer and job for which you apply; go the extra mile to stand out.

• Obtain a contact name and job title to send the letter to, as opposed to Dear Employer.

• Include the position you are applying for.

• Include how you learned about the opening.

• Provide a snapshot of how your skills and experience match the employer’s needs and position requirements.

• Respectfully request an interview.

Cover Letter Content

• Work experience snapshot

• Project or committee participation

• Skills related to the job opening

• Special training and classes

• Leadership and/or management experience

• Foreign language skills

• Internship experience

• Professional dedication

• Computer skills

Cover Letter SampleDear Mr. Lane:

POSTED JOB:In response to your Month, Day, Year, Career Builder posting, I would like to express my interest in applying for the entry-level Graphic Design position within the Center City Advertising and Arts Company, and have included my resume for your review.

NON-POSTED JOB I would like to express my interest in an entry-level Graphics Design position within the Center City Advertising and Arts Company, and have enclosed my resume for your review.

In researching your organization online, I read that your company has recently implemented the state-of-the-art, Wizard Graphics suite of products to provide high-end solutions to your clients. As a certified Level II Developer through my high school’s technology program, I am confident that I can contribute to providing quality development and support to meet your delivery standards and client needs. Through an internship, I gained experience in time management, as well as sales and fund raising which strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills. I have participated in several roles throughout my education requiring me to meet deadlines and provide assistance to others. Additionally, I believe that your company’s core values would highly complement my strengths, enthusiasm and strong work ethic.

I look forward to speaking with you and would appreciate the opportunity to interview for your Graphics Design role. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Signature Typed Name

References

• References should be prepared ahead of time; available to the interviewer, upon request.

If not requested, it is appropriate to offer them at the end of an interview.

• The list should include 3 to 4 people. Upon request, these individuals will provide information to the employer

about you and your experience, abilities and certain traits.

• Your list should always include Managers. You may also include Clergy, Educators, Guidance Counselors, Coaches,

School Project Managers, Teammates, Co-workers. Stay away from listing family members.

References Sample

References Sample

Thank You LetterA crucial part of the interview process; provides another opportunity to showcase your professionalism, interest and why you should be selected:

• Send a letter to each person that interviews you.

• The letter can be sent via e-mail or conventional mail.

• Timeliness is important; send within 2 days after the interview, preferably 1.

Thank You Letter Contents:• State that you enjoyed the interview and meeting the interviewer.

• Reiterate interest in their organization, coupled with stating that you are confident you are a match for the position and why; refer to any relevant information discussed/learned in the interview.

• State that you look forward to hearing from them in the near future or specific day/time if agreed upon in the interview.

• Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and consideration.

• End the letter with a respectful closing.

Thank You SampleDear Mr. Lane:

It was a pleasure meeting with you and speaking about the Graphic Design position at Center City Graphics and Arts Company. The entry-level role, as you described it, is a very good match for my skills and interests. It was exciting to learn about the long-term growth possibilities of expanding into Account Management after successful job performance, which is the specific career path I desire. Additionally, the progressive approach your company has taken with creative technology solutions and its admirable core values confirmed my desire to work for Center City Graphics and Arts Company. I am confident that by utilizing my strong graphics and communications skills, coupled with drive and enthusiasm, I can contribute significantly to the national design projects we discussed as well as future initiatives.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you regarding my candidacy.

Sincerely, Signature Typed Name

Proofreading

Prior to sending any letter or document, proofreading is essential:• Do not rely on Spellchecker only – check grammar, punctuation,

typographical errors.

• Consistency in formatting – numbers, dates, uniform margins, appropriate letter capitalization.

• Avoid abbreviations (except States), multiple fonts, long paragraphs, bolding, underlining, italics.

• Internet Resource: www.Grammarly.com/Proofread Link to assist with proofreading resumes and letters.

Scannable RésuméWhat is it? A résumé that is scanned into a computer database and read differently via computer than by person.

• Can be a paper copy, mailed, faxed or hand-delivered; employer uses a scanning machine to enter into a candidate database.

• Common method is via e-mail to employer, who electronically enters into a database.

Why use one? • Employers extract summaries of contact information, skills, work history, years of experience and education, etc.

• Employers search these summaries using keywords to retrieve candidates who match requirements for a job opening.

Scannable Résumé Tips

Use keywords associated with the position and you are seeking and associated responsibilities or functions:

• Special resource coming up next for assistance – ResumeCompanion.com!

• Do not fold, bend or staple your documents.

• Mail in large, flat envelope or e-mail.

• Follow guidelines from Proofreading.

Résumé & Letter Resources

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettertips/qt/customcover.htmResume templates & Sample Cover Letters, including customized; several situational letters, e.g. applying to a company rather than awaiting a job opening posting, networking, etc.

http://www.resume-surgeon.comResume creation tool – 7 templates to choose from, can create resume in easy online steps.

http://ResumeCompanion.comWith this free resume builder, you can enter a particular position and various professionally worded phrases related to that type of job and associated experience to assist with resume building.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/samplethankyou.htmVariety of thank you letters and situational follow-up correspondence and request letters, etiquette and tips.

Internet Resources - Jobs

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK – www.bls.gov/oco Bureau of Labor Statistics information about the U.S. job market, particular career areas, employment statistics, and employment projections for up to 10 years.

CAREERBUILDER.COM – www.careerbuilder.com Service that allows employees to search for employment openings, post their resumes, research employer profiles, and more; allows employers to post openings and search the site’s database for potential employees.

COLLEGEGRAD.COM – www.collegegrad.com Features a job search engine and as well as resume and cover letter help.

GROOVEJOB.COM – www.groovejob.com A job board designed specifically for part time, hourly, and seasonal jobs.

JOB FINDER ADVISORY – www.jobfinderadvisory.com This site provides free tips to help you search for a job, plan and write your resume, prepare for a job interview and even includes advice to help you choose the career path that is right for you.

MONSTER TRACK – www.campus.monster.com Provides information for job seekers, including resources, fun and games, chats, and message boards.

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