resume and cover letter tips by leviticus d. thomas

Resume and Cover Letter Tips That Are Sure To Get You Noticed

By Leviticus D. Thomas

Writing a Resume and Cover Letter and don’t know which way to turn? Which direction should you go?

Let us begin this journey with you, the STUDENT!

Take a few moments to jot down some important facts about yourself.

Analyzing your skills, abilities, work history, accomplishments and other aspects can better position you on your road to success. Buckle up!!!

What’s the point in writing a resume?

The fundamental purpose of a resume is to provide a summary of your skills, abilities and accomplishments.

A resume is a quick advertisement of who you are.

A resume provides a "snapshot" of you with the intent of capturing and emphasizing interests and secure you an interview

Do you think any of these teen celebrities ever made use of a resume?

You got that right! You too are someone’s superstar and deserve your very own resume.

It’s time to shine!!! Let’s get started!!!

Before advancing further, here are a few reminders:

Use the present tense of verbs to explain current job duties

Use the past tense when describing past job functions

Avoid using the word “I” in your resume

Limit your resume to one page. Two pages are only acceptable with individuals having a lot of work experience

Resume Paper

Use white or off-white, high quality paper that matches your cover letter paper.

Make your own exceptional template and use a design for your resume that is attractive and easy to edit.

Use 10-12 font size (Ariel, Verdana or Times New Roman).

Reminders continued…

Be sure that buzzwords and keywords for your profession are used in your resume

Include computer skills for instance MS Word, Excel, systems, languages, programs and databases

Create your section titles in CAPITAL LETTERS and bold font

Caution: Speed Bumps Ahead

Avoid using your personal information, such as birth date, marital status, social security or license

Eliminate hobbies or interests section and religion or ethnic background

Its is unnecessary to mention that references are available upon request

Conduct your own spell check and do not rely only on an automatic spell Check. Check for errors manually and have someone proofread your finished product

When interviewing, always carry extra copies of your resume with you

If you are submitting your resume via email, send them as PDF document to minimize formatting issues

Resume Sections

Contact Information

Goal and Objectives

Academic Qualifications

Experience

Extracurricular Activities

References

Contact Information

Contact Information

Goal and Objective

Academic QualificationsExperience


References

COntact INformation

“COIN”- to make up; invent; fabricate: to coin an expression

• Please DO NOT give any false contact information.

• Provide accurate and up to date information.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/expression

COntact INformationWrite your name in bold with a text size slightly

larger than the body of the resume

Do not make larger or bold your contact information (mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address)

Mention your two word name for easier name recognition

Provide only one telephone number along with your email address at the top of your resume below your name and address

Goal and Objective

Contact Information

Goal and Objective



References

Goal and Objective

Objectives for internships might point out that you desire to improve your skills

Objectives for experienced individuals must state the skills you will bring to the company


Contact Information

Goal and Objective



References


Include a Profile or Summary of Qualifications after your objective. It may contain 4-6 bullets or phrases highlighting the relevant skills and traits

List your GPA only if it is 3.0 or higher

List any awards and scholarships toward the

bottom of the page of your resume

Experience

Contact Information

Goal and Objective



References

EXPERIENCE

Results achieved by students should be made very clear.

Do not simply list task and duties.

List everything (work history, certifications, internships, and other activities) in reverse chronological order with your last job mentioned first.


Contact Information

Goal and Objective



References

Include your Extracurricular Activities

Your accomplishments outside of the classroom really do matter.

A team spirit, determination, commitment and strong work ethic will help prepare you for future challenges.

References

Contact Information

Goal and Objective



References

References

Students should compile a list of professional and personal referencesA complete list of names and addresses, including phone numbers should be providedIf students have little to no work history, a teacher or coach, etc may be of some supportStudents should not overlook volunteer experience as well and can request a reference from this source also

Cover Letter• Cover letter is a summary of your resume

• Avoid redundancy within your cover letter

• Cover letter should not exceed one page in length

• Use white or off-white paper that matches resume paper

• High quality paper, 8.5” x 11”

• Send your letter in a manila envelope to keep away from folding

• Cover letters sent via email do not require headings and addresses

• Remember to sign your letters right above your typed name

• If you have enclosed a resume, references or transcript etc. type “Encl” after two lines of your signature and name

• Use a laser printer for best results

Finish LineYou should be encouraged and inspired to create resumes and write cover letters that will maximize your potential in getting an interview, not to mention it is a wonderful platform to convey your interests. The process in itself can be a bit tedious at times, but it is well worth the investment. No matter where you are in life, stay in the race and you are destined to make it to the FINISH LINE toward your successful career!!! BEST WISHES TO YOU ONE AND ALL!!!

resume and cover letter tips by leviticus d. thomas

Career