resume & cover letter essentials presented by: liz herrera, assistant director sph career...
TRANSCRIPT
Agenda
• Welcome & Introductions
• What is a branding statement?
• Components of a Resume
• How to enhance your current resume
• Cover letter essentials
Getting Started
• What is the goal of your resume?
• What BRAND are you marketing to your targeted audience?
• What is your professional story?
Take Inventory of your Experience
• work experience paid, non-Paid• practicum experience• special course projects• activities• committees• languages• technical skills• volunteer work• academics• publications• leadership• conferences
Reflect on your experience
• What are your credentials?
• What are your major achievements/accomplishments?
• How did you stand out in each of your positions?
• What major contributions have you made to your field?
• Special Projects?
• How did you go above and beyond?
• Unique skills
Sample Resume Headings• Contact Information (E-mail, LinkedIn URL)
• Introductory Statement (Summary of Qualifications, Career Profile, Highlights)
• Education
• Work Experience
• Professional Development
• Awards /Recognition
• Trainings /Certifications
• Skills (Computer and Languages)
• Leadership Experience
• Presentations
• Publications
What is your resume brand?
• Career Profile
• Summary of Qualifications
• Professional Profile
• Career Highlights
• Career Summary
• Professional Qualifications
• Core Competencies
• Areas of Expertise
Example Profile
Health Educator ~ Program Development ~ Partnership Development
• Certified health educator of 5 years. Deliver culturally competent health education workshops to community based organizations to help address health issues.
• Experience training diverse audiences on health topics in English and Spanish.
• Expert knowledge in the field of diabetes with comprehensive experience teaching self-management skills and presenting innovations through seminars and workshops.
• Experience cultivating relationships and building rapport with healthcare/ business professionals within various healthcare environments.
Overused words and phrases
• Demonstrated excellence
• Proven ability to
• Accomplished professional – or any statement that includes professional
• Team player
• Able to exceed in fast-paced environments
• Works well independently or with a team
• Excellent communicator (or its counterpart: Excellent verbal and written communication skills)
• Results-oriented, results-driven, or proven ability to deliver results
Does this look familiar?
• Responsible for….
• Duties included…
• Helped….
• Worked on…
• Made a….
• HIPPA?
• Hobbies/Skills (from the template)
Stand out in your experience
• Always tailor and customize your resume
• Highlight strengths and relevant points
• Quantify (use numbers, percentages, accomplishments)
• Begin statements with powerful action verbs
• Do not use a template
• Show your contributions…
• Your resume should be polished and visually appealing!
Enhance your bullet points
Before: • Responsible for developing a report to the Secretary of Health and
Human Services
After:
• Developed and published 300-page report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services providing foundation for policies governing electronic exchange of information in healthcare
Before:
• Submitted monthly data on state and federal contracts
After:
• Saved $10K annually by systemizing procedures for submitting monthly data on state and federal contracts
Power statements
• Served as a member of a team selected to write and implement $50,000 grant proposal to develop innovative programs addressing childhood obesity.
• Developed strategic relationships with key healthcare systems providers, including Medicaid HMO plans for commercial memberships.
• Standardized and delivered training/rehabilitation to 25 patients recovering from immune-systems cancer and neurological disorders.
Additional Tips
• Check & double check for content flow, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Keep to 1 or 2 pages• Do not clutter your resume• Use variations in style to help the reader’s eye pick up
most important information and move through the resume
• Use a readable font size• Avoid using templates• Send in PDF format
• Prioritize bullet points• Keep format organized and consistent• Avoid the use of “I” or “my” • Stick with two fonts at most• Use bullet points sparingly• Avoid underlining in most instances• Have enough white space • Edit and proofread for possible errors
Cover Letter Essentials…
• Research the company
• Decipher the job posting
• Assess your skills, strengths and knowledge related to the job requirements
• Reflect on accomplishments and contributions to a prior employer
• Identify what you can bring to the prospective employer
Components of a Cover Letter
INTRODUCTION:
(What is your purpose?)
• Identifies the position you are applying for
• Tells how you learned about the position
• Include your special interest in the position
BODY:
• Highlight the most important qualifications that match the job requirements
• Describe points that may be of special interest to the employer
• Focus on an example that provides evidence of your experience and accomplishments
• Be sure to use keywords
Components of a Cover Letter
Components of a Cover Letter
CLOSING:
• Indicate your interest in having an interview or the next step you plan to take
• Inform that your resume is enclosed
• Reiterate your contact information
• Thank the reader
FINAL COVER LETTER TIPS
• Check for content flow, grammar, punctuation and spelling
• Keep to one page
• Tailor your cover letter
• Use standard business letter format
• Use a font style and size that is easy to read
• Be honest!
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