Resumé & Cover Letter Workshop

How to Get Selected for an Interview!

Centre for Career Development

Memorial University

2011

Did you know…

Research has shown that most resumés are viewed for 10

seconds or less.

1. Chronological Resumé

2. Functional Resumé

3. Combination Resumé

Three Resumé Format Options

Chronological Résumé

Primarily comprised of work experience with less attention drawn to education, achievements, etc. This format emphasizes time.

When to Use:

• No major gaps in employment history

• Work history is related to position and reflects growth in the field

Functional Resumé

Focused on transferable skills; other headings, such as education and work experience are mentioned but not detailed. This format emphasizes skills.

When to Use:

• Possess skills acquired through experience other than work (e.g. volunteer, education, membership)

• Entering or re-entering the job market

• Career change where experience does not relate to new job objective

Combination Resumé

Expands on work experience and highlights any skills acquired elsewhere. This format emphasizes both experience and skills.

When to Use:

• Suitable in most circumstances

• To highlight both relevant skills and work experience

• Changing jobs within the same industry

Resumé Components

• Personal Information• Objective• Highlight of Qualifications (Chronological and

Functional Formats Only)• Summary of Qualifications (Combined Format Only)• Education• Work Experience• Additional Sections• References

Personal Information

• Full name should be bolded and centered at the top of the page

• Include:• Current mailing address • Contact number • Professional e-mail address (if checked regularly)

• Do not include:• Date of Birth• Marital status• Social Insurance Number• Picture

Highlight of Qualifications

• Used in Chronological/Functional formats only

• Highlights and summarizes top selling points

• Addresses the skills an employer is looking for (in the job ad or job description)

• Should be tailored to each position

• Avoid using general statements. Instead provide pertinent facts about your experience and skills

• Usually 4-6 bullet points

Summary of Qualifications

• Used in Combined format only

• More detailed than Highlight of Qualifications

• Specifically broken down into different skill sets (e.g. Communication Skills or Computer Skills) with 3-5 points in each

Education

• List in reverse chronological order

• Bold the name of your degree(s)

• Include the name of the institution(s) and month/year

• No need to list courses or GPA

• Example:Bachelor of Arts (Major: Sociology) Sept. ‘07-PresentMemorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL

Work Experience

• List in reverse chronological order

• Bold your job titles

• Include in the following order: job title, name of employer (organization/company), date, and location

• Use action verbs to introduce your duties and responsibilities

• If you have a lot of short-term work, then group them together if possible (e.g. bartending, waitressing, etc.)

Additional Sections

• Volunteer Experience (Same format used for Work Experience – duties with action verbs)

• Awards and Accomplishments• Professional Affiliations or Memberships• Relevant Interests and Achievements• Relevant Skills and Abilities• Additional Professional Training• Professional Development

References

• Listing references on resumé is optional; if not included, indicate “References available upon request.”

• If reference list is included, list on a separate page and include at least three references

• Seek permission before listing someone as a reference

• Provide references with an updated copy of your resumé once you are invited for an interview

• If reference list was not included, bring it with you to the interview

Additional Resumé Tips

• Avoid exceeding two pages (excluding references)

• Include your name and the page number on each page as a header (except on first page)

• Keep spacing and formatting consistent

• Leave white space throughout your document

• Do not use paragraphs - use bullet statements

• Always have someone else proof read for errors

Cover Letters

Cover Letter Workshop

The session will include:• Format/components of a cover letter• General cover letter tips

The purpose of a cover letter is:

to highlight accomplishments or skills that reflect your suitability for a position.

Cover Letter Format

• Return Address• Date• Addressee• Salutation (Greeting)• Body (4 paragraphs)• Closing• Signature

Starting the Cover Letter

• Return Address• Location: top left margin• Insert your complete mailing address; do not include your name

• Date• Location: two lines below your return address• Insert today’s date; do not abbreviate date

• Addressee• Location: two lines below the date• Address the specific individual who will process your application• Include the mailing address of the company

• Salutation• Location: one line below company address • Use Dear Mr. or Ms.; only if specific name cannot be identified, use Dear Sir or

Madam - Insert a colon after salutation

Body: First Paragraph

Key Message: Why you are writing

• Clearly state which job you are applying for and include the job competition number

• State how you learned about it and include the date that you discovered the posting

• If you are inquiring about position availability and not applying for a particular position that was posted, state this in this paragraph

Body: Second Paragraph

Key Message: What you have to offer

• Provide specific information about the skills you have and how your qualifications will benefit the organization

• Respond to every possible requirement that is mentioned in the job posting

Body: Third Paragraph

Key Message: How you are a good fit for this organization

• Indicate why you would like to work for this organization- e.g. products, service, place in the community, etc.

• Show parallels between your interests or experiences and the organization’s image

Body: Fourth Paragraph

Key Message: Request an interview

• Respectfully request an interview- “I look forward to the opportunity to meet with

you to further discuss…”

• State where (i.e. phone #) and when you can be reached

• Thank the employer for his/her consideration

Ending the Cover Letter

• Closing• Location: two lines below body of letter, aligned with left

margin• Use standard business closing “Sincerely,”

• Signature• Location: four lines beneath the closing• Type your full name as it appears on your resume• Sign above your typed name in black ink• If sending electronically, consider including an electronic

signature

Additional Cover Letter Tips

• Tailor each cover letter to the job for which you are applying

• Limit your cover letter to one page

• Use either Arial or Times New Roman font

• Ensure that the organization’s name and title of the position are consistent throughout

• Do not forget to sign your cover letter

• Always have someone else proof read for errors

For additional advice, contact:

Career Development & Experiential

Learning

University Centre, UC-4002

(709) 864-2033

cdel@mun.ca