IV. Preparing to Apply

A. Resumes and Cover Letters

1. Resumes
   1. Resume Essentials

      Before you write, take time to do a self-assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and extracurricular activities. This will make it easier to prepare a thorough resume.

   2. The Content of Your Resume
      • Include your name, address, telephone, e-mail address, and Web site address.
      • All your contact information should go at the top of your resume.
      • Avoid nicknames.
      • Use a permanent address.
      • Use a permanent telephone number and include the area code.
      • Add your e-mail address.
      • Include your Web site address only if the Web page reflects your professional ambitions.

   3. Objective or Summary

      An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do. Be specific about the job you want (example: "To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills"). Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek.

   4. Education

      New graduates without a lot of work experience should list their educational information first. People who have already spent time in the work force can list it after the work experience section. Your most recent educational information is listed first. Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., etc.), major, institution attended, minor/concentration. Add your grade point average (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0. Mention academic honors.

   5. Work Experience

      Give the employer a brief overview of any work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order--that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include the title of the position you held, the name of the organization, the location of work (town, state), and dates of employment. Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.

   6. Other information

      A staff member at your career services office can advise you on other information to add to your resume. You may want to add:

      Key or special skills or competencies,
      Leadership experience in volunteer organizations,
      Participation in sports.

   7. References

      Ask people if they are willing to serve as references before you give their names to a potential employer. Do not include your reference information on your resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume: "References furnished on request."

   8. Resume Checkup

      After you've written your resume, have it reviewed and critiqued by a career counselor. You can also take the following steps to ensure quality:

      Content. Run a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your resume. Get a friend (an English major would do nicely) to do a grammar review. Ask another friend to proofread. The more people who see your resume, the more likely that misspelled words and awkward phrases will be seen (and corrected).

      Design. These tips will make your resume easier to read and/or scan into an employer's database.

      • Use white or off-white paper.
      • Use 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper.
      • Print on one side of the paper.
      • Use a font size of 10 to 14 points.
      • Use non-decorative typefaces.
      • Choose one typeface and stick to it.
      • Avoid italics, script, and underlined words.
      • Do not use horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading.
      • Do not fold or staple your resume.
      • If you must mail your resume, put it in a large envelope.

   9. Resume Writing Links

      Jobs.com
      WetFeet.com
      ProvenResumes.com
      10MinuteResume.com
      TheResumeShop
      Monster.com
      University of Minnesota's Resume Tutor

2. Cover Letters
   1. Cover Letter Tutorial

      Employers receive thousands of resumes and cover letters in response to openings. The cover letter can be thought of as a sales pitch. Keep it brief (three or four short paragraphs), clear and concise.

   2. General Tips:
      • Emphasize the two or three strongest reasons why you are the best candidate.
      • Do not restate your resume.
      • Draw parallels with previous work experience.
      • Demonstrate interest or knowledge about the firm or industry.

   3. Paragraph Construction
      • Never begin a paragraph with "I".
      • No sentence should be longer than 12 words.
      • Use proper English and avoid slang or abbreviations.
      • Use action verbs such as "designed" or "implemented."
      • Use the active voice whenever possible.
      • Personalize each letter.

   4. Before you begin writing
      • Answer the question "Why should I hire you?"
      • Respond to the need of the company and the person who is hiring for the position.
      • Answer the following questions:
        • How do I get my message across?
        • What do I want to communicate to the reader?
      • Construct a "grabber" at the beginning and a "closer" at the end.
      • Be honest and factual.
      • Do not make your problems someone else's problems.

   5. Writing the Cover Letter
      • Place your contact information at the top and center of the letter.
      • Include name, address, and phone number.
      • Work number, fax or email is optional.

   6. Date
      • The date should appear two lines below and to the right of your header.
      • Do not abbreviate the date.

   7. The Addressee
      • Confirm the spelling of the person's name and company to whom you are addressing the letter.
      • List addressee two lines beneath the date on the left-hand side of the letter.
      • Be sure to include full name starting with Ms. or Mr.
      • Then write in the person's title, company name and address.

   8. Salutation
      • Should be typed two lines beneath the company's address.
      • Use a colon instead of a comma at the end of the salutation.
      • Always use "Dear Mr." or "Dear Ms." unless the individual is a friend or relative.

   9. First Paragraph
      • State your interest and purpose for writing to the company.
      • State why you feel you are the best candidate for the position.
      • If you are responding to a classified ad, reference the name of the publication you saw it in.

   10. Second Paragraph
       • Use accomplishment statements and link them to the employer's needs.
       • Detail how you can contribute to this company.
       • Demonstrate your qualifications.
       • Use terms that the employer uses in the advertisement or that are industry specific.

   11. Third paragraph
       • Focus on the company. Show your interest in their products or services.
       • Display enthusiasm for the industry.

   12. Final paragraph
       • Go for the close by stating your intent to call for an appointment.
       • Take the initiative and state when you will follow up this letter with a phone call.
       • If you are responding to an advertisement which asks for salary requirements, give a range instead of a specific number.

   13. Closing
       • Place the right-aligned closing two lines beneath the body of the letter.
       • Use "Sincerely" as a salutation.
       • Four lines underneath the salutation, type out your full name with middle initial.
       • Sign your name in black ink.
       • Be sure to type "Enc: resume" as your enclosure line.

   14. Formatting
       • Body text should be in a standard font. (Example: Times New Roman 12 point).
       • Headers should use a sans serif font (Example; Helvetica 12 point).
       • Use italics only to highlight.
       • Do not underline and bold the same text.

   15. Cover Letter Summary
       • Always mail a cover letter with a resume.
       • The cover letter is a sales pitch.
       • One page maximum.
       • Proof! Proof! Proof!

   16. Cover Letter Links

       Career Toolbox
       Career City
       Careerlab.com
       Resumes and Cover Letters

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