Just as a marketing executive needs strong, effective advertising, you need perfect resumes and effective letters to sell your product (yourself).  Your resume and cover letter must be of such high quality (content more than fancy formatting) that the employer will contact you for an interview.  The purpose of the resume and cover letter is to get you an interview. Resumes don't get you a job ... they get you in the door. You get the job!

There is no consensus as to what makes a good resume.  However, one of the basic rules is that employers will spend less than 20 seconds scanning your resume to see if it is worth further consideration.  Therefore, be sure that your resume is organized and attractive enough to pass this test.  Your resume, if effective, will quickly show the employer:

o        Who you are and what you know
o        What you have accomplished
o        What you would like to do 

Resume Basics
Cover Letter Basics
Construction and Layout
Chronological and Functional Resume
Sample Career Objectives
Actions Words
Resumes Scanners
Sample Resumes, References, and Letters
(Letters: Prospecting, Career Fair Follow-up, Prospecting, Thank You, Acceptance Letter, Declining)
Sending Resumes Via E-mail
Top Employer Pet Peeves about Resumes:

Please note, that the CDC does not support all comments from the Pet Peeve link, but agree with most.  Make sure to click on each Pet Peeve to learn more.

Resume and Cover Letter Basics

There is more than one correct way to develop a resume!!!

Adapted from: Getting The Job You Really Want, J. Michael Farr and CDC Job and Graduate School Handbook.

Construction and Layouts of Resumes

There are many creative ways to construct your resume. However, always keep in mind who will be reading your resume and the type of position you are seeking. There is not one right way of doing a resume. There are many different styles and everybody has a different expectation. The CDC recommends some basic principles to guide the development of your resume.

The Chronological Resume

Chronological resumes are the easiest to prepare and thus appear to be the more popular style of resume used. In this style, you identify information in descending order, with the most recent events listed first under each heading.

Chronological resumes require selective wording in order to minimize the amount of interpretation an employer will have to do. Use action words in describing your experiences, and highlight transferable skills.

The Functional Resume

The functional resume enables the candidate to focus on skills, aptitudes, and qualities that can be applied to a number of situations. This style de-emphasizes chronological listings and emphasizes qualifications, skills, and related accomplishments. Skills are organized into categories that tell employers what you can do for them.

The functional résumé is valuable for candidates who lack direct job-related experience; who want to work in fields not related to their academic background; or for those whose education is so general that they must find a way of bridging the gap between their education and the job requirements. It may also be well suited for those candidates who have considerable work experience, because it allows them to portray the skills they will be able to put to immediate use.

Sample Career Objectives

• Position as a counselor or program coordinator working with individuals and groups using family counseling techniques.

• Employment as a writer or editorial assistant with a newspaper, magazine, or public relations firm.

• Marketing research position in consumer products with major emphasis in the areas of market surveys or trend analysis.

• To obtain a supervisory position in an accounts payable department that will utilize accounting skills and provide the opportunity for advancement.

• A challenging position in the management of computer information systems. Areas of interest include applications programming and systems analysis.

• Seeking an entry level position in the field of human resource management with interest in benefits administration.

• Entry level electrical engineering technologist position with particular interest in process control, design and implementation.

• Employment in the field of written communication. Areas of interest include technical writing or sports information.

• To obtain an internship/summer position where I can apply my academic training to practical applications.

• To obtain an electrical engineering position involving application in digital/analog electronics, communication systems, or microprocessor-based systems.

• Pursuing an entry level position in the field of human resource management where I can apply my academic and work experience to personnel issues in an organizational setting.

• To obtain a position in the management of computer information systems. Specific areas of interest include telecommunications, data structures analysis, and system design.
  
  

Action Words

Tips to Beat Resume Scanners

Many companies are using computers for scanning resumes. Listed below are some hints that will help you to create a résumé that is "computer friendly."

• Use a standard resume style with headings. Do not use a two-column or newspaper format.

• Use simple typefaces such as Arial, Helvetica, Futura, Optima, Univers, Times, Palatino, New Century Schoolbook, or Courier. Font size should be between 10 and 14. Avoid Times 10 point.

• Use boldface or all capital letters for section headings, making sure that letters don't touch each other.

• Avoid anything fancy--italics, underlining, horizontal or vertical lines, boxes, or graphics.

• Make sure your name is at the top of every page on its own line.

• Use a standard address format, with each line appearing below your name.

• If including two phone numbers, list each on a separate line.

• Print your résumé and cover letter on a laser printer whenever possible. High quality photocopies will work too. Use light-colored, smooth-textured paper.

• When mailing your information, do not fold or staple it. Place the resume and cover letter in a flat envelope and paper clip them together.

• Use as many key words for your chosen profession as possible.

Adapted from "Computer-Friendly Résumé Tips" by Joyce Lain Kennedy, Planning Job Choices: 1996

Sample Letters

When an employer asks for you to send your resume, always send an introductory/cover letter with your resume.  If you are applying for a position, and you are not in the presence of the individual to whom you are submitting your resume, always send a letter introducing yourself and your resume to the employer.  Read the guidelines below and view our samples.

Cover Letter Basics

                                                                   Your Present Address

                                                   City, State Zip Code 

Date of Letter  

Individual's Name (including Ms../Mr.)
Title
Employer                  (call organizations for correct spelling
Street Address               of name and title, if necessary)
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. _____________:

Opening Paragraph.  In your initial paragraph, indicate the reason for writing, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and how you learned of the opening.  (Career Development Center, news media, friend, employment service, organization's Web site) 

Middle Paragraph(s).  Mention (briefly) why you are interested in the position, the organization, its products or services; above all, indicate what you can do for the employer.  Tie yourself to the organization.  If you have had some practical work experience, point out the specific achievements or unique qualifications that relate to the advertised position.  If you have little experience, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for this position.  Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application blank that summarizes your qualifications, training, and experience.  You want the employer to see you as the best person to fill the position.  Tell them how you can benefit their company and what you can bring to them.  Do not tell the employer what they can do for you.  ("Your firm is exactly what I am looking for in an employer.")  They do not care about that.  They want to know what you can do for them.  If you have two strong ideas to present, break this into two shorter paragraphs.  Shorter items are more likely to be read; longer ones get skimmed or even skipped altogether.

Closing Paragraph.  In the closing paragraph, indicate your desire for a personal interview.  You may want to suggest alternative dates and times or simply offer any assistance to help in a speedy response.  Finally, close your letter with a statement or question that will encourage a response.  For example, state that you will be in the city where the organization is located on a certain date and would like to set up an interview, or state that you will call on a certain date to set up an interview.  You could ask if the company will be recruiting in your area, or if additional information or references are desired.  Finally, indicate the best time to contact you and remember to include your phone number and e-mail address.

Sincerely, 

(Your Handwritten Signature)

Type your name

Enclosure
Adapted from NACE Job Choices