ResumeandCoverLetterWorkshop-Fall.ppt

The Nuts and Bolts of Resumes and Cover Letters,Cover Letter Pop Quiz,Which of the following is NOT a function of a cover letter? To tell the employer what kind of job you seek To show how well you write or express yourself To inform the reader of your expectations in the job To entice the reader to want to get to know you better by interviewing you The best way to tailor your cover letter to a want ad is to: Avoid keywords and buzzwords in the ad because thats plagiarism Tell the employer your resume is scannable Use keywords and buzzwords from the ad Try to sound a little overqualified,Cover Letter Pop Quiz,How can you make the most of your college experience in your cover letter? Describe skills gained in the classroom Describe sports and extracurricular activities Discuss hands-on projects All of the above The fact that few jobseekers demonstrate their knowledge of the company in their cover letter means that: Its an incorrect practice Its hard to research companies You will stand out if you do demonstrate knowledge They are not really interested in the job,As A Reminder,As of August 2011, average length of unemployment is 40.3 weeks, or a little more than 10 months. This is the longest time of unemployment since statistics were collected beginning in 1948.,Some More Statistics,1 out of 4 Human Resources Managers said they receive, on average, more than 75 résumés for each open position; 42% receive more than 50 résumés. 38% of Human Resources Managers spend 1-2 minutes reviewing a new application; 17% spend less than one minute. Source: Recent nationwide survey by CareerBuilder.com,Importance Of Work Experience To Employers,2009 2008 I prefer to hire candidates 76.3% 76.2% with relevant work experience. I prefer to hire candidates with 18.9% 18.2% any type of work experience. Work experience doesnt typically 2.6% 4.8% factor into my decision when hiring a new college graduate. Other 2.2% 0.7% Source: Job Outlook 2009 and Job Outlook 2008, National Association of Colleges and Employers,A Quote To Consider,“The candidate who gets the job is the candidate who has the best total package from start to finish” Diann Lloyd-Dennis Employer Research Specialist at Northwestern College, Minnesota,Hiring Managers Want To Know 3 Things,Who are you? What motivates you? Can you do the job? So How do you show this on your cover letter and resume?,The Cover Letter Gets Your Resume Read,ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE Responsibilities include set up and carry through a schedule of high school visits within the recruitment territory, attend scheduled college fairs, conduct appropriate follow-up via phone, written correspondence, e-mail, and/or personal visits, represent St. Ambrose University at alumni functions and at regional conventions, attend and assist coordinating open house events and attend all first-year orientations. Travel and overnight stays required. Experience in sales is beneficial. Individual must have superior verbal, written and organizational skills with the ability to multi.-task. AA/EOE Requirements: Minimum of Bachelor's degree and experience in area of responsibility or related area preferred. Please send letter of interest, resume and contact information for three professional references by 3 p.m. September 26, 2012 to: Email:,DUTIES SPECIFIC TO THE POSITION: § Supervise and assure safety of the residential unit § Monitor clients utilizing the Behavior Modification Program § Provide crisis intervention, including intakes § Administer medications § Complete documentation as required § Assure cleanliness of unit § Provide positive role model for clients § Provide information and referral as appropriate § Other duties as assigned.,The Cover Letter Creates Interest In Reading Your Resume,A cover letter serves as a formal introduction and should briefly reflect why you are qualified for a position. Gives an employer a snapshot of your personality. Signals that you pay attention to details. Conveys professionalism. Demonstrates immediately your written communication skills. Gives you an opportunity to highlight your skill sets and experience.,Basic Grammar Lessons,Know your homophones Their, Theyre, There Two, Too, To Your, Youre Whose, Whos Principals, Principles Keep tenses consistent Past work experience = Verbs in past tense Present work experience = Verbs in present tense,Tips for Writing The Cover Letter,Conduct Targeted Research Take time to get to know the employer What is on their company website that stands out to you? Or what have you heard from others? What skills can you bring that adds value to the company? What impresses you about the organization?,Tips for Writing The Cover Letter,2) Have a Real Person in Mind Never send a cover letter addressed to a general title or with the salutation, “To whom it may concern.” If the ad does not list a specific person, contact the Human Resources Manager and ask for a name to address the cover letter.,Tips for Writing The Cover Letter,3) Writing the letter Highlight your strongest qualifications for the job in one page. Do not restate everything on your resume. Invest in high-quality stationary and envelopes that match. Do not have ANY spelling or grammar errors.,Name Address Phone Number E-mail Date Name of the specific person to receive application materials Professional Job Title Company Name Company Street Address City, State and Zip Code Dear Ms. Jones: Paragraph one: Grab the readers attention. Also mention the position you are applying for and how you heard about it. Paragraph two: Highlight 1-2 key skills for the position and how you can demonstrate those skills. In another paragraph, you could demonstrate knowledge of the organization. Paragraph three: Provide an action plan and express appreciation. Sincerely, Your signature Typed first and last name,Resume Pop Quiz,Whats a good way to sharpen the focus of your resume and provide the reader with a summary of what youre good at? An Objective Statement A Summary or Profile section A small, tasteful graphic All of the above The most important element to highlight on your resume is: Duties and responsibilities from past jobs Skills Names of supervisors Accomplishments,Resume Pop Quiz,What types of words are most important to include in your resume? Action verbs and job-specific keywords Colorful adjectives Multi-syllabic words that make you sound sophisticated As much use as possible of the verb “to be” Students with little experience, especially in a chosen field, should consider this resume technique: Detailed explanation of transferable and applicable skills Use of a combination resume Descriptions of class projects and coursework that are relevant to the chosen field All of the above,The Resume Gets You The Interview,Become Your Best Advocate Follow Some Basic Rules Choose A Format: Chronological, Functional or Combination Produce Your Resume,10 Ways Your Resume Irks Hiring Managers,Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors Generic objective statements Personal attributes Interests and hobbies Details of every task ever performed in every job ever had,6. Excessive bragging 7. Outdated information 8. False information 9. Unexplained gaps in work history 10. A lack of professionalism,Step #1: Become Your Best Advocate,What SPECIFIC SKILLS and EXPERIENCES make you stand out? Which ACCOMPLISHMENTS would distinguish you from other applicants with the same experience? What benefits do I offer employers over other qualified candidates? Avoid descriptions such as good communicator or strong leadership skills.,WHAT IF I DONT HAVE WORK EXPERIENCE RELATING TO A JOB I AM APPLYING FOR?,Think about classroom activities and projects. Think about academic accomplishments. Think about extracurricular, volunteer and community service projects. Think about leadership positions.,Step #2: Follow Some Basic Rules,NEVER make spelling or grammatical errors! Do not use the word I anywhere on your resume. Start with action verbs to describe accomplishments, experience and skills. No information from high school Exception is volunteer experience or exceptional accomplishments.,Step#2: Follow Some Basic Rules,Do not type your information into a resume template. Optimal Resume: Free resume building program provided by Career Service Office. Go to: http:/iwc.optimalresume.com,Step #2: Follow Some Basic Rules,Do not abbreviate or use acronyms. IWC, B.S. Use buzzwords in the field. Vocabulary that has been used in your courses that relates to the industry Use language from the job description,Step #2: Follow Some Basic Rules,Use numbers whenever possible. Increased company sales by 15% Tutored 3rd grade student Mentored 2 children The resume is about more than past work experience. Volunteerism Leadership Management Communication,Step #3: Choose A Format,Chronological/Traditional Consider using when your past experience is directly related to future goals. Functional You are a new graduate with a limited work history. Combination Great for new college grads because it combines the qualities of a chronological resume with the concept of a functional resume.,Step #4: Produce Your Resume,Purchase resume paper at Walmart, Staples or college bookstore. Select colors such as cream, ivory, gray or beige. Stay away from trendy colors and styles.,Recommended Fonts,Arial Georgia Impact Courier Lucida,Palatino Tahoma Trebuchet Verdana Sans Serif,Writing the Summary Statement,Summary of your training and background as it relates to the position you are applying for - Summary Statement Educated and trained professional in the sports industry with proven leadership and organizational skills seeking a position as an event manager.,Professional Profile: It is my desire as an educator to help students uncover their artistic potential by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas.,Extremely well-rounded employee with experience in sales, management and information technology,PROFILE Responsible, committed and self-motivated. Holds a high self-standard and works hard to meet those standards. Strong communication, natural leadership and good relationship-building skills,Summary of Qualifications Extensive academic preparation in Psychology and Criminal Justice. ­Leadership experience through various college organizations.,Work Experience,Include job title, company name, location and length of time in position List responsibilities and accomplishments by following the basic rules of resume writing. Information listed in reverse chronological order with most recent information first. - Relevant Work Experience Intern, Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Mount Pleasant, Iowa January 2012-May 2012 Assisted director with Rock Around the Block event Created brochure for area businesses Attended meetings with community partners,Work History,Work experience not relevant to the position you are applying. Shows company loyalty/name recognition - Work History Cashier and Customer Service, Walmart Mount Pleasant, Iowa August 2008-present,Volunteer Experience,Include company name, location and length of time in position Service Learning projects and volunteer hours are listed in this section Volunteerism shows time management skills, commitment to your community and leadership skills - Example Mentor, Iowa State Extension Office Mount Pleasant, Iowa August 2010-present Meet with 13 year old girl to work on homework and visit Attend meetings once a month Collaborate with other mentors to discuss new ideas,College Activities,It looks better to be involved with a couple activities than to have a laundry list of 8 activities with no participation or commitment. - Example Homecoming Committee, 2011 and 2012 Track and Field Team, 2011-present College Choir, 2011-present,Other Optional Headings,Leadership Experience Member of Executive Board of campus organization; Captain of athletic team; Started new campus organization International Experience Global Issues; Mission Trip; Study Abroad; Fluency in a foreign language Computer Skills Specific computer programs,Tips on Electronic Resumes,More employers are requesting resumes sent electronically. Send your resume the way an employer requests: Attachment Cut and paste in the body of an e-mail message The subject line should catch the readers attention.,E-Mail Subject Line and Cover Note Examples,Subject: Cover Letter and Resume for Registered Nurse in Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit Dear Mr. Johnson, Please see my attached cover letter and resume for the Registered Nurse at Henry County Health Centers Cardiac Rehabilitation Center. I look forward to hearing from you following the review of my application materials. Sincerely, Heidi Seegers,Final Recommendation,Have at least 3 people review your resume and cover letter before sending to an employer. Career Services Director English Professor A professor who has high writing expectations Human Resources/Hiring Manager Someone who works for the company you are applying Family member or friend who has been through this process,