Writing Winning Resumes and Cover letters Do s and don ts
What we will do Basics of the resume Resume do s and don ts Fix this resume! Basics of the cover letter Cover letter do s and don ts Fix this cover letter! Conclusion
Your résumé will: Convince an employer to give you an interview Serve as an introduction Save time for both the employer and yourself Help focus your attention and help you prepare for job interviews Give interviewers ideas of questions to ask you
Résumé vs. Curriculum Vitae (CV) Not the same thing Serve different purpose Different content Different scope and length
Main sections of a resume Contact Introduction Education Experience Accomplishments
Contact Full name E-mail address Permanent address Phone number Other contact info
Introduction Great chance to stand out Teaser Provides a checklist of qualification Highlights what you can do for the organization
Experience Most recent first Gaps in employment history? First time job hunt? Describe what you do/did Be specific!
Education Most recent first Location in resume Certificates and ongoing training Special training Licenses
Accomplishments Specific skills Initiative Leadership Self improvement Honors
Format Mary Q. Contrary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Berkeley CA HowYourGardenGrows@gmail.com Mr. Job Hunter 0000 Brooklyn Blvd #4, Berea, KY 40403 111-222-3333 librarian@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS Analytical and research oriented Comfortable working independently and collaboratively Able to learn new computer programs and technologies very quickly Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point EDUCATION Masters of Library and Information Science, GPA: 3.95 San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 2011 Use library reference and instruction experience to serve the information needs of customers at a public, private, or academic library. EDUCATION Master of Library Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 2000. Course work in Computer Publishing and Fine Arts, Portland State University, University of Oregon, Northwest College of Art, all in Portland, Oregon, 1993-1997. Award-winning pencil and charcoal illustrations, 1994. Developed web sites for class projects using CSS, XHTML, XML, and XSLT Implemented Web 2.0 tools and technologies: wikis, blogs, social networking, etc. Selected electronic resources based on relevancy and usage statistics Created original catalog records using MARC, AACR2R, LCSH, and WorldCat BA, Psychology 2003 Alfred University, Alfred, NY Independently organized and executed a year-long research experiment Designed a manual for a data collection and statistics processing program, SPSS RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE Graduate Theologian Union, Internship, Berkeley CA 2011 Defined metadata control fields and parameters for a PDF collection Applied Dublin Core and MARC standards Researched copyright permissions information regarding digitization and online access Digitized library PDF files using OCLC s CONTENTdm Herrick Library, Library Page, Alfred, NY 1999-2003 Organized and shelved library materials Assisted patrons with circulation needs ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE Lincoln and Friends, Skills Trainer, Fairfax, CA Effectively used communication and negotiation skills for conflict resolution Maintained daily program records, such as behavioral and medical logs Trained and oriented all new employees Managed monthly program finances 2006-2011 EXPERIENCE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATE 2009 Present Hitachi Inc, Berea, Kentucky. Assist in manufacture of auto parts, requiring punctuality, reliability, physical stamina, and an eye for detail to assure quality production. LIBRARIAN I 2002-2009 NW Regional Library, Broward County, Coral Springs, Florida Reference Librarian and Assistant Supervisor in Computer Center of the busiest public library in Broward County. Supervise, train, and evaluate staff of 2 and help oversee a staff of 5. Instruct patrons in the use and location of resources; teach adult English and computer classes; provide face-to-face customer service for adult reference and computer center departments. ACHIEVEMENTS Rewrote MS Word and Excel software teaching notes and handouts for adult classroom instruction. Results: Frequent student and staff evaluations as outstanding teacher. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Emerging Library Technologies Web 2.0, 2009 Web Video Gaming for Libraries, 2009 Microsoft Publisher Level III, 2008 MEMBERSHIPS Broward County Library Association (BCLA) Special Library Association (SLA) Secretary/Treasurer, University of Kentucky, SLA Student Group, 1999
Do s and don ts Do Tell what you can do Check spelling, have someone else proofread Use a clear font Customize for the position Be specific regarding accomplishments Be honest Don t Tell what you want Trust spell check Use a hard-to-read font Use a generic resume Repeat information Embellish or lie
Cover Letter Always include a cover letter Types application or inquiry Personalized Well-written Specific Reflect who you are One to two pages
Prepare Read the job ad thoroughly Specific instructions Description / active verbs Make a list of key points
Main Sections of the Cover Letter Heading and Greeting Opening and Introduction Body Closing
Resources Names and contact info All the resources used for this presentation and many more are available at Mansfield Library Libguide: Resume Help http://libguides.lib.umt.edu/aecontent.php?pid=314700&sid=2575390 Montana Department of Labor- Workforce Services Division http://mt.gov/working/emp_opp.mcpx For state and federal jobs plus jobs in Montana JobLINC http://www.mtjoblinc.mt.gov/resources_community.asp The statewide coordination and collaboration of employment and training organizations, workforce development organizations, and other community service providers. 15Min-Resume http://15min-resume.com/ Free tips and information Resume-Resource http://www.resume-resource.com/samples.html Free resume samples and cover letter samples represent a diverse range of professionals in some of the more common job positions. Sample Curriculum Vitae http://jobsearch.about.com/od/cvsamples/a/blsamplecv.htm Provides information on how to prepare a CV, templates, and examples of CVs for a variety of professional positions, and includes tips for searching for international employment. Employability Checkup http://www.careerinfonet.org/employabilitycheckup/emp_ask.asp?nodeid=15 The employability checkup provides a snapshot of your ability to find employment with a specific occupation at a specific wage and location. Pocket Resume http://www.dws.state.nm.us/pdf/pocket-resume.pdf Print out this resume, fill it in, fold it up and put it in your pocket. This will help you complete job applications without asking for the phone book! Purdue Online Writing Lab Resume Workshop http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/719/1/ This workshop provides detailed explanations and a step by step process for creating an effective resume LISJobs.com Includes actual resumes. 150 Funniest Resume Mistakes, Bloopers and Blunders Ever http://jobmob.co.il/blog/funniest-resume-mistakes/
Cover letters do s and don ts Do: Prepare/ think it out Target Audience/ industry Be positive/confident Represent yourself Proofread! Thank the readers Sign Don t: Use a form letter Ramble or overuse I, My Trust spellcheck Use vague or dull language Forget to sign
Fix this Resume! Fix this Resume!
Fix this cover letter! Fix this Cover Letter!