Resume and Cover Letter Writing George Mason University

Resume and Cover Letter Writing George Mason University Career Services http: //careers. gmu. edu SUB I 348, 703 -993 -2370 SOM Career Services http: //som. gmu. edu/career ENT 008, 703 -993 -1880 1

Workshop Overview • • • 2 Definition of a Resume Preparation Resume Styles Resume Content and Formatting Tips Purpose of a Cover Letter Contents of Cover Letters and Cover Letter Tips Resume and Cover Letter Writing Activities Resources for Sample Resumes and Cover Letters Next Steps

What is a Resume? • A universal job hunting and marketing tool • A snapshot of your qualifications relevant to a position or academic program • A means of introduction to prospective employers, graduate admissions staff or networking contacts The purpose of a resume is to get an interview! 3

Resume Preparation • Develop a clear career goal and clarify the purpose of your resume • Research jobs or graduate programs and learn what skills and knowledge are valued by employers or schools • Identify your qualifications, interests and skills relevant to a position or program of interest 4

Resume Preparation Research field, employer, and position of interest • Career Library resources, SUB 1 room 348 • http: //careers. gmu. edu/students/jobhunt/researching. html • Patriot. Job. Web http: //careers. gmu. edu/pjw – Mason’s 24/7 electronic database of jobs/internships • Information Interviews, Networking – Mason Career Network http: //careers. gmu. edu/cn – (User ID: student; Password: jack$$pot) • Professional Associations for your field – Associations Unlimited 5

Resume Preparation • Build your list of experiences • Past or current jobs/internships • Volunteer work/community service • Class projects • Activities and student organizations • Languages and technical skills • Prioritize the information, focusing on your most important responsibilities and what is relevant 6

Resume Styles Chronological • Reverse chronological order • Familiar to employers • Effective for new graduates • Focus on job titles work history Combination or Related Experience • Two or more experience sections, Relevant and Additional • Showcases the experiences that are most relevant 7 Functional • Highlights transferable skills in clusters • Effective for career changers and those with varied experiences • Focuses on groups of functional skills and related experience See Moving On Guide resume samples for each style!

Resume Content • Heading • Name – Put in bold to make your name stand out • Full address – Current and permanent, if applicable • Phone number – Include number at which you can be reached during day/evening and a professional voice mail • Email – Include a professional username • Example of Heading: Georgia Mason 111 University Drive Fairfax, Virginia 22030 8 Ph: 703 -993 -1111 gmason@gmu. edu

Resume Content Objective (or Profile, Summary of Qualifications) • Clear, concise, and tailored to position of interest • Focus on what you are seeking and what skills you will contribute, not what you expect to gain from the position • Can include specific title of the position, type of organization/industry, special interest, and skills you offer • Example of an Objective: OBJECTIVE An internship in a non-profit agency, utilizing listening and writing skills. Special interest in children and families. 9

Additional Examples OBJECTIVE • A full-time position in Information Technology, utilizing Java programming skills and experience in database administration • An Administrative Assistant position in Human Resources, using my organizational and communication skills. • A Research Assistant position in the social sciences, utilizing SPSS and SAS • An Internship in the US Senate or House of Representatives. Special interest in trade and foreign policy issues. 10

Resume Content Education • List in reverse chronological order, beginning with most recent education. • Include name of institution, degree(s), major & minor, month & year of graduation • Spell out degrees or use proper abbreviations (Bachelor of Science, or B. S. ) • May include GPA, if 3. 0 or higher; relevant courses; honors/awards; study abroad; training/certification • High School is often omitted from the resume after first or second year of college. Example of Education section: EDUCATION Bachelor of Science Biology; Minor Spanish George Mason University Fairfax, VA GPA 3. 0 May 2009 Relevant Coursework: two or three course titles, relevant to the position Associate in Science General Studies GPA 3. 5 Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA 11 2007

Resume Content • Experience • Include organization, job title, dates of employment • Statements describe your accomplishments • Statements are concise, descriptive, and include numbers • Use action verbs to start statements (see Moving On for a list of action verbs) • Example of Experience section: EXPERIENCE Sweetwater Tavern, Fairfax, Virginia Feb. 2006 - Present Assistant Manager • Trained eight new employees on company database system • Commended by supervisors for customer service skills 12

Resume Content SKILLS • Technical skills like Microsoft Office Suite • Languages • Skills relevant to position of interest PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP(S) • American Marketing Association (student member) ACTIVITIES • Include organization, role/title, dates & major accomplishments • Include involvement in student organizations, volunteer activities, and community service 13

Resume Formatting Tips • One page recommended, two pages maximum • Recommend Times New Roman or Arial and 11 font minimum • One inch margins • No spelling errors or typos • Use bold and capitalization for highlighting • Be consistent with formatting 14

What is a Cover Letter? • A business letter that accompanies a resume. • Informs reader of your purpose and requests an inperson meeting. • Highlights and directs attention to important information in the resume. • Intended to convince reader that it is worthwhile to meet you. • May take the form of an email message or a brief note that accompanies an electronic application 15

An Effective Cover Letter • Introduces You; Your Resume • Summarizes Pertinent Aspects of your Education or Experience • States briefly how your Qualifications relate to the Job • Indicates if you have included a Resume, Writing Sample, Transcript, or other documents • Is Brief and to the Point • Requests an Interview 16

Cover Letter Contents (3 or 4 paragraphs) Paragraph 1: Why you are writing? Mention referral source in the first sentence. Paragraph 2: Why should they consider you? This "hooks" the reader. Paragraph 3: Why do you want to work for them? What attracts you to the organization? How does the organization/job match up with your values and qualifications. Paragraph 4: The close. Be assertive. “I would like to meet with you to discuss…” 17

Cover Letter Tips • Personalize letters • Target a specific job or employer • Be positive, natural, direct and interesting • Avoid being repetitious of resume • Be brief (concise) • PROOFREAD 18

Resources and Samples • Check out Resume and Cover Letter Samples in Moving On • See samples in Career Library, 348 SUB 1 • http: //careers. gmu. edu/students/jobhunt/resume. html • http: //careers. gmu. edu/students/jobhunt/letters. html • http: //som. gmu. edu/preparejobsearch View resume samples for different majors! 19

Next Steps • Have your resume or letter reviewed by a career counselor • Get your resume critiqued by an employer at the next Resume Clinic (March and October)! • For a complete schedule of career services and events: http: //careers. gmu. edu/calendar Any Questions? 20

Visit Us! University Career Services SUB 1, Rm. 348 (703) 993 -2370 http: //careers. gmu. edu Call to make an appointment anytime. For quick questions reserve a Same Day Appointment, 1: 30 – 4: 00 pm, by calling early on the day you’d like to come in. School of Management Career Services Enterprise Hall, Rm. 008 (703) 993 -1880 http: //som. gmu. edu/career Walk-In Hours for SOM Career Services Monday & Friday 2: 00 -4: 00 pm Thursday– 10 am to noon 21 Make an appointment or use walk-in hours/same day appointments for additional help.