RESUMES COVER LETTERS Career Development Violeta Lara MA

RESUMES & COVER LETTERS

Career Development Violeta Lara, MA Career Educator Career Development Center at the University of St. Thomas lara 1389@stthomas. edu

Professional Writing Resume • • A broad overview of your educational and work experience, skills, education and other relevant information. AKA Skill statements – short, concise action-oriented phrases • Avoid personal pronouns: “I”, “my”, “we” Cover Letter • A brief summary of who you are, how you're qualified and why you're a good fit for the position. • Paragraph writing - grammatical sentence structure. Introduction, body, & conclusion • Use of pronouns •

RESUMES

DO NOT USE TEMPLATES Balance of text to blank space Consistent formatting 10 -12 pt font, name 18 -22 Readable font Times New Roman or Arial Right align dates Formatting

AGAIN!! --- DO NOT USE TEMPLATES Only one or two pages Additional Tips Do not use “I” or “my” statements No references on the resume Omit high school information PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD!!!!

• Exercise a “word dump” • Write shorthand notes of your experience • Professional development? Trainings? • Procedures you engaged in • Newly developed concepts (knowledge based), skills, and abilities • What became second-nature? • Examples of times you took initiative • Unique opportunities Experience Reflection

Heading Name - BIG & bold Contact information Address - optional Phone Number Email Address

Objective/Skills Objective ● Short and specific: name target position and relevant skills Obtain position as an Assistant Manager in retail sales that will utilize my experience in store operations and staff training and will provide opportunities for professional advancement. Dedicated New Grad Nurse looking to build a career and be a dedicated team player by obtaining a position in a government healthcare facility. Eager to obtain employment at XYZ Company, making the most of my education and skills in biology while working as a team player in a positive atmosphere. Strong sense of responsibility. Skills ● Catch the employer’s attention and satisfy scanning technology. Technical Skills Quark, In. Design, Photoshop, Illustrator, Publisher, Serif Page. Plus Skills • • • Strong Interpersonal Communication Skills Food Science and Nutrition Weight Management Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology Effective Coaching Skills Allergy Awareness

Education

RELEVANT COURSEWORK STUDY ABROAD HONORS AND AWARDS RESEARCH PROJECTS Consider adding subheadings

Experience Does NOT have to separated by “type” of experience (i. e. paid employment, volunteer, leadership experience, etc. ) The experiences listed should showcase your “relevant” or “related” experience

Memberships to Professional Organizations Community Service Continuing Education/Confe rences Campus Clubs or Activities Elected Positions Publications Additional Sections Presentations

Skill Statements Skills Statements = Action Verb + Detail + Outcome/Result Example: Developed reading lesson plans for 20 children, ages 6 -8, to increase reading comprehension levels

Examples • Thoroughly analyzed client's eating habits and dietary needs prior to creating a plan for them. • Created individualized plans that supported client goals and overall wellness improvements. • Educated clients about the benefits of proper nutrition and lifestyle changes. • Developed meal plans with thorough information regarding nutrients and recipes. • Worked closely with clients to monitor progress, motivate them, and address any setbacks or concerns.

Skills Statement Go beyond just your “duties” at a job - One way to do this is to think of the “ 5 W’s and an H” rule you learned in grade school. WHO – Who did your job help? The company? Clients? Customers? WHAT – What happened with the results of the job? If you did research, was that information published? If you had to do a report what was done with that information? WHEN – When did this happen? Daily? Weekly, Monthly? Talking about how often you did something is an easy way to show productivity in your job. WHERE – Where did your duties occur? Did you have to travel for a job? Were you responsible for interacting with people outside of your organization? WHY & HOW– Why did you do this? How did your job duties help or add to the organization’s ability to function.

What Employers Say About Resumes? • 50% Fail • 20% Marginal to Good • 20% Good to Very Good • 10% EXCELLENT

COVER LETTERS

Write your letter concisely Customize each letter with a job description of the organization you are applying for Use a professional tone Vary your sentence structure Show enthusiasm for the position Important considerations

1 2 Why you are interested in working for the Company and share what specifically attracted you to this employment opportunity. Based on the essential functions outlined in the job description, highlight any clinical, prior work or volunteer experience that would be relevant or transferable to the role at hand.

THE STAR METHOD Great for interviewing AND professional writing development

Stay consistent Final Tips Keep your letter to one page Address the two main questions Have someone proof it

QUESTIONS?