Resumes Cover Letters Todays objectives Define the purpose

Resumes & Cover Letters

Today’s objectives… • • • Define the purpose of a resume Explore sections to include Explain how to write an action statement Discuss references Define cover letters

In the employers shoes… 1. What can you do for me? § Needs & Wants § § 2. Experience Skills, knowledge, competencies How will you fit within my organization? § Attitude

What is a résumé? ü ü Marketing tool First impression Document of your experiences Communicates skills & knowledge

What sections can I include? Objective Summary of Skills Education Work Experience Volunteer Experience Extracurricular Activities Related Experience Publications Memberships Conference Attendance Awards Certifications Lab Skills Technical Skills Interests Professional Development

Contact information Jenny Jobseeker 226 Vernon Street Truro, Nova Scotia B 3 R 5 T 9 (902) 897 -9760 jennyjobseeker@dal. ca

Objective Statements AMY SMITH 123 Main Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, N 4 J 2 B 8 Home: (902) 434 -5934, Cell: (902) 293 -532, Email: asmith@dal. ca OBJECTIVE Seeking a position as a Library Assistant where I will be able to contribute my organization and customer service skills.

Summary of Skills SUMMARY OF SKILLS • • • Possess three years experience delivering excellent customer service Excellent organization skills as evidenced by extracurricular involvement Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks Experienced in writing and editing documents Ability to communicate and listen effectively as a member of a team

Education EDUCATION Diploma in Enterprise Management (Equine) Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia 2011 -Present

Associations/Memberships MEMBERSHIPS Student Member, Canadian Equestrian Association 2011 -Present

What is experience? ü Part time/Full time ü Summer ü Experiential Learning ü Volunteer ü Extra-curricular ü In the classroom ü Internships/Co-ops ü Life Realizing WHO the reader of your résumé is Realizing WHAT the reader of your résumé is looking for

Employment

Volunteer Experience VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Fundraiser Blue Hills School, NS, May – Oct 2011 • Raised money in support of local charities in cooperation with Senior Administrators at the Blue Hills School • Utilized online social media to promote fundraising events resulting in a 30% increase in funds raised • Successfully led a team of 12 volunteers ensuring a cohesive team environment • Conducted post event surveys to improve upon future fundraising endeavors

Academic Projects Project: Assessment of the Impacts of Community Organizations in Nova Scotia Class: Senior Seminar • Collaborated with a team of four students to assess the effectiveness of local community groups • Conducted a series of interviews with community members that measured the perceived effectiveness of community programming • Made recommendations on future policies in community programming which were accepted by the United Way

Action Statements What I did How or Why Result Created and implemented a new youth mentoring program by assessing the needs of youth in the community through oneon-one interviews and focus groups resulting in an 80% participation of local high school students

Resume checklist ü ü ü ü ü Are you “proving your fit”? How does your résumé look? Does the person reading your résumé know you are effective? Is all your relevant experience included? Only you can write your résumé Proofread carefully – ask a friend Organize in a logical fashion Approximately two pages Be honest

References A person who can attest to your work experience, skills, character and personality. Professional Personal

Reference example

References Submitting references appropriately will allow you to: • Gauge where you are in the job search process • Increase the likelihood of a more positiontailored dialogue between the employer and your reference

Things to Exclude • • • Title page Photos Subjective Text Personal Information Politics References • • Objective Hobbies / Interests List of Classes Languages

How Employers View Your Resume • Visually • Scanning Software

Resume Scanning Software • Types of organizations • • Fortune 500 Large organizations Sophisticated HR functions Government

Why is it used? • Overwhelmed HR department, cutbacks • Sheer numbers of resumes • Software's impartiality Assume that a digital "eye" will see your resume before any human eye sees it -- if a human eye sees it.

Tips for Passing the Scan • Key phrases • Mention successes and skills early and frequently • Do not worry about too much repetition • Keywords • Do NOT use fancy fonts, symbols, text boxes or try imbedding words

Cover Letters • Always • Overview • Concise

Anatomy of a Cover Letter Introduction • • • Position Where you learned about it Hook the reader in Main Body • 2 – 3 paragraphs • Prove it! • -State Skill • -Give example Conclusion • Thank reader • Show Enthusiasm • Provide contact details

Cover Letters Skills they WANT Skills I HAVE HOW do I have the skills? • Degree (field) • • • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and presentation skills Good computer skills, proficient with MS Office applications Ability to communicate effectively in both official languages is an asset Willingness to travel Experience managing a budget • • • Degree- Dalhousie University Job 1 -Maintained large client database Intensive project management course Team leader, 1 st place Case Competition Certified Microsoft Office or Computer Applications Class Well-travelled , Exchange, Flexible. Previous role

Q&A

Career Services Centre • Drop-in • My. Career. dal. ca • Job postings • Career calendar • Book an appointment 11 River Road Dalhousie University, Truro Campus 893 -7895 rosanne. chapman@dal. ca