Resume and cover letter tips by Leviticus D. Thomas
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Transcript of Resume and cover letter tips by Leviticus D. Thomas
Resume and Cover Letter Tips That Are Sure To Get You Noticed
By Leviticus D. Thomas
Writing a Resume and Cover Letter and don’t know which way to turn? Which direction should you go?
Let us begin this journey with you, the STUDENT!
Take a few moments to jot down some important facts about yourself.
Analyzing your skills, abilities, work history, accomplishments and other aspects can better position you on your road to success. Buckle up!!!
What’s the point in writing a resume?
The fundamental purpose of a resume is to provide a summary of your skills, abilities and accomplishments.
A resume is a quick advertisement of who you are.
A resume provides a "snapshot" of you with the intent of capturing and emphasizing interests and secure you an interview
Do you think any of these teen celebrities ever made use of a resume?
You got that right! You too are someone’s superstar and deserve your very own resume.
It’s time to shine!!! Let’s get started!!!
Before advancing further, here are a few reminders:
Use the present tense of verbs to explain current job duties
Use the past tense when describing past job functions
Avoid using the word “I” in your resume
Limit your resume to one page. Two pages are only acceptable with individuals having a lot of work experience
Resume Paper
Use white or off-white, high quality paper that matches your cover letter paper.
Make your own exceptional template and use a design for your resume that is attractive and easy to edit.
Use 10-12 font size (Ariel, Verdana or Times New Roman).
Reminders continued…
Be sure that buzzwords and keywords for your profession are used in your resume
Include computer skills for instance MS Word, Excel, systems, languages, programs and databases
Create your section titles in CAPITAL LETTERS and bold font
Caution: Speed Bumps Ahead
Avoid using your personal information, such as birth date, marital status, social security or license
Eliminate hobbies or interests section and religion or ethnic background
Its is unnecessary to mention that references are available upon request
Conduct your own spell check and do not rely only on an automatic spell Check. Check for errors manually and have someone proofread your finished product
When interviewing, always carry extra copies of your resume with you
If you are submitting your resume via email, send them as PDF document to minimize formatting issues
Resume Sections
Contact Information
Goal and Objectives
Academic Qualifications
Experience
Extracurricular Activities
References
Contact Information
Contact Information
Goal and Objective
Academic QualificationsExperience
Extracurricular Activities
References
COntact INformation
“COIN”- to make up; invent; fabricate: to coin an expression
• Please DO NOT give any false contact information.
• Provide accurate and up to date information.
COntact INformationWrite your name in bold with a text size slightly
larger than the body of the resume
Do not make larger or bold your contact information (mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address)
Mention your two word name for easier name recognition
Provide only one telephone number along with your email address at the top of your resume below your name and address
Goal and Objective
Contact Information
Goal and Objective
Academic QualificationsExperience
Extracurricular Activities
References
Goal and Objective
Objectives for internships might point out that you desire to improve your skills
Objectives for experienced individuals must state the skills you will bring to the company
Academic Qualifications
Contact Information
Goal and Objective
Academic QualificationsExperience
Extracurricular Activities
References
Academic Qualifications
Include a Profile or Summary of Qualifications after your objective. It may contain 4-6 bullets or phrases highlighting the relevant skills and traits
List your GPA only if it is 3.0 or higher
List any awards and scholarships toward the
bottom of the page of your resume
Experience
Contact Information
Goal and Objective
Academic QualificationsExperience
Extracurricular Activities
References
EXPERIENCE
Results achieved by students should be made very clear.
Do not simply list task and duties.
List everything (work history, certifications, internships, and other activities) in reverse chronological order with your last job mentioned first.
Extracurricular Activities
Contact Information
Goal and Objective
Academic QualificationsExperience
Extracurricular Activities
References
Extracurricular Activities
Include your Extracurricular Activities
Your accomplishments outside of the classroom really do matter.
A team spirit, determination, commitment and strong work ethic will help prepare you for future challenges.
References
Contact Information
Goal and Objective
Academic QualificationsExperience
Extracurricular Activities
References
References
Students should compile a list of professional and personal referencesA complete list of names and addresses, including phone numbers should be providedIf students have little to no work history, a teacher or coach, etc may be of some supportStudents should not overlook volunteer experience as well and can request a reference from this source also
Cover Letter• Cover letter is a summary of your resume
• Avoid redundancy within your cover letter
• Cover letter should not exceed one page in length
• Use white or off-white paper that matches resume paper
• High quality paper, 8.5” x 11”
• Send your letter in a manila envelope to keep away from folding
• Cover letters sent via email do not require headings and addresses
• Remember to sign your letters right above your typed name
• If you have enclosed a resume, references or transcript etc. type “Encl” after two lines of your signature and name
• Use a laser printer for best results
Finish LineYou should be encouraged and inspired to create resumes and write cover letters that will maximize your potential in getting an interview, not to mention it is a wonderful platform to convey your interests. The process in itself can be a bit tedious at times, but it is well worth the investment. No matter where you are in life, stay in the race and you are destined to make it to the FINISH LINE toward your successful career!!! BEST WISHES TO YOU ONE AND ALL!!!