Resume and Cover Letters

Employers evaluate resumés quickly. Tailor your resumé to meet their needs. Here are some suggestions to help you focus your edits. They address the issues of form, function, feedback, and electronic resumés.

FORM deals with appearance

• Templates: Avoid resumé wizards and resumé software templates. They are difficult to edit and do not allow you to present information in the most effective format.
• Length: For college students and recent college graduates, use a one-page format.
  Font: Choose a basic, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica in a 10- to 14-point size. Use black ink.
• Paper: Use 8-1/2" by 11"resumé-quality paper in a light color such as white or off-white. Buy envelopes and cover letter paper to match your resumé.
• Spacing: Margins of 0.7 to 1 inch and double spacing between headings improves readability.
• Layout: Use bullets, bold, capitalization, and underlining sparingly to call attention to the most important information. Leave some white space to create an uncluttered look.
• Format: Present information in reverse chronological order (newest experience first). Common headings include:
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Skills
  • Activities
  • Community Service
• Professionalism: Eliminate all typos and misspellings by asking others to proofread your resumé. 

FUNCTION conveys an impression of you that meets the reader's needs

• Image: Decide what image you want your resumé to communicate. Does it show that you are a leader, a team player, an artist, an innovator, a salesperson, or something else?
• Content: Select 3 core qualities that define you and are of importance to the position for which you are applying. Make sure that your resumé focuses on skills and accomplishments that reflect these core qualities.
• Style: Start off sentences with action verbs to convey enthusiasm and achievement.
• Avoid: Do not list your own website if it includes personal information. Never reveal confidential personal data such as social security number, driver's license, or credit card numbers on a resumé.

FEEDBACK allows others to offer ideas for strengthening your resumé

• Sources: Consult Career Services, professors, family, friends, and professionals in your field.
• Review: When you receive feedback, decide if the changes suggested are useful.  

ELECTRONIC resumés and technology

• Email text resumés: If you copy the text of your resumé into the body of an email, use left-hand justified, plain text format. Avoid using tabs, bullets, underlining, bold, and graphics.
• Email attachment resumés: If you email your résumé as an attachment, us your name in the document title. Some employers will not accept attachments because of the danger of viruses.
• Online resumés: Follow the directions on the website where you are submitting the resumé. Directions for online submissions vary widely.
• Scanned resumés: Use key word phrases relevant to the position, employer, and career field. Use capitals, bullets and bold for emphasis. Avoid underlining, graphics and italics.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression. A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resumé. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resumé — and add a personal touch.

Are cover letters necessary?

The increasing popularity of faxed, emailed, and web-based resumés have people wondering if cover letters remain a relevant tool in today's job search. Generally, a cover letter should accompany each resumé. The cover letter allows you to demonstrate your ability to write and offers the first statement of why you feel you should be hired. 

What is the best way to email a cover letter?

If an employer requests that you send your cover letter and resumé via email, you have several alternatives. You can:

1. Send your cover letter and resumé as attachments (e.g., Microsoft Word documents).
2. Copy your cover letter into the body of your email message and attach your resumé.
3. Cut and paste your cover letter and resumé into the body of your email message (which eliminates your formatting).

A portfolio is a portable collection of material that provides graphic evidence of your accomplishments, skills, and abilities — and that documents the scope and quality of your experience and training.

• Start a master portfolio to collect all professional documentation.
• Prepare an internship portfolio according to faculty assignment.
• Develop a customized portfolio to meet a specific goal, such as a job search.

Contents of a master portfolio

• Updated resumé copies
• List of references
• Brochures or web page printouts on your employers / internships / professional affiliations / community service sites
• Complete job descriptions of positions you have held
• Transcripts / SAT scores
• Projects from class, internship work or organizational involvement
• Class papers
• Examples of skills with computer software (e.g., Excel spreadsheets)
• Publicity items such as fliers, ads, news clippings
• Letters, memos, articles
• Project planning lists
• Evaluations
• Letters of recommendation or appreciation
• Duplicate materials as examples

What customized portfolios can be used for

• Providing a competitive edge and visual impact during job interviews
• Reviewing before interviews for reminders of achievements
• Applying for graduate school
• Negotiating raises and promotions
• Marketing your business

Conducting your job search with a customized portfolio

• Determine which skills and qualifications you are seeking to demonstrate.
• Prepare a small, customized portfolio with selected items from your master portfolio.
• Focus on items that relate to the position you are seeking.
• Use a quality binder with clear plastic sheet protectors.
• Use outstanding examples, diverse materials, section tabs, and color (if appropriate).
• Show relevant samples in response to questions if interviewer indicates interest.