Résumé &
Cover Letter
Keys to Writing an Effective Résumé
Do…
• Research the job requirements.
• Target your résumé to a specific occupation or type of job.
• Write your résumé as an advertisement.
• Emphasize your marketable skills and abilities.
• Order your information with your most important qualifications first.
• Keep the information on your résumé current.
• Use solid, round bullets.
• Start your descriptions with active verbs.
• Use a laser printer on non-colored paper.
• Have someone proofread your résumé before sending it.
• Bring a copy of your résumé to Career Services for a critique.
Don’t…
• View the résumé as an autobiography.
• Depend on employers to determine the job for which you qualify.
• Expect employers to spend more than 10 seconds reviewing your résumé at first glance.
• Use complete sentences.
• Use personal pronouns such as “I,” “me,” or “mine.”
• Include negative information.
• Overlook volunteer experience.
• Include personal information beyond your name and how to contact you.
• Be afraid to brag.
• Lie on your résumé.
• Depend on job titles to convey the functions that you performed.
• Depend on spell checker.
• Mail, e-mail or fax a résumé without a cover letter.
• Forget to have the Career Services staff critique your résumé.
Choosing a Résumé Format
Although there is no set format or formula for résumés, there are three types of résumés that are generally used.
Chronological
• The traditional format that organizes your information in reverse chronological order.
• Good for those who have a strong internship and employment history.
• Highlights company names and job titles.
Functional
• Qualifications and skills are organized by function.
• Highlights skills gained in both work and non-work experiences.
• Good if you are entering a field in which you have no direct experience.
Combination
• Combines the other formats to your advantage.
• Helpful to use if the employer wants to see work history and related skills.
• Shows skills that have been gained through work experience.
What to Include in a Résumé
Contact Information
Include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address in the header.
Objective
The objective statement, which is optional, should be a brief explanation of what you want to do and should
specify as closely as possible the type of position, organization, and job function that you want to perform.
Education
List your graduate and undergraduate studies in reverse chronological order. Be sure to include the name and
location of the institution, degree received, major, minor, and graduation date.
Experience
Each position listed should include the company or organization name, city and state location, your title, and
dates of employment. Include full-time, part-time, summer, volunteer, internships, and other active learning
projects in reverse chronological order. Use action verbs to describe your duties and focus on the functions that
you performed. When appropriate, quantify your duties (e.g., Exceeded sales quota by at least 60% each month).
Other Categories
Because each person has diverse experiences and strengths, there are many different categories that can be
included in a résumé. The categories and order of content should be determined by their strength in marketing
yourself to employers. The following is a suggested, although not exhaustive, list of additional categories to
consider.
• Activities
• Honors
• Volunteer Work/Community Service
• Projects
• Skills (including certifications, computer, and foreign languages)
• Athletics
• Publications
• Overseas Experience
References
It is best to have references listed on a separate sheet from the résumé. Include your name and the references’
names, titles, organizations and contact information. Be sure to ask references to serve in that capacity before
listing them and provide them with a job description, if available. It is not necessary to include “References
available upon request” or a similar phrase on the résumé.
Active Verbs
Try to use active verbs to grab the attention of the reader. Some example active verbs are listed below.
Acted
Activated
Adapted
Addressed
Administered
Adopted
Advertised
Advised
Aligned
Analyzed
Anticipated
Applied
Appraised
Arbitrated
Arranged
Assembled
Assessed
Attained
Attended
Audited
Budgeted
Built
Calculated
Catalogued
Chaired
Changed
Chartered
Classified
Coached
Collected
Communicated
Compiled
Completed
Composed
Computed
Conceptualized
Conducted
Conserved
Consolidated
Constructed
Consulted
Coordinated
Corresponded
Created
Critiqued
Delegated
Delivered
Demonstrated
Designed
Detailed
Detected
Determined
Developed
Devised
Diagnosed
Directed
Discovered
Dispensed
Displayed
Dissected
Distributed
Diverted
Drafted
Dramatized
Drew
Drove
Edited
Educated
Eliminated
Enforced
Enlarged
Entertained
Established
Estimated
Evaluated
Examined
Exhibited
Expanded
Expedited
Explained
Expressed
Extracted
Facilitated
Familiarized
Filed
Generated
Governed
Guided
Handled
Headed
Helped
Hired
Identified
Illustrated
Implemented
Improved
Improvised
Increased
Indexed
Influenced
Informed
Initiated
Innovated
Inspected
Inspired
Installed
Instituted
Instructed
Instrumented
Integrated
Interpreted
Interviewed
Introduced
Invented
Inventoried
Investigated
Judged
Lectured
Led
Located
Maintained
Managed
Mapped
Marketed
Measured
Mediated
Mentored
Modeled
Modified
Monitored
Negotiated
Observed
Organized
Oversaw
Painted
Participated
Perfected
Performed
Persuaded
Piloted
Pioneered
Planned
Played
Predicted
Prepared
Presented
Preserved
Presided
Processed
Produced
Programmed
Projected
Promoted
Proposed
Protected
Publicized
Purchased
Quoted
Raised
Reasoned
Recommended
Reconciled
Recorded
Recruited
Reduced
Referred
Rehabilitated
Rendered
Reorganized
Repaired
Replaced
Reported
Represented
Revised
Rewrote
Saved
Scheduled
Selected
Served
Shaped
Simplified
Sold
Solved
Sorted
Sparked
Specified
Spoke
Stimulated
Streamlined
Strengthened
Studied
Suggested
Summarized
Supervised
Supplied
Supported
Surveyed
Tabulated
Talked
Taught
Tended
Timed
Trained
Transcribed
Transferred
Translated
Transmitted
Treated
Tutored
Unified
Updated
Upgraded
Wrote
Printing the Résumé
When you are ready to print your résumé, be conscious of the following things.
• A positive first impression is crucial. Make sure your résumé is attractive to look at, easy to read, wellorganized, and professional.
• Use the same paper for the cover letter that was used for the résumé. Stick with white or other noncolored paper (beige, gray) for the résumé.
• Résumés and cover letters should be printed on a high quality printer.
• Do not fold or staple the résumé. Place it in a large envelope with your cover letter.
Scannable Résumés
A substantial number of companies in the United States use scanners to input résumés into a database. These
résumés will not be read by a person prior to being scanned so keep the following in mind.
• Scanners pay attention to key words, especially industry terminology found in the job description.
• Use only white paper.
• Make sure your name is at the top of each page.
• Scanners cannot read lines, borders, multiple columns, italics, or underlining.
• Stick with simple fonts like Times New Roman or Courier, and keep the font size between 10 and 14.
• Use bullets and abbreviations minimally.
Electronic Submission
Many companies today request that résumés be sent to them electronically. Follow the company’s instructions
regarding the submission process. If the company’s preferences are not stated, submit your cover letter as the
body of the e-mail and make the résumé document the attachment. Ask the reader to let you know if they are
unable to open your attachment.
Quick Résumé Tips
• Proofread.
• Be consistent throughout the résumé. Make sure that dates are written in the same format and that your
sections and fonts are consistent.
• Unnecessary spaces or bullets that are not lined up are a distraction. Make sure that the résumé has a
clean appearance.
• Be proud of your accomplishments and show them off. The résumé is your time to shine.
Cover Letters
Every résumé that you mail, e-mail, or fax should be accompanied by a cover letter. This formal letter states the
position for which you are applying and expands on your most important qualifications.
Format and Content
Cover letters should be one page in length and three to four paragraphs long. They should be written in
professional business format and printed on the same paper as the résumé.
Cover letters are not form letters. They should be targeted to each position and should address the specific
employer’s qualifications. Cover letters are also more effective when addressed to an actual person rather than
“Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Find out the name and title of the person who should
receive your résumé and cover letter.
The heading of the letter should include your return address, the date, the person you are sending the letter to,
and the business address. That will be followed up by a proper salutation (e.g., Dear Mr. Jones).
In the first paragraph of the letter, you should clearly identify the position for which you are applying. If you
are answering an ad or a job posting, state where you heard about the opening. If someone referred you to the
position, mention that person’s name. If you do not know whether the employer has an opening, indicate the
type of position you are seeking.
The second and third paragraphs of the letter serve as your outlet to explain your qualifications and why you are
interested in the position and the company. Do not repeat your résumé; rather, highlight specific examples of
your experience and tell how they qualify you for the position.
In the last paragraph, ask the employer to follow-up by contacting you to schedule an interview or state that you
will contact the employer to request an interview.
At the end, you must include a signature block. Be sure to sign the letter before it is mailed or faxed.
Quick Cover Letter Tips
• Proofread. Incorrect spelling and bad grammar leave a negative impression.
• This is an advertisement for you. Tell them how you can contribute to the company.
• Do your homework on the company. Use the letter to show the reader your knowledge of the
organization in the context of why you want the job.
Other Job Search Letters
Thank You Letters
Thank you letters should always be sent to individuals who have provided assistance whether in the form of
information, advice, referrals, or an actual job interview. Not only do they say something positive about you, but
they show that you respect the individual and appreciate the time spent with you.
Sending a thank you letter within 24 hours of your interview will set you apart from the candidates who fail to do
so. It will also give you the opportunity to reiterate any of your qualifications or provide additional information
that was requested during the interview.
Sometimes you will meet with groups of people during your interview. If it is not possible to write to each
person individually, it is acceptable to send a thank you letter to your host and ask them to extend your
appreciation to the entire group.
Thank you letters can be typed or handwritten. If all of your previous communication with the employer has been
through e-mail, then it is acceptable to e-mail your letter. However, it is always preferable to send thank you
letters through the regular mail, doing so will make you stand out from other interviewees.
Acceptance Letters
Many companies will require your acceptance in writing after you are given a verbal job offer. Use this
opportunity to formally accept the offer, confirm the financial terms of the position, and express your excitement
about joining the company.
Withdrawal Letters
Once a job offer has been accepted, it is your ethical duty to inform all other companies that you are considering
(i.e., those you have submitted résumés to and/or interviewed with) about your decision and the withdrawal of
your candidacy. In the letter, be sure to express appreciation for the employer’s consideration.
Rejection Letters
Just as you may receive a rejection letter from a company, you may have to send one as well. Rejection letters
must be carefully worded as you want to be sure not to burn bridges. Simply tell the employer of your plans,
although you do not need to explain why you accepted another position or why you are declining the offer.
Thank the employer for the offer and the consideration.
BNSF Railway Career Center
Jarvis Hall / 817-257-2222
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Alcon Career Center
Dan Rogers Hall, Room 140 / 817-257-5572
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
www.careers.tcu.edu
Sample Résumé – Chronological
Karen A. Graduate
Current Address:
TCU Box 348624
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 555-1982
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE
Desire a position as a Market Research Assistant
EDUCATION
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2009
Marketing, Major GPA: 3.7 Overall GPA: 3.5
HONORS RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
OTHER
EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES
COMMUNITY SERVICE
•
•
•
•
Permanent Address:
4410 Locust
Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 555-7843
Delta Sigma Pi Business Honor Society
Order of Omega National Honor Society
Francis R. Copeland Scholarship
TCU Scholar
MAIN STREET ARTS FESTIVAL
Promotions Intern
• Collaborate with producer to coordinate vendors and entertainers for the event
• Negotiate contracts with entertainers
• Communicate with corporate sponsors about supporting the event
• Organize volunteer and staff schedules
KAPPA TAU OMEGA SORORITY
President
• Established goals and measures for sorority activities
• Created incentive programs to encourage excellence
• Led all sorority meetings
• Appointed committees and ensured compliance with policies
EAT-EM-UP GROCERY STORE
Assistant Bookkeeper
• Recorded and balanced financial records
• Managed payroll accounts
TCU Frog Fit Program, Aerobics Instructor, Aug. 2005 – Present
SuperFit Health Club, Aerobics Instructor, May 2005 – Jan. 2008
Union Junior High School, Cheerleading Coach, Summers 2004 – 2007
• PRISM Leadership Program
• Student Foundation
• American Marketing Association
Fort Worth Zoo Special Events Volunteer
Harris Methodist Hospital Volunteer
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
Fort Worth, TX
Dec. 2007 – Present
Fort Worth, TX
Aug. 2007 – May 2008
Tulsa, OK
Summers 2006, 2007
Sample Résumé – Functional
Karen A. Graduate
315 Peabody Street, Apt. 14
Fort Worth, Texas 76137
(817) 555-7843
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE
Desire a position as an Account Executive in an Advertising Agency
EDUCATION
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2009
Marketing, Major GPA: 3.7 Overall GPA: 3.5
QUALIFICATIONS
Marketing Skills
• Raised funds for city-wide event by soliciting support from local corporations
• Designed and distributed promotion materials for special events
• Promoted campus fitness program to students, faculty and staff
Organization Skills
• Planned schedules of large volunteer staff for city-wide event
• Balanced financial records and managed payroll for medium sized grocery store
• Coordinated activities of 10 chairpersons and 5 committees for sorority
Communication Skills
• Taught exercise classes at local health club and on campus
• Made presentations to large groups of prospective students
• Led campus tours for visitors
EXPERIENCE
Promotions Intern, Main Street Arts Festival, 2007 – Present
Aerobics Instructor, TCU Frog Fit Program, 2004 – Present
Assistant Bookkeeper, Eat-Em-Up Grocery Store, Summers 2006 – 2007
Aerobics Instructor, SuperFit Health Club, 2005 – 2008
Cheerleading Coach, Union Junior High, Summers 2004 – 2007
ACTIVITIES
Kappa Tau Omega National Sorority – President
Student Foundation
Fort Worth Zoo Special Events Volunteer
American Marketing Association
Sample Résumé – Targeted
Karen A. Graduate
Current Address:
TCU Box 348624
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 555-1982
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE
A position as a Fitness Instructor
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
VOLUNTEER
Harris Methodist Hospital, Cardiovascular Unit
• Assess individuals health risk appraisal
• Record blood pressure measurements
Oct. 2006 – Present
Fort Worth, TX
AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR
TCU Frog Fit Program
• Identify safe and effective exercises for all major muscle groups
• Teach weekly step aerobics classes for students, faculty and staff
Aug. 2005 – Present
Fort Worth, TX
PRESIDENT
Aug. 2007 – May 2008
Kappa Tau Omega National Sorority
Fort Worth, TX
• Established wellness program that included individual goals and incentives
• Led all programs and activities
AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR
SuperFit Health Club
• Taught aerobics classes for health club members of all ages
• Worked with members individually on improving personal fitness
May 2005 – Jan. 2008
Fort Worth, TX
CHEERLEADING COACH
Union Middle School
• Trained squad of 12 girls in tumbling and cheers
• Choreographed and taught dance routines
• Judged city-wide cheerleading competition
Summers 2004 – 2007
Tulsa, OK
Permanent Address:
4410 Locust
Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 555-7843
OTHER
WORK
ACTIVITIES
& HONORS
Main Street Arts Festival, Promotions Intern, Dec. 2007 – Present
Eat-Em-Up Grocery Store, Assistant Bookkeeper, Summers 2006 – 2007
EDUCATION
Delta Sigma Pi Honor Society
Golden Key National Honor Society
TCU Outstanding Leadership Award
American Marketing Association Habitat for Humanity Volunteer TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2009
Marketing, Major GPA: 3.7 Overall GPA 3.5
Kappa Tau Omega Sorority
PRISM Leadership Program
Student Foundation
TCU Ambassadors
Fort Worth Zoo Volunteer
Sample Cover Letter
315 Peabody Street #14
Fort Worth, TX 76137
September 18, 2009
Virginia M. Cooper, Marketing Director
Fitness Initiative Health Center
202 Cunningham Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75000
Dear Ms. Cooper:
Please accept this letter and enclosed résumé as my application for your Public Relations Specialist
position as posted on FrogJobs. The job description is a great fit with my background and interests. In
addition to a degree in marketing and an internship in public relations, I have experience working in a
health club setting.
My internship with the Main Street Arts Festival involved contacting local corporations and soliciting
support for the event as well as negotiating contracts with entertainers. Through this experience, I was
able to enhance my skills in persuasion and negotiation. In addition to these important communication
skills, I have honed my public speaking ability through teaching aerobics classes, coaching cheerleading
squads and providing campus tours for TCU visitors.
As an aerobics instructor, I am familiar with the health and fitness center setting. My experience has
allowed me to work with individuals and groups to assess health care needs. This experience and my
strong communication skills will be valuable assets in the position of Public Relations Specialist for
Fitness Initiative Health Center.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I will contact you next week to make sure that you received
my résumé and set up a time for an interview. If you need to contact me before then, you can reach me at
(817) 555-3456. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Karen A. Graduate
Sample Résumé
John Doe
12345 Avenue A * Fort Worth, TX 76129 * 817-555-1234 * [email protected]
Education
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of Arts, English and Political Science, May 2009
GPA: 3.25
TCU London Centre, London, England
Attended classes and experienced the culture during six week study abroad program, Summer 2008
Leadership Experience
Alpha Beta Gamma Fraternity
Vice President, January 2008 – Present
• Organize venues, security, transportation, and budget for all social events
• Manage $100,000 annual budget
• Supervise fraternity operations and make important decisions on chapter matters
Alumni Relations Chair, January 2007 – January 2008
• Planned alumni events to improve relationships between chapter and local alums
• Created an online alumni networking database in which over 100 people registered
New Student Programs
Orientation Student Assistant, Summer 2008
• Interacted with new students and their families
• Guided first year students to complete course schedules and explained policies of the University
Frog Camp Facilitator, Summer 2007
• Mentored incoming students in a camp setting
• Collaborated with a team to facilitate activities and help new students transition into college setting
Work Experience
Office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Washington D.C.
Intern, Summer 2007
• Performed research on legislative issues
• Responded to constituent correspondence and conducted tours for visitors
• Partnered with press secretary to write press releases and important memos
ABC Exterminators, Palo Alto, CA
Office Assistant, Summers 2005, 2006
• Provided administrative support to 8 staff members
• Distributed paychecks and made deposits in a timely manner
Honors
Skills
Alpha Beta Gamma Member of the Year, 2008
Dean’s List
Sam Smith Scholarship
Proficient in Spanish
Microsoft Office, HTML, Pagemaker
Sample Cover Letter
12345 Avenue A
Fort Worth, TX 76129
March 23, 2007
Ms. Susan Jones
Internship Coordinator
Acme Group
10987 Alpha Road
Dallas, TX 75000
Dear Ms. Jones:
This letter is to inquire about internship opportunities with Acme Group. Recently your colleague, Bob
Williams, spoke to my political science class. My conversation with him sparked my interest in applying
for one of your internships in international relations. Based on my varied background and career interests,
I am a perfect fit for this position.
Last summer, I lived in Washington D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill as an intern in Senator Feinstein’s
office. The experience allowed me to develop excellent communication skills and interact with
constituents and government leaders. I provided tours to visitors, contacted individuals on the phone,
provided assistance in person, and drafted printed and electronic correspondences. Along with my other
responsibilities, I assisted the press secretary to write press releases and accompanied him into important
meetings.
In addition to my experience working on Capitol Hill, my other positions have also prepared me for this
internship. As an office assistant, I relied on my ability to multi-task to meet the needs of a busy office
and complete tasks in a timely manner. Furthermore, I am self-motivated and focused. This summer, I
was selected to be an Orientation Student Assistant. This opportunity will allow me to work closely with
all incoming TCU students and prepare them for school in the fall. In addition, during the break between
orientation sessions, I am participating in a six week study abroad program in London.
As you can tell, I take advantage of many opportunities and have enjoyed many different experiences
that would be an asset to your company. You would get a hard worker, a quick learner, and someone
excited to take on new challenges. Your internship combines my two passions, international politics and
communication, along with merging the two to create the perfect career.
I am looking forward to speaking with you further about internship opportunities for the fall. Please
let me know if you have any questions about my qualifications. I am free to meet with you at your
convenience.
Sincerely,
John Doe