The Career Step Series
Lundquist College Career Services Resume Development Presents The Career Step Series Step 2: Resume and Cover Letter Purpose of Resume • Create a favorable first impression • Make a match between your qualifications and the needs of the employer • Display skills, talents, abilities, and experience Characteristics of a Strong Resume • Organized and visually pleasing • Clear and concise in presenting your experience • Tailored to specific position, industry, and organization • Technically correct in grammar, spelling, and punctuation Resume Writing Tips • Use specific action verbs (see the last 2 pages of this book) • Be consistent with past tense • Use concise phrases • Proofread!! Most employers spend 20-30 seconds scanning a resume in order to determine if it’s worth a second look. Make it easy for them to find what they’re looking for! Step 5 – Job Offers Step 4 – Interviewing Step 3 – The Job Search Writing effective bullet points Go beyond merely describing your “duties” – instead of listing tasks, focus on outcomes. Constantly ask yourself WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW when writing about your experience. 1) 2) Step 2 – Resume / Cover Letter Step 1 – Self Assessment 3) 4) Select one of the work experiences that will be included in your resume Decide the skill words (action verbs) that best describe the experience Identify the demonstrated outcomes of the activity Get specific - who, what, when, why, where, and how Example: Task - “put the food supplies out for workers” Organized - what did you organize? For whom? Why? How? Organized employees’ food supplies...For what reason? Organized food supplies to increase access...When? How? Organized food supplies to increase access for busy employees during peak business hours. Use the same header for your other application materials Resume Template Resume Example NAME Address • City, State Zip Code • Phone • Email OBJECTIVE (Optional) Should tell employer what kind of job you are looking for and highlight what you offer. Example: • Product Marketing Analysis position in the consumer products industry that will utilize my research and problem solving skills PERSONAL STRENGTHS / ACHIEVEMENTS or SKILLS SUMMARY (Optional) This section typically appears at the top of the resume as an introduction and makes assertions about your abilities, qualities and achievements. Present only skills or accomplishments that are relevant to your reader. Example: • Strong analytical problem solving and market research skills • Demonstrated initiative and self motivation – financed 50% of education • Strong cross-cultural communication skills obtained through extensive international travel and study in Central America JULIE SMITH 125 Broadway Street • Eugene, OR 97403 • 541-555-5834 • [email protected] EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Expected June 2012 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR Charles H. Lundquist College of Business Concentration in Finance, Minor in Economics Cumulative GPA: 3.6, Finance GPA: 3.85 COURSE HIGHLIGHTS Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Economic Foundations of Competitive Analysis, Introduction to Business, Introduction to Psychology, Spanish (3 years) EXPERIENCE Resident Assistant, September 2009-Present University Housing-University of Oregon, Eugene, OR • Mentored, supported, and advised first-year college students which contributed to high retention rates • Arranged quarterly educational and social programs for more than 80 students to build sense of community • Interpreted and enforced university policies and procedures EDUCATION (Required) Simple presentation - Lead with degree, institution and include date of completion. If you have more than one degree, list in reverse chronological order. Example: Bachelor of Science in Accounting, June 2009 Lundquist College of Business, University of Oregon • GPA = 3.2 Communications Volunteer, June-September 2010 Boys and Girls Club, Eugene, OR • Maintained MS Access database of club participants’ visits and usage of the facilities • Coordinated media packets and proofread press releases • Assisted the Communications Director in her daily activities and on projects • Filed, answered phones and greeted visitors GPA is required for Accounting and Finance positions. Otherwise, if it is above 3.0, it wouldn’t hurt to include it. EXPERIENCE (Required) Should reflect strengths, accomplishments or achievements. Back up your assertions with evidence. • Present most relevant information first • All verb tenses should agree (past tense is the standard convention) • Format sparingly for greatest impact • Experience can include volunteer and co-curricular activities as well as paid jobs • Communicate using current industry terms, but avoid jargon and opaque abbreviations • Use percentages and number details to add magnitude: “Which resulted in a 30% membership increase,” or “Planned training program for 35 participants” Example: Nordstrom, San Francisco CA (Summers 2009-10) Salesperson/Management Intern • Earned 2010 top sales associate award for customer service during summer sales season • Researched market trends for retail sales, presented findings to top management INTERESTS or ACTIVITIES (Optional) List hobbies, interests, volunteer work, club membership, etc. to show diversity or another skill area related to your career goal. This area may also include travel experience. Try to avoid controversial topics. REFERENCES Not generally included in a resume - no need for the phrase “available upon request” Cashier, July 2005-August 2009 Albertsons, Eugene, OR • Handled cash in excess of $5,000 and reconciled receipts daily • Provided fast and friendly service enhancing customers’ shopping experience • Responded to customer concerns and directed questions as needed • Organized promotional displays for highlighted products on special SKILLS Fluent Spanish, Conversational French, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), MS FrontPage ACTIVITIES • UO Investment Group-Member, September 2010-Present • Women in Business Club, September 2009-Present • Food for Lane County-Kitchen Assistant, January-July 2008 INTERESTS Hiking, music, traveling, snowboarding Resume Example Developing a Strong Cover Letter Purpose of cover letter • Accompanies your resume to identify your reason for writing the employer • Shows how your previous activities, skills and experiences lead to the job and organization you’re applying for Paul Chavez 180 E. 24th Apt. 2 Eugene, OR 97405 541-555-2102 [email protected] OBJECTIVE Product Marketing Analysis position in the consumer fitness products industry that will utilize my research, analysis and communication skills PERSONAL STRENGTHS/ACHIEVEMENTS • Strong analytical problem solving and market research skills • Excellent communication skills – writing, presenting, training Characteristics of a strong cover letter • Targeted to specific employer and job • Organized and visually pleasing • Clear and concise in articulating skills and interests • Key points are structured within focused paragraphs • Introduction and conclusion sentences are effective in transitioning between ideas and between paragraphs • Use active and positive tone: Instead of would or could, use will or can - Bad: I would appreciate the chance for an interview - Good: I look forward to meeting with you...” EDUCATION University of Oregon, Eugene, OR Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Sports Business and Entrepreneurship Concentrations Spanish Minor Expected March 2012 Portland Community College, Portland OR Associate of Arts - Oregon Transfer June 2010 EXPERIENCE American Marketing Association, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR New Member Committee Chair May 2010-May 2011 • Identified marketing venues to attract new members, resulting in a 5% membership increase • Collaborated with committee members to plan and implement welcoming programs for new members resulting in greater participation of new members on committees • Developed marketing plan for future membership drives JCPenney, Portland, OR Marketing Intern/Sales Associate December 2009-August 2010 • Researched market trends for retail sales, presented findings to top management • Communicated closely with managers, staff, and customers to ensure tasks were completed and customer satisfaction goals were met • Assisted manager with scheduling and payroll tasks • Earned top sales associate award for exceptional customer service during summer sales season, 2009 INTERESTS Distance running, soccer, softball, other team sports, Latin culture and literature Use specific examples to illustrate your skills • Establish a SITUATION. “We were short staffed and had a three month backlog in filling orders.” • Describe the ACTION you took. “I developed a spreadsheet that helped us track order dates and parts status.” • Reveal the RESULTS of your efforts. “Within 20 days the backlog was eliminated.” How do I know what skills an employer is looking for? Conduct informational interviews with the organization, other companies in that industry, and/or people in that career (see “Step 3: Job Search” booklet). Scrutinize the job description for key words and incorporate them into your application materials. Example: Each year we look for enthusiastic individuals to help us produce and market Rose Festival events. We're looking for people who are interested in gaining valuable learning experiences in a fast-paced environment. • Manage the implementation of float sponsor benefits • Manage effective communication between sponsors and event managers • Assist with coordination of sponsor hospitality functions • Provide on-site marketing support at Rose Festival events • Aid in strategic marketing planning for the 2011 Rose Festival Cover Letter Content Brainstorm Worksheet Step 1 Identify 2-3 skills or characteristics in which you really excel (see “Step 1: Self Assessment” booklet) and which the employer is looking for. 1) 2) 3) Step 2 Write possible cover letter body paragraphs. Theme 1: Tell the best story (example) from your experience that supports your claim. Include the Situation, Action, and Result. Connect this skill/characteristic with the job you’re applying for: Repeat Step 2 until you feel you’ve made your best possible case. Step 3 Write introduction and conclusion paragraphs. The introduction and conclusion should emphasize what interests you about this job or company. They should also preview (intro) and recap (conclusion) the main themes of your letter. Cover Letter Template Use the same header as your resume Name Street Address • City, State Zip Phone # • Email address ½” margins minimum – preferably 1” Date Contact name Title Company name Address City, State Zip Try to find a name. If desperate, use “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Search Committee” Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name: Introductory Paragraph: • Specify why you are writing • Identify the individual(s) who referred you • Note a previous point of contact, if applicable • Provide an overview of your letter “I am writing to apply for the position of...with...company as advertised in...My (theme 1) and (theme 2) make me a strong candidate for the (job title) position.” Body Paragraphs: • Elaborate on your strengths as they relate to needs of the employer • Provide specific examples demonstrating your knowledge and experience • Close paragraph with conclusion sentence focused on how skill will impact employer. Example: My previous work experience has allowed me to develop my communications and customer service skills. During the past two summers I conducted marketing research for InvoTech, a company specializing in computer games. I surveyed over 50 retailers regarding their customers’ online purchasing activity and analyzed the data for patterns and preferences. Now I am looking to utilize this experience by helping your company improve communication with retailers and assisting them with evaluating e-commerce possibilities for computer-based entertainment. Conclusion Paragraph: • Reiterate your interest in the position with the organization • Identify next steps “I am extremely excited about the position of ___with ___ company and look forward to beginning the interview process. Proactive: “I will contact you the week of ___ to discuss my application and to learn about your recruiting procedures.” -orReactive: “I look forward to hearing from you soon.” Sincerely, Signature Typed name below Use a font that is easy to read (Times or Arial) 10-12 point size for body and 14-18 for name Cover Letter Example JULIE SMITH 125 Broadway Street • Eugene, OR 97403 • 541-555-5834 • [email protected] Cover Letter Example Joan Oakley 7 Apple Court • Eugene, OR 97401 • 503-555-0303 • [email protected] November 17, 2010 Ms. Lauren Leichtman Founding Principal Levine Leichtman Capital Partners 335 N Maple Drive, Suite 240 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Request for an Informational Interview Dear Ms. Leichtman: At a recent alumni event, I had the great pleasure of talking to Mr. Jeff Phillips, Financial Analyst, from your office. During our conversation, he mentioned that several analysts had backgrounds similar to mine and he strongly encouraged me to contact you to learn more about the field of financial analysis. I am completing my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and minor in Economics at the University of Oregon in June 2011. In addition to my business education, I have been a part of the University of Oregon Investment Group (UOIG) for over one year. The UOIG is a student club in which we invest more than $750,000 real dollars in the stock market. Since its inception in 2002, the Tall Firs Portfolio has returned 56.21%, compared to the benchmark return of 34.40%. I really enjoy immersing myself in the finances of a particular company and industry and determining whether or not we should invest in it. This experience has made it clear to me that I have a strong interest and aptitude for financial analysis and I’m hoping that you can help me get a better sense of what it is like to work in this industry. If you are able to talk with me for 30-45 minutes, I hope to learn about your experiences and career path. In particular, I am interested in your experience as a businesswoman in a field that is highly male dominated and how you started your own firm. I would also appreciate the opportunity to hear your insight about how my education and work experience could be a good fit with the position of financial analyst and advice about positioning myself to be a strong candidate for future employers. I will call you the week of November 28 to arrange a time for us to meet. I look forward to talking with you soon. Sincerely, Julie Smith Julie Smith July 6, 2011 Mr. Archie Weatherby California Investments, Inc. 25 Sacramento Street San Francisco, CA 94102 Use this format when sending a hard-copy letter. When emailing, you can either send your cover letter as an attachment, or as the body of your email. If you send it in the body, you do not need the formal letter heading at the top Dear Mr. Weatherby, I’m writing to apply for the insurance broker position with California Investments, Inc. I am looking to start a career in sales, and I was drawn to your company because of your employee development programs and opportunities for career growth. My ability to connect with clients and produce results makes me a strong candidate. In each of my many sales positions—radio ad sales, newspaper subscription sales, and bartending—I have developed a loyal client base. In radio ad sales, I took the time to understand each client’s advertising needs and helped them find ad slots that would connect best with their target customers. Because I helped them identify and achieve their goals, I had the highest referral rate of any of the sales force. Insurance sales is also based on identifying and reaching client goals and client referrals. I’m confident I will be similarly successful in that field. Ultimately, however, client relationships aren’t valuable unless they can be translated to sales. When I was selling newspaper subscriptions to college students, I quickly learned how to adapt my pitch to their needs. Even at a time when “print is dying,” especially in the college-aged demographic, I was able to increase my new subscribers by at least 20% each quarter. I will be in California at the end of this month, and I would like very much to talk with you about my ability to build fruitful relationships and a potential broker position. I will follow up this letter with a phone call to arrange a time to meet. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Joan Oakley Joan Oakley Job Search Action Verb List for Resume ACHIEVEMENT Advanced Assured Bolstered Eliminated Encourage Enhanced Expanded Facilitated Fostered Generated Guaranteed Identified Improved Increased Inspired Mastered Maximized Motivated Obtained Overcame Promoted Reduced Restored Stimulated Strengthened Upgraded ANALYSIS & PROBLEM SOLVING Abstracted Analyzed Appraised Briefed Clarified Compared Computed Correlated Critiqued Debated Defined Determined Diagnosed Dissected Evaluated Examined Identified Interviewed Investigated Judged Maintained Mapped Monitored Observed Perceived Ranked Read Reasoned Related Researched Reviewed Screened Scanned Solved Studied Summarized Surveyed Synthesized Verified Visualized ASSISTANCE Advised Assisted Bolstered Collaborated Contributed Consulted Cooperated Enlisted Facilitated Fostered Helped Participated Referred Served Strengthened Supported Sustained COMMUNICATION Addressed Advertised Answered Briefed Communicated Corresponded Debated Explained Expressed Facilitated Interpreted Interviewed Lectured Listened Narrated Prepared Presented Publicized Recorded Responded Spoke Wrote CREATION & DEVELOPMENT Acted Adapted Authored Bolstered Built Charged Clarified Composed Conceived Corrected Created Designed Developed Devised Discovered Drafted Eliminated Established Expanded Expedited Initiated Innovated Instituted Integrated Introduced Invented Launched Modified Originated Perceived Performed Planned Prioritized Produced Promoted Proposed Recommended Reduced Restored Refined Revamped Set Shaped Simplified Solved Styled Streamlined Substituted Visualized NEGOTIATION Advised Advocated Arbitrated Bargained Expedited Facilitated Lobbied Mediated Merged Motivated Negotiated Persuaded Promoted Reconciled Solved OPERATIONS Adjusted Adapted Bolstered Clarified Corrected Eliminated Expedited Facilitated Fixed Implemented Installed Performed Prepared Prioritized Produced Programmed Promoted Ran Reduced Repaired Serviced Set Transported Upheld Used Utilized ORGANIZATION Accumulated Arranged Assembled Built Catalogued Clarified Classified Coordinated Correlated Detailed Developed Facilitated Filed Gathered Graphed Identified Inspected Located Maintained Mapped Met (deadlines) Methodized Obtained Organized Planned Prioritized Processed Programmed Reorganized Reproduced Retrieved Revamped Revised Scheduled Set Simplified Solved Streamlined Structured Synthesized Systemized Updated PERSUASION Aided Advertised Auctioned Bolstered Enlisted Facilitated Helped Improved Led Maintained Motivated Negotiated Persuaded Promoted Purchased Raised Recommended Recruited SERVICE Attended Cared Catered Delivered Entertained Facilitated Listened Maintained Prepared Procured Provided Satisfied Served Supplied SUPERVISION & MANAGEMENT Administered Allocated Approved Arranged Assigned Authorized Bolstered Coached Conducted Decided Delegated Directed Dispatched Distributed Educated Encouraged Enforced Evaluated Executed Exercised Expedited Facilitated Fired Followed (through) Hired Implemented Instructed Led Maintained Met (deadlines) Monitored Motivated Organized Oversaw Planned Prepared Regulated Reinforced Responded Retained Reviewed Scheduled Set Supervised Taught Trained TEACHING & COUNSELING Adapted Advised Advocated Aided Assessed Bolstered For Additional Assistance: Career Services Lillis 240 Lundquist College of Business University of Oregon 541‐346‐3301 http://www.lcb.uoregon.edu/career Briefed Cared Charged Clarified Coached Comforted Communicated Conducted Coordinated Demonstrated Educated Empathized Enabled Encouraged Enlightened Guided Helped Implemented Improved Influenced Informed Inspired Interpreted Investigated Observed Perceived Persuaded Restored Saved Shared Solved Spoke Stimulated Strengthened Substituted Supported Sustained Taught Trained Validated
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