Resumes and Letters
Arts & Sciences Resume Info Packet with
samples
Engineering Resume Info Packet with
samples
What is a resume?
Specialized Resume Samples
Career Services Online Resume Workshop
What is a CV?
What is a Resume?
The purpose of the resume is to summarize for
employers the key elements of your background. Keep in
mind that a good resume alone won't get you a job;
however, it can help you get an interview and influence
an employer's perception of your skills and potential
for a particular kind of work.
Specialized Resume Samples
What is a CV?
A CV is a curriculum vitae or vita, and is used to
detail your academic credentials and your experiences.
Preferred in academic settings, it is usually longer and
more detailed than a resume. The following links are
excellent resources for developing a CV, transforming a
CV into a resume and also academic and non-academic
cover letters.
Students often say that cover letters mystify them.
Where do I begin? What do employers what to know? How
can I show that I’m really interested?
Your resume offers a big picture of you: education,
experience, activities, skills. Your cover letter
includes only certain aspects -- the ones that matter to
an employer. For best results, match your skills and
knowledge to an employer’s needs. The most effective
cover letter answers the question, “How do I meet the
employer’s requirements for this position?”
You may have one or two versions of your resume;
however, you should customize your cover letter for each
position.
Cover Letters: Do They Really
Make A Difference?
Employers want to hire individuals who can
communicate well, whether speaking or writing. They say
this consistently in an annual survey conducted by the
National Association of
Colleges and Employers. In fact, this year, they
rated communication #1 among the ‘soft skills’ which
they value. Interestingly, they also said in the same
survey that candidates lack these very skills.
What does this mean for you, as you look for jobs and
internships?
Knowing that employers seek skilled communicators, you
can demonstrate this proficiency by crafting powerful
and persuasive cover letters to accompany your resume.
Learn more on this page, do an
online workshop, and bring your letters to Career
Services to get feedback.
How To Get Noticed
- Customize your background for a specific
job - Your letter guides the
reader by summarizing the skills and
experiences relevant to a particular
opportunity.
- Demonstrate your research, writing, and
analytical skills - Your letter allows
you to communicate your knowledge of the employer,
industry, and career field.
- Convey your motivation and
professionalism - Your letter reflects your
personality, enthusiasm, and interest.
A reference sheet contains a list of people that
potential employers and graduate schools can contact to
confirm and elaborate on your professional and academic
experiences. The following tips and samples will
help you create your reference sheet.
- Always ask the person before you list them as a
reference, and make sure they know what to talk
about and that it is positive. Provide them with a
resume and background on the experience or the
situation you shared so they can speak intelligently
about you. Let them know where you are applying.
- Use no more than four references.
- Have at least two employment-related references.
If using faculty, make sure he/she is someone who
knows you and not just a teacher of a favorite
class.
- Use the same color/quality of paper for the
reference sheet as you do for your resume.
- Put your name at the top of the page in case it
gets separated from your resume.
- When you do use a reference that is not clearly
related to jobs and education listed on your resume,
identify that person with a short phrase.
- For many jobs, references will give a verbal
recommendation in a telephone call. Written
recommendations will be asked for as “letters of
recommendation”.
-
Reference Sheet Sample
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Still need some pointers?
These short, 5-minute videos will give you some tips on how to improve your resumes and cover letters. They also include tips from employers on what they look out for in an outstanding resume and CL!
For more information on our CareerSpots videos, visit our
Subscription Web Resources page.
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