Resume

References

The most common approach to references is to indicate that references are "available upon request". This one line entry , rather than the actual list of three or four individuals, will allow you the flexibility to use different people as references for different job opportunities (and thus maximize your networking contacts).

References are expected to be work or employment references rather than personal references. Entry level workers often use teachers unless they have supervisors from part time work, summer jobs or internships. It is required courtesy that you get permission before using someone's name as a reference. It may also be helpful to the reference individual to have a copy of your resume.

To avoid repeated requests to the same person, a general reference could be requested and kept in your personal job search file. This is also advisable when opportunities for repeated contact become limited (eg. at graduation).

When submitting names of references, always give business titles and addresses along with the telephone number. This information can be typed on a second sheet with the same format as the first page of your resume. Be sure to put your name on the second page and indicate it is page 2. Do not staple the pages together.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF DOCUMENTS

While very much a matter of personal taste, the actual appearance of your resume is an important factor. Consider the following parameters when preparing your finished copies.

• Consider the use of bold face, bullets, varying fonts and indentation to draw attention to particular entries. Underlining is not an effective tool in writing a resume.
  
• Use of "white space" is important in creating an impression of neatness and orderliness. Space can be used to isolate important points to which you wish to draw attention.
  
• Consider the use of colored paper; remembering that this is a business correspondence, the colors of ecru, eggshell, champagne, etc. are appropriate. Blue, pink, yellow, green are not. Matching paper for cover letters and envelopes give a rich, impressive tone to your effort.
  
• Resumes should NEVER contain spelling errors. Do not rely on spell check!
  
• Resumes for entry level workers should rarely exceed ONE P AGE in length.
  
• Beware of "cutesy" approaches or highly unusual, creative design. This is a business correspondence. Use your portfolio to illustrate your creative side.

GET FEEDBACK - It is worth the time to have your resume draft critiqued and proofread before reproducing it. You may be undecided about layout format or effective use of headings or descriptions. While everyone's personal taste is different, some improvements might be suggested. Friends, teachers and relatives all make good sounding boards. Career Services staff will also gladly offer suggestions prior to printing. 

THE COVER LETTER or LETTER OF APPLICATION

This letter is your opportunity to connect the general tone and content of your resume to the uniqueness of the position and your ability to fill it. It is your chance to say why you are particularly qualified. Use it to point out the special combination of skill/experiences/interests which might not be readily perceived in the resume. It will assist the reader in coming to the conclusions you want them to reach about your qualifications.

Cover letters are business correspondence and should be set up like business letter. Block format is acceptable. They should be typed.

The cover letter ALWAYS accompanies a resume - even if the resume is hand delivered to the employer's place of business. The only exception is at a Job Fair where your presence serves as the cover letter and, therefore, an individual letter for each employer you speak to at a job fair is unnecessary. Follow-up letters may be more important.

It should be BRIEF, CONCISE and EASY TO READ, like your resume, it will only get seconds of attention. Typically, the cover letter is only 3-4 paragraphs in length.

PARAGRAPH I

How you heard of the opening/company?

What is the particular position in which you are interested?

PARAGRAPH II

Why are you are uniquely qualified?

What is it about you they should particularly know?

What makes you 1 in 100 ! ! ?

PARAGRAPH IIA

If in response to an advertisement you are asked to address salary requirements, an additional paragraph may be appropriate. Salary requirements should always be given in a range ($28,000-$32,000) and should reflect some awareness of what similar positions pay. Also indicate that requirements are negotiable depending on particular job responsibilities and other benefits. DO NOT address the salary issue unless specifically instructed to do so.

PARAGRAPH III (Closing)

What will happen next?

ONE FINAL NOTE: Career Services is available to assist in the cover letter process as well.  Each cover letter may be slightly different, so repeated requests for assistance are understood and welcomed. Students are urged to generate a draft letter and then request assistance.  Feel free to mail, fax or email draft cover letters for review.