Embedded Files
How to write a resume
How to write a resume
Step 1: Understand what a good resume looks like.
A resume and cover letter will often be the first impression you make with a potential employer.
Start by watching this video from Careers The Next Generation. It provides a solid overview of all that you will need to include in your resume and cover letter.
Step 2: Gather your information.
Take some time to make a plan
Ask people who know about your life what you should include in your resume.
Reach out to potential references and people who could edit both your resume and cover letter.
Do research on the place you want to apply, figure out what they are looking for and make sure your resume features all those points.
You should create a unique resume for every position you apply for highlighting what they are looking for.
Step 3: Figure out "how" your going to make your resume.
Generally, people will use a template provided by Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
The advantage of this is that it generally will end up looking clean and professional.
The disadvantage it it might not end up looking unique or stand out.
It is also possible to create your own resume template.
The advantage of this is that it will end up looking unique.
The disadvantage is that it requires more work to ensure it looks professional.
If you choose to use a template make sure it makes you look good.
Don't be afraid to omit or change the sections of the template. Remove or add sections that you think will be important to your potential employer.
Step 4: Fill in your information.
Make sure that everything you include in your resume is accurate! Making your experience sound fancy is okay but lying will get you into trouble.
Keep it simple and be specific. Instead of just saying something "I babysat for my sister for a month", say "Was responsible for looking after two 5-year-old's once a week for two months".
If you don't know or don't remember a detail, leave it out. Don't make it up.
Try to use verbs to describe what YOU did not just what happened.
If you can include numbers that show your work. (For example, if you mowed lawns, include how many, or if you babysat include how often and for how long) .
Step 5: Proofread and edit.
Make sure everything you write makes sense to someone who has never met you.
Make sure your resume looks clean and professional
Make sure your resume does not exceed two pages and is easy to read.
It's wise to get someone to proofread your resume before you send it out.
It can be smart to get someone you would use as a reference to proofread your resume as they will then have a better idea of what you have written if an employer calls them about you.
Double-check your contact information (Phone number and email). If this is out of date or incorrect the employer has no way to get ahold of you.
Step 6: Submit your resume.
This may happen physically or virtually. Some employers will take paper resumes, others will ask for it to be attached to an email and others will have a website that you will upload it to.
After you have printed your resume, and are including a cover letter make sure to attach them together with the cover letter on the outside and your name clearly visible.
If you are bringing the resume to the place of work make sure you are dressed to impress.
If you are handing in a template digitally ensure it is either a Word document or in a PDF format.
*If you created your resume or cover letter in Google Docs then after you convert it to a Microsoft Word document or PDF, ensure nothing has changed in the conversion (this happens).
Make sure the file is appropriately named (ex. yournameresume.pdf)
If you are attaching your cover letter or resume to an email be sure to include your name and the position you are applying for both in the subject and body of the email.
Step 7: Notify your references.
Reach out to each of your references and let them know they might be receiving a call soon.
This is also a good time to catch up with your references and let them know about any new additions to your resume you have made, you can also offer to send them a copy of the job description you have applied for so they have some context if the employer calls.
Make sure you thank them for agreeing to be your reference!
Step 8: Follow up.
Before following up, check to see if the job posting lists a date when the posting will be taken down. Don't contact the company until a few weeks after the posting is closed.
It's perfectly okay to call the place you have applied and ask about the status of your application. Perhaps they somehow misplaced your resume or had to extend the deadline for submissions.
If they haven't made a decision yet, your calling might prove to them that you are motivated and a good communicator.
Worst case scenario, they tell you they chose someone else, in which case if it feels appropriate ask them for feedback on your resume. This may show your enthusiasm should another position become available at that organization but it also give you a chance to get suggestion on how to improve for other applications.
Example Resumes
Example Resumes
How to write a cover letter
How to write a cover letter
*A job posting may specifically ask for a cover letter, sometimes if you are applying online during the application process it will prompt you to send or upload a cover letter. If a posting does not specifically ask for one it you can still include a cover letter, it shows that you are taking the process seriously.
Step 1: Understand why you are writing a cover letter.
When writing a cover letter, you want to accomplish a few things:
Introduce yourself
Mention the job you're applying for and why you want it.
Showcase the skills and experience you have that match what would be needed to do the job.
Encourage the reader to want to read your resume. (Make a good first impression so they keep reading.
Show that you are motivated and share your contact info for it they want to set up an interview.
Step 2: Choose a professional looking template.
Just like your resume you have the option for create your own but for the cover letter it is generally best to use a template as it can be difficult to format and it should look relatively uniform.
Both Microsoft and Google Doc's have templates that you can use and that will make sure your template looks professional.
While templates will let your cover letter go longer then one page your cover letter should never be longer then one page.
Step 3: Write your cover letter.
Keep it simple! All you should to is introduce yourself, say why you want the job, what skills, attributes or experience you have that would make you good at the job, and how they can reach you.
Try to show you understand what will be expected from you at the job and how you are well suited to meet those demands.
If you have work experience in your resume that you think is very applicable to the position you are apply for, find a way to mention it in your cover letter.
If you have any specific training or skills that they have asked for in the job positing make sure you mention that as well.
Don't over think your cover letter, focus on being clear and professional. Don't include everything from your resume, just the highlights. If they are interested in you as a candidate then they are going to look at your resume anyway.
Step 4: Edit and proofread.
Make sure your cover letter is properly addressed. If in the job posting it lists the name of who is in charge of hiring then feel free to include their name. If no name is listed you may address the letter "To: Whom it may concern, or To Hiring Manager" (See example in cover letter 2).
You should also make that be before the body of your cover letter you include reference to what position it is that you are applying for. This will eliminate any confusion for the person reading your cover letter. Generally this will be its own line before the body of your letter. (See example of this in this in cover letter #1).
Its a good idea to have someone who knows you proofread your cover letter. This will likely be the same person who reads your resume and who may act as a reference so make sure you take the time to tell them about the position you are applying for or send them a copy of the posting.
Step 5: Send it or Print it!
If you are handing in a physical copy of your resume attach your cover letter to the outside, again making sure that your name as well as the position you are applying for are clearly visible.
If you are applying online and they have asked you to send in your information via email, attached your cover letter as a separate document (Make your resume and cover letter one document may cause confusion).
Like your resume before sending or printing your cover letter you should convert it into a Word or PDF format. (once you have converted it, proofread it again to make sure nothing changed.
Make sure you have appropriately names your files with your name and what it is. (ex. justinbeiberresume.doc, justinbeibercoverletter.doc)
Cover Letter Overview:
Example Student Cover Letters:
Page updated
Report abuse