Résumés and Cover Letters

A résumé is a one-page document that summarizes your experience, skills, and other information. 

• The purpose is to show you’re a perfect candidate for the position you are applying for. 

• It should be formal, professional, and relevant. 

• Creating a strong résumé is the first step to getting a job that fits your interests and qualifications. 

Résumés let employers quickly screen out job seekers who don’t have the right experience and qualifications. A well-crafted résumé that highlights your experience will set you apart from the competition. Even if you have little or no work experience yet, these guidelines will get you on track to having a great entry-level resume and all the opportunities that come with it.

Chronological Resume Format

• This is one of the most common résumé formats. 

• It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. 

• It is often headed with a “Career Objective” section. 

• On a chronological résumé you’ll also want to list your education in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent school you attended or relevant course you’ve taken.

Functional Résumé Format

• A functional résumé format highlights other sections, like skills and activities, over work experience. 

• This type of résumé  focuses on what you know or what you can do, rather than what you’ve done at specific jobs. 

• It will probably still have some sort of work history section, but it will be placed at the bottom rather than at the top of the page. 

• Your work history might not be listed in chronological order on this type of résumé. 

• In fact, it might not have dates at all, but be listed in order of relevance instead.

Combination Resume Format

• Like a functional résumé, a combination résumé puts your skills and activities first and foremost. 

• However, this type of résumé also lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. 

• It just doesn’t put it near the top like a chronological résumé does. 

• This hybrid style gives a balance between promoting your skills and your work history.

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. 

• The letter provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. 

• Don’t simply repeat what’s on your resume, rather include specific information on why you’re a strong match for the employer’s job requirements.

Employers use cover letters as a way to screen applicants for available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be listed in the job posting.

There are three general types of cover letters. Choose a type of letter that matches your reason for writing.

1. The application letter which responds to a known job opening (see cover letter samples)

2. The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions (see inquiry letter samples)

3. The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search (see networking letter examples

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

What to Leave Off Your Cover Letter

The letter is about your qualifications for the job, not about you personally. There is no need to share any personal information about yourself or your family in it. If you don’t have all the qualifications the employer is seeking, don’t mention it.

Customize Your Cover Letter

It is highly important for your cover letter to be tailored to each position you are applying to.

• https://www.livecareer.com/search?q=teen+resumes

• http://damngood.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/resume-workbook-highschool.pdf