Assignment 2: Job Package (Resumes and Cover Letters)

Blog task: In which part of the job interview process are you...

• most confident?
• least confident???

Assignment 2: Job Package

• Assignment details here

DUE DATES
• The first draft of this assignment is due Monday, September 27, 2010, during classtime.
• First drafts will be critiqued and returned the following week (October 4, 2010).
• Final version DUE Monday, November 22, 2010, at the beginning of class.

• Handout: Resumes and Cover Letters PDF

Cover Letters

When writing your cover letter (and/or resume), keep in mind that the reviewer is only interested in one thing; the facts. A well written cover letter should serve these specific purposes:

1. Ensure that your resume gets to the right person in the right department.
Many times, companies will advertise multiple job opportunities in various departments or locations. If you’re applying for a specific position, the cover letter should ensure that your resume is delivered to the appropriate department and/or person (per the job advertisement) who will be reviewing your application.

2. Match your skills with the specific job requirements.
The cover letter should briefly but accurately demonstrate that you meet or exceed the requirements listed in the job description. A properly written cover letter will make use of the very same keywords as used in the job description to highlight your own job skills; hence making you a “perfect match” for the position! It should also demonstrate that you’re interested in the position, and that you are available to accept the position if offered.

3. Entice the employer to read your resume.
Getting a prospective employer to read your resume is the first crucial step toward getting the job you want. A well written cover letter should provide just enough information about you and your abilities to make them want to know more about you. But don’t go too far… additional information beyond this can be counterproductive, as it dilutes the core purpose of the cover letter and resume.1 Do not think of your cover letter as an autobiography; it should be brief and to the point.

If your resume gets read, then the cover letter will have done its job.

Letters are the perfect chance to communicate in a personal and professional way, and to highlight key information. They also provide you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
NEVER use a form letter!
Always tailor each letter to the person to whom you are writing.2

Sources:
1. http://www.how-to-write-a-resume.org/cover_letter_tips.htm
2. http://www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/resources/letters.htm#coverletter

Resumes

Resume Writing Tips

When writing your resume (and cover letter), keep in mind that the reviewer is only interested in one thing; the facts. Do not think of your cover letter as an autobiography; it should be brief and to the point.

The purpose of the resume and cover letter should be one thing – it should demonstrate that you meet or exceed the requirements listed in the job description. It should demonstrate that you’re interested in the position, and that you are available to accept the position if offered. Additional information beyond this can be counterproductive, as it dilutes the core purpose of the resume and cover letter. 5

The resume is a tool with one specific purpose: to win an interview. If it does that, it works. If it doesn’t, it isn’t an effective resume. A resume is an advertisement, nothing more, nothing less.

A great resume doesn’t just tell them what you have done but makes the same assertion that all good ads do: "If you buy this product, you will get these specific, direct benefits." It presents you in the best light. It convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position or career6.

Cover letters and resumes offer the perfect chance to communicate in a personal and professional way, and to highlight key information. They also provide you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. NEVER use a form letter! Always tailor each letter to the person to whom you are writing7.

Always keep in mind that the resume is your primary tool for selling yourself. If readers can’t consume the information in it, whether due to technical issues or readability problems, they will quickly move on to the next resume8.

Sources:
5 http://www.how-to-write-a-resume.org/cover_letter_tips.htm
6 http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resumes.html
7 http://www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/resources/letters.htm#coverletter
8 http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=274

Types of Resumes

Chronological: emphasized "time" (what most of us think of as a "typical" resume format)

• Objective
  [Describe your career goal or ideal job.]
• Education
  [Dates of attendance] [School Name] [City, ST] [Degree Obtained]
  [Relevant Coursework: list classes related to major and minor (not gen-ed)by title (not by course number- "Integrated Communication in Business," NOT "BUS 3700")
  [Special award/accomplishment or degree minor]
  Include any post-secondary educational experience (Community College, Certifications, Foreign study, etc.) Do not list high school and prior.
• Experience
  [Dates of employment] [Company Name] [City, ST]
  [Job Title] [Job responsibility/achievement]
  List jobs in reverse chronological order; list jobs that are relevant
• References

Chronological resume advantages:

• Displays employment consistency (good work ethic)
• Emphasizes work history (career path)

Chronological resume disadvantages:

• Draws attention to gaps in employment (unemployment)
• Calls attention to age (for older workers)
• Draws attention to lack of employment (difficult for those just starting out)

Best use: for those with a long or consistent work history

Functional Resume: emphasized "skills" but DEemphasizes time (also known as a "skills based resume")

• Objective [Describe your career goal or ideal job.]
  -OR-
  Summary of Qualifications [Describe what skills you would bring to the position]
• Education [Dates of attendance] [School Name] [City, ST] [Degree Obtained] [Relevant Coursework: list classes related to major and minor (not gen-ed)by title (not by course number- "Integrated Communication in Business," NOT "BUS 3700") [Special award/accomplishment or degree minor] Include any post-secondary educational experience (Community College, Certifications, Foreign study, etc.) Do not list high school and prior.
• Professional Accomplishments
  [Field or Area of Accomplishment]
  [Job responsibility/achievement]
• Employment History
  [Job title] [Company Name], [City, ST] [Dates of employment]
  List jobs in reverse chronological order; list jobs that are relevant
• References

Functional resume advantages:

• Focuses on skills rather than time (illustrates what you can do, not necessarily how long you've been doing it.)
• Can more easily be tailored to match the employer's requirements
• Easily displays coursework or non-employment-related experience

Functional resume disadvantages:

• Doesn't display consistant employment history as clearly

Best use: for those with little or no work history, or with gaps in employment, or when changing fields of work (for example, someone with extensive accounting experience who is applying for a management position)