| Résumé
and Cover Letters |
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| Résumé |
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If you
are unsure of how to construct your résumé it is strongly advised
you attend a.gif)
résumé writing workshop. There is no absolute right or wrong way
to write your résumé
so avoid the trap many college students find themselves in: asking
too many people for assistance. Do a little research on résumé
writing and have a few people you trust give you constructive
feedback. Remember, this is your résumé and must reflect you.
Some résumé writing tips that everyone seems to agree on:
- No incorrectly spelled words
or typo's allowed. Do not rely completely on the spell check
feature on your computer; a correctly spelled word may be used
incorrectly in the sentence.
- Use a good printer - a laser
is best but a bubble jet printer will work if there is a good
ink cartridge. Do not use a dot matrix - it will look poor at
best and will not transmit well via a facsimile machine.
- Use quality bond paper in
white, cream or gray only!
- Keep your résumé to one page.
A résumé to be mailed or faxed
should be accompanied by a cover letter. There is more than one
way to write and format your résumé. Do not become overwhelmed
by the different advice you receive from people. Do a little research
and pick the style that best reflects you.
An objective does not have to be put on your résumé; if you choose
not to include one, your cover letter should express your intent.
If you choose to include an objective, avoid long flowery phrases
that tell an employer nothing. Be to the point.
As a new graduate or current student, your education should be
at the top of your résumé - remember to include a high GPA (over
3.4) and any special awards or honors.
List related experience or internships next - remember that employers
read the information at the top of your résumé first and should
reflect the information that makes you most marketable.
You should also list relevant volunteer work. Your unpaid experience
may show transferable skills and hands-on training.
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| COVER
LETTER |
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A cover letter is a
tool that will encourage an employer to take a serious look at your
résumé. Many people pay much attention to their résumé and then
produce a vague and weak cover letter. Think of the cover letter
as the bait and your résumé as the hook.
A cover letter is important, whether you are mailing or faxing your
résumé. When writing your cover letter, if possible, direct it to
an individual by name and title; proceed to explain why you are
writing. The main body of the letter should tell the reader why
you qualify for the job or internship. You must convince the employer
that you will be an asset to the company by mentioning your strongest
qualifications and abilities, always focusing on the position you
are applying for. Try not to recite your résumé (a common mistake)
but you should refer the reader to it. Your cover letter should
only be several paragraphs and not go beyond one page!
In your closing, you may express your desire to provide additional
information, preferably in an interview. Be sure that you type the
letter correctly using a good printer and quality paper (try using
the same quality and color as your résumé paper). You will probably
use spell check on your computer, though it is a good idea to have
another person read over your letter for spelling and grammatical
errors as well as to check for clarity.
First Paragraph includes the reason for your letter. Second paragraph
describes the qualifications that make you the excellent candidate
for the position. Last Paragraph is a closing statement focusing
on follow up activity such as a phone call or interview. |
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| DON'T
FORGET YOUR THANK YOU NOTE |
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| After an interview
(or helpful phone conversation) it is a good practice to send a
thank you note. This note can be hand written or typed and should
be short. You simply want to thank the interviewer for his or her
time, restate your interest in the position and repeat why you can
be an asset to the company. |
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Caryl
Watkins, Director
Division Of Student Affairs |
The
Career and Scholarship Center
South Administration Building (1A-105)
2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: (718) 982-2300 Fax: (718) 982-2308
E-mail: careers@mail.csi.cuny.edu |
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