Many jobs require a resume and having an effective resume can greatly increase your chance of getting the job you want. A cover letter tailored to the specific job for which you are applying is critical.
You can use your provided Microsoft Office 365 account to download or use resume and cover letter templates.
Parts of a Resume
- Heading (always)
- Name and contact information (full name, address, phone, and email)
- Education (always)
- List degrees, most recent first
- Experience
- List most recent first
- Use bulleted statements
- Start statements with action words
- Activities (optional)
- List relevant activities and leadership positions first
- Add details to demonstrate experience and skills
- Include honors and awards
- Skills
- Highlight your skills (i.e., computer hardware/software, foreign language proficiencies, etc)
- Include level of proficiency (i.e., beginner, intermediate, etc.)
- List any certifications
- References
- Request permission before adding someone as a reference
- References should be listed on a separate page formatted to match your resume
Sample Student Resume Template
Sample Functional Resume Template
Sample Reference Page Template
Parts of a Cover Letter
- Heading (always)
- Same as Resume
- First Paragraph
- Mention the job title
- Tell how you heard about the position
- State your belief that your skills fit the job description
- Second Paragraph
- Summarize how your experience, education, and personal qualities prepare you for the position
- Third Paragraph
- Reiterate your interest in the position
- Specify the next steps -- request a personal meeting, etc.
- Thank the employer for their consideration