Resume Writing - Lycoming College
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Transcript Resume Writing - Lycoming College
Resume and Cover Letter Writing
MICHAEL PENWELL, CAREER ADVISOR
LYCOMING COLLEGE
CAREER SERVICES
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: WWW.LYCOMING.EDU/CAREERSERVICES
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
Communicates availability, qualifications, and
interest to employers
Personalizes your resume by accenting strengths
relating to the qualifications desired for the position
Serves as a formal letter of application, as a response
to a job ad, as a result of referral, or as unsolicited
inquiry for employment
The Content of a Cover Letter
Captures reader’s interest, makes reader want to
learn more
Explains your reason for interest in employment
Relates your strengths to an employer’s needs
Contains a call to action
(a request for the next step)
Elements of a Cover Letter
WHAT TO INCLUDE…
The Basics
Return Address
Location: Top right, left, or centered
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date
(Above or under return
address)
Example:
2129 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
March 22, 2008
The Basics
Many students are designing
letterhead which complements
their resume in lieu of return
address information
The Basics
Contact Information – Addressing to Employer
Location: Aligned with Left Margin
Contact’s Full Name
Contact’s Exact Title
Contact’s Department
Name of Organization
Example:
Street Address
Ms. Angela M. Vermilya
City, State, Zip Code
President and CEO
Lycoming College
700 College Place
Williamsport, PA 17701
The Basics
Salutation
Location: Under contact information
Use Official Title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Rev., Sr., Hon., etc.)
Last name of Contact
Example:
Dear Ms. Vermilya:
The Body Paragraphs
A COVER LETTER INCLUDES AN OPENING
PARAGRAPH, MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S), AND
A CLOSING PARAGRAPH.
(DEPENDING ON YOUR WRITING STYLE, IT
COULD BE 3 OR 4 PARAGRAPHS)
Opening Paragraph
Purpose
Captures attention
Sets the tone for the letter
Builds a match of your qualifications with the employer’s
needs
Opening Paragraph
Methods of accomplishing purpose:
State the purpose of the letter
Mention name of mutual friend
State your top credentials or selling points
Name the position, department, and company
State source of lead
Middle Paragraph(s)
Purpose:
Communicates main selling points
Shows that you are the candidate to most benefit the
company
Proves that your skills match employer’s needs
Creates interest
Illustrates personality
Middle Paragraph(s)
Methods of accomplishing purpose:
Point to achievements
Use action verbs
Offer proof of skills and abilities
Closing Paragraph
Purpose:
Reemphasizes strengths
Makes a request for or offers further action
Provides your personal contact information, i.e. e-mail
address, telephone number
Closing Paragraph
Methods of accomplishing purpose:
Restate that you are the candidate who best fits employer’s
needs
Restate position and company name
State time line, specific follow-up information, and dates
Express appreciation for time, effort, and consideration
Closing
Sincerely,
Signature
Typed Name
Enclosure:
Resume, References, etc.
Example:
Sincerely,
John Dida Greatjob
Enclosures: Resume,
References
Formatting a Cover Letter
UTILIZE THE
FOLLOWING
FORMATTING
SUGGESTIONS IN
COMPOSING YOUR
COVER LETTER:
Personalization
Address letter to person with hiring power
Do not address your cover letter: “To whom it may
concern:”
State the position sought, organization name, and if
appropriate, the geographic location
Match your strengths and abilities to the
organization’s specific needs
Personalization
Do not state verbatim the information on your
resume
Provide additional information and details which
are not on your resume
Cover letters must accompany resumes and
employment applications
Length
Cover letters should be one page in length
Appearance
Arrange cover letters using a standard business
format
View other sample cover letters for formatting
examples
Cover letters should be single spaced
Word Choice
Use positive words and/or action verbs capitalizing
on your strengths
Avoid clichés and trite language
Avoid repetition and/or non-descriptive words
including “is,” “or,” “was”
Do not abbreviate, or use unnecessary jargon
Use concise, specific statements and short
paragraphs
Proofreading
Misspellings, grammatical errors, and improper
punctuation are unacceptable
Cover letters must be well organized
Avoid lengthy descriptions. Write lucidly and
concisely.
Make sure the company name and title are
consistent in the letter
Sign your letter
Coordinate with Resume and References
Select a font style that matches your resume and
references
Consider developing personal letterhead that
carries over from cover letter to resume and
reference list.
Use matching paper of good quality
Resume Writing
Most Important information? Your Name! Make it big and bold so
your employer can pick you out!
Be sure to put all information. Are you graduating or going on an
internship? You want the employer to be able to contact you!
Objective: Why are you writing this resume? What do you want?
Education: What is your degree in? When did you get it? Where
did you go? All other information can be used, but does not have
to be
Computer Skills: Skills appropriate to your discipline. Not always
computer related.
Coursework: Classes you have taken that you believe give you a
heightened understanding of the field or job you are applying for.
Experience: Important, but it’s ok if you do not have a lot of it.
Summer/Part time Jobs still show reliability and dedication.
Activities: Show off what you have accomplished! Leadership
roles, Volunteer activities, Professional affiliations, and cocurricular activities are important to employers.
Honors: Anything that will make you stand out.
Availability: Especially important if applying while still in school.
How long after graduation will you need before you can start to
work?
Tips
An Employer spends about 15-20 seconds on a
resume.
Content should never be more than 1 page
Margins can range from 1 inch to .5 inches
Font = Times New Roman or Arial. (10-12)
Do not include references on resume.
Begin each sentence with a strong action verb.
Put the most relevant and valuable information
that relates to the position for which you are
applying
Action Words
Accomplished
Achieved
Analyzed
Budgeted
Compiled
Composed
Confronted
Counseled
Cultivated
Delegated
Designed
Developed
Edited
Evaluated
Examined
Facilitated
Forecasted
Gained
Generated
Guided
•
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•
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•
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•
Identified
Illustrated
Implemented
Increased
Inspected
Maintained
Managed
Marketed
Motivated
Negotiated
Questions/Comments?
Check out our website for more resume writing tips:
www.lycoming.edu/careerservices
Come to Career Services to have your resume critiqued
by a member of our staff!
Want to arrange an appointment?
Contact us [email protected]
or call us at 570-321-4034