Resume & Cover Letter

Resume & Cover Letter

Workbook

Careers

Resume Checklist

RESUME & COVER LETTER WORKBOOK01

General

Education

Contact Details

Career Objective

Resume is 1.5-3 pages in length (1.5-2 pgs for undergraduate, 2-3 pgs for post-graduate)

First page contains your most relevant qualifications and experience

There is minimal white space on the pages – layout looks well-spaced

Section headings stand out from general content (bold, underlined, larger font or all caps)

Same font throughout resume 10-12 pts (can be different size for headings)

Consistent formatting throughout (justification of text, position of dates and titles)

Avoid using personal pronouns (I, me, you, him, her)

Activities listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first) for Education, Employment, Extra-Curricular Activities

All spelling is correct – Australian/UK English

Explain unfamiliar acronyms when you first mention them – e.g. “High-definition video (HDV)”

Where possible, include relevant key words/phrases mentioned in job advertisement

When applying for internship, grad position or new to an industry, education section is first

Most recent degree first

Full degree title on the first line, followed by academic institution on the line below. Include your major as a dot point underneath on the third line.

If currently undertaking your degree, include expected graduation date – e.g. March 2019 - November 2022 (expected)

Remove outdated education e.g. Higher School Certificate 3+ years old. Keep high school if you do not have much experience and want to highlight academic or extra-curricular achievements.

Any scholarships, academic achievements or awards should be in dot point format under the degree where the achievement/award was made

Can include a few relevant courses or key projects in dot point format

Your full name is the largest text of the resume and at the top of the first page

Avoid using an email with numbers

Include one phone number – preferably your mobile

Residential address is optional

Do NOT include your photo, date of birth, gender, marital status or details about your family (for Australian resumes, some other countries may require this info)

Customised LinkedIn URL included

2-3 lines stating your current situation (e.g. current student and name of your degree), and a summary of the key skills, experience and knowledge you can bring to the particular role you are applying to

Highlight your relevant experience and interest in the industry

RESUME & COVER LETTER WORKBOOK

Employment/Experience

Referees

Additional Sections

Core Skills

Technical Skills

Each position has 3-6 dot points of responsibilities

Order responsibilities with most relevant first

Appropriate tenses used – past tense for previous positions, present tense for current positions

Begin each dot point with an action verb – e.g. “developed, coordinated, analysed”

Avoid using personal pronouns (I, me, you, him, her)

Dates include month and year start and end dates – e.g. Jan 2018 – Jun 2019

Achievement statements are specific and quantified – use numbers and statistics if possible

Write “Available upon request” except for when referee details are requested on the job ad

If you do include (2 Referees) – should have referee’s full name, organisation, position title, relationships to you, business email address, telephone

Include any extra-curricular organisations and your membership status – e.g. UTS IT Society – Events Officer, Forest Lodge Rugby – Assistant Coach

Include month and year start and end dates – e.g. May 2019-Present

Include any professional associations and membership level – e.g. Engineering Australia – Student Member

Any relevant certifications – e.g. First Aid Certificate, White Card

Any relevant university projects. Include the name of the project on the first line, the university name on the next line, and 3-5 dot points that explain what did you did/achieved in the project.

Include 3-4 core/transferable skills with supporting evidence – e.g. communication, team work, organisation, project management, etc.

Bold skill topic – e.g. “Organisational and time management skills - Demonstrated by successfully arranging the end of year ball for the UTS IT Club”

Include any foreign language skills and proficiency level – e.g. “fluent Hindi, conversational French”

This is a good section to include if you do not have much formal work experience.

This is a good section to include to highlight skills relevant to your industry.

List technical skills/programs

02


Sample Resume

Godfrey Gamer www.linkedin.com/in/ggamer

0402 988 766 [email protected]

Career ObjectiveCurrently studying a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, I am seeking to apply for the role of Games Development Intern at Goofy Games. I will be able to bring this role my strong understanding of multiple programming languages, and my team work and communication abilities that have developed from working as Library Assistant for 2 years.

Note: residential address is optional

EducationBachelor of Science in Information Technology Mar 2018 – Dec 2022 (expected)University of Technology Sydney (UTS)• Majoring in Interactive Design • High Distinction average (85%) • Industry Based Learning Scholarship Faculty of Engineering and IT UTS, 2019 • Finalist, Software Design – Environmental Sustainability Imagine Cup, 2018

NSW Higher School Certificate Sept 2015 - Nov 2017Richmond High, Richmond • Student exchange program to Japan and China• ATAR 89.8

Technical SkillsLanguages C++, C#, XML, Java, HTML, Pascal, Python, Perl, SQL Systems Windows (XP, NT, Vista), Linux (Red Hat, Ubuntu, Fedora), Macintosh Software Redmap, Citrix Adobe CS4 (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Reader, Flash, Fireworks,

Version Cue), MS Office (Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook) Hardware Network and memory cards, RAID array controllers, solid-state drives, peripherals,

cisco switches, hubs

IT ExperienceWeb Design Internship Dec 2015 – Feb 2016 Webworks Pty. Ltd•Demonstrated strong communication skills when developing program parameters with key stakeholders including clients, writers, system administration and other IT staff• Created the website content including design, graphics, links, forms and programs ensuring cohesion,

functionality and aesthetics • Maintained and updates company website using WordPress

Key Achievement• Designed a new advertising banner for FoodWork Co. which increased website traffic by 60%

Casual EmploymentLibrary Assistant Aug 2018 – Current Richmond Public Library• Utilised attention to detail when organising and tracking library items, and

ensuring proper documentation and categorisation• Maintain customer database and process overdue notices • Developed communication skills when recommending books to customers

Retail Assistant Jan 2015 – Jun 2018 K-Mart • Demonstrated accuracy and proficiency in computing systems when processing

all point of sales functions• Provided excellent customer service to patrons and resolved customer complaints• Displayed creativity when organising and displaying new merchandise as a way to drive sales

If you are completing an undergraduate degree, it might make sense to include your high school especially if you had accomplishments or a high ATAR

Tech skills don’t need supporting evidence, simply list them. If tech skills are important for your field, include on pg. 1

This section could be titled “Relevant Experience” as well. This allows you to highlight your relevant experience even if it’s not the most recent.

Begin all dot points with an action verb. Use past tense for past jobs, present tense for current jobs.

Incorporate transferable skills in responsibilities

03


Extra-curricular ActivitiesTeam Assistant Jan 2018 – Nov 2018UTS Computer Games Boot Camp

Events Coordinator Mar 2018 – Aug 2018UTS IT Club

Volunteer Computer Tutor June 2017 – Nov 2017Richmond Public Library

Core SkillsTeam skills - Acknowledged by peers and academics in final year team project for building a Wide Area Network Monitoring System for ‘real life’ clients, where we achieved a Distinction grade

Creativity and design skills – As displayed through my website design work for Webworks Pty. Ltd and my competency using Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Reader, Flash, Fireworks and Version Cue

Organisational and time management skills - Demonstrated by successfully arranging the end of year ball for the UTS IT Club

Intercultural skills - Developed good intercultural understanding as a high school international student on exchange in China and Japan

Other Languages - Fluent speaker in Mandarin and Japanese

RefereesAvailable upon request

Relevant ProjectFundamentals of Interaction Design Mar 2018 - May 2018University of Technology Sydney

• Demonstrated strong attention to detail when conducting a literature review on Human-Centered Design

• Created a prototype of a mobile app to help international students find short-term accommodation in Sydney using API and JavaScript

• Utilised strong written communication skills when preparing 4 reflective journal entries that outlined the applications progress and areas for development

You can include 1-2 bullet points under your extra-curricular activities that help to highlight the skills gained from this activity.

Choose 3-4 core skills and support with evidence. Also, include any foreign languages and fluency level

Although you typically put “referees available upon request” on your resume, be sure to have 2 referees ready to give to an employer when they ask for them.

04

Career Objective

This first section of a resume is a highly effective in expressing your career aspirations to prospective employers. Designed to give resume content a focus point, a career objective is a brief statement that enables employers to quickly understand how and where you are choosing to utilise your qualifications and skills with a focus on the future. This should be the most tailored part of your resume. You will adjust this section for each role and organisation you apply to.

Examples Business: Currently studying a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing, I am seeking to apply for the role of Social Media Intern at Multimedia Pty Ltd. I will be able to bring this role my strong understanding of SEO, HTML, and my communication skills that I developed as a Customer Service Assistant at Woolworths.

HR: Seeking Generalist HR role with a small to medium enterprise, utilising my communication and problem solving skills in order to deliver input into both compliance-oriented and strategic projects.

Event Management: Seeking an Event Management position with a multi-national corporation, utilising my communication, planning and organising skills to contribute to the systematic design of event management systems.

Life Sciences: To utilise my interest and qualifications in life sciences as well as my natural interpersonal and well developed communication skills to work in a sales or marketing role in the pharmaceutical or scientific equipment industries.

Engineering: Seeking a graduate position in logistics that allows me to use strong analytical and numeracy skills and an aptitude for transport modelling, to assist in the development of efficient logistics.

Pharmacy: To secure a Pharmacist Internship in a hospital pharmacy where I can assist as an active member of a health care team in the provision of professional pharmaceutical services and patient counselling, while utilising the clinical skills, knowledge and experience I have acquired throughout my professional, academic and clinical experience.

Nursing: I am seeking a Graduate Nurse position in an aged care area of speciality, which will allow me to utilise my sound understanding of advanced patient care techniques for older patients and my demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with patients, family members, physicians and other medical professionals.

Education: Obtain a position as a Primary School Teacher to utilise my teaching skills and qualifications, to support the learning and development of children, where I can offer quality education to students and play a part in the physical, emotional and intellectual growth of children.

Legal: To contribute my legal expertise, practical experience, excellent negotiation skills and customer service abilities as a Junior Lawyer in a commercial law firm, to develop to become an established legal practitioner.

Research: Seeking a Graduate Research Assistant role where I can use my highly developed biological research and teamwork skills. My long-term interest is in plant genetics research.

Casual or Part-Time Job: Current university student seeking to apply for the role of Customer Service Assistant at Coles Supermarket. I will be able to bring my strong team work skills that I have developed from my 6 years of competitive soccer, and my customer service skills that I gained when volunteering at St Vincent de Paul.


Consider what you can offer to the organisation, think about the overall goals/aims of the organisation you’re applying to and identify the contribution you can make.

05

What is your current situation? Please tick the situation that reflects you: Current student Recent graduate Experienced hire

What area/s are/were you studying?

What is the position and organisation you are applying for? Specify the position title you are aiming for and your specific interest area in that industry

What can you offer?Highlight your relevant competencies for the role. If you are applying to an advertised role, you may base this on your alignment to the criteria as indicated in the job advertisement. Also think about the goals of the organisation and how what you can contribute to help achieve them. Write two competencies below that you can contribute to the position: 1.

2.

What are your career goals (optional)? What is your short-term career goal (next 2 years)?

What is your long-term career goal (next 5 years)?

Do these goals relate to the position? Yes – you may include this in your Career Objective No - do not include

Write your own Career Objective:Using the activities from above where applicable and reviewing the examples write your own Career Objective.

Review your Career Objective:Imagine you are a Recruiter, review your Career Objective and consider does your Career Objective convey (please tick): Why do you want the position? Why are you suitable for the position? What competencies you can contribute?

ActivityEssential questions to answer:

Optional questions to answer:


EducationRESUME & COVER LETTER WORKBOOK

Alternative headings: • Qualifications

PurposeIn this section you can include your current qualification, previous qualifications, HSC or equivalent and other training courses. Most recent qualifications are listed first. You may also wish to include a short description of a thesis or special project if relevant. After you have been at university for a few years, or you have considerable work experience, information on secondary schooling is optional.

Example

Master of Journalism 20XX – 20XX University of Technology Sydney Thesis: “How social media is upsetting traditional news outlets and impacting readers’ attention”

Bachelor of Business (Majors: Marketing and Management) 20XX - 20XXUniversity of Technology SydneyResults: Credit AverageElectives included: (list only subjects relevant to the position you are targeting)

Associate Diploma in International Marketing 20XX - 20XXTAFE, UltimoResults: Distinction Average

Higher School Certificate 20XXBirrong Girls High School

07

You might like to include a few dot points underneath your education sections that highlight key achievements. This may include exchange programs you have completed, awards received, a list of majors, or a list of 1-3 key subjects that you studied that you did well in. These should be tailored to be relevant to the role you are applying for.

Employment

Incorporating Skills into Responsibilities

Alternative headings:• Experience• Relevant Experience• Casual Experience

Structure• Use reverse chronological order (most recent position first).• Provide month and year start and end date or write “Current” for current position.• Write 3-5 brief responsibility statements using dot points for each position • Order responsibilities based on most relevant to position applying for.• Bold both your position title and company.• Include transferable skills used in your responsibilities.• Use action words in the past tense, for example, ‘developed,’ rather than, ‘development of’ for former position. Use present tense for current positions.• Be quantitative where appropriate, for example, ‘trained six new staff.’

Try to make it as easy as possible to recognise the transferable skills you have developed by incorporating skills into your responsibilities.


Turn this into this!

Assisted customers in person and over the phone

Supervised a team of 6 wait staff

Managed 10 tables per shift

Completed projects and tasks

Provided high standard of professional communication and customer service to all guests in person and over the phone

Practiced effective team and leadership skills through supervising a team of 6 wait staff

Demonstrated effective time management, punctuality and organisational skills managing 10 tables per shift

Developed efficient time management and multi-tasking skills through managing competing projects and tasks

08


ActivityStart by creating a list of your tasks and responsibilities in your current role, then ask yourself ‘what skill did I use when I did this?’

1. What is a task you did in your last role? E.g. Handled cash

2. What skill was required when you did this task? E.g I had to be accurate

3. Combine these two together to create a responsibility statement which highlights both your skills and responsibilities. E.g. Demonstrated strong accuracy and attention to detail when handling cash and providing the correct change to customers

Responsibility Statements

Example No. 2

Example No. 1


Marketing Assistant May 2018 - May 2019 Creative Media Company, Sydney • Researched and analysed consumer categories via a SWOT analysis to determine strengths and weaknesses of current product packaging.• Utilised excellent written communication skills and attention to detail when drafting media releases for approval by Marketing Manager.• Compiled written report with outcomes and recommendations for consideration.• Demonstrated professionalism and verbal reasoning skills when proposing alternatives marketing strategies to the Marketing Manager.

Achievement: Elements of my proposed online marketing strategy were successfully implemented, resulting in a 30% traffic increase on the client’s website

Structural Engineer January 2017 – December 2019Frank &Snowden Pty Ltd, Delhi, India

A consulting engineering firm with numerous service capabilities in structural & civil design and project management.• Modelled and reviewed designs of steel structures for commercial projects using Finite Element Analysis Software (Strand7)• Worked on a variety of design tasks including timber design and verifying the strength capacity of bolt connections for different projects in accordance with Australian Standards • Liaised with senior engineers for technical advice to ensure accuracy of design models• Compiled and maintained records of all engineering outputs in compliance with company procedures

Achievements: Finalised and completed commercial projects ahead of schedule by using engineering software to prepare simulation models

Place your position title before the company to highlight your role

Include month and year, even if you started and ended the position in the same year

Incorporate transferable skills and methods to responsibilities

Include city location (or city and country if international)

It’s okay to provide a brief description of the company, especially if it’s small or international

Provide context to your responsibilities

Include quantifiable data whenever possible for achievement statements

10

Action Words for Employment Responsibilities


AcceleratedAccomplishedAchievedActivatedAcquaintedAcquiredAddressedAdministeredAdvisedAmendedAmplifiedAnalysedAnticipatedAppliedAppraisedAppropriatedApprovedArbitratedArrangedAssembledAssessedAssimilatedAssistedAttainedAuditedAugmentedAuthorisedAvertedAvoided

BalancedBoughtBudgetedBuilt

CalculatedCapturedCentralisedChartedCheckedCoachedCollaboratedCollatedCollectedCombined

CommandedCompiledCompletedComposedCompoundedComputedConceived ConcludedCondensedConductedConfirmedConsolidatedConstructedConsultedContractedControlledConvertedConveyedCo-optedCoordinatedCorrectedCorrespondedCounselledCreatedCriticisedCultivatedCut

DecentralisedDecreasedDefinedDeliveredDemonstratedDesignedDetectedDeterminedDevelopedDevisedDiagnosed DirectedDischargedDiscoveredDispensedDisposedDisproved

DistributedDiversifiedDocumentedDoubledDrew upDrove

EarnedEditedEffectedEliminatedEnactedEncouragedEnforcedEngaged EnlargedEnsuredEstablishedEstimatedEvaluatedExaminedExecutedExpandedExpeditedExtracted

FacilitatedFamiliarisedFinishedForecastedFormedFormulatedFounded

GeneratedGuided

IdentifiedImpartedImplementedImprovedImprovisedIncorporatedIncreasedIndicated

InitiatedInspiredInstalledInstigatedInstitutedInstructedIntegratedInterpretedIntervenedInterviewedIntroducedInventedInvestigatedInvolved

LaunchedLedLecturedLiaisedLogged MaintainedManagedMarketedMeasuredMergedMinimisedModernisedMonitoredMotivated

NegatedNegotiatedNetworked

ObservedObtainedOperatedOrderedOrganised

PerformedPersuadedPioneeredPlanned

PositionedPredicatedPreparedPresentedPreventedProcessedProcuredProducedProgrammedProgressedPromotedProposedProtectedProvedProvidedPublishedPurchased

QuotedQuantifiedQualifiedQueried

RealisedRecommendedReconvenedRecordedRecruitedRedesigned ReducedReferredRegulatedRejectedRelatedRenegotiatedReorganisedReportedRepresentedResearchedResolvedRestoredRestrictedReviewedRevised

SavedScheduledSelectedServedSet upShapedSimplifiedSoldSolvedSpecifiedStaffedStandardisedStartedStimulatedStrengthenedStructuredSucceededSuggestedSupervisedSuppliedSupportedSurveyed

TaughtTestedTrainedTransferredTranslated

UncoveredUnifiedUtilisedVerified

WidenedWonWrote

11

Write 2 achievement statements below based on your past experiences:1. 2.

Achievement Statements

Activity


For each of the positions on your resume, ask yourself the following and consider the benefit:

• What did I do that was outside my normal job duties?• Was I ever recognised by a manager for a task well done? When and why?• Did I win any employee awards?• What new processes did I implement to improve things?• What problems did I solve?• Did I ever consistently meet or exceed goals, quotas or KPIs?• Did I save the organisation money? How? • Did I train new staff members?• Did I attend training beyond what was required for my job that developed my skills? • Was I promoted within the organisation?• Did I work on a project that resulted in an improvement for the company? • How did I stand out among other employees?

Examples• Promoted to Team Leader within 6 months in recognition of my leadership skills.• Developed a new clinical interventions recording system in line with policy. • Received “The Employee of the Month Award” for going over and above my call of duty & providing technical assistance to Optus customers experiencing client services difficulties. • Copy created for a client saw an increase in sales of 25% over a 2 week period• Developed efficient time management and multi-tasking skills through managing competing projects and tasks. • Promoted from Casual to Permanent Part-time due to my consistent sales performance• Final year major work was exhibited at White Rabbit Studio in Sydney for 4 weeks

12

Skills


Alternative headings:• Core Skills• Technical Skills• Relevant Skills

PurposeThis section enables you to highlight the skills and attributes most relevant to a particular employer or role. As a student or new graduate you may list your major skills and attributes as shown in the examples below. After having worked in several roles and organisations, a ‘Skills’ section can help to effectively summarise your key strengths and capabilities, giving information about when and where the skills were used and developed.

It is important to provide evidence for transferable skills (not tech skills), not just a shopping list. Think about what you’ve done that clearly demonstrates these skills. Also make sure they come across in your resume and at an interview.To identify the list of targeted skills and attributes, research is key!

Research the PositionDecode the job advert:

• Highlight the soft skills / personal attributes required of the candidate• Highlight the technical skills / experience required for the role

Tailor your skills section to the position and industry you are applying for.

Example No. 1 Relevant Skills

Communication – High level written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills honed through work experience writing copy for The Agency and through studies in Communications degree.

Client Relationship – As an Intern for The Agency, I am responsible for several clients, acting as first point of contact and managing accounts.

Problem Solving – Keen analytical and problem solving ability demonstrated through my marketing work for Tropfest and other cultural extracurricular activities, requiring me to resolve last minute problems and unexpected challenges.

Teamwork – As a Peer Networker with UTS, I have worked in teams assisting students and facilitating group discussions and talks.

Highlight 3-4 core skills from the job add you are applying for, and provide supporting evidence. It is okay to provide evidence from non-work experience such as volunteering or extra-curricular experience.

13


Example No. 2

Example No. 3

Example No. 4

Skills

Analytical Chemistry• Extensive chromatographic experience with GC/MS and HPLC analysis• Preparation of various solutions, dilutions and sample preparation• Experience in spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry techniques

Environmental Policy• Knowledge of NSW environmental legislation and regulatory framework• Understanding on the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 and the POEO Act 1997• Understanding environmental management systems and the international standard ISO14001

Project Management• Demonstrated experience managing a number of projects with budgets up to $500K and

multidisciplinary teams of between 3 and 6 staff

Key Strengths

• Proven ability to perform structural design and analysis calculations to meet governing codes and standards, with focus on economy, safety, reliability, quality and sustainability

• Comprehensive knowledge of structural steel, prestressed concrete, timber, wind and earthquake design

• Highly proficient in structural drafting and publishing structural drawings • Excellent written and oral communication skills expanded by having worked abroad• Fluent in Mandarin, conversational Cantonese

Technical Skills

Languages C++, C#, XML, Java, HTML, Pascal, Python, Perl, SQL Systems Windows (XP, NT, Vista), Linux (Red Hat, Ubuntu, Fedora), Macintosh Software Redmap, Citrix Adobe CS4 (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Reader, Flash, Fireworks,

Version Cue), MS Office (Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook) Hardware Network and memory cards, RAID array controllers, solid-state drives, peripherals,

cisco switches, hubs

Listing skills supportive evidence in dot point format can be appropriate especially when you have a decent amount of experience

This is more of a summary, appropriate for people with at least 3+ years of professional experience

You don’t need to provide evidence for technical skills, simply list them in order of relevance to position

14


RefereesGuidelines• Use referees who you know from a professional or academic setting, ideally a manager, supervisor, or professor. • If you are applying for new work and have not told your current employer, you may want to use a referee from a previous position.• Stay in touch with your referees and let them know what you’re doing. This will help you when you need to ask them for a reference.• Notify referees once you progress to the final interview stages and tell them about the position.• Remember to thank your referee and let them know what the outcome is.

Example No. 1

Example No. 2

Available upon request

Timothy JonesEJ ArchitectsArchitect, [email protected] 438 220

For most positions ( nursing excepted), you don’t need to include your referee’s contact info on the resume. Instead, write “Referees available upon request”

If you are asked to include your referee information, be sure to include both a phone and professional email address. Also remember to include their relationship to you E.g. ‘Supervisor’, ‘Manager’ or ‘Academic Advisor’

15


Cover Letter Structure

PurposeFor any professional positions or internships, you should include a cover letter. For casual positions, it may not always be required (refer to the job ad for instructions). The cover letter is a chance for you to highlight your most relevant skills and experience and express your motivation for the position. You shouldn’t reiterate your entire resume! This is meant to intrigue the employer and encourage them to have a thorough look at your resume. Frame the letter to reflect how you can apply your skills and experience to help the employer instead of how obtaining this role will help you.

Template

Your NameMobile NumberEmail Address

Contact NameTitle (if known)Organization NameStreet AddressCity, State Post Code

Day Month, Year

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name or Hiring Manager (if unsure of person hiring),

Re: Job Title and Reference Number if Applicable

Opening paragraph: Clearly state why you are writing. If you were referred to the position from someone within the organisation, or by someone the addressee knows, mention that as well. You should also include 2-3 core skills and mention any relevant experience and why you feel you are a good fit for the position. This section is more of an overview, and you do not need to provide detailed examples yet.

Second paragraph: You want to express your specific motivation for applying to this organisation. This is your chance to relate your interests and experience to what the organisation does. Do some research into the company - do you resonate with their mission, vision or values? Why are these things important to you?

Middle paragraph(s): You should have one or two paragraphs that elaborate on how you have developed the relevant skills required for the job, and any relevant experiences or education you have acquired. Providing an example can help you emphasize your point. Of equal importance is your argument for how your interest in the job developed. You will want to ensure that you include why it would be a logical decision on their part to hire you.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate your skills and how you think this makes you a good fit for the position. Thank them for their time and consideration of your application.

Sincerely,

Name (typed)

16

A cover letter will stand out if it is:

Well-written: tells an engaging storyRelevant: matches the reader’s key interests Unique: isn’t identical to its competitionSubstantiated: provides convincing evidence Visually-pleasing: is attractive to the eye

Ms Alice I. Wunderland 0412 345 [email protected]

8 March 2019

Ms Molly Meba Meba Media 100 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Dear Ms Meba,

Re: Marketing Assistant (Position ref: G452/A)

As a recent Bachelor of Business graduate from the University of Technology Sydney, I am very interested in the role of Marketing Assistant at Meba Media. . Achieving a distinction average over the course of my studies; along with work experience at two high profile media organisations, demonstrates that I am hardworking and self–motivated, with a passion for marketing within the entertainment industry. In particular, I feel that my previous experience in public relations, event coordination and social media management will allow me to make a valuable contribution to Meba Media.

As a market leader in providing creative strategies for social media and communications branding, Meba Media has contributed to the success of organisations such as XYD Company and ZXY. An opportunity to work for an organisation who places value on creativity and innovation is exciting to me. I have a strong commitment to developing my own creativity, as seen through my dedication to weekly Photoshop classes in my free-time. This role will enable me to apply my prior experience while further developing my own capacity to work as a marketeer and learn from experts in the field.

During my degree I completed several marketing internships, including positions at Channel 7 and ACP magazines. These internships proved to be invaluable as I was able to demonstrate my skills as a confident communicator and my ability to build rapport with both internal and external clients. I also demonstrated strong written communication skills, reflected through 12 nationally published media releases.

In addition to my internships, I have been involved with various extracurricular pursuits including 6 years with the NSW Volunteer Fire Brigade and 2 years with my local Smith Family shop. Here, I strengthened my teamwork skills, and my ability to work effectively under pressure when serving up to 10 customers at once time, in a fast paced environment.

The internet is of particular interest to me due its ever-changing nature and I also enjoy working with social media as it is a growing market segment area. Notably, at Channel 7 I was responsible for increasing the Channel’s Facebook and Twitter traffic in 2011. As a result of my efforts, Twitter traffic increased by 40% and the number of Facebook ‘likes’ by 30% over six months.

With my natural affinity for social media, strong communication skills and initiative, I offer a range of skills relevant to the Marketing Assistant role. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further information supporting my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely, Alice Wunderland

**Please note that this document is a sample of how an effective cover letter can be written. The most important thing is to ensure your cover letter is targeted to the specific role you are applying for. The purpose of the cover letter is to expand on the most relevant and recent experiences from your resume to highlight why they’re so applicable to the job. It should not be a repetition of your resume.


Personalise the greeting line. If you know the name of the relevant recruiter or business contact, address them directly here (consider calling the company to find this out). Otherwise, you can write “Dear Recruitment Manager” or “Dear Hiring Manager”.

Include a subject line. List the exact position title written in the job advertisement including the reference number assigned by the company, if applicable.

Use the opening paragraph to concisely explain why you are the right person for the job and what you can offer to that organisation. Be as specific as possible regarding the role and company i.e. state the company name versus broad terminology.

Do you possess relevant qualifications and/or work experience? Do you have a particular interest in that area of work?

Include 1-2 sentences highlighting why you want to work for that particular company. This will require you to do company research – find out about their key products/services, current projects, customer and client base, notable awards or recognitions and the company values.

This section should be tailored and targeted for each application.

As a guide, we recommend that you address how you have demonstrated 3 core competencies mentioned in the job advertisement.

Highlight specific examples from your work, studies and extracurricular activities to show your skills and strengths, including notable achievements and contributions that you have made. Where possible, quantify those achievements.

In this sample, you can see that the core competencies addressed are communication skills, team work skills and an interest in.

Your closing paragraph should reinforce your interest in the role and should conclude the letter on a positive note. Use confident phrasing that encourages the organisation to make contact with you.

17


Cover Letter ChecklistPlace a in the box as you assess each item.

General Formatting

1-3 Middle Paragraph(s)

Closing Paragraph

First Paragraph

Second Paragraph

Only 1 page in length – well-spaced and uses reasonable margins

Consistent font throughout – 10-12 pts recommend Arial, Calibri or Helvetica

All spelling is correct – Australia/UK English

Explain unfamiliar acronyms –e.g. “Beyond UTS International Leadership Development (BUiLD) program”

Include your full name, email and mobile

Include hiring manager’s name, position title (if known), company, address

Include the date you send the letter – e.g. 7 July 2018

A personalised greeting – e.g. Dear Ms. _____, Dear Hiring Manager

Reference position title in subject line – e.g. “Re: Graduate Analyst Opportunity (position ref. B382)”

Elaborate on relevant experience and skills

Provide detailed examples where you have demonstrated the key skills required in this role.

Include your position titles and previous organisation names – e.g. Marketing Intern at JB-HI FI

Reiterate how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for the position

Thank them for their time and consideration

End letter with “Sincerely, [Your Name]”

Refer to the position, company and your motivation for applying

Mention any relevant experience and/or 2-3 skills based off the selection criteria on the job advert

Explain what makes you a good fit for the position – e.g. education, experience, interests, etc.

Express why you want to work for this particular organisation – interest in industry, area of study, etc.

Incorporate company research – e.g. values, key projects, clients, competitive advantage.

Why do these things matter to you? How have you embodied their company values?

18

Opening ParagraphBegin with your current position, e.g. degree program and major, and tie in 3 relevant skills/experiences that make you stand out and highlight what you can contribute to the company.

Second ParagraphWhy do you want to work for this organisation specifically? Incorporate company research, e.g. values, key projects, competitive advantage, specialisation, etc.

What appeals to you about the industry?

Is it in your area of study? Do you have previous experience in this area or a personal connection?

Body Paragraphs FormatThe first line should be simple.

During [time period], I worked as [job title] for [company name].

In your next couple sentences, talk about the specific responsibilities you had in that role that are the closest to the responsibilities you’d have in this job.

As [job title], I was responsible for [Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3].

Or: In this role, I worked on several projects, including [Project 1, Project 2, and Project 3].

It’s important not to repeat your entire resume. Instead, take your most relevant experiences, expand upon them and describe why they are relevant to this position. Include significant achievements or accomplishments. In the final one to two sentences, discuss how you will apply what you learned to this position.How will you apply what you learned from your previous experience to this position?


Activity

19


Choosing Your ExamplesYour most recent position should usually be in your cover letter. When choosing which experiences to write about in your cover letter, review the job description and highlight the skills and experience needs and choose examples which best reflect these skills.

What are the 3 most essential skills/experience required for this position?1.

2.

3.

Be sure to incorporate these skills/experiences in your cover letter. Choose the job, academic or extra-curricular experience where you demonstrated those skills. If you don’t have the exact background they are looking for, use the closest example you have.

Closing ParagraphUse the closing paragraph to express your interest and reiterate your unique qualifications for the position. You should never say, “I know I’m not as qualified as other candidates, but…”

Instead, you can be positive and confident, “My background in [industry or profession], combined with my passion for [your company] and this role, would make me uniquely qualified to tackle [specific responsibility].”

End your cover letter on a strong note and highlight how your unexpected experience and skills are an asset.

20


Emailing your Resume & Cover Letter

Often times, you will be asked to email a copy of your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager. In such cases, it is preferable to attach a copy of your cover letter instead of copying and pasting your entire cover letter in the body of the email.

Email Template

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name or Hiring Manager (if unsure of person hiring),

First Paragraph: Reference job title and company. If you were referred to the position from someone within the organisation, or by someone the addressee knows, mention that as well. Include one sentence that highlights your relevant skills/experience. Refer to your attached resume and cover letter.

Sincerely,

Full Nameemail addressmobile number

Email Example

Dear Ms. Meba,

I would like to express my interest in the Marketing Assistant position with Meba Media. In this role, I would apply my social media, public relations and event coordination experience to support effective social media campaigns and increase lead generation for Meba Media. Please find my resume and cover letter attached. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Alice [email protected]

0445 218 720

21


Notes

22

Still have questions?

- Have your resume instantly reviewed with Rate My Resume

- Get advice from professionals in your industry on the Professional Mentoring Platform

- Join your peers in a group Resume Questions Session

Contact us

(02) 9514 1471

[email protected]

uts.ac/rmr

uts.ac/pmp

https://careerhub.uts.edu.au/students/events/search?query=&EventType=51

Resume & Cover Letter

Documents

Transcript of Resume & Cover Letter