Resumes & Cover Letters

Today’s objectives…

• Define the purpose of a resume• Explore sections to include• Explain how to write an action statement• Discuss references• Define cover letters

In the employers shoes…

1. What can you do for me? Needs & Wants

Experience Skills, knowledge,

competencies

2. How will you fit within my organization?

Attitude

What is a résumé?

Marketing tool First impression Document of your

experiences Communicates skills &

knowledge

What sections can I include?Objective Summary of

Skills Education Work Experience

Volunteer Experience

Extracurricular Activities

Related Experience Publications

Memberships Conference Attendance Awards Certifications

Lab Skills Technical Skills Interests Professional Development

Contact information

Jenny Jobseeker226 Vernon StreetTruro, Nova Scotia

B3R 5T9(902) 897-9760

jennyjobseeker@dal.ca

Objective Statements

AMY SMITH 123 Main Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, N4J 2B8

Home: (902) 434-5934, Cell: (902) 293-532, Email: asmith@dal.ca

OBJECTIVE

Seeking a position as a Library Assistant where I will be able to contribute my organization and customer service skills.

Summary of Skills

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

• Possess three years experience delivering excellent customer service• Excellent organization skills as evidenced by extracurricular involvement• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks• Experienced in writing and editing documents• Ability to communicate and listen effectively as a member of a team

Education

EDUCATION

Diploma in Enterprise Management (Equine) 2011-PresentDalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia

Associations/Memberships

MEMBERSHIPS

Student Member, Canadian Equestrian Association 2011-Present

What is experience?

Part time/Full time Summer Experiential Learning Volunteer Extra-curricular In the classroom Internships/Co-ops Life

Realizing WHO the reader of your résumé

is

Realizing WHAT the reader of your

résumé is looking for

Employment

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Fundraiser Blue Hills School, NS, May – Oct 2011

• Raised money in support of local charities in cooperation with Senior Administrators at the Blue Hills School

• Utilized online social media to promote fundraising events resulting in a 30% increase in funds raised

• Successfully led a team of 12 volunteers ensuring a cohesive team environment

• Conducted post event surveys to improve upon future fundraising endeavors

Volunteer Experience

Academic Projects

Project: Assessment of the Impacts of Community Organizations in Nova ScotiaClass: Senior Seminar

• Collaborated with a team of four students to assess the effectiveness of local community groups

• Conducted a series of interviews with community members that measured the perceived effectiveness of community programming

• Made recommendations on future policies in community programming which were accepted by the United Way

Academic Projects

Created and implemented a new youth mentoring program by assessing the needs of youth in the

community through one-on-one interviews and focus groups resulting in an 80% participation of local high

school students

Action Statements

What I did How or Why Result

Resume checklist Are you “proving your fit”? How does your résumé look? Does the person reading your résumé

know you are effective? Is all your relevant experience

included? Only you can write your résumé Proofread carefully – ask a friend Organize in a logical fashion Approximately two pages Be honest

References

A person who can attest to your work experience, skills, character and

personality.

Personal

Professional

Reference example

References

Submitting references appropriately will allow you to:• Gauge where you are in the job search process • Increase the likelihood of a more position-

tailored dialogue between the employer and your reference

Things to Exclude• Title page• Photos• Subjective Text• Personal Information• Politics• References

• Objective• Hobbies / Interests• List of Classes • Languages

How Employers View Your Resume

• Visually• Scanning Software

Resume Scanning Software

• Types of organizations • Fortune 500• Large organizations• Sophisticated HR functions • Government

Why is it used?

• Overwhelmed HR department, cutbacks

• Sheer numbers of resumes • Software's impartiality

Assume that a digital "eye" will see your resume before any human eye sees it -- if a human eye sees it.

Tips for Passing the Scan

• Key phrases • Mention successes and skills early and

frequently• Do not worry about too much repetition• Keywords• Do NOT use fancy fonts, symbols, text boxes

or try imbedding words

Cover Letters

• Always• Overview• Concise

Anatomy of a Cover Letter

Introduction• Position• Where you learned about it• Hook the reader in

Main Body• 2 – 3 paragraphs• Prove it!

• -State Skill• -Give example

Conclusion• Thank reader• Show Enthusiasm• Provide contact details

Cover Letters

Skills they WANT Skills I HAVE HOW do I have the skills?

• Degree (field)• Demonstrated ability to establish and

maintain effective relationships • Demonstrated experience in leading and

managing complex projects • Strong interpersonal, communication,

facilitation and presentation skills• Good computer skills, proficient with MS

Office applications• Ability to communicate effectively in both

official languages is an asset• Willingness to travel• Experience managing a budget

• Degree- Dalhousie University• Job 1-Maintained large client

database• Intensive project

management course• Team leader, 1st place Case

Competition• Certified Microsoft Office or

Computer Applications Class

• Well-travelled , Exchange, Flexible. Previous role

Q & A

Career Services Centre

11 River RoadDalhousie University, Truro Campus

893-7895 rosanne.chapman@dal.ca

• Drop-in • MyCareer.dal.ca

• Job postings• Career calendar• Book an appointment