power half hour: resumes and cover letters center for career education east campus, lower level...
TRANSCRIPT
POWER HALF HOUR: RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
Center for Career EducationEast Campus, Lower Level
2007-2008
WHAT IS A RESUME
A marketing document, the purpose of which is to get you an interview
A presentation of your skills, experience, education and accomplishments targeted to a specific industry or job
A document which will change as you apply for different positions and develop throughout your career
RESUME WRITING: Research job/industry
All resumes should be targeted to specific positions or industries; therefore, research
the job/industry before you start.Find out:
What the employer will be looking for Key skills/experience/education
About the industryAbout the organization
RESUME WRITING: Research Yourself
It is essential that you have an understanding of the what you have to
offer; assess and audit your:
SkillsAbilitiesAchievementsExperiences – all
inclusive
CONTENT
Name and contact detailsObjective/SummaryEducation ExperienceActivitiesSkillsInterests
PRESENTING YOUR EXPERIENCE
Responsible for fundraising
OR
Coordinated a team of fundraising volunteers to raise money for a local charity. Developed innovative fundraising activities and motivated a team to achieve a 50% increase in funds raised.
FORMAT AND SIZE
Ideally one pageFont sizeDivided into clearly labeled sectionsConsistencyTenseReverse chronological orderSpelling!
Sample ResumeLYDIA ASKINS
Lerner Hall, New York, NY 10027 • (212) 853-0000 • [email protected]
EDUCATION
Columbia University New York, NYBachelor of Arts, Expected May 2003Major: English; GPA: 3.7
HONORS
Dean’s List (2000 - Present)Joseph and Ann Perlman Prize (2001)
EXPERIENCE
Random House, New York, NY 06/2005-09/2005Intern• Fact-checked and proofread manuscripts for the entertainment books section of Random House. • Worked directly with editors and authors on various projects including book launches and publicity events.• Attended editorial meetings and internship program development training sessions.• Maintained manuscript database and filing system using Microsoft Access.
Columbia Spectator, New York, NY 09/2004-05/2005News Editor and Food Critic• Edited copy prior to publication and assisted with layout and production for a 5,000 person circulation college newspaper.• Gathered daily news events within the university community by interviewing students, faculty, and administrators.• Researched current social and political issues through contact with local community organizations.• Analyzed food, decor, and service of local restaurants; wrote critiques for arts magazine.
ACTIVITIES
Tutor, Community Impact, New York, NY 01/2004-PresentTreasurer/Member, Columbia University Tae Kwon Do Club, New York, NY 09/2003-05/2005
SKILLS
Languages: Fluent Spanish; Intermediate French Computer: Fluent in MS Word, MS Excel, WordPerfect, Access, Lexis-Nexis
COVER LETTERS
Your opportunity to ‘make a case’Choose the most persuasiveelements of your applicationTailor the cover letter!Make sure to use a professional structure
Cover Letter StructureIntroduction- who you are, why you are
writing, position you are applying for, where you found job/internship
Body – highlight your qualifications, make connection between your background and what employer is looking for
Conclusion- thank the reader and reaffirm your interest in the position
East Campus, Lower Level(212) 854-5498
[email protected]://www.careereducation.columbia.edu
Mon – Fri, 9am-5pmWed (term time), 9am–8pm
Walk-Ins, 1pm-4pm