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Prepare Your Resume, Cover Letters, and Other Related Documents

Your Resume
A resume is a vital part of any job or internship search. It is the document that markets you and your credentials to a prospective employer. It is an invitation for potential employers to learn about your skills and qualifications. Submitting a resume (and often a cover letter) is one of the first steps in an application process. Your goal in writing an effective resume is to describe your key experiences and accomplishments in a way that resonates with employers and other readers.
Read more in the Resume Handout (pdf)

To enhance your resume-writing skills:

• Attend one of the Career Center's Resumes and Cover Letters workshops. View the Career Calendar for upcoming workshops.
• Make an appointment with a Career Center counselor to discuss how to target your resumes for your chosen field or a specific position.
• Have your resume(s) critiqued at the Career Center by a career counselor and/or a peer assistant.
• Ask for advice from experts such as alumni and other professionals working in the fields that interest you.
• Review specific company websites to see if the organizations you are interested in list resume tips for applicants on their website.

Cover Letters
A cover letter is used when applying for a job or internship. It is your personal introduction to a prospective employer. It outlines your interest in the position and the type of work, your interest in the organization, and why you are qualified for the position. Unless instructed otherwise by the potential employer, you should always include a cover letter with your resume.
Read more in the Employer Correspondence Handout (pdf)

Other Related Documents: Unofficial Transcripts, Reference Pages, and Writing Samples
On occasion, companies will request documentation in addition to a resume and cover letter. In spite of the additional work necessary, it is well worth taking the take to prepare these additional resources. In fact, many organizations that require additional documentation are among the most selective.

Transcripts: Official transcripts can be requested by contacting the Registrar's Office. It is a good idea to bring one to interviews. Many organizations will also request unofficial transcripts of your academic work prior to selecting their interview list. To create an unofficial transcript, copy and paste your information from the Registrar's website into Microsoft Word. You can then upload it into your J-Connect account for use in On-Campus Recruiting.

References Lists: References are individuals who can cite how you are qualified for a particular job. Most organizations will ask for three to five individuals. A mix of academic (professors) and professional (former supervisors) references is recommended. Format your reference page by cutting and pasting the header of your resume including your name and address on a blank document. Label the document as “References” and list complete contact information including titles, addresses, emails, and phone numbers.
*Make sure you contact your references to obtain their permission before submitting them.

Writing Samples: Employers may also require a writing sample to evaluate your writing abilities and your analytic skills. Length is somewhat dependent upon the position and organization, although three to five pages is typical. Relevancy is important. For example, when submitting to a financial firm, an economics paper might be better than a history paper. In most cases, it is not expected that you will create a new document, but that you will adapt and revise something you have already written.

Additional Resources
Cover Letters—The Riley Guide
Letters of Recommendation—The Riley Guide
Resumes
CVs That Open Industry Doors —only works on campus
From C.V. to Resume - a Practical Example —only works on campus