Resumes and cover Letters
Read more:
-Resume Writing
-Curriculum Vita
-Correspondence
| Parts of a Resume | ||
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | ||
| Parts of a Cover Letter | ||
| Other Types of Letters |
Parts of a Resume
Heading
- Name and contact information (complete address, phone, e-mail)
Objective
Read more: Sample Career Objectives (PDF)
- Type of position you are seeking and the field/industry of interest
Education
- List degrees - most recent first
- Include relevant details (courses, special projects, minor or area of emphasis, etc.)
- List study abroad experiences (use the same format as your Penn State entry)
- Provide your overall and/or major G.P.A. (if below 3.0, discuss options with a career counselor)
Experience
- List your experiences - most recent first
- Give specific details; use numbers to show percentages, dollar amounts, etc.
- Use bulleted statements
- Start statements with action words
Activities (optional)
- List relevant activities and leadership positions first
- Add details to demonstrate skills and experiences, if applicable
- Include honors/awards, hobbies, and interests, if relevant
Skills (optional)
- Highlight your skills (i.e. computer hardware/software, foreign languages or other skills required for the job)
- Include the level of proficiency (basic, intermediate, etc.)
- List relevant certifications
References (optional)
Read more: Are your references “Available upon Request” (PDF)
- Seek prior approval from references
- List references on a separate page (formatted to match resume)
- List three to five references (who are familiar with your academic achievements, leadership and teamwork skills, and/or work ethic)
- Include current contact information (name, title, organization, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)Read more: Curriculum Vita (PDF)
A CV, which is longer than a typical resume, is often required when applying to graduate or professional programs, employment with international firms or when promoting oneself primarily within academic fields. As appropriate, your CV may include:
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General Tips
- Organize the categories to reflect the priorities of the hiring organization and/or position (i.e. if research is a core component of the work, your research section should be displayed prominently)
- Provide details about skills and experiences
- Provide a date of completion (if you are currently working toward your degree)
- Proofread and spell-check
- Have your CV reviewed multiple times by career counselors, advisors, professors, etc.
- Be prepared to elaborate and discuss the content of your CV during your interview
Parts of a Cover Letter
Read more: Cover Letters (PDF)
Opening Paragraph
- Express interest in the position and organization
- Share how you learned about the opportunity (especially if referred by an individual)
- Provide a broad overview of your most relevant experience and education
Middle Section
- Summarize how your education, experience and personal qualities prepare you for the position
- Write to persuade the employer to read your resume – without repeating your resume
Closing Paragraph
- Reiterate your continued interest in the position and organization
- Specify the next steps (either request in-person meeting or state that you will follow-up by phone)
- Thank the employer for their consideration
Other Types of letters
Sample Letters:
Thank You
Job Offer Correspondence
Prospecting
General Tips for all Letters
- Use the same mode of communication (email, telephone, letter) initiated by the employer
- Consider your intention and make it clear
- The quality of paper and all correspondence should be professional
- Use proper e-mail etiquette: appropriate greetings, proper grammar, use formal language and include your e-mail/telephone contact information on all messages