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Resume and Cover Letter Guide

A resume is a formal document summarizing professional qualifications, including work experience, skills, education, and accomplishments, while a cover letter introduces the candidate and emphasizes their suitability for a job. Resumes can be formatted in various styles such as chronological, functional, targeted, or combination, and should be tailored for each job application. A curriculum vitae (CV) is a more comprehensive document used for academic positions, differing from resumes in length and content.

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7 views

Resume and Cover Letter Guide

A resume is a formal document summarizing professional qualifications, including work experience, skills, education, and accomplishments, while a cover letter introduces the candidate and emphasizes their suitability for a job. Resumes can be formatted in various styles such as chronological, functional, targeted, or combination, and should be tailored for each job application. A curriculum vitae (CV) is a more comprehensive document used for academic positions, differing from resumes in length and content.

Uploaded by

Fiona Castro
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What Is a Resume?

A resume is a formal document that provides an overview of your professional qualifications, including your

relevant work experience, skills, education, and notable accomplishments.

Cover Letter

A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the employer. You can briefly explain who you are,

why you're writing, and how you learned about the job opening. Use the cover letter to emphasize the

qualifications and skills that make you a strong candidate for the job. Mention how your background and

experiences align with the job requirements.

The spelling of "résumé" actually originates from French and means "summary."

A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job, along with your resume.

As a piece of persuasive writing, your cover letter aims to convey to the employer why you're a great

candidate for the role.

Purpose of a Cover Letter

- Highlight your qualifications: Show how your skills and experience relate to the employer's needs for a

specific position.

- Showcase your motivation: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and the organization.

- Reflect your voice and communication skills: Give the employer a sense of your personality and writing

style.

What to Include in a Resume

1. Contact Information:

Full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).

2. Objective or Summary (Optional):


A brief, well-crafted objective or summary statement can help the employer understand your career goals

and what you bring to the table.

3. Professional Experience:

- Job Titles and Dates: List in reverse chronological order.

- Company Name and Location

- Key Responsibilities: Use bullet points to describe your achievements. Focus on quantifiable results (e.g.,

"Increased sales by 20%").

- Action Words: Begin bullet points with strong verbs to emphasize your contributions.

4. Education:

List your educational background starting with the most recent degree. Include the institution's name,

location, degree earned, major, and graduation date.

5. Skills:

Include both technical skills (e.g., programming, software) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).

6. Optional Sections:

- Certifications

- Volunteer Work

- Awards and Achievements

7. Formatting Tips:

- Use a clean, professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and a readable font size (10-12 pt).

- Bold job titles, italicize company names for consistency.

- Use bullet points for readability.

- Keep to 1-2 pages.

8. Tailor Your Resume:

Customize for each job by emphasizing the most relevant skills and experiences.

9. Proofreading:

Eliminate any grammar, spelling, or formatting errors.


10. Professionalism:

Use a professional email address and ensure all contact info is appropriate.

11. References:

Not required on your resume unless specifically requested.

12. Online Presence:

Ensure your LinkedIn and other professional profiles match your resume content.

13. Upload as PDF:

Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting when submitting online.

Types of Resumes

1. Chronological Resume:

Lists work history in reverse-chronological order. Best if you have a consistent work history.

2. Functional Resume (Skills-Based):

Focuses on skills and qualifications rather than work history.

- Longer, detailed skills section.

- De-emphasized work experience section.

3. Targeted Resume:

Customized for a specific job or company.

- Scan the job listing for key skills and requirements.

- Highlight those in your resume to show you're a great fit.

4. Combination Resume (Hybrid):

Mix of chronological and functional formats.

- Emphasizes both skills and work history.

- Ideal for candidates with solid experience and skills to showcase.


Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A curriculum vitae (CV) is the standard format for academic and research positions. It includes a more

comprehensive list of credentials.

Length: CVs start at 3 pages and can be longer, while resumes are usually 1-2 pages.

Information to Include in a CV:

- Name, address, phone numbers, email

- Objective: Specific job title

- Academic Preparation: Degree titles and dates

- Work Experience: Include teaching, research, and assistantships

- Publications, Presentations, and Papers

- Performances, Exhibitions, and Compositions

- Current Research Interests

- Grants

- Languages and International Experience

- Professional Memberships

- Honors and Awards

- Professional Service and Consultations

- Relevant Leadership Experience

- Specific Skills: e.g., lab techniques, software, programming

Do Not Include in Your CV:

- Age

- Ethnicity

- Political Affiliation

- Religion

- Hobbies

- Marital Status

- Sexual Orientation

- Place of Birth

- Photos
- Health Information

Formatting Guidelines

Paper Quality: Use standard white, ivory, or neutral 8.5x11-inch heavyweight paper.

Font Style and Size:

- Use Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica.

- Font size between 10-12 pt.

Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Key Differences:

- Length

- Content

- Purpose

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