My experience with résumés and
CVs has always been a tricky one because I didn’t know how to make one the “right
way”. So one day I went to the Career Services Center (when it was in Ferrell
Commons) and asked for some help. They provided me with a couple of the
handouts that are on the website. With the guides, I created a brand new résumé
and CV that was geared towards employment history. Now, after years of updating
and experiences, it’s geared towards a focus on my community service, volunteer
experiences and skill set because I want to work in a Nonprofit Organization.
Your personal résumé and CV may
not look exactly like the ones you will review at for your assignment, but it
will give you a great place to start. You may even have to spicy up your
current ones with the tools provided. Your résumé and CV will be the first
thing the employer sees whether that’s online or in person. And remember, when printing both out make sure
they are on the same kind of paper so that there’s consistency and a sense of
professionalism.
Your
assignment:
Part
1- Handouts: Go to the Career
Services website at look all the handouts provided.
http://www.career.ucf.edu/Students/Undergraduate_Students/Write_Effective_Resumes_and_Cover_Letters/Handouts_49_193.aspx
1. Which
handouts were the most helpful? The least?
2. Do you have
any handouts or tips for writing an effective résumé to share? If so please
provide the link.
3. What do you
think makes a résumé stand out (in either a good way or bad way)?
4. What
do you want your résumé to say about YOU?
Part 2- Cover Letter Exercise: Using the Handouts as a guide,
draft the opening, body, and closing of one of your cover letters. Make sure to
include the purpose, interests, qualifications, and your experiences in the
letter.
This posting should be labeled “Cover Letter
Exercise” and should be at least two paragraphs
1. The handouts that were most helpful were:
ReplyDeletea. Cover Letter Writing 101
b. Cover Letter Sample
c. Haha actually, they were all really helpful I thought.
2. I liked the handouts from the website
3. A good formatted, visually clean resume helps to make a resume stand out.
4. I want my resume to be direct in accurately enticing the company that I am applying for to get a grasp of who I am, but still intrigued and gain a better understanding of who I am based on the actual interview.
Part 2:
KtCrabb Photography
I have been looking to become more immersed in the wedding photography field and I am writing to explore the possibility of employment as your photography assistant. I am confident in my ten years of photography experience and my enthusiasm for capturing life’s most memorable moments to be a nice compliment to your already thriving photography business.
I value your ability to develop a personal casual relationship with your clients that allows for candid and visually stimulating photo that accurately capture each clients wedding day uniquely. I am confortable working directly with clients on location in a professional manner. I am experienced technically and creatively in the photography field. I am confident in my skills to make the client feel confortable and confidant, achieving a superior product. I would also be more than willing to take on any additional responsibilities whenever necessary.
I would love to get together at your convenience in order to talk more intimately about my qualifications and other possible opportunities with KtCrabb Photography. Thank you for your consideration.
sgamble4,
DeleteI think your cover letter is clean and concise. Its to the point and flows nicely. And it is at a good length.
Sgamble4,
DeleteI like your cover letter very much but remember to include a brief introduction about who you are and a salutation. For example,(Dear/Greetings) KtCrabb Photography.
I think the best thing you included in your cover letter was at the end where you said that you would love to get together and talk more about opportunities to work with them. Sometimes it might be be appropriate to set a time to suggest an RSVP date of some sort. Again, that depends on the company, though. Surprisingly a lot of people don't end their cover letters that way, but I think you did it really well. Good job!
DeleteAlso, Valerie noted a valid point about including something about yourself to show some of your qualifications. This gives you the opportunity to brag a little more than what your resume might suggest. Help them answer why you're good for the job and that they should call you in for an interview.
DeleteI like what you have to say about what you want the cover letter to say about you. You are correct in needing to have that cover letter grab their interest in a way that propels them to call you.
DeleteCOVER LETTER EXERCISE:
ReplyDelete1.Knightlink and The workshop handouts were both helpful
2. Any tips would probably be: Print your resume on card stock, keep it clean, make it readable/don't over do it with bug words, and don't put a ton of jobs on it.
3. A resume that that stands out is one that coincides with the job being applied for, a resume that is formatted well, and of course make sure you know whats on it word for word.
4. I want my resume to say in so many words that im very qualified for the position im applying for and that I should be one of the first people they call for an interview cause I wont be on the job market for long.
I am writing in response to your advertisement posted on Craigslist. I am interested in the Management position. I believe that my extensive experience in the Hospitality Industry would qualify me for the position.
In studying at UCF, for a BA Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. With this major I am focusing on Digital Media and Sports Business with a Coaching Minor. With this versatile degree I can apply my studies to a management position and position myself within your company to further my professional goals.
Over the years I have managed restaurants effectively and efficiently. I have cut costs and averaged 10% to the bottom line while increasing sales 15-25% within my first year of employment. All of my previous positions have allowed me to create ways to generate sales and promote awareness.
I have enclosed a resume and it provides an overview of my education and experience. Please contact me for an opportunity to meet with you at your convenience to discuss a time for an interview. You can contact me anytime via telephone or please write to me at the above address.
Eli00769,
DeleteI'm glad the handouts as well as Knightlink were helpful. When I started my career/job search, I didn't know where to start until I went to Career Services and they told me about all the different tools that would help me find that perfect career.
For your Cover Letter:
It's a little choppy, but to fix that order it to where you have your position of interest, why you're interested, then a reason for qualifications. Most people will ask what is IDS so you would have to include a clarification stating something like, " I am in the process of obtaining my BA in IDS with concentrations in XYZ and a minor in XYZ. These concentrations have benefited by allowing me to obtain the skills necessary for the management position such as, XYZ (this would be where you state your skills that you have)". It makes is smoother and you're still stating the important information that is essential to promoting yourself.
Hope this helps! :)
The only thing I might change in your cover letter is the "please contact me for an opportunity to meet with you..." I would just say, I look forward to hearing from you. To me, it sounded a little demanding and as though maybe you wouldn't follow up. Naturally, everyone reads things differently, but that was my first impression. Otherwise, I thought you did a good job.
DeleteI too think that it is a little choppy. Try to make is sound more professional. I liked the section where you talked about your expreinces of being in a managment position. When explaining how versitile your education is, how will that benifit the company...what do you have to offer them. Overall you did a great job and you will have a great coverletter!
DeleteI really liked where you showcased what you were able to do to the bottom line (which is critical to companies) and increase sales (also critical to companies). I believe if people added this vital information to their resume they would have a much better chance of getting an interview.
DeleteTo be honest, I've worked a lot with my resume, since I have worked in recruiting and my sister is a Corporate HR Manager at GE. Having said that, I knew most of everything that was on those handouts. I do, however, know that a lot of people do not seem to know that kind of information, having reviewed many before. Nevertheless, it's always good to review, especially as norms change and my experience increases.
ReplyDeleteEven now I will look up example cover letters like the one provided on the Career Service's site, so to me those hand out are the most helpful since my cover letter is the one thing that always changes the most when I'm applying for a job. A lot of the time it's helpful conduct a Google search and find cover letters/resumes that are tailored to the type of job you're applying for. Those kinds of resources are always helpful.
It's also nice to have someone who works in HR look over your resume to see their point of view on it, and I highly recommend doing so.
The only thing I didn't agree with from the handouts was the order that people seem to think a resume should be in. To be honest, I think my college education shows the least amount of my experience, therefore, I have my occupations listed first, followed by internships, skills and then finally, my education.
For me, this makes my resume stand out, especially since I always have to explain what it means to be an Interdisciplinaries major, but one must consider that rarely does one have the opportunity to provide this information unless they're given an interview or are being referred to a company by someone you know.
The worst thing I ever see on a resume is when people fail to expound on what they did or what skills they acquired at whatever occupation they've held. It is imperative to entice some interest otherwise yours will just be cast aside.
Below is a cover letter I wrote a while ago, but I think it's a good example of being amiable toward the one you're hoping to land an interview with:
Dear Misty,
I briefly talked with Jaime about my interest in the position for Visual Merchandising Manager for Store #077, which I know he has mentioned to you. Jaime told me to forward you my resume, which you can find attached to this email.
I am a student at UCF, studying Advertising and Public Relations with an intention to graduate next Spring. I am most interested in learning how to create a brand, especially in regard to aesthetics, which is why I feel this job would be perfect for me.
I started working with J.Crew about two years ago, then took a brief hiatus to study abroad in Vienna, Austria for a year. Upon my return I began working at J.Crew again, since I thoroughly enjoy helping others assemble outfits to complement their style.
At J.Crew, I freely approach people and help coordinate new outfits that make them look fantastic. I am well acquainted with J.Crew products, so I am able give customers advice on what looks good, as well as what colors and textures work well together. As a result, I always exceed my Sales Goal amount.
I am very passionate about J.Crew, and remain a loyal spokesperson even outside of work. I look forward to scheduling an appointment to further discuss this opportunity sometime this week.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Okay...1st of all I would love to work at J Crew as I am obsessed with their clothes!!!!
DeleteI think that you did a good job with your cover letter. I like when you said that you were very passionate about J Crew. That shows devotion to the company which many employers value. I think that you showed your experience without ranting and raving. I would have liked to see your closing with your contact information. Overall Great job!!!
I love how you point out that someone should go to an HR to have them look over your resume and cover letter. Getting that second opinion is great. Personally, the order that a resume is created depends on the type or job and career one is applying. And I agree with you when you say listing skills is extremely important because it shows one's capabilities. For your cover letter, your third paragraph is a run-on sentence. But other than that, it's a pretty good cover letter.
DeleteThe handouts that were the most helpful to me were the example handouts like a cover letter sample or resume sample. I cant help but always want to look at what other people think are great and learn from it.
ReplyDeleteA tip that I have learned on making an effective resume is not not make it too complicated. I used to want to jam pack every detail of my life on my resume, which is uneffective. Most interviewrs look at your resume for a couple of seconds and thats it. If you make it simple and include those things taht matter, they should be amazing on their own.
A resume statnds out by its content as most of the time they are looking for something very specific. Standing out is a hard task. I made the mistake once of putting a funny little cartoon character on the top of my resume, hoping it would help me stando out and be remembered. I dont think that was a smart choice as it is unproffestional.
I simply want my resume to say that I am a qualified, professional, smart young woman who is serious about the job. I would like it to show that I am a hard worker and have done things throuout my career to improve myself.
To whom it may concern;
I am writing in responce to our short interview at the job fair last week as I am interested in the marketing manager position at Engage. Attached you will find my resume with my previous experience and qualifications for the position.
Currently I am a student at the Univeristy of Central Florida where I intend to graduate this December. My intend to graduate make this a perfect time period to start this new position as I will be available.
During my time at UCF, I participated in many activities and internships including the marketing internship positions at United Way, The West Orange Chamber of Commerce, Holly Picano Artist, and VS Publishing. I also did a bit of work with Orlando Home and Leisure Magaznie, Discover Magazine, and Central Florida Lifestyle's marketing team. I also did a lot of work for UCF's Ad club.
In addition to my knowledge of marketing, I have a lot of experience in events from my internships. I assisted in planning some of the biggest events in the Orlando area including "Best Fest," The Taste of West Orange, The Big Orange Awards, THe WOCC Golf TOurnament, East Orlando Celebtrates Education Day, The Taste of Orlando, and many other successful events.
I am very excited to be given the chance to discuss this oppertunity. Please contact me at the contact information above so we can scheudle a more formal interview. I look forward to hearing from you.
Maria, I think your cover letter is really good! If I was interviewing you, knowing all those places you have interned would be a great jumping off point to start. I also agree with you that it's hard to stand out in a sea of resumes!
DeleteMaria, one suggestion I do have for you cover letter is that the first 2 paragraphs sound weird and choppy. Also instead of saying intent to graduate, say you will. It shows a determination to finish college. Also make sure to spell check your cover letter because there are some misspelled words.
DeleteMaria, Good cover letter. Besides the minor spelling errors your cover if full of highlights. It has a lot of your experiences. Maybe go into specifically what you did within each organization.
DeletePart I
ReplyDeleteThe handouts most helpful for me were: Cover Letter 101 and Cover Letter Sample. I believe that all information can be helpful. Here is my website for some resume tips: 111/jobchangingsystem.com/32ResumeTips.html. I believe that what makes a resume stand out is keeping it to the point and short, neat, and highlight your strengths quickly. I want my resume to say that I am more than qualified for the job and there is something that stands out which causes them to call me for an interview.
Part II: Here is a copy of a cover letter which shows my purpose, interests, qualifications and experiences:
Dear Mr. Robbins:
I am writing in response to the opening for Coaching Sales Representative which I believe may report to you.
I have personally trained under you starting back in 1996 and continued for many years. From your invaluable training I have been able to start and succeed at running several businesses. I would welcome the opportunity to be a part of the Robbins Research Institute at this point in my career.
I can offer you over twenty years of experience of sales as well as being the top producer in my own companies. I have the ability to work alone, work as a team or train a team. I have excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for detail, as well as excellent motivational skills all of which should make me an ideal candidate for this opening.
I have attached my résumé for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you.
Rosalind King-Miller
Rosalind, I think you make great points about resumes needing to highlight your strengths quickly - hiring managers need to see who you are fast!
DeleteI also really like the closing of your cover letter, "welcome the chance to speak with you" sounds so friendly, but still so professional. I may have to steal that from you! :)
Rosalind, I love how you closed off your letter because it's inviting and welcoming for someone to call you and schedule an interview. I am very impressed.
Delete1. I always appreciate examples of good resumes and CVs. I think sometimes it is easiest to see something put together that you like that you can mimic from there!
ReplyDelete2. The best tip I've ever heard is to keep your resume down to one page - anything more seems cluttered and unreadable.
3. I think poor choice in unprofessional fonts (Comic Sans and the like) and misspellings make a resume really stand out in a bad way and gives a negative impression of a candidate who may otherwise be perfect for a position.
4. I want my resume to highlight my work experience and what I have to bring to a company! :)
Cover Letter:
I am submitting my resume to be considered for the Retail Pharmacy Technician II position open at the Family Pharmacy. I feel I would be a good candidate for this position based on my work experience.
I have worked in a retail pharmacy setting since January 2007 and obtained and have maintained my PTCB Technician Certification since October 2008.
I believe that my experience solely in the retail setting of Pharmacy lends itself well to this position as I am well versed in the insurance, billing and claims processes unique to retail, and my years of experience with a major retailer has taught me how to provide the best customer service possible.
Enclosed is my resume that will allow you to see my education and employment experience. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss my qualifications for the Retail Pharmacy Technician II position. You can reach me via telephone or email: (321)555-1234 or email@email.com.