Resumes, Cover Letters and References

Resume Formatting Considerations

• Use blank Microsoft Word document (.doc) - no Google docs or Templates.
• One page only – unless significant related employment/experience (resume should be maximum of 2 pages).
• Use consistent indentation, capitalization, font style, spacing, and margins (1 inch max, ½ inch min).
• Use a standard font like Calibri or Arial, 11 point is best.
• No personal pronouns (I, me, you, he, she…).
• Use boldface for the most important information.
• No photos or personal information (e.g., such as date of birth or hobbies). 

Resume Components

Name and Contact Information

• Should be at the top of your resume.
• Name is bolded and 12–14-point font, same type as the rest of your resume.
• Your City, State, Zip Code (optional), email, and phone number same font size as main body text (11 point).
• Email should be professional (e.g., NOT rockstar@gmail.com) and one you check daily.

Headline/Job Title and/or Summary Statement (optional)

• Should be specific to position or industry.
• Do not include headline/job title if you are unsure of position(s) employer has available.
• See Summary Checklist below.

Education

• List College, City, State, degree/certificate earned or current program of study and expected graduation date.
• Once enrolled in college credit courses, high school diploma or equivalency should not be included.
• Optional components: GPA if above 3.5, previous colleges attended listed with most recent first and include type of coursework taken or credential received, relevant coursework, accreditations/certifications, or licenses.

Skills

• Skills section should include relevant skills such as proficiency in certain computer   programs, applications, or languages, and fluency in a language in addition to English.  

Employment -- use “Experience” as section title if including relevant unpaid position(s)

• Start with most recent experience first and go backward in chronological order for positions held within the past 10-15 years.
• Include employer/organization name, location (City, State), job title and dates of employment.
• Give details. Employers want to know exactly what you did, how you used your skills, and what you accomplished.
• Use “bullet” point statements, starting with an action verb to show what you did, how you did it and the outcome.
• Check to make sure statements are in correct tense. Present tense if currently performing task, past tense if no longer performing task or in position.

Volunteer, Activities, Awards/Honors, Military, Professional Affiliations (Optional)

• Employers want examples of initiative, leadership, teamwork, and other job-related skills. Demonstrate this by including experience and involvement in activities and achievements. 

***Note: If you need a two-page resume, it should be two separate sheets of paper. Do NOT staple, paper clip, or print back-to-back. Include your name, email address and page number on the second page.

***If your resume is two pages, the second page should fill more than just a quarter of the page. 

A summary statement, also known as a professional summary or resume summary, is a short introduction at the beginning of your resume that describes your top selling points and what you can do for the employer. It highlights your experience, skills, and accomplishments. Create a statement that catches the employer’s interest to read the rest of your resume and contact you for an interview! Summary statements are used by recent college grads, career changers, and experienced professionals. 

Consider the following in writing your summary: 

• Complete your resume first and use it as a guide to what to include in your summary statement. 
• Limit the length of summary to 3-4 lines to ensure it gets read. Large blocks of text are often passed over in a review of a resume. 
• Do not use personal pronouns – No “I”, “Me”, or “My”. 
• Include academic accomplishments and leadership experience. 
• Add professional interests and passions significant to position. 
• Integrate technical and non-technical skills. 
• Incorporate keywords from the listing in your resume summary. This will help the employer see how you are a good fit for the job. 
• Make sure to proofread carefully to avoid spelling and grammar errors. 

Your cover letter is an important introduction that clearly shows your interest in the position, connects your skills and qualifications as they relate to the specific position that you are applying for and your interest in meeting with the employer for an interview.

• Always submit a cover letter with your resume unless directed not to by the employer
• Tailor each cover letter to the position you are applying for and highlight quality skills and experience you possess that meet the employers needs using keywords from the job posting
• Address letter to the appropriate recipient name or “Hiring Manager”; Do not use “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it May Concern”
• Use the same font, size and type as your resume and references
• ALWAYS check spelling and grammar!!

It is important to have a reference page prepared to bring along to your interview.

• References should be on a separate document and use the same paper, font, heading and style as your resume and cover letter.
• Former/current supervisors, co-workers, or instructors are good references. Be sure to ask only those people who will represent you in a positive light. Family and friends are inappropriate.
• Always ask permission to use individuals as your references about your job search.
• Keep references informed each time you submit your references. Consider giving them a copy of your resume.
• Three references are generally sufficient.
• Be prepared to provide your list of references at any time the employer requests.
• Bring this list with you for interviews and also have it on hand when filling out applications that ask for references.

Sample reference page

Module 1: Format and Style

Module 2: Targeting a Resume

Module 3: Parts of a Resume

Module 4: Cover Letters

Module 5: References

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Resume Tool Quick Start Guide

Resume Optimizer Quick Start Guide

• Use the Resume Optimizer to compare your resume with a desired job description.