Resums

Three Common Resum Formats 1. The Chronological Resum: This format is best suited to individuals with extensive work experience in their field. It begins with a quick summary of your education and experience to grab an employers attention, and then proceeds to outline the skills and abilities you have gained within the work force. 2. The Functional Resum: The functional resum is appropriate when you would like to focus on the skills you possess. This type of resum is useful if there are gaps in your employment or if you have limited work experience. It helps to highlight skills and abilities gained through extracurricular activities and volunteer experiences. 3. The Combined Resum: This is the most versatile format however it is most effective if you are changing jobs within the same industry. This resum format allows you to highlight the skills required for the position, while giving a detailed account of your experience. General Tips Resum Content: Header (your name, phone number and e-mail address. A mailing address may be included at your discretion) Highlight/Summary of Qualifications (list of personal traits/experiences which make you an ideal candidate) Education Skills and Abilities and/or Work Experience Volunteer Experience Interests/Awards/Achievements References (placed at the end of your resum) Resum Structure: Resums should be limited to two pages or less; Remain concise, space content evenly, and alter font styles (ex. bold, italics) such that your resum is easily scanned and important information jumps out Maintain a consistent formatting and font throughout your resum Proofread to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors Action Verbs: A variety of action verbs should be used abundantly throughout your resum, as they easily convey your skills and qualifications pertinent to the position for which you are applying. Personal Data: Draw attention to your name by bolding and enlarging it and ensure that the e-mail address provided is professional. Refrain from including reference to your age, gender, religion, nationality, or marital status, as these factors do not have any bearing on your being hired. References: Listing references is optional. This section is usually indicated by Available upon request. Also, you may have different references that may be more appropriate for certain positions. If you do include references, limit to three names and include: work title, company/organization, phone number, and e-mail address. Resum Services The Centre for Career Development offers three services to help you in writing your resum: Resum and Cover Letter Writing Workshops: This free workshop is offered periodically throughout each semester and is a quick, easy way to get great tips and ideas on resum writing. Check your MUNLife calendar of events for dates and times. Resum Critiquing: E-mail a copy of your resum to cdel@mun.ca and one of our Career Development Assistants will review it and offer helpful feedback within two business days. Resum and Cover Letter Guide: This guide outlines all that you need to know about the formatting and content of professional resums, and provides information on three common resum styles: Chronological, Combined, and Functional. Copies of the guide are available at the Centre or online on our website. Looking For More Information? The Centre for Career Development provides students and alumni with professional workshops, information on career exploration, job search tools and opportunities, and connects them with employers. Visit us in UC-4002 or book an appointment with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Career Advisors through your My MUNLife.

Centre For Career Development, University Centre, Room 4002 709-864-2033 cdel@mun.ca www.mun.ca/cdel
Copyright 2011 Centre for Career Development, Memorial University

Cover Letters
When Should I Include A Cover Letter? Always! A cover letter easily describes and conveys the skills and experiences you possess that make you an ideal candidate for the job. Also, a specifically addressed cover letter highlights your initiative and your interest in the position, as you put in the extra effort to personalize your application. Cover Letter Content While you should strive to have an original and interesting cover letter, it is a professional document, and as such, there are certain guidelines to follow, which are outlined below. Return Address: Including a return address is optional. If you do choose to include it, place it in the top left-hand corner of the page. It is not necessary to list your name, as it will appear at the end of the cover letter. Date: Place the current, unabbreviated date two lines below your return address. Mailing Address: Include the address of the company/organization to which you are applying, two lines below the date. Greeting: When possible, address your cover letter to a specific individual. Check the companys website or call if a name is not provided in the job posting. If a name is unavailable, Dear Selection Committee: is commonly used. Introductory Paragraph: State you interest in the position, and how you gained knowledge of the position. Refrain from including personal information in your opening paragraph. Second Paragraph: Briefly outline your academic and professional qualifications, and how they relate to relevant skills that would be of use in the position. Third Paragraph: In todays competitive market, a little effort goes a long way to set yourself apart from the competition. Conduct research into the companys background and values and illustrate that you are the ideal candidate by linking them to your own experiences and goals. Concluding Paragraph: Give a brief summary, highlighting how you are the right candidate for the position. State the best way to contact you for an interview. Follow this with a cordial closer of Sincerely, and then a signature above your typed name. Cover Letter Services The Centre for Career Development offers three services to help you in writing your cover letter: 1. Resum and Cover Letter Writing Workshops: This free workshop is offered periodically throughout each semester and is an opportunity that all students may take advantage of. Check your My MUNLife calendar of events for dates and times. 2. Cover Letter Critiquing: Send your cover letter to cdel@mun.ca or drop off a hard copy to UC-4002 and one of our Career Development Assistants will review it and offer helpful feedback within two business days. 3. Resum and Cover Letter Guide: This guide outlines all that you need to know about the formatting and content of professional cover letters and provides samples. Copies of the guide are available at the Centre, or online on our website. Looking For More Information? The Centre for Career Development provides students and alumni with professional workshops, information on career exploration, job search tools and opportunities, and connects them with employers. Visit us in UC-4002 or book an appointment with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Career Advisors through your My MUNLife.

Centre For Career Development, University Centre, Room 4002 709-864-2033 cdel@mun.ca www.mun.ca/cdel
Copyright 2011 Centre for Career Development, Memorial University