Resume and Cover Letter Development
Good, error-free resumes and cover letters are essential for career and professional development. Learn more below:
Resume Development
The resume is primarily a marketing tool designed to interest a potential employer in your qualifications and skills. The resume is your advertisement and "selling piece" to persuade an employer to interview you. It is a summary of your experiences, not your full-length biography.
Resume Checklist
Clean and Error Free
Your resume must be neat. An initial impression is made in the first five seconds. If your resume is difficult to read, it may be thrown aside and not considered. Furthermore, even one error will make an employer question the quality of all your work.
Formatted Consistently
You should ensure that your resume uses consistent verb tenses, font, and sizing. Avoid the use of templates since you want to make sure that your resume is distinct and not necessarily the same as the other candidates.
Concise and Easy to Read
Limit your resume to one 8 1/2" x 11" page printed with a laser printer. Use the following guidelines as a standard to follow:
- Use 9-point font minimum, Times New Roman preferred
- Use even margins, minimum of .5 inch on the left
- Use a minimum number of words and use bullet points; important skills and information should be highlighted and easy to spot, not buried in lengthy paragraphs
- Use at least 20-pound bond paper in a plain or off-white color – Keep in mind that many resumes are photocopied, and gray or dark colors do not reproduce well.
Positive, Action-Oriented Words
Maintain a positive word choice – Avoid saying “not” or “none.” The reader should feel that you are optimistic in your approach. Use "action" words and action-verb phrases in order to make your job responsibilities distinct and powerful. Highlight any leadership involvement and opportunities you took to initiate or lead.
Correct Grammar
- Ensure consistent and correct use of punctuation and capitalization.
- Use the language of your specific industry when you are sure it will be understood
- Limit use of abbreviations/acronyms
- Avoid the use of pronouns ("I" and "me") and unnecessary articles such as "a”&"the."
- Use consistent verb tense (present tense for current positions; past tense for previous work)
- Use conventional abbreviations and capitalization for resumes
- Spell out months and street addresses (August not Aug; Street, Avenue not St., Ave.)
- Abbreviate states using the U.S. Postal abbreviations. Be sure to capitalize both letters in the abbreviation (AZ not Az; CA not Ca)
- Capitalize languages (i.e. Spanish not spanish)
- Write out all years fully in consistent format (1993-1995 not 1993-95 or 1993-5)
- Periods are not required when using bullets; periods may or may not be used, but you must be consistent throughout
- Be extremely careful when spelling and capitalizing computer software and hardware. Check the correct spelling and capitalization with the manuals. (COBOL not Cobol; PowerPoint not Powerpoint)
Sample Resume
- Download and read a Sample Resume PDF.
Action Verbs
Accelerated |
Evaluated |
Provided |
Action Phrases
Administered plan..
Assisted in the coordination of...
Assumed responsibility Carried out...
Chaired a task force .....
Compiled data for...
Completed a $XX.XX project
Contributed to the development of...
Created new campaign/committee/
Interviewed, organized and trained XX staff members...
Developed new system to...
Hired and supervised a staff of XX
Improved....resulting in....
Initiated and Implemented new ...
Increased sales by...
Involved in the development...
Managed the successful completion of...
Oversaw all aspects of ...
Provided services which...
Received extensive training in....
Referred customers to.....
Responsible for marketing and…
Cover Letter Development
Cover letters can distinguish you from other potential candidates. The cover letter is an important component to give you an edge on other applicants that may have similar experience. We have developed sample letters that can give you a better idea of what key questions to answer in your cover letter.
Cover Letter Checklist
Format
- One page maximum
- 10 point font minimum, Times New Roman preferred
- Even margins, minimum of 1 inch around
- Well balanced use of white space
- Block formal letter format
- Clean grammar and spelling
- Avoid the use of acronyms that may seem vaque
- Avoid the use of informal contractions
- Use paragraph breaks to make it easier to read
- Include return address, date and recipient address
Content
- Letter is addressed to someone specific if possible
- Introductory paragraph introduces candidate and purpose
- Do not start with “My name is…”
- Avoid starting each sentence with “I”
- Body of document should include reference to specific examples
- Final paragraph should express appreciation for consideration
- Ask for specific action if possible
- Indicate how you will follow-up about the position
Distinctive Expression
- Catch the readers interest by detailing your qualifications
- Avoid listing or regurgitating what is already on your resume
- Provide evidence that you surpass the other candidates
- Emphasize that you are a good fit with the organization’s objectives
- Focus on what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you
- Compliment the company’s successes
- Make it clear that you understand the mission and company culture
Cover Letter Guidelines - Professional Admissions
The Professional Admission cover letter is more of a personal statement rather than a true job search cover letter. Although we ask you to use the traditional cover letter format we want you to write about YOU. The best letters are ones that have an individual feel and reflect involvement, accomplishments, and clear goals. Try to avoid generic statements and letters with a lack of focus. Instead talk about yourself and what you as an individual have done thus far and what you plan to do in the future. Show the interviewers that you are unique and give them insight into who you really are.
Your Name*
(*not usually a part of a cover letter but needed for application purposes)
Your Present Address
City, State and Zip Code
Date
Eller College Admissions Committee
McClelland Hall 204
1130 E. Helen St.
Tucson, Arizona 85721-0108
Dear Eller College Admissions Committee:
The OPENING PARAGRAPH should include:
- What major are you applying for?
- Why this major?
- Reasons for selecting desired major
- Why does this major relate to your desired career choice? Be as specific as possible.
The MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(s) should include:
- Illustrate your co-curricular activities, work experience and/or accomplishments
- What have you learned in both academic and nonacademic settings?
- Make reference to your resume, but do not simply repeat information; fill in between the lines of the resume in order to help the reader assess your skills and abilities related to their individual needs. This is the perfect time to make the interviewer want to read your resume!
- Be specific, but concise; the cover letter should never be longer than 1 page.
- Give some compelling yet specific reasons why you should be part of the Eller College
- What can you contribute to this community? What makes you who you are?
The CLOSING PARAGRAPH should include:
- Sum up how you will be an effective member of the Eller College
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typewritten Name
- You should leave 4 spaces between your closing and your typewritten name.
Cover Letter Guidelines - Full-Time Job
This section should be 1-to 2-inch margin from the top.
Your Present Address
City, State and Zip Code
Telephone Number
E-mail Address
Date
Person's Name
Title
Organization Name
Street Address
City, State and Zip Code (Use the same address that will be on the envelope.)
Dear Ms. or Mr. (last name): (Always include the individual's name with whom the letter is addressed)
Opening Paragraph:
The opening paragraph should include:
- Why you are writing
- The name of the position, field or type of work you are interested in
- Where you received notification of the organization’s need for the position you are applying for
- The opening paragraph is an ideal place to catch the reader's attention! Mention why you are so interested in the organization, how you found out about the organization and that you believe you are an ideal candidate.
Middle Paragraph(s):
The middle paragraph(s) should include:
- Why you are interested in your desired career
- Qualifications related to the position, field or type of work you are applying for
- Why you want to pursue employment with the particular employer
- Make reference to your resume, but do not simply repeat information; fill in between the lines of the resume in order to help the reader assess your skills and abilities related to their individual needs. This is the perfect time to make the employer want to read your resume!
- Be specific, but concise; the cover letter should never be longer than 1 page
Closing Paragraph:
The closing paragraph should include: What the next step of the process is:
- References have been provided if requested in the initial advertisement
- Request an interview and state that you will follow up in 10 business days to see if an interview can be scheduled
- Request any further application materials in a clear and understandable manner
- Thank the reader for their time and consideration
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typewritten Name
Enclosure
- You should leave 4 spaces between your closing and your typewritten name.
- Enclosures include those materials referenced in the body of the letter.
For additional information, please contact us.
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