Marketing 101: Resumes and Cover Letters

1. Marketing 101: Resumes and Cover Letters Please view this presentation in slideshow mode

2. Workshop Outline • Heading • Objective OR Profile • Education • Experience • Honors/Activities/Skills • Formatting • Your Return Address & Employer’s Address • Salutation • Body • Closing • Formatting • Final Comments

3. Resume Heading • Name • Address (local and/or permanent) • Phone Number/s • E-Mail Address

4. Heading Examples #1 Ineed A. Job-Quick H: 518/442-5515; C: 518/769-2013 1400 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12222 IJQuick@aol.com #2 Ineed A. Job-Quick IJQuick@aol.com Current: Permanent: 1400 Washington Avenue 13 Hire Me Drive Albany, NY 12222 Unemploy, NY 10000 518-442-5515 218-342-2395 #3 ________________Ineed A. Job-Quick________________ 1400 Washington Avenue · Albany, NY 12222 · 518.442.5515 · IJQuick@aol.com

5. Objective (Career Goal) • Be Brief • Be Specific • Examples • To obtain an entry level analyst position in a major consulting firm. • To become a counselor working with troubled youth in a human service organization.

6. Profile (can use instead of objective) • Summarizes your “value” to an employer • Usually a few lines longer than an objective • Examples • Individual with well developed communication, teamwork and technical skills. Solid ability to complete projects under pressure. Willing to relocate and/or travel. • Proven leader with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Motivated, dedicated, and honest. Great ability to work individually and as a member of a team to complete assignments by deadlines.

7. Education • College name, town, and state • You only need to list university you are graduating from • Degree you will receive and when • Major/minor/concentration(s) • Special Coursework/study abroad/etc. • GPA (if over 3.0) – cumulative, in major/s, and/or in minor/s

8. Education Examples #1 B.A., University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY, Expected 5/09 Major: Psychology (GPA: 3.84) Minor: Business Cumulative GPA: 3.67 * Financed 100% of education through part-time jobs, scholarships, and loans #2 University at Albany, State University of New York Bachelor of Arts in Psychology expected May 2009 Double Minor: English and Business ► Cumulative GPA: 3.67/4.0► Relevant Coursework: Technical Writing, Expository Writing, Writing Fiction, and Journalism #3 B.S. in Biology, December 2007 University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY Minor: Math Biology GPA: 3.98 Overall GPA: 3.74 · Study Abroad: McGill University, Montreal, Canada, Fall 2006

9. More Education Examples #4 B.A., University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY, Expected 5/09 Major: Psychology (GPA: 3.84) Minor: Business Cumulative GPA: 3.67 A.A., Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY, May 2007 Major: Liberal Arts #5 • B.S. in Biology, December 2007 • University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY • Minor: Math • Biology GPA: 3.98 Overall GPA: 3.74 • Study Abroad: McGill University, Montreal, Canada, Fall 2006 • Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY, 2003-2004 • 30 credits completed for transfer • Overall GPA: 4.0

10. Experience Can be listed in one section, or broken into several • (i.e., Internship Experience; Related Experience; Volunteer Experience, Additional Experience). List experience in chronological order – most recent to least recent. Always list a job title, company name, town, state, and dates of employment (month/year to month/year). Highlight your job duties, most important first, using bullets.

11. Experience • Use action verbs to begin each bulleted description (i.e., coordinated, scheduled, trained, assisted, developed, managed). • Add numbers and descriptors to increase significance of what you accomplished (i.e.,Supervised 15 mentally disabled adolescents ages 13 – 17; or, Created 125 page instruction manual for new employees). WOW! That’s impressive!

12. Experience Example University at Albany, State University of New YorkStudent Assistant, Career Services 9/06 –present● Interact with and assist diverse visitors, including undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, and employers recruiting on- campus.● Schedule career counseling appointments for matriculated undergraduate & graduate students, and alumni.●Assist students with researching career information and opportunities, participating in On-Campus Recruiting, and with general career-related questions.●Take on individual projects within the office, and other duties, as assigned.

13. More Experience Examples The Butcher Block, Albany, NYWaitress 9/06 – present● Interact with and assist diverse customers, including small and large parties (up to 25).● Work as a member of a team in fast-paced environment.● Resolve customer problems in pleasant and efficient manner. Walmart Albany, NYAssistant Manager 9/06 - presentCashier 6/04 - 9/06● Supervise, and assign work to, staff of eight in manager’s absence.● Create work schedule for six full-time and 24 part-time employees.● Train up to five new staff members on a monthly basis.● Assist supervisor with review and evaluation of employees.

14. Honors/Activities/Skills • Juniors & Seniors: List college information • Freshmen & Sophomores: Can list High School information as well • List computer skills, language skills, and other special skills or certifications • Detail activities if relevant (if you can list transferable skills and proven accomplishments) • Determine if you want to list religious, political, and/or GLBTQQ information • Have at least two things in each section, otherwise combine sections together

15. Honors/Activities/Skills Examples • Honors Dean’s List (four semesters) Spellman Achievement Award (for academic excellence) Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges • Computer Skills Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint Internet Research • Languages Fluent in written and spoken Spanish and English Basic Portuguese • ActivitiesPride Alliance CROP Walk for Hunger Angelic Voices of Praise (AVP) Habitat for Humanity

16. Honors/Activities/Skills Examples Continued • Honors & Skills Dean’s List Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint Internet Research • Languages & Certifications Fluent in written and spoken Spanish and English Basic First Aid and CPR Certified • Activities Spirit Committee, University at Albany 2007- present ▪Work with fellow committee members to raise University spirit at sports events ▪ Organize and staff face-painting and temporary tattoo tables ▪ Recruit new members at monthly information tables

17. Formatting • Margins: one inch preferred, 1/2 inch minimum • Font Type: clear and legible (i.e., Ariel, Times Roman, Tahoma) • Font Size: 12 preferred, 10 minimum • White Space: helps resume look neat and uncluttered • One page resume: ideal for traditional students • Eliminate less important information if needed (i.e., babysitting job) • Avoid color paper, graphics, and “resume wizards!”

18. Formatting • Curriculum Vitae: more common for graduate and doctoral students • Electronic Resumes • Often called scannable, plain text, or e-resumes • Essentially, your resume is not seen by a human until a computer “screens and approves” it • Your goal is to include as many keywords as possible that match an employer’s requirements (as listed in job description)

19. Formatting • This presentation has covered what a Chronological resume typically includes • MOST employers prefer chronological resumes • There are other resume types, such as • Functional: uses skills for headings and bullets to describe how skill has been utilized; employment history is listed at the bottom of the resume • Combined: a combination of chronological and functional formats • Visit Career Services website or library for more information

20. Questions? ? ? ? Note: References are best listed on a separate sheet of paper. You can list “References provided upon request;” however most individuals omit this statement.

21. Cover Letters – Start With Your Return Address Include your street address, city, state, zip code, and the date Phone number is optional, since you may include it in last paragraph of your letter instead

22. Employer’s Address • Include contact person’s name, title, company/organization name, street address, city, state, and zip code • If you do not have a specific contact name, try to get one by calling the company or visiting their web site • Direct letter to a specific department (i.e, Human Resources) if you cannot obtain a contact name

23. Salutation • Typically, you will begin your letter with… “Dear Mr. _(last name)_:” “Dear Ms. _(last name)_:” “Dear Dr. _(last name)_:” • Do not include their first name • If you do not have a name, you can direct your letter to a title, such as, “Dear Human Resources Director:”

24. Body of Cover Letter • Typically you will have three or four paragraphs • Try not to start more than one paragraph with the word, “I” • Ask Career Services, coworkers, or friends for help if you are having a hard time writing it

25. First Paragraph • Indicate your reason for writing – name the position you are applying for • Tell how you learned of the opening • If referred by someone -- professor, relative, former employer, etc., it is a good idea to mention that person’s name

26. Example University at AlbanyState Quad Box #4561400 Washington AvenueAlbany, NY 12222September 17, 2008Mary PowersDirector of Human ResourcesRSL Communications123 Easy StreetAlbany, NY 12203Dear Ms. Powers:I am applying for the human resources internship at RSL Communications which you posted in the University at Albany Career Services office. As a junior majoring in communications, I am well qualified for this position.

27. Second Paragraph • Highlight your academic preparation and experiences as they relate to the position • Describe your specific qualifications and skills • Point out any achievements or unique attributes that relate to the position • Mention additional information not stated in your resume, if applicable

28. Third Paragraph (often combined with the second paragraph) • State why you want to work for this company or organization -- show you have done some research and tell them what impresses you • Refer to the enclosed resume which summarizes your qualifications, training, and experience

29. Example of Second and Third Paragraph As a student highly involved in campus leadership activities, I am used to working individually and as a member of a team. My resident assistant experience taught me how to interact with difficult students while maintaining a high level of professionalism. I am comfortable enforcing rules and regulations, as well as being a resource regarding on- and off-campus offices and services. I have excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. The enclosed resume further details my education and qualifications for this position. I am attracted to _______ company because of its exciting growth and expansion over the past few years. I would like to work for a company that stays on the cutting edge of technology. ________ is that company.

30. Final Paragraph • Indicate your interest in a personal interview • If you want, assume responsibility for the next step – let them know when you will contact them (within a week, within the next couple of days, etc.) • Thank reader for considering your application

31. Closing • Typically use the word, “Sincerely,” • Can use “Sincerely Yours,” • Sign your name • Type “Enclosure/s” or “Attachment/s” depending on what you are including

32. Examples of Final Paragraph & Closing Please contact me at a time convenient for you to schedule an interview. I hope to hear from you soon so that I may learn more about this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your consideration. *** OR *** Please expect a call from me during the week of April 12th to request an interview. I look forward to learning more about this position. Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,(skip four spaces & sign here)Ineeda JobEnclosure: Resume

33. Formatting • The block letter format is encouraged– all paragraphs lined up with the left-hand margin, no indenting, and skip a line between paragraphs • Have the font type (Arial, Tahoma, etc.) match the font type on your resume – again, no smaller than size 10 • Center the letter on the page so a huge margin is not left on the bottom • No more than one page!

34. Formatting (continued) • This presentation has covered what an Application Letter typically includes • There are other types of cover letters, such as • Prospecting Letter: to inquire about possible opportunities (if you are unsure if they have any current openings) • Networking Letter • Thank You Letter • Acceptance Letter • Withdrawal Letter • Rejection Letter • Visit Career Services website or library for more information Questions?

35. Final Comments • Drop In Hours -- for critiques (VERY important!) • MWF: 10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon • TTh: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. • One-on One Counseling Appointments (must schedule in advance) • Career Services Library Resources: many books on these topics • Facebook/MySpace: According to NACE, "Approximately 10 percent of respondents said they have visited social networking web sites, and even more (about 14 percent) have "Googled“ candidates from the Class of 2006 to obtain information on them.“ Be careful what you post!

36. Final Comments Continued • View the Career Services Website for more examples and information:www.albany.edu/cdc • Thank you for your attention