1. It’s Time to Get Noticed!
Lori Sadler
Resume and Cover Letter Tips

2. What Exactly is a Resume?
 A brief document that summarizes your
education, employment history, and
experiences that are relevant to a particular job
 The purpose is to get an interview, not
necessarily the job
 Think of it as a 30 second commercial where
you are selling a product- YOU!

3. What Should I Include?
 Contact Information
– Name, address, phone number, email address
– Make sure the information is accurate and current
 Objective
– Short, concise, user-centered statement
 State the organization’s name, specific position title, and
how you can help the organization reach its goals
– Example- Help ABC Aerospace achieve its mission of
designing tomorrow’s technology today by joining the
Navigation Software Development Team as a
programmer.

4. What Should I Include?
 Education
– Name of High School
– Date of Graduation (or expected Graduation)
– GPA
– Example-
Huntsville High School
Advanced Diploma
05/25/2013
GPA- 3.4/4.0

5. What Should I Include?
 Work Experience
– Name and location of employer
– Dates of employment
– Position Title
– Include paid or unpaid, full or part-time, permanent or
temporary positions, volunteering, internships,
cooperative education, club memberships, etc.
 Example- Led 5 community projects for the Anchor Club
involving 35 members, with a 30% increase in involvement.

6. What Should I Include?
 Extracurricular Activities
– Membership in clubs, organizations, and any
leadership roles
 Honors & Awards
– Honors, awards, academic achievements,
scholarships
 Community Service
– Voluntary, community, religious-affiliated, civic
organizations

7. What Should I Include?
 Optional Sections (if applicable to the position)
– Computer & Technical Skills
– Certifications
– Hobbies & Interests
– Foreign Travel

8. What Should My Resume Look
Like?
 No more than one page
 Use bulleted lists, instead of long sentences or
paragraphs
 Proofread resume to ensure there are no
spelling or grammatical errors
 Don’t exaggerate (don’t lie)
 Use black ink on white, off-white, or ivory
resume paper
 Use words from job posting

9.  Power Words to Use when Writing Your
Resume
 Sample Resume for High School Student
 Short Video Focusing on Resume Do's &
Don't's
Check These Out!!

10. What Exactly is a Cover Letter?
 Document enclosed with resume
 Typically consists of 3 paragraphs
 Explains why you are applying for the position
 Details why you are a great match for the
organization and position
 States your qualifications for the position
 Purpose is to get your resume viewed

11. What Format Should I Use?
 Part 1- Heading
– Include YOUR
 Name
 Address
 Phone Number
 Email Address
– Include the COMPANY’S
 Contact Name and Title
 Company Name
 Complete Address

12. What Format Should I Use?
 Part 2- Introduction
– Salutation
 Address letter to specific individual if possible
 As a last resort, use phrase “hiring professional”
– Who you are
– Why you are writing
– How you learned of the position (did someone refer you?)
 Use specific job title and job number, if provided
– Why you’re a great match for the company and
available position

13. What Format Should I Use?
 Part 3- Argument
– Showcase most relevant skills, qualifications, and
experience you have for the desired job
– Convince reader that company will benefit from your
employment
– Do not explain your entire resume, use your resume
as a source of data instead
– Mention unique attributes that may set you apart
from the competition

14. What Format Should I Use?
 Part 4- Closing
– Restate main points
– Provide contact information
– Thank reader for their consideration
– Include a signature block
 Contains closing, such as sincerely
 Your written signature
 Typed Signature

15. Cover Letter Tips
 Tailor letter to the specific position and organization
 Use standard professional business letter format
 Use active voice rather than passive voice
 Edit carefully to correct any grammatical, spelling, or
typographical errors
 Use the same paper for resume and cover letter
 Use spacing for improved organization and readability
 Use a large envelope for mailing so documents are
not folded to fit in smaller envelope

16. Check These Out!!!
 Cover Letter Samples
 Short Video about Cover Letters

17. Sources
 The OWL at Purdue
 UAB Career and Professional Development
Services
 DailyMotion