This document provides information on resumes and cover letters, including the differences between resumes and CVs, sections to include in a resume like contact information, education, experience, skills, and references. It also discusses cover letters, noting they are meant to complement the resume and explain why the applicant is interested in the specific job. Tips are provided like customizing letters for each application and including an introduction, body, and closing.

1. THE PERFECT RESUME Corp Comm Workshop
Stephane Prud’homme

2. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A
RESUME AND A CV?
Resume
A resume provides a summary of
your education, work history,
credentials, and other
accomplishments and skills.
A resume should be as concise
as possible. Typically, a resume
is one page long, or two.
Often resumes include bulleted
lists to keep information concise.
Curriculum Vitae
CVs are longer than resumes - at
least two
It provides a summary of one’s
experience and skills or three
pages, sometimes four.

3. WHAT IS A RESUME?
The purpose of a resume is to provide a summary of your skills,
abilities and accomplishments.
It is a quick advertisement of who you are.
It is a "snapshot" of you with the intent of capturing and emphasizing
interests and secure you an interview.
A resume is a document used by job seekers to help provide a
summary of their skills, abilities and accomplishments.
Most of all, resume must be adapted to the position
and to the company you will send it to.

4. IMPORTANT
Don’t forget that managers receive tons of resume, you have to
find your differentiation.
Match your resume to the position.

5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT RESUME
FORMAT
There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job
openings.
Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a
chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume.
Take the time to customize your resume - it's well worth the effort.

6. CHOOSE A BASIC FONT
When writing a resume it's important to use a basic font that is easy to
read, both for hiring managers and for applicant management
systems.

7. CHOOSE A BASIC FONT
Serif fonts
Most professionals use serif
fonts, a stylized font with tails
and other (subtle) decorative
markings. Examples of serif fonts
include Times New Roman. Serif
fonts are perceived as being
reliable, authoritative, and
traditional.
Other serif fonts include: Bell MT,
Bodoni MT, Bookman Old Style,
Sans-serif fonts
Sasn-serif fonts are also often
used and are characterized as
being simpler and no-frills.
Sans-serif fonts include Helvetica
and Arial and are associated with
being clean, universal, modern,
objective and stable.
Examples of sans-serif fonts
include: Verdana, Trebuchet MS,
Century Gothic, Gill Sans MT,
When writing a resume it's important to use a basic font that is easy
to read, both for hiring managers and for applicant management
systems.

8. INCLUDE ALL YOUR CONTACT
INFORMATION
It's important to include all your contact information on your
resume so employers can easily get in touch with you. Include your
full name, street address, city, and state, home phone number, cell
phone number, and email address.

9. ADD A PROFILE OR A GOAL
It's important to tailor it to match the job you are applying for. The
more specific you are, the better chance you have of being
considered for the job you are interested in, or consider using a
resume profile or summary, with or without a headline, instead.

10. INCLUDE RESUME KEYWORDS
Your resume should include the same keywords that appear in job
descriptions. That way, you will increase your chances of your
resume matching available positions - and of you being selected
for an interview. Also include keywords in your cover letter.

11. KEYWORDS FOR PUBLIC
RELATIONS
http://bitly.com/1R4KujE

12. PRIORITIZE YOUR RESUME
CONTENT
It's important to prioritize the content of your resume so that your
most important and relevant experience is listed first, with key
accomplishments listed at the top of each position.

13. WRITE A CUSTOM RESUME
It definitely takes more time to write a custom resume, but, it's
worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a
perfect match for your qualifications and experience.

14. CHOICE OF WORDS
Action verbs and power words are exactly that…they’re words that
help catch a hiring manager’s eye and give you an edge. After
reading hundreds of resumes, many using the same words and
phrases, it’s nice to have one that stands out and one of the best
ways to do that is by incorporating action verbs and power words!

15. WHAT MAKES A GOOD RESUME?
It is targeted on the specific job or career area for which you are
applying and brings out the relevant skills you have to offer.
It is carefully and clearly laid out: logically ordered, easy to read and
not cramped.
It is informative but concise.
It is accurate in content, spelling and grammar. If you mention
attention to detail as a skill, make sure your spelling and grammar is
perfect!

16. SECTIONS OF A RESUME

17. HEADER
Start your resume off with the most important information first:
your personal information! Include your full name, phone number,
email and personal branding website if you have one. It’s also
appropriate to include your permanent mailing address, but this
can be optional.

18. ONLINE RESUME
Don’t forget to add your online resume, you will proof that you
know about online communication and social media.
www.LinkedIn.com

19. YOUR GOAL OR SUMMARY
Depending on what sort of job seeker you are and what job you’re
applying for, you will have to choose between an objective
statement (what your employment goals are with the company
you’re applying to) or a resume summary (a quick recap of your
skills and experiences that highlight your value to a potential
employer.) Regardless of whether you include an objective or a
summary, keep this short and sweet (no more than a sentence or
two.)

20. EDUCATION
In the education section of your resume, list the college you attend
or graduated from, the degrees you attained, and awards and
honors you have earned. If you are still a college student, or are a
recent graduate, you may also include your GPA.
Achieved modules related to the position.

21. EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
This part is all about your work history and should not only include
who you worked for but what you did and how long you did it.
Include the title you held and a quick bulleted list of
responsibilities and/or duties. This is listed in reverse
chronological order with your most recent job first.
Responsibilities / Achievements

22. SKILLS & ABILITIES
This section is a quick outline of the skills to put on a resume that
relate to the position/career you’re applying to. These can include
things like computer skills, technical skills, language skills,
anything that can help make you the perfect candidate!

23. SKILLS & ABILITIES
Communication (listening, verbal and written) – This is the number
one skill mentioned by employers when asked what they valued in
an applicant.
Computer/Technical Skills – Almost every job these days requires
some level of computer proficiency including basic word
processing, spreadsheets, and emails.
Interpersonal Skills – Basically how well you work in a team and
your ability to relate to co-workers.
Planning/Organization Skills – How well you can design, plan,
organize and execute projects and tasks within a specific time
frame. Can also apply to goal setting and achievement.

24. INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES
Including interests can help you out, especially if they’re related to
the job you’re applying for and show interest outside of the office,
such as volunteering for an organization you know the corporation
is already involved in.
Include athletics, clubs, organizations, and other college activities.
If you held a position on a team (such as team captain) or in a club
(such as president), you can mention this as well.
Club, Club Position, Years in Club
Sports Team, Team Position, Years on Team
Books that you read, related to the position, the industry.

25. REFERENCES
Including references is no longer a requirement. It’s a good idea
to have references, but the days of listing them at the bottom of
your resume is a thing of the past.
Instead, have them as a separate list, and if requested, you’ll be
able to provide it.

26. TIPS
Your Resume Is Tailored
Your Resume Is Aesthetically
Pleasing
Your Resume Is Complete
Your Resume Is Accurate
Your Resume Is Focused
Your Resume Is Short
Your Resume Is Relevant
Your Resume Is Professional
Your Resume Is Current
Your Resume Is Yours

27. WHAT SHOULD NOT INCLUDE YOUR
RESUME
The Word "Resume"
Any Personal Data Beyond Your Contact Information
Leave out your age, date of birth, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion,
political affiliation.
Photographs (it depends)
Physical Characteristics (height, weight, etc.)
Grammar School and High School
Low GPAs
Unrelated Work Experience
Unrelated Hobbies

28. EXAMPLES
http://bitly.com/1QIfUa6
http://bitly.com/1Lb9Rhr
http://bitly.com/1M4bUih
http://bitly.com/1RxUEUc
Bad example
http://bitly.com/1pveysF

29. COVER LETTERS

30. WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide
additional information on your skills and experience. The letter
typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for
the job you are applying for. A cover letter typically accompanies
each resume you send out.
Employers use cover letters as a way to screen applicants for
available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like
to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be listed
in the job posting.

31. WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR COVER
LETTER?
A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume.
Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add
a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact
with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression. Find out
more of the differences between a resume and a cover letter.
Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the
specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or
experiences.
Determine relevance by carefully reading the job description,
evaluating the skills required, and matching them to your own skills.
Think of instances where you applied those skills, and how you would
be effective in the position available.

32. COVER LETTER MUST BE
CUSTOMIZED
Which job you're applying for
How you learned about the job (and a referral if you have one)
Why you are qualified for the job (be specific)
What you have to offer the employer (match your skills to the job
description)
Thank you for being considered for the job

33. HEADER
A cover letter should begin with both you and the employer's
contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual
letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter,
after your signature.

34. SALUTATION
Begin your cover letter salutation with "Dr./Mr./Ms. Last Name." If
you are unsure if your contact is male or female, you can write out
their full name. If you do not know the employer's last name,
simply write, "Dear Hiring Manager."

35. INTRODUCTION
Begin your introduction by stating what job you are applying for.
Explain where you heard about the job, particularly if you heard
about it from a contact associated with the company. Briefly
mention how your skills and experience match the company
and/or position; this will give the employer a preview of the rest of
your letter. Your goal in the introduction is to get the reader's
attention. See examples of engaging opening sentences for cover
letters.

36. BODY
In a paragraph or two, explain why you are interested in the job
and why you make an excellent candidate for the position. Mention
specific qualifications listed in the job posting, and explain how
you meet those qualifications. Do not simply restate your resume,
but provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities.

37. CLOSING
In the closing section of your cover letter, restate how your skills
make you a strong fit for the company and/or position. State that
you would like the opportunity to interview or discuss employment
opportunities. Explain what you will do to follow up, and when you
will do it. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.

38. SIGNATURE
Use a complimentary close, and then end your cover letter with
your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name.

39. EXAMPLE OF A COVER
LETTER
http://bitly.com/1RPKfpx

40. COVER LETTER CHECKLIST
The contact name and company name are
correct.
The letter is addressed to an individual, if
possible.
Letter mentions the position you are applying for
and where it was listed.
Your personal information (name, address, home
phone, cell phone, email) is all included and
correct.
If you have a contact at the company, you have
mentioned him or her in the first paragraph.
Cover letter is targeted to the position you are
applying for.
Letter is focused, concise, clear, and well
organized.
If you have a gap in your employment history you
have explained it in your cover letter.
Font is 10 or 12 points and easy to read (Times
New Roman or Arial, for example).
There are no spelling, grammatical or
typographical errors.
You have read the cover letter out loud to make
sure there are no missing words.
Cover letter is printed on good quality bond
paper that matches your resume.
You have kept a copy for your records.
Letter is signed if you are mailing it.
Resume and letter are mailed flat in a business
envelope (first choice) or neatly folded into thirds
with the resume on top of the letter.

41. MAIN SOURCE About Careers