Articles for Teachers
RESUMES, COVER LETTERS, REFERENCES
and THANK YOU LETTERS
The Career Center
Westminster College
http://www.westminster.edu/student/career/student/resumes.doc.
5 Steps to Developing a Dynamic Resume
Carefully read the job description to determine skills and abilities necessary for the position. Every job requires certain skills, attributes and knowledge. Target your resume toward the qualifications the employer is seeking.
Create a list of accomplishments.
Take some time to think about your accomplishments. Include education/training, volunteer experiences, jobs, projects, coursework, academic/independent research, travel, foreign language skills, certifications and extracurricular activities. When possible, try to use amounts, numbers and percentages to describe your achievements.
Which items represent your most significant accomplishments?
Which items would be of general interest to an employer?
Which items shed light on different facets of your personality?
3. Create descriptive phrases.
Use action verbs to begin short phrases describing the accomplishments you listed. Rank them in order of importance. Be concise and specific. Avoid using phrases such as "responsible for" or "in charge of." (see attached Verb List)
Organize your resume in an attractive format/layout.
Choose a format that best presents your individual information and experience. Make sure your resume is readable and well spaced. Keep items balanced on the page.
Ensure resume is letter perfect.
Misspelled words and grammatical or punctuation errors will generally disqualify you. Have your resume proofread by several people before sending it out to potential employers.
Suggested Sections
COMPONENT
Basics
Comments
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
· Name, address, phone number, and email address should be at the top of the page. (always include area and zip codes)
· For current students, list a college and home address and phone number.
· Be sure that any message on your personal answering machine is appropriate.
OBJECTIVE
(Optional)
· If used, this is a brief and targeted description of the position.
· The job objective should follow your name, address, and telephone number at the top of your resume.
EDUCATION
· Name of school, city and state, major, degree received, graduation date or projected graduation date.
· Honors, grade-point average (of 3.0 or above) and major grade point average (of 3.0 or above) should be included.
· List schools from which you have received a degree or certification, most recent first. Optional: You may also include other post secondary schools you have attended.
· Ordinarily, do not list high school information after sophomore year of college.
EXPERIENCE/WORK HISTORY
· If you have experience relevant to the position, create a separate section entitled RELEVANT EXPERIENCE or RELATED EXPERIENCE and list remaining experience as OTHER EXPERIENCE.
· Full-time, part-time, internship, volunteer experience, and military experience may be included.
· Emphasize duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and accomplishments appropriate to the position for which you are applying.
· Always note job title, employing organization, city and state, and dates of employment.
· Include specific details for each accomplishment (i.e. number of employees trained or supervised, size of budget managed, amount of funds raised, type of population served, a procedure improved upon or designed).
· Experience need not be paid to be included.
COMPONENT
Basics
Comments
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
(Optional)
· Include courses in your major area of study and/or those of interest to an employer.
· Identify courses that increased your proficiency with computers, foreign language(s), and/or written/oral communications.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
(Optional)
· Computer skills, web page design skills, oral/written communication skills, office skills, lab techniques and/or transferable skills not mentioned elsewhere.
LANGUAGES
(Optional)
· Mention if you are fluent in a foreign language(s).
· If you understand a language but are not fluent, you still might want to mention it.
LEADERSHIP, ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
(Optional)
· In order of importance, list student activities and organizations, offices held, professional associations, and committees on which you have served.
· Include activities and interests that show leadership/initiative or relate to the position for which you are applying.
COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
(Optional)
· List offices held, organizations, projects, and the skills and abilities utilized.
· If the setting is religious or political, you may want to use generic descriptions (for example, Youth Leader for church). If substantial, these experiences may be listed under "Experience."
HONORS
(Optional)
· Recent graduates and continuing students can include academic honors such as the Dean's List, scholarships, and honor societies.
· These can be listed under a separate heading or as a subsection under Education.
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
(Optional)
· Briefly describe relevant research projects. You may list articles, papers, books, or capstone projects.
TRAVEL
(Optional)
·Travel can add a dimension to your life that could be valuable to an employer.
· This can distinguish you from other applicants.
REFERENCES
· Do not include the words ?References Available Upon Request?.
· Create a separate page for your references. Submit references on a separate page only if requested. (See instructions on references)
Resume Do's & Don'ts
C Do
use quality paper (at least 20 lb. Bond)
use a readable font (no smaller than 10) and print on a letter-quality printer
be concise and specific in your objective, if you use one
quantify, when possible, and use specific examples
emphasize significant achievements, results produced, and recognition from others
use phrases and words that are positive and action-oriented
attempt to limit your resume to one page; two pages if you have a significant amount of experience with clear relevance to a prospective employer
be sure to include your name and ?Page Two? at the top of second page
check the spelling of every word; make sure grammar and punctuation are correct
have your resume proofread by several people before sending it to potential employers
begin phrases with action verbs such as "supervised," "designed," etc.
consider stating that you have a portfolio and/or writing samples available upon request, if appropriate for your major or field
use a large envelope to avoid folding the resume
D Don't
staple resume pages together or fold resume
include personal information such as marital status, social security number, age, race, religion, political affiliation, or specific fraternity or sorority names
use flashy graphics
list unrelated, detailed duties such as "opened mail" or "filed documents"
use words such as I, me, or my in your resume
exaggerate your experience
use meaningless words or phrases such as "seeking a challenging position" or "seeking a position working with people"
start phrases in experience section with "Responsible for"
state salary
use abbreviations
don?t include high school information after your sophomore year in college, unless it is outstanding or directly related
VERB LIST FOR RESUMES AND LETTERS
Management Skills
assigned
attained
chaired
consolidated
contracted
coordinated
delegated
directed
evaluated
executed
improved
increased
organized
oversaw
planned
prioritized
produced
recommended
scheduled
strengthened
supervised
Communication Skills
addressed
arbitrated
authored
collaborated
convinced
corresponded
drafted
edited
enlisted
formulated
influenced
lectured
mediated
moderated
negotiated
persuaded
promoted
publicized
reconciled
recruited
spoke
translated
wrote
Research Skills
collected
critiqued
diagnosed
examined
identified
inspected
interpreted
interviewed
investigated
reviewed
summarized
surveyed
systematized
Technical Skills
assembled
built
devised
engineered
fabricated
maintained
operated
overhauled
programmed
remodeled
repaired
solved
upgraded
Teaching Skills
adapted
advised
clarified
communicated
demystified
enabled
encouraged
explained
guided
informed
instructed
set goals
stimulated
trained
Financial Skills
administered
allocated
analyzed
appraised
audited
balanced
budgeted
calculated
computed
forecasted
managed
marketed
projected
researched
Creative Skills
acted
conceptualized
created
customized
designed
developed
established
fashioned
founded
illustrated
initiated
instituted
integrated
introduced
invented
originated
performed
revitalized
shaped
Helping Skills
assessed
assisted
coached
counseled
demonstrated
educated
expedited
facilitated
familiarized
motivated
referred
rehabilitated
represented
Clerical or Detail
Skills
approved
arranged
catalogued
classified
compiled
dispatched
generated
implemented
monitored
prepared
processed
purchased
recorded
retrieved
screened
specified
tabulated
validated
More Verbs for
Accomplishments
accelerated
accomplished
achieved
adjusted
advertised
announced
changed
compared
completed
conducted
constructed
consulted
converted
defined
deposited
determined
distributed
eliminated
enforced
entertained
estimated
expanded
figured
filed
grouped
handled
hired
improvised
indexed
innovated
installed
launched
learned
led
made
mastered
modeled
modified
obtained
ordered
photographed
pinpointed
pioneered
presented
presided
proposed
redesigned
reduced (losses)
reinforced
related
reorganized
reported
resolved (problems)
restored
revised
served
set up
simplified
sold
sparked
spearheaded
staffed
streamlined
stretched
structured
studied
supported
taught
tested
tracked
traded
transformed
transmitted
traveled
treated
uncovered
unified
unraveled
used
utilized
verified
won
Electronic Resumes
Scannable ? Designed to be scanned as a picture and converted into electronic text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software and entered into a computerized database.
Internet (Plain Text) ? Designed for use on a computer to be read from screen, saved on a hard drive or disk, sent over the Internet, searched for keywords, converted to other electronic file types, cut and pasted into databases, or printed to paper
HTML or Web-Resume ? Designed for use on a Web site, has the ability to link to other sites creating a multidimensional effect.
Points to consider when preparing a scannable resume:
Keep it simple
Place your name at the top of the page on its own line
Use a keyword summary to identify relevant skills and qualifications ? computers search on descriptive nouns
Include degrees, majors, GPA, job titles, employers, accomplishments, honors, computer software and hardware skills, and certifications
Use the jargon of your profession, lots of nouns, and speak technically
Use a standard typeface in 10-14 point font
Don?t use italics or underlines or slashes (here/there)
Use capital letters to emphasize important text
Use asterisks instead of bullets
Do not use parentheses or brackets (including phone number area codes)
Avoid horizontal and vertical lines, graphics, shading, boxes and tables
Do not double space within a section
Print your resume on standard 8 ½? x 11? white paper with black ink, one side only
Do not fold or staple. Mail in a large envelope that requires no folding of enclosures
Send 2 resumes, the original on letter-quality paper and the scannable version (mark scannable with Post-It)
Christi McNally
Box 830 Westminster College 645 Crisco Street
New Wilmington, PA 16172 Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 946-5555 Phone: (724) 222-5555
Objective A sales position with a growing pharmaceutical company
Education Bachelor of Science - Business Administration May 2002
Concentration: Management Minor: German
Overall GPA 3.25
Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
Semester Abroad Fall 2000
Attended University of Leipzig to enhance German speaking skills
University of Leipzig, Heidelberg, Germany
Healthcare Merck Pharmaceutical Inc, Pittsburgh, PA April-May 2001
Experience Intern
· Presented information about company's products
· Promoted five of the company's products
· Analyzed information regarding physician's medical product preference
· Assisted in developing promotional events for products
Sammons Family Medicine, Washington, PA Summers 1999-2001
Office Assistant
· Scheduled and recorded appointments electronically
· Authorized referrals
· Performed general office duties
Sales Direct China Outlet, Washington, PA Summers 1996-1999
Experience Sales Representative
· Generated sales by assisting and advising customers
· Arranged display cases to draw customers' attention
· Balanced cash drawer at open and close
· Handled all inventory duties
Leadership Assistant Treasurer: National Social Sorority
Activities · Coordinated three fundraising events for sixty women
· Budgeted all revenues from fundraisers
Executive Board: National Social Sorority
· Researched and presented pertinent topics at sorority meetings
· Organized self-awareness program
Computer Proficient: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Netscape Navigator
Skills
May U. Buy
Box 100 Westminster College 15 Nest Garden Estates
New Wilmington, PA 16172 Old Bird, PA 15067
(724) 946-5555 (724) 292-5555
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
A sales position with a competitive pharmaceutical company
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Public Relations, May 2002
Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
GPA: 3.24 Major GPA: 3.68
WORK EXPERIENCE
Resident Assistant, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA, 2000-present
Present educational and social programming for twenty-four women residents
Participate in team projects with Student Affairs staff
Conduct weekly meetings with residents to ensure enforcement of college policies
Communications Intern, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, 2001
Created and edited press releases
Attended Communication Department staff meetings
Participated in group projects to develop promotional materials
Sales Associate, Bath and Body Works, Boardman, OH, 1997-2000
Contributed to increased retail sales through product knowledge, demonstration, and
point-of-sale recommendation
Trained new employees, and provided effective customer service
Prepared in-store marketing
Sales Clerk, Brewster?s Ice Cream, New Castle, PA, 1996-1999
Supervised seven employees
Maintained inventory
Served customers
COMPUTER SKILLS
Competent: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Internet
LEADERSHIP
National Social Sorority
Chair, Public Relations
Executive Board, Panhellenic Council
Junior Delegate, Panhellenic Council
Holcad, College Newspaper
Sports and Feature Editor
Fresh Start Student Orientation Staff
Student Government Association
HONORS
Lambda Sigma (Sophomore Honor Society), academic and leadership excellence
Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Honorary), leadership excellence
May U. Buy
Box 100 Westminster College 15 Nest Garden Estates
New Wilmington, PA 16172 Old Bird, PA 15067
(724) 946-5555 (724) 292-5555
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
A sales position with a competitive pharmaceutical company
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Public Relations May 2002
Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
GPA: 3.24 Major GPA: 3.68
PUBLIC RELATIONS SKILLS
Created and edited press releases
Presented educational and social programming for twenty-four women residents
Participated in team projects with Student Affairs staff
Participated in group projects to develop promotional materials
Attended Communication Department staff meetings
MANAGERIAL SKILLS
Conducted weekly meetings with residents to ensure enforcement of college policies
Trained new employees, and provided effective customer service
Maintained inventory
SALES SKILLS
Contributed to increased retail sales through product knowledge, demonstration, and
point-of-sale recommendation
Prepared in-store marketing
Supervised seven employees
WORK HISTORY
Resident Assistant, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA 2000-present Communications Intern, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA 2001
Sales Associate, Bath and Body Works, Boardman, OH 1997-2000
Sales Clerk, Brewster?s Ice Cream, New Castle, PA 1996-1999
COMPUTER SKILLS
Competent: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Internet
LEADERSHIP
National Social Sorority Holcad, College Newspaper
? Chair, Public Relations ? Sports and Feature Editor
? Executive Board, Panhellenic Council Fresh Start Student Orientation Staff
? Junior Delegate, Panhellenic Council Student Government Association
HONORS
Lambda Sigma (Sophomore Honor Society), academic and leadership excellence
Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Honorary), leadership excellence
Arthur J. Scales
Campus Address: Permanent Address:
Box 512 R.D. #7 Box 528
Westminster College Waynesburg, PA 15370
New Wilmington, PA 16172 (724) 627-5555
(724) 946-5555
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, May 2001 Concentration: Psychology, GPA: 3. 50
Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
MANAGEMENT · Achieved high closing ratio as a sales agent
SKILLS · Resolved roommate conflicts and discipline problems as a Resident Advisor in a freshmen
residence hall
FINANCIAL · Analyzed profit & loss exhibits; conducted various ratio tests, pro-forma budget forecasts, and
SKILLS spreadsheet comparisons using industry standards
· Led computer simulation team to 1st place, besting 8 teams, for senior capstone course in
Strategic Management (our stock price $17, runner-up $10)
· Co-managed stock portfolio: researched investment strategies and stock market trends
COMPUTER Proficient: Excel, Windows 95, Word, and WordPerfect
SKILLS Knowledgeable: Lotus, PowerPoint, SPSS, and Microsoft FrontPage
LEADERSHIP President of Jubilee Committee: marketed organization, raised funds, and organized trip to
annual conference
Coordinator of Chapel Staff: planned and executed several campus activities, including
wilderness retreat for 50 students
HONORS & Mortar Board, senior leadership and service honor society
AWARDS Trustee Scholarship, awarded for academic excellence
Pi Sigma Pi, senior honor society for cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher
EMPLOYMENT Assistant Financial Analyst, Banion Agency, Waynesburg, PA Summers 2000-present HISTORY
Resident Advisor, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA Academic Year 1999-2000
Camp Counselor, Ligonier Camp and Conference Center , Ligonier, PA Summer 1999
Sales Agent, Marriott Hotels, Ithaca, NY Summer 1998
Cee D. Rom
OBJECTIVE A computer programming position with a dynamic organization
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science: Computer Science May 2001
Major GPA: 3.90
Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
COMPUTER Proficient: Visual Basic, BASIC, C, C+ +, Java, Access, Visual C+ +,'TCP17P, Allaire Cold
SKILLS Fusion, FTP, HTML, Lotus, Netscape Enterprise Web Server, Novell NetWare,
Derive, DOS, Excel, PowerPoint, PERL, SMTP, Spim, UNIX, Windows AT, 95, 98,
Adobe Photoshop, Word, COBOL, SQL, Oracle, WordPerfect
COMPUTER METALLIC INCORPORATED, Uniontown, PA Summer 2000
EXPERIENCE Software Engineer / Web Administrator Intern
· Designed a Visual Basic application to collect local radar conditions and display live
wireless traffic data to the Internet
· Installed video server to stream live video to the Internet
· Created and maintained Metallic website using Netscape Enterprise Server and
Windows NT server
· Installed antennas, cable runs, wireless video equipment, cameras, infrared illuminators,
weather sensors, and other peripheral equipment
WESTMINSTER COLLEGE, New Wilmington, PA Spring 2001
Web Developer
· Revised web site Client/Server databases
· Assisted webmaster with updates and changes to Internet site
Master Proctor Spring 2000
· Supervised all computer labs and 40+ student workers
· Conducted spot checks on labs and evaluated student workers
Help Desk Intern Fall 2000
· Provided Help Desk support for the campus-wide Novell network
· Troubleshot and repaired computer hardware and software
· Trained and scheduled student workers
· Prepared web pages for online help
· Resolved faculty and student problems regarding the campus-wide Network
LEADERSHIP Senator, Student Government Association 1998
Delegate, Mock Convention 1998
CAMPUS Active Member: Westminster Soccer Team Ski Club
INVOLVMENT National Social Fraternity Chess Club
Campus Drivers Program
INTERNATIONAL Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Holland, and Italy
TRAVEL
CERTIFICATIONS CPR, Basic First Aid, and Life Saving
(Sample Internship Resume) Tiger B. Forest
Permanent Address: School Address:
103 Golf Drive Westminster College, Box 1200
Pittsburgh, PA 15299 New Wilmington, PA 16172
412) 888-3456 (724) 946-0044
Objective A sports-related internship where I may use my business and communication skills
Education Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
Bachelor of Science, anticipated May, 2005
Major: International Business, GPA: 3.5
Relevant Courses ? American Workplace ? Business Law
? Marketing ? Business Organization & Management
? Interpersonal Communication ? Business and Professional Communication
? Organizational Communication ? Advanced Public Speaking
Research Paper: ?Marketing Golf to People with No Money,? presented to Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Westminster College, 2003
Leadership Researcher and Assistant, International Business Department
Teaching Assistant, Westminster College Learning Center
Senator, Student Government Association
Secretary, SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise)
Work Experience Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, PA Summer 2003
Golf Professional
Taught individual golf lessons
Conducted golf clinics
Pittsburgh City Park, Pittsburgh, PA Summer 2003
Park Director
Organized activities for children ages 4 to 18
Supervised children in games and taught good sportsmanship
Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Pittsburgh, PA Summer 2002
Certified Technician
Trained new employees
Processed and entered customer data
Honors/Awards President?s Scholarship, Westminster College
Presidents? Athletic Conference, Outstanding Golfer, 2003
Economics and Business Department, Outstanding Sophomore Scholarship
Activities Westminster College Golf Team, 2-year letter winner
Volunteer, Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Staff Writer, Holcad, Westminster College newspaper
Alpha Phi Omega, Westminster service fraternity
Computer Skills Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Internet
Resume Checklist
Is the resume readable and pleasing to the eye?
Does it have an easy to read font and good format?
Did you use lbullets, bold, italics and/or underlining to highlight key strengths?
If resume will be scanned, did you omit columns, italics, bold, lbullets and underlining?
Is information listed in order of importance and relevance to the position?
Did you include your name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone number, and e-mail address?
Do you have your name and ?Page Two? on second page, if applicable?
Does your objective (if used) clearly state the position for which you are applying?
Did you check the spelling, grammar and punctuation?
Do phrases begin with action verbs?
Have you been truthful about your accomplishments rather than being falsely modest or exaggerating?
Cover Letters
The cover letter is used to introduce yourself and to briefly explain your qualifications to a prospective employer. The purpose of the cover letter is to gain the employer?s interest and gain his/her attention to your application for employment. A cover letter should always accompany your resume when you are not applying in person.
The cover letter should highlight a few of your experiences or skills. It should not duplicate information on your resume word for word.
9 TIPS ON WRITING AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER
The letter should be printed on the same quality paper as your resume.
Always address the letter to the appropriate individual by name and professional title.
Contact the organization to verify the person?s name, title, gender and spelling.
Salutation should read ?Dear Mr. Jones:?, not ?Dear Mr. Sam Jones:?. If it is impossible to learn the name or title, the salutation should read ?Dear Sir or Madam:? or ?To Whom it May Concern?.
Try to avoid beginning sentences or paragraphs with the word ?I?.
Begin your cover letter with a strong statement. Develop a bridge or common bond between you and the employer. Remind the employer of any previous contact you have had, and/or tell how you learned of the vacancy or company/organization. Consider mentioning any personal contact and/or experience with the company/organization.
Use second paragraph to highlight particular points in your background that meet the requirements of the job you are seeking. Tell why you are interested in the employer. Indicate what you can do for the employer rather than what the employer can do for you.
In the final paragraph, thank the employer for considering your resume and mention your telephone number and email address.
Always sign your letter in black or blue ink.
Proofread to correct all spelling and punctuation errors. Both the cover letter and resume must be free of mistakes.
Cover Letter Guidelines
Your Present Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date of Letter
Individual?s Name
Title (ex: President, Editor, Director, etc.)
Employer
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. (Last Name) :
First Paragraph. In your initial paragraph indicate the reason for writing, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and how you learned of the opening. (Prior contact with employer or employees of the organization, newspaper advertisement, the Internet, etc.)
Second Paragraph. Mention why you are interested in the position, the organization, its products or services. Above all, indicate what you can do for the employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the position. If you have related work or internship experience, point this out by mentioning specific achievements or qualifications gained through this experience. Do not repeat information word for word as it appears in the resume.
Third Paragraph. In the closing paragraph, indicate your desire for a personal interview. Repeat your phone number in the letter and offer any assistance to help in a speedy response. Finally, thank the employer for his/her consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Handwritten Signature)
Your Name Typed
Enclosures (denotes that resume, applications, etc., are enclosed)
Box 1
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA 16172
June 28, 20__
Mr. Ron Jones
Human Resources Representative
Hilton Hotels Corporation
933 Civic Center Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Dear Mr. Jones:
Last winter I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Tricia Banick from your Marketing Department. Ms. Banick suggested I contact you regarding my interest in working at Hilton Hotels Corporation.
From my enclosed resume you will note that I have direct experience in the fields of restaurant management and public relations in both the United States and Brazil. My educational background, my extracurricular activities, and my proficiency in Spanish and French have strengthened my skills in the areas of supervising, organizing, and planning. I am looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the hospitality industry and trust that my qualifications are what you are seeking.
I would appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about a position with your company. Please feel free to contact me at 724/946-____ or janedq@555.edu to explore my background further.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Handwritten Signature)
Jane Doe
Enclosures
Box 1257
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA 16172
March 3, 20__
Ms. Jane Smith
Personnel Director
Amherst County Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission
898 Park Avenue
Suite 12
Buffalo, NY 16335
Dear Ms. Smith:
As a Counselor at Hermitage House Youth Services, I believe that I am well prepared for the position of Prevention Specialist that is currently available at the Amherst County Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission.
From my enclosed resume you will note that my responsibilities as a counselor are similar to those of the Prevention Specialist. I have worked with adolescents in groups and individually, as well as with the families of these youths. My positions as a counselor and crisis volunteer have provided me with training in the area of drug and alcohol prevention.
In May of this year I will obtain my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology, from Westminster College. I have a strong commitment to helping adolescents, and I am willing and excited to learn new responsibilities. I would greatly appreciate your consideration of my application for this position. Please feel free to contact me at (624) 946-5555 or blancz@555.edu.
Sincerely,
(Your Handwritten Signature)
Josephine Blanc
Enclosures
644 Harrogate Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
June 5, 20__
Ms. Paula Spaulido
Recruitment Center/Programs Division
Central Intelligence Agency
P.O. Box 12727
Arlington, VA 22209-0065
Dear Ms. Spaulido:
Thank you for responding to my inquiry regarding employment opportunities with the Central Intelligence Agency. The organizational description and employment requirements found in the information packet that you provided have confirmed my desire to pursue a position with your agency.
From my resume you will note that I have direct experience in the international arena. My educational background, both foreign and domestic, has strengthened my skills for both the classroom and business environments. My analytical, organizational, human resource management, and planning skills are evident in my extracurricular activities and leadership positions. I am looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the intelligence community and trust that my qualifications will meet your requirements.
I would appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about a position with the CIA. Please feel free to contact me at 412/648-5555 or sprowgb@555.edu.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,
(Your Handwritten Signature)
George Dubya Sprow
Enclosure
REFERENCE GUIDELINES
Create a separate page for your references
Center information on page
List names, titles, and contact information for each reference on separate sheet of paper that matches your resume and cover letter
Always ask permission before using anyone?s name as a reference, or including their home address and/or phone number
Do not use relatives or friends as references; try to use people who know about your work-related abilities
Former employers, internship or volunteer project supervisors, and faculty are good choices
From 3 to 5 references are appropriate
Have list of references prepared in the event you are asked to provide them
References for
Cee D. Rom
George W. Bush
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 10001
(202) 555-1212 ? Oval Office
(202) 555-5555 ? White House
e-mail: eagle@555.com
R. Thomas Williamson
President
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA 16172
(724) 946-7131 ? office
(724) 946-5555 ? home
e-mail: williart@555.edu
Dr. Barbara T. Faires
Chair, Math & Computer Science Department
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA 16172
(724) 946-7293 - office
(724) 946-5555 ? home
e-mail: fairesbt@555.edu
Thank You Letter Guidelines
Your Present Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date of Letter
Individual?s Name
Title
Employer
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. (Last Name)_ :
First Paragraph: In your initial paragraph, thank the interviewer for the opportunity to be considered for the particular position. If possible, identify one or two things that came up in the interview to remind the interviewer of who you are.
Second Paragraph: Reinforce and highlight your qualifications. Rephrase your background and briefly explain how your skills, experience, and accomplishments make you right for the job. Also clarify anything you wish you had made more clear, or forgot to say, during the interview.
Closing Paragraph: In the closing paragraph, emphasize your interest in the position. Indicate that you look forward to hearing from the interviewer or refer to follow-up instructions discussed during the interview. Include your phone number. You may include your e-mail address if you wish.
Sincerely,
(Your Handwritten Signature)
Your Name Typed
General: Thank you letters can be handwritten or typed and should be mailed within 24 hours of your interview. You can use a standard business format. If you were interviewed by more than one person, a separate note should be sent to each person.
Sample Thank You Letter
21 Smith Road
New Wilmington, PA 16172
724-555-1212
August 22, 2001
Ms. Penelope Interviewer
Human Resource Director
Child Development Center
123 Hopkins Boulevard
New Castle, PA 16105
Dear Ms. Interviewer:
Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you yesterday afternoon. I am very interested in the case worker position you described.
My sociology and psychology classes, internship, summer jobs, and my community service work at the Women?s Shelter have prepared me well for a case worker?s position. I am especially interested in the group therapy program you mentioned. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to that effort.
I enjoyed meeting you and your staff and look forward to hearing from you soon. If I can provide any additional information, please call me at (724) 555-1212, or you may e-mail me at seekerjl@555.edu. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature)
Joe Seeker
Sample Thank You Letter - 2
Ima Kneidajob
1234 Fifth Avenue
New Wilmington, PA 16172
724-555-1212
August 22, 2000
Mr. Ray O?Hope
Employment Director
Acme Hotels, Inc.
321 Main Street
New Castle, PA 11111
Dear Mr. O?Hope:
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you yesterday to learn more about your organization. It was interesting to learn that your secretary, Mrs. Rogers, is an alumna of Westminster College.
As we discussed, my education in business administration at Westminster and my internship at Marriott provide a good fit for the position of Associate Corporate Catering Manager. My attention to detail, planning abilities, and experience with corporate customers would be of great value in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position. I am not sure I mentioned during my interview that I will conclude my training in Excel next week. I believe this skill would be beneficial during budget reviews.
My interest in this position is strong, and I will contact you next week, as you suggested, to discuss the next steps. You can contact me at school until May 15th at 724-946-5555, and at home at 724-658-5555, after that date.
Sincerely,
(Your Handwritten Signature)
Ima Kneidajob