Effective Resumes and Cover Letters

"Resumes and cover letters are your first introduction to an employer - you want to stand out. This is not by adding colors or different fonts, but instead by tailoring your experiences and skills to the position you're applying for, whether it's an internship or full-time job. The more they can already see you in their role, the better chance you have at getting invited in for an interview." – Tory Nair, Director of Career Services

Resumes

What should be included in your resume?

Summary
- Show what you can do for an employer and why you are the best fit for the position
- Direct the employer to your skills
Education
- Include your institution and the degree you are receiving (Bachelor of Arts in ______, Bachelor of Science in _______ or Bachelor of Social Work)
- In this section you can also include any academic honors or organizations (Dean's List, Lambda Pi Eta, etc.)
- Don't include high school
Internship
- If you have internship experience include that in a separate section to highlight relevant experience
Experience
- Even if it isn't relevant to your future career, include it
- Use this section to highlight your soft skills
Volunteer Experience
- Volunteer work is valuable experience, follow the same format as above
Activities
- List any organizations you are a part of in college (Aurora University Women's Basketball, American Marketing Association, etc.)
Skills
- Include any computer, technical and language skills you have

Tips to make your resume standout:

Tip #1 - Make sure your format is simple and easy to read

Don't use a template
Use a font everyone has access to (Times New Roman, Calibri, Georgia, etc.)
Place your information in reverse chronological order (most recent-oldest)
Use bullet points to describe your experience

Tip #2 - Check your grammar

Avoid using personal pronouns
Make sure to use present tense for current jobs and past tense for former jobs

Tip #3 - Show what you do and how you do it

Begin each point with an action verb
Be concise
Don't just write "Customer service"
- "Assist customers locate products in a friendly manner to ensure customer satisfaction"
Quantify whenever possible
- "Trained 10 new team members on company procedures to maintain protocol"
Avoid phrases like "Responsibilities were", "Responsible for", "Duties include" and “In charge of”

Tip #4 - Proofread

Make sure you have no typos
Be consistent with bolding, abbreviations, italicizing, etc.
Check that all your dates and bullet points line up evenly
Be sure you use the same font throughout your resume

Cover Letters

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is how you pitch yourself for a job. Each letter should be tailored to the position you are applying for. Below are some tips on formatting and structuring your cover letter.

Format:

Follow the same format as a business letter
The document should have your information on the top
On the far left include the date, company, company address and who you are sending the letter to
Address your cover letter to the hiring manager (Dear Mr. Smith or Dear Hiring Manager)

Structure:

First Paragraph- Introduction

State why you are applying for the position
Introduce your qualifications
Highlight something about the organization

Middle Paragraph- Where you will tell an employer why they want to hire you

Tell a story- Tie in what you have to offer to their specific needs
Mirror the organization's language
Relate to the job posting AND what have you have learned about the organization from your research

Final Paragraph- Closing

Quick summary
Leave your contact information
Thank them

The Center for Student Success offers individual and group sessions to review your resume and cover letter. Check your AU email or follow @auspartancareer on Instagram to learn about upcoming presentations. To have an individual review, schedule an appointment with Tory Nair or Penny Petropoul or upload your resume on Handshake to receive virtual feedback from Career Services. Appointments can be in-person or over Zoom.