Building Students' Confidence

Resume (or CV)

A concise document summarizing education, experience, skills, and abilities, tailored to a specific job application.

Cover Letter (Letter of Intent)

A formal letter that introduces your resume to an employer, highlighting your suitability and enthusiasm for a specific position.

Motivation Letter

A well-constructed letter for university/college applications, expressing objectives and interests.

Personal Information

Includes a recent formal picture, complete name, contact information (address, phone, email) in a resume.

Objective Statement

A brief summary of your career goal as it relates to the specific job you're applying for.

Educational Background

Lists schools, locations, graduation dates, and relevant courses or certificates, starting with the highest level of attainment.

Work and Related Experience

Includes internships, volunteer work, and summer jobs, listed most recent first with details of position, company, dates, and duties.

Professional Skills

A list of abilities relevant to the job, using strong action verbs and being specific.

References

People who can vouch for you, including their names, relationships, and contact information.

Other Optional Sections

Can include Organizations, Honors and Awards, Languages, Technical Skills, Personal Projects, and Interests relevant to the job.

Conciseness

Keep your resume to one page.

Tailoring

Customize the resume for each specific job application.

Relevance

Choose to include only elements and skills that are suited and relevant to the job.

Purpose of a Cover Letter

To introduce your resume, generate employer interest, and show what you can offer the company.

Research for a Cover Letter

Essential to research the company and study the position description before writing.

Focus on the Company

Emphasize what you can do for the company, not what you want from them.

Expansion in Cover Letter

Expand on points in your resume with specific examples; don’t just restate it.

Addressing Gaps

Use the cover letter to address any required qualifications not listed on your resume.

Professional Format for Cover Letter

One page, 12 pt. font, formal language; use the same heading and paper as your resume.

Proofreading

Always have someone proofread your cover letter before sending.

Date in Cover Letter

Written in full with the month spelled out.

Address/Salutation Block

Includes your info and the address of the specific hiring manager you are writing to.

Salutation in Cover Letter

"Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],".

Introduction Paragraph

An attention-grabbing opener stating who you are, the role you want, and your key qualification.

Body Paragraph(s)

Tell a story about your relevant experience and skills with specific examples.

Closing Paragraph

Restate your interest, thank the hiring manager, express desire for an interview, and mention follow-up.

Signature

A formal sign-off (e.g., "Sincerely,") followed by your typed name.