Building Students' Confidence

Main Terms

  1. Resume (or CV): A concise document (typically one page) summarizing education, experience, skills, and abilities, tailored to a specific job application.

  2. Cover Letter (Letter of Intent): A formal letter that introduces your resume to an employer, highlighting your suitability and enthusiasm for a specific position.

  3. Motivation Letter: A well-constructed letter for university/college applications (mentioned as an objective, though not detailed in the provided slides).

Key Elements of a Resume

The core components that should be included in a resume:
4. Personal Information: Includes a recent formal picture, complete name, contact information (address, phone, email).
5. Objective Statement: A brief, one or two-sentence summary of your career goal as it relates to the specific job you're applying for.
6. Educational Background: Lists schools, locations, graduation dates, and relevant courses or certificates. Start with the highest level of attainment.
7. Work and Related Experience: Includes internships, volunteer work, and summer jobs. List the most recent first, including position title, company, dates, and duties.
8. Professional Skills: A list of abilities relevant to the job. Use strong action verbs and be specific.
9. References: List of people (e.g., teachers, past supervisors) who can vouch for you, including their names, relationships, and contact information.
10. Other Optional Sections: Can include Organizations, Honors and Awards, Languages, Technical Skills, Personal Projects, and Interests. Only include what is relevant to the job.

Tips for an Effective Resume

  1. Conciseness: Keep it to one page.

  2. Tailoring: Customize the resume for each specific job application.

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

Key Elements of a Cover Letter

The seven essential sections and tips for crafting the letter:
14. Purpose: To introduce your resume, generate employer interest, and show what you can offer the company.
15. Research: Essential to research the company and study the position description before writing.
16. Focus on the Company: Emphasize what you can do for the company, not what you want from them.
17. Expansion, Not Repetition: Expand on points in your resume with specific examples; don't just restate it.
18. Address Gaps: Use the cover letter to address any required qualifications not listed on your resume.
19. Professional Format: One page, 12 pt. font, formal language, no slang. Use the same heading and paper as your resume.
20. Proofreading: Always have someone proofread it before sending.

The Seven Sections of a Cover Letter

  1. Date: Written in full with the month spelled out.

  2. Address/Salutation Block: Includes your info and the address of the specific hiring manager you are writing to.

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

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

  5. Body Paragraph(s): Tell a story about your relevant experience and skills. Explain your interest and provide specific examples.

  6. Closing Paragraph: Restate your interest, thank the hiring manager, state your desire for an interview, and mention follow-up.

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