NEWBURY COLLEGE
RESUME WORKBOOK
2015
CAREER SERVICES & INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT CENTER
Student Success Center #124/126 | 617-730-7072 | [email protected]
www.newbury.edu/careerservices | www.facebook.com/NewburyCollegeCareerServices | twitter.com/NewburyCareers
1
Table of Contents
What is a Resume? ........................................................................................................................ 3
Why are Resumes Important? ......................................................................................................... 4
Resume Types ................................................................................................................................. 4
10 Steps to Resume Success ........................................................................................................... 4
Identify Your Skills, Talents & Abilities ..................................................................................... 5
Job Objective & Requirements of the Job .................................................................................. 6
Job Search Techniques .................................................................................................................... 7
How to Read & Respond to Job Descriptions................................................................................. 8
Your Turn ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Compiling Your Resume ............................................................................................................ 12
Work Experience: The Details ...................................................................................................... 13
Thinking These? Consider These .................................................................................................. 14
Resume Vocabulary: Action Verbs ............................................................................................... 15
Do’s & Don'ts ................................................................................................................................ 16
Resume Checklist .......................................................................................................................... 17
Sample Resumes .......................................................................................................................... 18
Accounting .................................................................................................................................... 18
Business Management ................................................................................................................... 18
Communications ........................................................................................................................... 18
Computer Science ......................................................................................................................... 18
Criminal Justice ............................................................................................................................. 19
Legal Studies ................................................................................................................................. 19
Culinary ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Hotel & Restaurant Management .................................................................................................. 19
Fashion Merchandising ................................................................................................................. 20
Graphic Design.............................................................................................................................. 20
Interior Design .............................................................................................................................. 20
Marketing ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Healthcare Management................................................................................................................ 21
Psychology .................................................................................................................................... 21
Sports Management ....................................................................................................................... 21
Graduate School ............................................................................................................................ 21
Alumni Samples ............................................................................................................................ 22
Composing Cover Letters ........................................................................................................... 23
Cover Letter Writing Do’s & Don’ts ............................................................................................ 24
Cover Letter Writing Checklist ..................................................................................................... 24
Additional Cover Letter Samples .................................................................................................. 25
Compiling a List of References .................................................................................................. 26
Writing Thank You Letters ....................................................................................................... 27
Additional Thank You Letter Samples ......................................................................................... 28
References .................................................................................................................................... 29
2
What is a Resume?
A resume is a document, which lists and summarizes your education, skills, and
qualifications related to the field of work you are entering. A resume is used to
apply for internships, jobs, or leadership opportunities, and its goal is to get you an
interview.
Heading
Education
Summary of
Qualifications
Relevant
Coursework
Professional
Experience/
Employment
Involvement/
Activities/
Volunteering
3
Why are Resumes Important?
In this increasingly competitive job market you need to have a professional resume that contains the right
information so that it will stand out amongst the countless other resumes at which potential employers will be
looking. This will give you the best possible chance of getting their attention. You need to remember that a
potential employer will only be glancing at your resume for a few seconds, so it’s very important to make sure
that all the years you have been working and studying are going to be represented properly in your resume.
Chronological Resume
Functional Resume
This is the most common type of resume format
used. The chronological format lists your most
recent employment history (or education) first, with
your jobs appearing by date in a time line. This is
the traditional method of formatting a resume,
placing more emphasis on your job titles and
employment history over your skills. A
chronological resume may suit you if:
 You have a stable work history with few breaks
in your employment time line
 Are staying in the same field
 Your job titles show increased responsibility
and higher position levels
 Your past job titles match employer job
requirements
The functional resume will focus far more on your
skills and achievements rather than job titles and places
of employment. Functional resumes give you the
platform to display your skills and experiences. This
format also lets candidates gloss over gaps in their
work history or play down positions that were not
relevant. Functional resumes are best suited to:
 Graduates and those wanting to make a career
change
 Those wanting to highlight specific skills,
knowledge, or abilities
 Those re-entering the job market after an absence
 Graduates with a variety of different or unrelated
work experiences
 Graduates with large gaps in work history
(Kihn, 2013)
(Kihn, 2013)
10 Steps to Resume Success
1. Create a resume that is only 1 page long.
2. Use an easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman.
3. Your font size should be between 10-12 points. Your name can be larger for emphasis.
4. Instead of an objective statement, consider including a skills summary.
Employers like knowing what you have to offer at the start.
5. Do not include the phrase, “References Available Upon Request.”
Employers will ask for these when they are ready.
6. Choose a format best-suited for highlighting your experience and qualifications.
7. Use strong, active bullet statements.
8. Do not lie or leave gaps in your experience.
9. Read all application instructions in full.
10. Send a cover letter with each resume.
4
Identify Your Skills, Talents & Abilities
Name about six qualities or characteristics of other people that you most respect or admire.
1)
4)
2)
5)
3)
6)
Which of the qualities you named above are also true about you? For each of those qualities, explain
what you do that gives people the impression that you have that quality.
Think of a problem that came up that had other people stumped but that you were able to do
something about to improve the situation. What did you do? What does that say about your abilities?
What academic subjects are you best at? Why do you like those studies?
What do you know/do so well that you could teach it to others? What is the main tip you would tell
people about how to do that successfully?
What achievements in your jobs or internships gave you the most satisfaction?
In those satisfying achievements, what skills were you using that you would like to apply for future
jobs?
1)
3)
2)
4)
(Parker, 2001)
5
Job Objective
Make a list of jobs you think you might want. Consider the skill sets and knowledge you have
acquired while in school and experiences that have prepared you for this next step. Also
consider “bridge jobs.” Bridge jobs are positions that can be temporary or not directly related
to your dream field but can help you gain more competencies, work experiences, and
transferrable skills. It is common for recent graduates to use these positions as quality learning
experiences and preparation for that dream job they may not be qualified for right after
graduation.
Now, decide on one job from the list above to keep in mind for the development of this
resume:
Requirements of the Job
What education, certifications, skills, and experiences are necessary? You can find this information online or by looking at specific job descriptions.
(Parker, 2001)
6
Job Search Techniques
Top Ten Tips
1. BE PROACTIVE: Anyone with access to a computer and the Internet can point and click upon any given “apply”
button. Stand out from the competition by taking a few extra steps to have your voice heard and your application
materials seen. Be active rather than passive. Don’t wait for an answer or call-back; reach out, connect, and seek the
answers yourself.
2. CREATE A BEST-SELLER: A cover letter and resume package has never been as vital to a job search as it is today. Tap into the College’s Career Services Center and on-line eRecruiting resources to ensure that you are “selling”
yourself as the best hire to your employer of choice. Spelling, grammar, and presentation all count!
3. FOCUS: While conducting on-line searches it is very easy to wander off into cyberspace. Set specific goals and
timelines for yourself so as to stay on track and avoid wasting time. Block out time to conduct on-line searches,
place follow-up phone calls, and to attend career fairs and networking events.
4. FOLLOW-UP: Unless a job posting specifically states, “No Phone Calls,” it is in your best interest to reach out to
employers, by phone, to confirm the receipt of your application materials. The follow-up call is a great tool for determining where an employer is at in their search and may even result in having your resume pulled out from the pile
for review.
5. “FRIEND” TECHNOLOGY: If you are in any way uncomfortable with using a computer, phone, or the Internet,
use your Career Services Center as a means for learning some quick and effective strategies for getting what you
need. Our student workstations are set-aside just for this purpose!
6. GO “GOOGLE” YOURSELF: It is becoming more and more commonplace for employers to enter applicant
names into a Facebook or Google search prior to setting up an interview. These searches give them a quick glance
into who you are and what you have been up to. Anything that you post or that is posted about you on-line could
very well be read by current or future employers. So, go Google yourself before conducting a job search and take
every step needed to clean up your on-line presence.
7. NETWORK: Have you heard the saying, “It’s all about who you know?” Well—there is a good bit of truth to it.
Check out industry events, guest speakers, and meetings of professional organizations representing your chosen career path. Create your own business card to pass out by way of introduction.
8. UTILIZE YOUR RESOURCES: Your Career Service Center is located at West Hall 102. The Newbury College
Library, advisors, and faculty serving in your field can all serve as helpful resources.
9. SKIP OUT ON SCAMS: Unfortunately, along with all of the great employment leads you can find on-line, there
are also a number of employment scams to watch out for. Beware of leads that require you to enter too much personal information as identity theft could result. Watch also for any leads which guarantee placement or that require you
to pay up front for any materials or training. In short, if it seems too good to be true, ask for assistance in checking
the lead out.
10. WEBSITES TO WATCH: The number of on-line job search sites is practically endless. The staff of the Career
Services Center suggests that you start with the following:
eRecruiting: www.nethawk.newbury.edu
Idealist: www.idealist.org
Indeed: www.indeed.com
Monster: www.monster.com
Additional Considerations
It’s not only necessary to consider whether you’re qualified for a particular position but also whether the position is the
right fit for you. Be sure to consider:



The position’s geographical location
The company’s mission statement and goals
The position’s possible effects on your current lifestyle
7
How to Read & Respond to Job Descriptions
A large part of effective resume writing involves being able to review, comprehend, and
respond to job descriptions in a clear and concise manner. Scan job
descriptions for key words. Highlight those terms which you believe to be most important to
the position. If you know you have the skills noted and sought by an employer, be certain that
your application materials state as such in a very direct and easy-to-understand way.
See the notated example below:
Job Title:
Catering Sales Manager
Notice specific responsibilities and competencies, such as communiDescription:
cation skills and comfort in working with others on a regular basis.
Catering Sales Manager is
responsible for finalizing
group business while maximizing the banquet space to meet/exceed sales goals.
As an Catering Sales Manager, one solicits, negotiates and books new/repeat business by
outside sales calls, telemarketing, mailings, networking, etc.
Requirements of the position include: a thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures
of the catering, food & beverage and hospitality professions; effective communication
skills, and the ability to negotiate, influence and sell professionals and/or prospective hotel
guests.
Do your educational and professional experiences meet the employer’s specifications?
Responsible for the development of social and pharmaceutical market segments, and solicitation of
new customer relationships while maintaining existing relationships with previous customers.
Represents the hotel through outbound efforts/ sales calls to prospective customers. Proactively
solicits, negotiates and closes local catering business. Meets with and entertains customers, conducts
property tours, participates in tradeshows, industry and community events to promote facilities and
services. Negotiates contracts and establishes agreements with vendors. Maximizes revenue and
promotes relationships through negotiation of services and prices and upselling menu items.
Candidate must be experienced, self-motivated, outgoing. Catering Sales manager needed to handle
both corporate and social marketing in this extremely busy luxury property. Candidate must have
strong organization and communication skills. Must have previous experience in catering sales.
Must be an excellent multi-tasker and time manager.
Note the demands of the position—lots of interaction with
customers, understanding of business, marketing, and sales
strategies, familiarity with contract negotiations and specific
experience in catering sales—are you qualified? How?
Note the personality characteristics
the employer desires. Do they
match your own?
8
Your Turn
In the positions below, highlight the key phrases and skills you believe are most
sought after by the employer. Consider education, practical training, experiences,
and personality traits.
Job Title: Editorial Assistant
Description: The Editorial Assistant (EA) will support the statistics list and editors. The position involves
securing reviews on projects in an efficient, meticulous, and market-focused manner; tracking review budgets,
monitoring schedules, and summarizing reviews. The EA will assist the editor with contracting and developing
manuscripts for core texts and supplements; preparing them for production; gathering market and competitive
information as directed; and communicating effectively with authors, reviewers, in-house staff, freelancers,
and sales representatives. The EA also will perform routine tasks such as maintaining files and records,
updating text and supplement specifications in tracking systems, helping to prepare contracts, processing and
maintaining accurate records of correspondence; handling invoices/bills, preparing check requisitions, and
tracking payments.
Please submit a cover letter with a resume when applying to this job.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree and computer literacy, including proficiency with Word, are required.
Office experience and proficiency with Excel are preferred. Excellent interpersonal and written
communication skills, the ability to prioritize and stay organized, and the ability to multi-task and work with
tight deadlines are essential.
Job Title: Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Description: We know that we can't treat our guests to an amazing experience if we don't have talented culinary
professionals running the kitchen. Our concept is culinary-driven. Here you work with the freshest ingredients, the
cleanest kitchens, top of the line equipment, and standards of operation that are simply unmatched in our industry. For
us, our cuisine is a matter of pride. As Sous Chef, you will be a primary “go-to” for the kitchen staff. That means you
have to be available to your team while staying on top of the functions and flow of the back of the house. You’ll work
alongside at least one other Sous Chef while reporting to the Executive Chef/Culinary Partner as well as the Operating
Partner. The bottom line? Your talent will motivate your team to create the remarkable cuisine that our guests expect. If
you’re as committed to excellence as we are, you’ll find that we can offer career advantages that are among the very
best.
Qualifications:
• 2-3 years of experience in a high-volume restaurant
• Previous restaurant management preferred
• Graduate of an accredited culinary program preferred
• Must work well individually and as a team player
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage a team and multiple tasks
• Must be able to work an average of 55 hours per week
• Must be able to facilitate and effectively execute training
• Ability to manage a large team while delegating tasks and ensuring consistent follow up
• Ability to handle difficult/challenging situations and conversations
• Ability to perform basic math calculations and cost management
• Read, write and speak English fluently
• Must be able to stand and walk for periods of eight to ten hours in length, each shift
9
Your Turn
In the positions below, highlight the key phrases and skills you believe are most
sought after by the employer. Consider education, practical training, experiences,
and personality traits.
Job Title: Legal Coordinator
Description: The Legal Department Coordinator is responsible for processing administrative requests
including but not limited to the processing of executed lease documents, monitoring of mail sent or received
by Legal Department personnel and scanning or copying documents for retention records. The incumbent is
responsible for creating and maintaining documentation for customer activity, updating and/or tracking
milestones in the Online Antenna Site Information System (OASIS), sorting mail and scanning, notarizing and
mailing to customers fully executed copies of lease agreements. The Coordinator interfaces with multiple
teams within the U.S. Tower Legal Department, as well as the Data Management team, to ensure documents
are properly transferred into the file library or sent to third parties. The incumbent will also provide
administrative support for multiple U.S. Tower Legal Department groups, including TAPP, M&A, and others.
 Scan within two (2) days of execution, into online document retention system using provided naming
convention system, all customers, real estate, acquisition or other documents.
 Mail requested documents to customer via national courier following document execution or prior to
execution in situations where customer signature is required.
 Notarize and/or witness documents executed on behalf of American Tower.
 Coordinate receipt of department mail and distribute amongst team members.
 Assist paralegals with entry of milestone data into OASIS collocation tracking system, TAPP tracker or
similar databases to track documents.
 Support contract data review projects by tracking and/or reviewing data.
 Track department milestone data using Cognos reporting system.
 Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with all internal team members and external customers
and maintain a high level of customer service, demonstrated through responsiveness and accountability for
resolutions to issues.
 Provide administrative support for real estate-, legal- and M&A-related transactions.
 Administer department's incoming and outgoing mail.
Qualifications:
Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal
customers and colleagues
 Strong organizational skills; ability to accomplish tasks within agreed upon timeframes through effective
prioritization of duties and function
 Self-motivated, able to work independently to complete tasks and respond to department requests and to
collaborate with others to identify solutions.
 Good follow-up skills; ability to organize applicable department timelines and follow up with internal and
external customers.
 Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite and specifically the ability to create pivot tables
and spreadsheets for data tracking; proficiency with Excel, Word and PowerPoint preferred
 Incumbent must be flexible and able to adjust to shifts in department priorities
 Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree preferred
 Industry experience preferred
 Notary Public in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required within ninety (90) days of hire
10
Your Turn
In the positions below, highlight the key phrases and skills you believe are most
sought after by the employer. Consider education, practical training, experiences,
and personality traits.
Job Title: Information Technology Specialist (Helpdesk/ Desktop Support Analyst)
Description: Offer 1st level support to internal/remote employees for software, hardware and
telecommunication related issues; install and configure end user laptop and desktop system;
participate in hardware and software troubleshooting as needed; troubleshoot Windows XP/Windows
7 and Microsoft Office applications; assist with end user networking issues, printer setup, Blackberry
device synchronization issues; troubleshoot phone issues; participate in on-call rotation; work in a fast
-paced, team environment.
Qualifications:








Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or equivalent field
Minimum 2+ years performing HelpDesk/IT Support activities primarily in a Windows TCP/IP
networking environment or a customer service role
Experience working for a software company is a plus
Knowledge of Windows operating systems and networking
Very strong communication and interpersonal skills with a customer satisfaction focus
Excellent analytical skills
Ability to multi-task and work in a very fast paced environment
Team player
Job Title: Residential Counselor for Psychiatric Disabilities Center
Description: We are seeking compassionate, caring, dynamic staff to provide services to clients living
with psychiatric conditions in Boston. Using motivational interviewing and a strengths based
rehabilitative approach, Residential Counselors work with clients to help them evaluate their current
life circumstances compared to their hopes, dreams and plans for the future. Residential program staff
provide direct support around medication administration and management as well as meal preparation
and activities of daily living. The goal for many clients living in group home settings is to be able to
successfully transition to back to their community and Residential Counselors assist clients in building
the skills needed to do so.
Qualifications: To succeed in this role you will have good time management skills, good writing
skills and prior Human Services experience. A bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or
related field preferred, but experience may substitute for education. All applicants must be at least 21
years of age and have a current, valid, U.S. drivers’ license for at least one year. You also must be
able to successfully pass a CORI check and a driving record check. All applicants must be able to
become CPR and First Aid certified within 90 days of employment and MAP certified within 150
11
Compiling Your Resume
Now that you have explored your talents, experiences, and career goals, it is time to compile
all the information you will need for a successful resume. Fill in the blanks below to create
your resume template. For all sections, list the most recent or current experience first. Be sure
to keep your chosen job objective in mind when completing these sections (see Page 6).
Education
Institution
Location
Degree/Course of Study
Date of Graduation
Relevant Courses
Work Experience
Company/Institution
Location
Position
Dates of Employment
Service & Involvement
Company/Institution
Location
Position
Dates of Service/Involvement
12
Work Experience: The Details
Listing work experience on a resume is more than just the company name and job title. This section
of your resume is about showcasing your responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments during your
time in a specific position. Think of your current or most recent position—what did you do? Who did
you work with? What were your responsibilities? What did your colleagues depend on you for? Did
you earn any particular recognition for your work? Were you promoted at any point? How did your
responsibilities change?
Fill in the blanks below for your recent positions to practice. Be sure to check out the vocabulary
charts on the following pages and sample resumes for inspiration. See the properly-formatted
example below as well .
Company Name
City, State
Position Title
Month Year-Month Year

Accomplishment/Responsibility/Skill

Accomplishment/Responsibility/Skill

Accomplishment/Responsibility/Skill
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Company Name:
City, State:
Position Title:
Dates:

Accomplishment:

Accomplishment:

Accomplishment:
Company Name:
City, State:
Position Title:
Dates:

Accomplishment:

Accomplishment:

Accomplishment:
13
Thinking These?
Consider These:
Having trouble coming up with resume-appropriate vocabulary? Take a look at the chart below
to find the perfect word or phrase. (Parkland College Career Center, 2014)
Set up/Start up
Arranged, Engineered, Established, Founded,
Initiated, Introduced, Invented, Launched,
Organized, Spearheaded
Put together
Accumulated, Arranged, Assembled, Collected,
Compiled, Constructed, Coordinated,
Organized
Wrote
Composed, Drafted, Formulated
Wrote down/Keep track
Monitored, Recorded
Kept up
Maintained
Helped
Assisted, Supported
Watched over
Oversaw, Supervised
Led
Conducted, Directed, Guided, Headed
Made
Created, Designed, Developed, Devised,
Established, Formulated, Invented, Produced
Made ready
Arranged, Planned, Prepared
Made better
Improved, Overhauled, Remodeled,
Restructured, Revamped, Revised, Revitalized,
Streamlined, Strengthened, Transformed,
Upgraded
Made bigger
Enlarged, Expanded, Increased
Checked or Checked over
Analyzed, Examined, Inspected, Monitored,
Reviewed, Verified
Made sure
Assured, Ensured
Gave
Presented, Provided, Supplied
Gave out
Distributed
Showed
Demonstrated, Displayed
Showed how
Instructed
Filled out
Completed
Got
Acquired, Obtained, Secured
14
Resume Vocabulary: Action Verbs
This list of action verbs can assist you with wording your resume. Use the past tense when
listing jobs you have held in the past and present tense for any positions you currently hold.
COMMUNICATION
addressed
arbitrated
arranged
authored
collaborated
convinced
corresponded
developed
directed
drafted
edited
enlisted
formulated
influenced
interpreted
lectured
mediated
moderated
negotiated
persuaded
promoted
publicized
reconciled
recruited
spoke
translated
wrote
MANAGEMENT
administered
analyzed
assigned
attained
chaired
consolidated
contracted
coordinated
delegated
developed
directed
evaluated
executed
improved
increased
organized
oversaw
planned
prioritized
produced
recommended
reorganized
reviewed
scheduled
strengthened
supervised
CLERICAL OR
DETAIL
approved
arranged
catalogued
classified
collected
compiled
dispatched
executed
generated
implemented
inspected
monitored
operated
organized
prepared
processed
purchased
recorded
retrieved
screened
specified
systemized
tabulated
validated
CREATIVE
acted
conceptualized
created
customized
designed
developed
directed
established
fashioned
founded
illustrated
initiated
instituted
integrated
introduced
invented
originated
performed
planned
revitalized
shaped
RESEARCH
clarified
collected
critiqued
diagnosed
evaluated
examined
extracted
identified
inspected
interpreted
interviewed
investigated
organized
reviewed
summarized
surveyed
systematized
FINANCIAL
administered
allocated
analyzed
appraised
audited
balanced
budgeted
calculated
computed
developed
forecasted
managed
marketed
planned
projected
researched
TECHNICAL
assembled
built
calculated
computed
designed
devised
engineered
fabricated
maintained
operated
overhauled
programmed
remodeled
repaired
solved
upgraded
TEACHING
adapted
advised
clarified
coached
communicated
coordinated
demystified
developed
enabled
encouraged
evaluated
facilitated
guided
informed
instructed
persuaded
set goals
stimulated
trained
HELPING
assessed
assisted
clarified
coached
counseled
demonstrated
diagnosed
educated
expedited
facilitated
familiarized
guided
motivated
referred
rehabilitated
represented
ACCOMPLISHMENT
revised
scheduled
achieved
improved
pioneered
reduced (losses)
resolved (problems)
restored
spear-headed
transformed
15
Do’s & Don’ts
You know that a resume is the first step in searching for that fabulous new job, but how can you make
sure that the resume you send out is not going to get tossed into the blue recycling bin? Many
hardworking, educated professionals send out sloppy, slapped-together resumes that aren’t worth the
time they took to press the “send” button or lick the stamp. There are certain components of a strong,
focused resume that should not be overlooked. Here’s a little review of the most common Resume
Do’s and Don’ts:
DO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FORMAT: If you have been in the same industry for your entire career, a chronological
resume format might work best. The chronological resume emphasizes the companies, titles, responsibilities, and
achievements you have had starting from the current employer. If you have worked in various fields or have held
numerous positions at many diverse companies, then you should select a functional resume format which will highlight
your skills and achievements rather than focus on the companies where you have worked. Additionally, as a college
student or recent graduate, the education part of your experience should be at the top of your resume. Unless you have
graduated from college within the past three years, the education section is not as important to prospective employers as
your actual work experience.
DO BLOW YOUR OWN HORN: A great resume should immediately show what sets you apart from the thousands of
applicants submitting their resumes for the same position. A professional resume has to include a few accomplishments
or achievements under each job description. Did you open a new market in Mongolia? Expand sales by 380% over last
year’s figures? Be truthful, of course, but don’t forget to include specific examples of your contributions for a job
well done.
DON’T LEAVE OFF DATES: A resume will never be taken seriously without dates included next to each position
listed. If you have gaps in employment for any reason, try to give a brief explanation in your cover letter, if necessary.
Do not eliminate the dates of employment from your resume.
DO INCLUDE AWARDS: List any awards, scholarships, or related commendations under the appropriate section of
your resume. Fraternal affiliations and elected positions can also be included, where appropriate, under Education or
under the specific job title where you received the awards.
DON’T LIE ABOUT YOUR TITLE: Many companies use different titles that do not necessarily translate outside of
that particular corporate structure. But you should not change or enhance your job titles on the resume. If a background
check reveals that you have changed your title, inflated your level of responsibility, or fudged the dates that you were
actually employed in each position, your credibility will be blown.
DO KEEP IT BRIEF: No one wants to read through every job you’ve ever held since stocking groceries in high
school. A strong resume should present the experience you’ve had during your time in college or in the past 10-15 years
if you are a non-traditional student. Highlight your most recent jobs and consolidate your career past into a strong one or
two page resume.
DON’T INCLUDE PERSONAL INFO: Personal information does not belong on a professional resume. Do not
include your age, marital status, race, hobbies, or political affiliation on your resume.
DO PROOFREAD There is nothing worse than a resume filled with typos, grammatical errors, coffee stains, or
printing problems. This resume represents your career in one critical document — take the time to review it carefully
before sending it out.
DON’T WHINE: A resume is not the place to mention “sexual harassment,” “worker’s compensation claim”, or “fired
for no good reason.” Do not include any reasons for leaving your job on the resume.
DO TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE: Your resume should be sent to the companies, agencies, and internet sites that
specialize in your particular areas of experience or interest. Just sending out a large mailing may not be the answer.
Remember that a professional resume is a marketing tool which can open doors and create opportunities if sent to the
correct audience.
(Cal Alumni Association, 2014)
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Resume Checklist
Now it’s time for the final review of your resume. Use the helpful checklist below
to ensure you covered all your bases and have created the strongest, most representative resume for your job or internship search.
YES NO
Is my name at the top of the page in bold? Are my address,
phone number, and email current, professional, and easy to
read?
Does my education section state my official degree and
expected graduation date?
Do my statements demonstrate major accomplishments rather
than only routine tasks/duties?
Do my statements demonstrate the use of key skills and
qualifications?
Is my resume mistake-free? Spell check and proofread to catch
any grammatical and punctuation errors.
Have I been consistent in my formatting? Is there plenty of
‘white space?’ Is my resume limited to one page?
Have I chosen action verbs to begin the phrases that describe
my experiences?
Does the layout highlight my important qualifications? Will
they be noticed at a quick glance?
Have I uploaded my resume on eRecruiting in NetHawk to
be reviewed by Career Services? Contact 617-730-7072 for
support.
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Sample Resumes
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Sample Resumes
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Sample Resumes
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Sample Resumes
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Sample Resumes
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Composing Cover Letters
A cover letter introduces you and your resume to an employer by specifically outlining how
your skills and qualifications are a fit for their needs. A cover letter, unlike your resume, can
tell a story, fill in potential blanks and will serve as an example of your written communication
abilities.
What sections should I include in a cover letter?
Heading: The header and font
should match your resume.
Paragraph 1: Indicate the position
you are applying for. This will be
listed on the job description.
Paragraph 2:Cite your achievements. Show how your skills & experience match those of the internship/job listing as was done for your
resume.
Paragraph 3: Note why you want
to work for the company, and stress
your fit with the company. This requires research on your part—visit
the company’s website and read
some news/industry articles online.
Cover Letter Tips:

When the application instructions direct you to “e-mail a
resume to…,” the body of the email to which you attach
your resume can serve as a cover letter. An emailed cover
letter should still take the form of a proper business letter.

DO NOT repeat what your resume states. Instead,
emphasize your fit with the position and the company.
Paragraph 4: State your hope for
an interview; Indicate how you plan
to follow-up; Re-state your contact
information.
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Cover Letter Writing Do’s & Don’ts

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










Do use simple, clear and brief sentences.
Do keep your cover letter to one page.
Don’t use long wordy sentences that are difficult to read.
Don’t be redundant in your message (don’t say the same thing over and over using different
words)
Do edit your letter before you send it.
Don’t let spelling or grammatical errors go unchecked.
Do address you letter to a specific person or job title.
Don’t address it “To Whom it May Concern.”
Do expand on your relevant achievements and experiences.
Don’t focus on job descriptions and responsibilities, that’s what your resume is for.
Do follow a standard format for a business letter.
Don’t use a font that’s too large, too small, or too difficult to read.
Do thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Don’t be rude, or start every sentence with “I”.
Don’t forget to sign your letter by hand, in addition to typing your name.
Cover Letter Checklist
YES NO
Did I follow the standard format of: one page, single spaced, 10-12 size type, a font
that is easy to read?
Did I address the letter to a specific person or in the correct way if I don’t know who
I’m writing to?
Is my cover letter well written, easy to read, and free of grammatical mistakes?
Did I express my knowledge of the company and my interest in working there?
Did I personalize my letter so it’s specific to this job/company?
Did I include my contact information and ask for an interview?
Have I given specific examples of my qualifications and achievements that are most
relevant to the job?
Did I thank the reader?
Did I sign my letter by hand?
Is the overall tone of the letter very strong and persuasive?
Have I uploaded my cover letter on eRecruiting in NetHawk to be reviewed by
Career Services? Contact 617-730-7072 for support.
(The University of Scranton, 2014)
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Sample Cover Letters
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Compiling a List of References
A list of references is a document that matches your resume and cover letter in
style and layout. It is provided to an employer after an interview in order to
allow for follow-up with people who are able to offer positive feedback about
your work skills and performance.
What should I include in a list of references?
Heading
The header and font should match
your resume.
List of References
Ask 3 to 5 professional contacts,
who know your work best, if they
will serve as a reference for you.
Include the contact’s name, job
title, employer, up-to-date contact
information, his or her relationship
to you, and the dates he or she has
known you or worked with you.
Be Prepared
Bring your list of references
to your interview.
Building Your List of References:






Get your references ahead of time to avoid last-minute
scrambling.
Good references can help you secure a job offer, so be sure to
have a strong list of people who can attest to your skills.
Do not use someone as a reference without their permission.
Let your references know where your job search stands.
Tell them who might be calling for a reference.
Don't forget to send a thank you note to your references.
Have your list of references
available to give to employers
when you interview—you
never know if they’ll ask right
then and there for a copy.
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Writing Thank You Letters
A thank you letter should serve as an immediate follow-up to an interview or
formal professional exchange. It reminds the reader of your recent meeting
and solidifies your interest in a continued professional connection.

The thank you note, email, or letter is critical to your getting noticed and to the
success of your internship or job search.

You must proofread and spellcheck all thank-you notes, emails, and letters.

Formally address the note, email, or letter to the specific individual with whom
you spoke to or interviewed. Personalize it. Mention something specific about
your conversation.

A conservative, handwritten thank you card is appropriate for Career Fair
follow up; unless you are formally applying for a job, in which case you would
type a formal cover letter.

Thank you letters should be printed out on quality stationery with a header
(your contact information) matching that of your resume.

Send thank you notes, emails, or letters within 24 hours after having met an
employer.
Photo credit: (The Appreciation Factor, 2013)
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Sample Thank You Letters
SAMPLE 2
SAMPLE 1
Mr. Fred Rogers
Goodie Corp., Inc.
1010 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 12345
Mr. Job Offer
ABC 123 Inc.
123 Main Street
Boston, MA 02116
November 26, 2015
April 5, 2016
Dear Mr. Rogers:
Dear Mr. Offer,
I greatly appreciate the time you took to speak with me about
the Marketing Assistant position with Goodie Corp., Inc.
After our conversation, I became convinced that I have the
qualities you are looking for to meet the requirements of the
position. As we discussed, my experience as an Admissions
Ambassador and my completion of a public-speaking class,
qualify me nicely.
Thank you again, Mr. Rogers, for this wonderful opportunity
to discuss and apply for the Marketing Assistant position. I
eagerly await the next step in the selection process. You may
reach me at [email protected] or at 617-000-0000.
Thank you for taking the time to attend the Newbury College Career
Fair yesterday. I really enjoyed our conversation about your
company’s mission and goals.
I hope you will not mind if I drop you an email every so often to
update you as to the results of my job search.
I wish you continued success at ABC 123 Inc.
Sincerely,
Serious Student
Sincerely,
Ima Good
SAMPLE 3
Ms. Soandso
ABC 123 Inc.
123 Main Street
Boston, MA 02116
SAMPLE 4
Ms. Suzie Somebody
A Good Company
123 Avenue
Boston, MA 12355
January 5, 2016
Dear Ms. Soandso:
April 5, 2017
Thank you for the time you took to speak with me about
the Social Media Internship you have available for the
spring of 2016.
Dear Ms. Somebody,
After our conversation, I became convinced that I have the
qualities you are looking for to meet the requirements of the
position. I would like to point out that my experience in maintaining the Facebook Fan Page for the Newbury College Class
of 2017, qualifies me nicely. I have attached my resume for
your review and consideration.
Your welcoming presence calmed my nerves. I really appreciate
that you took so much time to acquaint me with the skills needed
to be taken seriously as an internship applicant.
Thank you again, Mr. Rogers, for this wonderful opportunity
to discuss and apply for the Social Media Internship. I eagerly await the next step in the process. You may reach me at
[email protected] or at 617-000-0000.
I hope you will not mind if I drop you an email every so often to
update you as to the results of my internship search.
Sincerely,
I would like to thank you for taking the time to talk with me at
Newbury College last Thursday during the Career Fair.
I also enjoyed the challenging, thoughtful questions you posed. I
felt as though I really was able to experience what a true, professional interview will be like.
Cordially,
Still Searching
Ima Good
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References
The Appreciation Factor. (January, 2013). Why do we say thank you? The Appreciation Factor. Retrieved
from: https://theappreciationfactor.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/thank-you-note.jpg
Cal Alumni Association. (2014). Resumes do’s and don’t. University of California at Berkeley. Retrieved
from: http://alumni.berkeley.edu/services/career-services/resources/articles/resumes/resumes-dos-and
don’t
Kihn, S. (January 9, 2013). Why it is so important to have a good resume. Career Miner. Retrieved from:
http://careerminer.infomine.com/why-it-is-so-important-to-have-a-good-resume/
Parker, Y. (2001). The resume workbook for college students and recent graduates. Retrieved from: http:/
damngood.com/workbooks/college.pdf
Parkland College Career Center. (2014). Resume guide: A worksheet and sample resumes for the job applicant
Retrieved from: http://www2.parkland.edu/careercenter/documents/ResumeGuide.08.pdf
The University of Scranton. (2014). Cover letter writing guide. The University of Scranton. Retrieved from:
http://www.scranton.edu/studentlife/studentaffairs/careers/student-guides/cover-letter-guide.shtml
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