Resume & Cover Letter Development | Hagerstown Community College
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Hagerstown Community College

Resume & Cover Letter Development

Resume & Cover Letter Development

Resume & Cover Letter Development

Resume Development

A resume is an outline or summary of your background addressing your qualifications, skills, education, and activities that you are the best candidate for the job you are applying for. Its purpose is to stimulate the interest of an employer and show the value you would add to their organization if hired.

Throughout the resume it is important to describe experience in terms of accomplishments. Use action verbs for a powerful description of your work or volunteer experiences.

Do

  • Be brief and to the point (1-2 pages).
  • Target your field and the job to which you are applying.
  • Highlight your strengths.
  • Include necessary information (from job description).
  • Consider adding a "Professional Summary" at the beginning of your resume.
  • Use the resume format that fits you best.
  • Have someone proofread your resume.
  • Choose quality paper and printing.
  • Contact the employer about specific resume requirements.
  • Send a cover letter with your resume.

Don't

  • Waste space.
  • Overstate or understate your abilities.
  • Forget volunteer, cooperative education, military or other relevant experiences.
  • Use vague, passive or negative language.
  • Include irrelevant information, (for example: courses or activities that do not relate to your job goal).
  • Include a photo on your resume
  • A photo should only be included on your resume or CV if your appearance is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ), which is the exception, such as in acting jobs.
  • List references on your resume.
  • Use personal pronouns.
  • Describe previous pay, reasons for leaving a job, etc.
  • Forget to check grammar and spelling.
  • Send your resume without a cover letter.

A resume is a brief professional summary used to screen applicants for an interview. The goal of your resume is to get the interview. The most effective resumes are customized, matching the job seeker's strengths with the particular requirements of the specific job or type of job. It is an advertisement of the applicant's strengths and skills. It is also a sample of the applicant's work.

Here are a few basic resume formats:

Cover Letter Development

When you’re applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position.

  1. Write to someone in particular. Avoid "To whom it may concern."
  2. Make absolutely no errors. Be sure there are no spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes.
  3. Personalize your content. Tailor your letter to each recipient and position.
  4. Present a good appearance. Use good quality paper and envelopes if mailing your resume and cover letter. Make a professional first impression.
  5. Begin with a friendly opening. Start your letter by sharing the reason you are writing.
  6. Target your skills and experiences. You will need to know something about the organization, the job opportunity, or the person to whom you are writing.
  7. Close with an action statement. Clearly identify what you will do next. Close on a positive note and let the employer know how and when you will follow up.

Here are a few basic cover letter: