Resumes and Cover Letters

Resume Basics:

A resume is a marketing document designed to demonstrate how your experiences, strengths and skills fit the needs of a particular opportunity. The goal the resume is to get an interview, not provide an autobiography.

  • Fewer than a quarter of applicants make it past the initial resume screen.

  • Recruiters spend on average 6-15 seconds per resume.

  • Be sure to include athletic awards and academic recognition you have received.

  • Always to proof read your resume and make sure it’s easy to read (font size, spacing, margins, etc…)

Cover Letter Basics:

The goal of a cover letter is to bridge the experiences on your resume with the position for which you are applying. A strong letter tells the employer why you are interested and how you meet the qualifications. A cover letter is:

  • Not meant to repeat your resume, but to supplement it by sharing what you can offer.

  • An example of your writing abilities.

  • Never longer than one page.

  • Written in business professional format with contact information, the date and the employer’s information.