3: Resumé and Cover Letter

It is important to create a resumé and cover letter to have the information organized to send to potential employers and to include in your LinkedIn profile.

Here is a resource to help you create your resumé and cover letter https://collegeofthedesert.optimalresume.com/ Links to an external site.

Directions

• Gather your employment information
• Research paper and envelope choices
• Type or import your info into MS Word, InDesign or similar
• Layout your resume so that it is organized, easy to read and design oriented
• Look for an employment ad to apply to. (you don't have to actually send it). Check Creative Group, LinkedIn, AIGA or Indeed.
• Write a cover letter
• Check for spelling and punctuation
• Make sure the design and layout of all three complement each other
• Submit your Resume and a Cover letter by the due date

Cover letter

• • Highlight and demonstrate 1-2 of your skills that’s related to the job posting

Cover letter samples Links to an external site.

• TheMuse – Power verbs Links to an external site.

• Resume Goals & Checklist
• Past job verbs - make sure they are past tense
• 2 page max (1 page if possible)
• Visually appealing (e.g. not too overwhelming with texts, right size text, not too much white space, spacing, bolded headings, consistency)
• This version can be all b/w text and the final may include some color, some graphics, keep it simple.
• Use of bullet points for work tasks
• OBJECT - target your objective as closely as possible to the specific job for which you are applying.
• EVERYTHING COUNTS - select information that relates to and supports objective.
• FORMAT AND CONTENT - choose the format which best highlights your strengths and information which relates to the specific job for which you are applying.
• TELEGRAPH STYLE - omit personal pronouns (I, we, etc...)
• ORDER OF INFORMATION - list most important sections first; prime space is top one-third of page.
• DRAFT - begin with a pencil and paper, as it often takes several written drafts before you are ready to begin typing your final copy.
• SKILLS AND ABILITIES - choose action-oriented short statements beginning with a verb.
• MECHANICS - easy to read, 1 to 1-1/2 pages, correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.
• USE MARGINS CORRECTLY - resumes should be balanced, centered from top to bottom, as well as left to right. REVIEW - proofread your resume and then have someone check it over before submitting it.
• PAPER - use heavy stock standard letter size, good quality. Be sure reproduction is of high quality - photocopies should have no fading, streaking, scratched-out spots, or correction fluid.