Writing Your Resume and Cover Letter

A resume is a list of your abilities and accomplishments designed to give information in a short, logical sequence. If you send it in the mail, it accompanies a cover letter identifying why you are interested in and qualified for a job.

Your counselor and teachers can help you create a resume. Key elements for high school students are volunteerism, association memberships, computer proficiency, and other languages.

For further links to sites for resumes, go to:

Resume-Writing 101 at www.CollegeBoard.com

Sample high school resume at hoover.sdcs.k12.ca.us/ROP/resumework.htm

Page 3 shows a sample resume:

Sample resume:

ANNE SMITH

P.O. Box 298

Thetford, VT 05074

Anne73118@hotmail.com

Tel: (802) 888-9999

PROFILE:

A self-motivated and resourceful high school graduate who is seeking a demanding sales role in a major company. Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills. Driven to succeed and attain targets.

EDUCATION: Thetford Academy, Graduated with honors in Science with a GPA of 3.8.

EXPERIENCE:

      Intern, Chedlee Community Center, 2004

• Organized a local advertising drive that increased the number of elderly people coming to the center by 20%.
• Organized games for people attending in the afternoons.
• Escorted some of the elderly people to and from the center.

REFERENCES:

Dr Jane Daveny Tel: (802) 524-9932.

• Ms Sarah Winters Tel: (802) 524-9923.

INTERESTS: Interests at high school included organizing a charity quiz, which raised $5000. Movies and theater.

AWARDS RECEIVED: Dean’s List all four years, Volunteer Recognition Award

GENERAL OUTLINE FOR A COVER LETTER
	Your Present Address City, State & Zip Code Today^'s Date
Name of Employer Representative Title Organization Name Street Address City, State & Zip Code
Opening Paragraph: State the purpose of the letter (e.g., applying for a specific known opening or expressing interest in working for the organization). If available, indicate a referral name or provide information on how you heard of the organization and/or opening. Use a strong beginning sentence showing the benefits to the organization if he/she reads further. Middle Paragraph(s): Highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to that particular organization and/or specifics of the known opening (i.e., tell them why you are interested and how you are qualified). This section should not be a restatement of your enclosed resume, but rather a careful selection of those qualifications that will be of greatest interest to the reader. Demonstrate your research and knowledge of the organization and your selection of it as a place where your skills and knowledge can make a contribution. Be confident and remember that the reader will view your letter as an example of your writing skills. Final Paragraph: If not mentioned previously, refer the reader to the enclosed resume. Close by asking for an interview. You may state that you will call within a certain period of time (e.g., two weeks) to set up an interview. Alternatively, you may ask that the employer call you, providing specifics on how and when you can be contacted for the interview. Reiterate your interest in the organization and thank the employer for considering your application.
(Leave 4 spaces blank and sign your name) Enclosure: Resume

SAMPLE COVER LETTER¹

999 Main Street

Collegeville, PA 19426 April 20, 2002

Mr. Michael Smith

The Communications Group

111 Smith Road

Anytown, PA 19111

Dear Mr. Smith,

In response to the position for a Public Relations Assistant listed on the Ursinus College UC CareerNet database, I have enclosed my resume for your review and consideration. I am confident that I have the skills and experience required for this position, and I would be interested in discussing them with you in more detail.

My internship as a Marketing Assistant for Global Networks, Inc. allowed me to successfully advertise and promote over 20 major events attended by more than 22,000 participants. In this position I gained experience in writing news releases and promotional materials, and I assisted with the design and development of public relations campaigns.

In addition to my experience in the field, through my coursework I have developed clear concise writing skills along with the ability to conduct research and to design engaging presentations using a variety of technology and media. I consider myself to be creative and enthusiastic with excellent communication skills. In addition, I enjoy interacting with diverse groups of people and collaborating on projects.

I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss the position and my qualifications. I can be reached by phone at (610) 555-1234 or by email at pacollins@ursinus.edu to provide you with more information or to schedule an interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Paul Collins

Enclosure

1 Source: Moving On, A Guide for Career Planning & Job Search, 2001-02, George Mason University Career Services, Fairfax, VA