Hi there mentees! My name is Ashley Card, and this is my fifth year at UCF. My minor is in commerce and my areas of study are communications, and mathematics. Since day one of college I have been very indecisive about what major I want to choose, hence why it has taken me some extra time! I went from majoring in business to education to mathematics and even a few more until I eventually stumbled across IDS! Finally a major that allowed me to focus on three disciplines rather than one! I have worked at Publix for almost seven years and plan to acquire a job in marketing through their corporate sector when I graduate!
Presenting yourself in your resume and cover letter is one of the most important things your will ever have to do. You have to be your own publicist and promote yourself. My best advice is the UCF writing center, where they can really break down the cover letter/resume with you. There are also helpful online sites such as, http://www.resume-resource.com/exba01.html.
Objectives: This week we will discuss what is so important about the cover letter, and how to organize your resume.
Talking Points:
1. Do you know what a cover letter is?
2. Do you think a cover letter is a waste of paper?
3. Do you know what types of things we should be putting in the resume?
4. Have you made a resume for yourself before?
6. How do you see your resume structured?
7. What type of font would you use?
8. What are the important things that you would put on it?
Activity: Answer 3-5 talking points listed above, 2-3 sentences per answer. Also, find a website that you think is helpful to creating resumes/cover letters, and explain why. Post the website link in your post.
Cover letters are not a waste of paper, but I do think they are not necessary for all resume submissions. I think a cover letter is important when you need to explain your experience or why you are the right candidate for a particular job in the related field, especially if your resume doesn't go into enough detail.
ReplyDeleteI do have a resume, I actually have 3, one for academics and work, photography and leadership. Important things on my resume, are my specific objective to each position I apply for, my academic history, work experience, leadership positions, conferences, volunteer work and honors/scholarships.
I would actually suggest students visit the CSEL building on Memory mall, for help with resume writing, cover letters and CVs. Or visit their website at career.ucf.edu for online workshops and assistance.
Absolutely. Cover letters are necessary in certain circumstances but not all. The should, as you say, outline clearly why you are the appropriate candidate for the job.
DeleteI definitely agree with you that cover letters are not always necessary. They often seem to be "a waste of paper." They make the paper more organized, look more clean and appear more professional. With this being stated. On a personal level I think that they are wonderful for online articles. When you hand your peer a document, they don't need to have that extra sheet. It isn't nearly as useful as a bibliography. Mostly because those keep you out of trouble, haha.
Delete3. Do you know what types of things we should be putting in the resume?
ReplyDeleteResumes should be tailored for the job that you are applying for. If you’ve had extensive background in sales and marketing, for example, but you’re applying for an Electrical Engineering position, you may want to consider omitting a lot of the fluff regarding sales, and focusing more on technical strengths. You don’t necessarily want to drop the topic entirely, but shift the focus towards what the reader will be looking for.
Very true. I use this same approach when I am applying for different positions. I have a film resume that lists the film/tv/commercials that I have worked on and a separate resume for when I am applying for a normal job. I know that a film production could care less that I worked at Publix, and that Publix could care less that I worked on Dexter. More people should utilize this way of thinking.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI find it odd that some people incorporate so much irrelevant information in their resumes, especially when applying for a disciplinary position. I would think the only circumstance that would warrant an overly detailed, broad sweeping resume is when the individual is applying for an interdisciplinary position.
DeleteI believe that most people get nervous or just don't know really what to include in their resume. So therefore they add a bunch of stuff they don't need there to "build it up," when really it is just making it worse. I am glad that most places really don't need an in depth resume as well though. I would rather someone just meet and ask what questions they want, because no matter how good you can make yourself on paper, it doesn't make who you are. I would rather meet and know the people I am hiring in person than read something that was made to "entice me" to hire them.
DeleteShaun
DeleteI had somewhat of a revelation this semester as it relates to resumes. I knew that being brief, yet concise was important but I had been under the impression that a resume is suppose to be very general in what it presents. I didn't know a resume should be altered based on the intended audience.
6. How do you see your resume structured?
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing about your resume is that it should be easy to read. They say prospective employers rarely spend more than 10-15 seconds at first glance, so you need to structure the resume so that your most desired attributes stand out. Bullet points or tables can be a big help here, as long as you put the most important details at the top of each section. Experiment with different colors. Certain bold colors such as red and purple are a sign of power, whereas green is a sign of comfort and safety. Don’t be afraid to use a little color on your resume, as it is the quickest way to stand out in a stack of papers, but keep it subtle and specific.
8. What are important things that you would put on it?
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned above you really should tailor each resume that you send out to the specific job/audience. You’ll want to include previous work experience, education, any pertinent skills, qualifications or certificates, as well as a clear objective or “personal statement”. If you have room, references are good to, but try and keep these related to the subject matter too. Your grandmother may be a wonderful character reference for you, but chances are she wouldn’t be the best candidate to describe your technical experience.
Let me clarify a bit: References are important, but if you don't really feel you have the room for them on the first page of your resume that's okay. Consider making a separate references-only sheet. You can add a one-liner to the resume that says "References available upon request" or something of the sort, and hand them the references sheet separately. Keep in mind that if you designed a theme to your resume (color, fonts, tables, etc) you'll want to continue this theme on the separate references sheet.
DeleteI think that is a very solid suggestion. I have been told many times that you really do not want your resume to go over one page in length and if deleting a grandmother as a reference is the way to do it, then it probably is a good idea. A separate reference sheet is a good idea as well, as long as the references are professional, or at least not family members.
DeleteShaun
DeleteYour reference suggestion was on point. You don't want to ramble on. Showcase what you do best in a concise manner and indicate that you can showcase more of your talent upon request.
Shaun
ReplyDeleteVery nice suggestions, I agree with all of the ones you listed especially the one refering to resume structure. As you stated an employer will not spend a great deal of time looking over a resume, they will focus on what hits there eye and stands out. I also agree that alittle color in font, or topic or bullets is appropriate and will get you noticed.
Good job
Shaun, I totally agree with all of your points! Especially that it should be easy to read. If a resume is too long and wordy then it would be unappealing to an employer. Keeping it simple and to the point is always a plus. Also, as you said, it is important that the resume is fit for the job you are applying for. We all have different skills so adding the ones that would be most appealing to certain positions is vital. Great posts! :)
ReplyDeleteAshley Card
I do not think that a cover letter is a waist of paper, but I also do not think they are always essential. I would also say that a poorly written cover letter is likely far more detrimental to an applicant than simply having no cover letter at all. For that reason I think you had best be 100% confident that the cover letter is effective, or not include it at all.
ReplyDeleteI have made a resume for myself before, as I think we all have since it was a requirement in this course. I think often times though people do not really know what to put into a resume and thus either leave key information out, or include unneeded or undesired information. I have literally seen "professional" resumes that include the middle school attended.
ReplyDelete2. Do you think a cover letter is a waste of paper?
ReplyDeleteNo a cover letter is not a waste of paper and I think that it really helps your resume. Not only does it make your resume look more organized it give easy access to certain information instead of having your potential employer have to search for it. A cover letter also gives a chance to show what you know about the company that you apply for.
6. How do you see your resume structured?
ReplyDeleteI know that there are multiple things that you should have in your resume, such as, your experience, where you have worked at, your education…etc. I see my resume being structured around my education and accomplishments, since I don’t have a lot of work experience.
That seems like a great plan Mike. I think a lot of time people make the mistake of not highlighting the elements of themselves that make them stand out. If those elements are education, than spend the most effort on that are, same goes for awards, employment, whatever…The goal is to make yourself standout.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete4. Have you made a resume for yourself before?
ReplyDeleteI have made a resume for myself several times, but all those times have been for school I have yet to actually use a resume for applying for a job. When I was younger I failed to see the importance of a resume since I wanted to be an artist and I had a portfolio, but a resume can show qualities about you that a portfolio can’t.
MikeBee
DeleteI agree with both of your statements that resumes should be used to highlight your main successes, whatever they may be. There is no real set format and each one is diffent.
Also that a cover letter is useful in acknowledging the employer you are interviewing with, and letting them know that you have researched that company.
Good post.
I have made a resume several times in my life. Although I have usually always started with my old resume and just scraped what I didn't need, and updated the rest. I find it easier that way because often times you forget to mention items that may be opinion changing, or conversation starting. I had never made a portfolio before this class though. I "never saw the importance," as you said towards the resume. I do believe what you have to show for yourself really depends on your situation. An artists work speaks for itself. Where an engineer can't exactly walk in with a F-22 and set it on their desk.
DeleteShaun I love how you said that resumes should be tailored to each job. I big mistake people make is sending one basic resume to several companies. These companies see so many resumes that yours has to stand out. It is important to tailor your resume experience to the position you are applying as well as your objective.
ReplyDeleteMark, you are right about the information on resumes being way off topic. The best way to correct your resume is to go to career services center. They will sit down with you and tell you exactly what to put. For example, experience from high school may not be relevant anymore.
MIkeBee, since you do not have much experience, it is perfectly acceptable to expand on your accomplishments and education. Career Services can be a great start for your first professional resume. You might also want to start an internship which can help boost your resume.
Resume style is the design of your page that makes it pop out of the pile and encourages your employer to read it.
DeleteResumes styles can be informal (#1), creative (#2) or conventional (#3). Tailor your resume style to the position for which you are applying, but also allow your resume style to introduce your personality and the creativity you’ll bring to the job.
A cover letter is absolutely vital to your resume submission. It will serve as the first impression of your professional and presentation skills. Personally, I have a rough resume outlining my experience however, my work product serves as more of my job skill presentation. For the majority of professional applications the cover letter is most certainly not a waste of paper. It should be concise and succinct, direct and to the point, outlining your skills and achievements. Often your cover letter will determine whether or not your resume is even looked at. It should be error free.
ReplyDeleteJason
DeleteI agree about the importance of a cover letter. It is the first impression the potential employer makes based on what he sees and reads.
I feel that you have put the importance of it in a very impressive manner. It should be used to outline your skills and achievements and direct, and to the point.
Thanks, great post
Jason
DeleteA cover letter gets the ball rolling. If it's done right, it should be aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eyes. Brief, like your resume, not too wordy, but shows how you can be an asset. Be creative, but don't overdo it.
1. A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations you seek to join (non-profits, educational institutions, etc). Traditionally, it is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make. The Cover letter makes the first impression and prepares the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.
ReplyDelete2. A cover letter is particularly important. It's the job searcher's opportunity to help the potential employer see that the applicant's skills and experience match what the employer seeks. In the current economic climate, with the scarcity of jobs, a well-written cover letter distinguishes your application."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your points. A well written cover letter can really go a long way. Even to the point that it can impress enough that it can give an edge over a better resume. Of course though the inverse is true, a poor cover letter can be detrimental to your resume, so careful thought needs to go into the cover letter.
DeleteA professional resume must include 4 parts: identifying information (who you are), objective (what you want), experience (what you know), education (what you've studied). What you know and what you've studied are 2 very different things. Today, you will find that your work experience carries a great degree of power, and often your education does not. A company may decide to hire a person with only 2 years of community college work and 5 years of experience over a Harvard graduate with no experience, simply because of the value that they put on the work experience. When writing a resume and cover letter. It's not the name of the school as much as what you can DO!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rockportinstitute.com/resumes This site's goal is to create a Master Resume for the more seasoned applicant. More Creative information
Laura Lynn
DeleteNice post, especially the 4 key parts of resume. Thanks for the post with the website, very informative and very helpful for the newbie who needs to post a resume.
I also agree with the importance of a cover letter, and
the cover letter is the focus before the resume that highlights YOU.
3. Do you know what types of things we should be putting in the resume?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, contact information should be displayed clearly. Job experience is the most important thing to display. Volunteer experience isn't really necessary but you show that you're a well rounded person. References can attest to your character and qualification for what you're applying for.
~Rachel Tobier
I think it is a very solid point that first and foremost contact information should be displayed clearly. It is of course the goal of any resume to get you a job, and how can anyone get a job if the employer cannot contact you with an offer! Also the employer may give up on a great resume if they cannot easily find out how to contact the candidate. Great point.
Delete4. Have you made a resume for yourself before?
ReplyDeleteIn high school I was a member of the Business Professionals of America. I learned quite a bit about all aspects of the business world. My first experience in writing a resume was in my freshman year of high school when I joined the club. Over the next few years, I learned to perfect it. I am constantly revising my resume for each new career I strive for.
~Rachel Tobier
6. How do you see your resume structured?
ReplyDeleteI always have a cover page for my resumes that is custom tailored to the job I'm trying to obtain. On every page in the header I place my contact information. First, I place a list of objectives. Right underneath is a summary of my previous jobs in chronological order. Next is volunteer experience. At the bottom are my references.
~Rachel Tobier
Aikage
DeleteYou made several important points in regards to cover letters and resumes as well as did Laura Lynn. Both depict your best points, both are necessary and need to be perfected, and both should be for each specific job applying for.
Good post
1. Do you know what a cover letter is?
ReplyDeleteYes, I do know what a cover letter is. I feel like cover letter's give employers a better insight as to who you are as a person, not just your abilities. They also give you a chance to "sell" yourself. Employers always want to know what you can do for their company. The use of a cover letter gives you a chance to explain yourself in a little more detail.
Devin McGhee
2. Do you think a cover letter is a waste of paper?
ReplyDeleteIt's not necessarily a waste of paper, but I do not like writing them. I feel if an employer is interested in you, they should be able to discover this from a resume. Your resume should always include a skills section. To me, your skills section should be your "sell yourself" section. An employer should schedule an interview if they want to get to know you better.
Devin McGhee
3. Do you know what types of things we should be putting in the resume?
ReplyDeleteI do. On my resume, I have previous work history and my responsibilities while at each company. I also include the dates I was employed by each employer. My education information, including my graduation date and information about my study abroad program is listed under my work experience. After my education information, I have listed my skills. Then, finally, since I am a published writer, I have listed my publications at the very end.
Devin McGhee
Devin
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post, I feel that cover letter is where you highlight yourself and your skills, also they are hard to write as they should be specific to the job you are applying for, and also the resume outline you have listed is great and pertains to you. Just like everyones outline should pertain to their strengths and be informative in its presentation.
Good post