The Basics of Resume and Cover Letters

1. RESUMES and
COVER LETTERS
Career Services Center
334-5454
uncg.edu/csc

2. Purpose:
• To market your
skills and
experience
• To gain an
interview
• To apply for a
job, internship or
graduate school

3. What is a Resume?
A one-page (on most occasions) document that
highlights and markets your:
1. Education Background
2. “Work” Experiences (paid and unpaid)
3. Expertise
4. Skills/Abilities
5. Accomplishments
6. Potential for success

4. Getting Started
Brainstorm!
• Write down a list of everything you have done
• Search for specifics
– How much? How often? How many?
– Quantify (#, %, $)
• Focus on accomplishments, skills, & strengths
• Who is the audience?

5. Layout
• Reverse chronological order
– List most recent first, and work your way
backwards
• Use bullet points for details (avoid paragraphs)
• Positioning/Sequence
– What comes first will grab the reader’s
attention

6. Get Organized
• Only use CAPs, bold and underlining to emphasize the
important features (avoid excessive use)
• Use white space effectively!
• Font
o Clear & professional (Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Georgia, etc.)
o Between 10 and 12 font size
• Margin sizes – between .5” and 1”
• Whatever you choose, BE CONSISTENT!

7. HEADING
•Full Name
• Address (can be omitted when
posting online)
• Phone (with professional
voicemail, no ring back tone)
• Email (that you check regularly)
EDUCATION
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bachelor of Science, Accounting, May 2015
Resume Format – MUST HAVES
EXPERIENCE
4 things:
Name of Company
Location - City, State
Your Title
Dates of employment
The Boutique, Burlington, NC
Sales Associate, December 2001 - July 2006

8. Objective:
An internship utilizing my business education, customer service
experience and strong communication skills
Summary of Qualifications:
• Over 3 years experience interacting with a variety of
customers while meeting and exceeding sales goals
• In-depth knowledge of medical terminology and
pharmaceutical terms
• Excellent rapport-building, presentation, and closing skills
Positioning Statement - Examples

9. EXAMPLES OF EDUCATION
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, May 2012
Bachelor of Science, Accounting, Minor in Spanish
GPA: 3.45
*Worked 20hr/week consistently while pursuing degree
-------------------------------OR------------------------------------
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bryan School of Business and Economics
B.S., Marketing, December 2011
Relevant Coursework: International Marketing, Social Research, Business
Statistics
-------------------------------OR------------------------------------
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bachelor of Science, Economics, May 2013
Concentration: Financial Economics
Study Abroad: LIUC, Castellanza, Italy, Fall 2011
• Worked with group of international students to complete class projects

10. • Leadership
• Honors/Awards
• Languages
• Computer Skills
• Study Abroad
• Academic Projects
• Memberships
• Presentations
• Other Employment
• Internship Experience
• Relevant Associations
• Volunteerism
• Internships
• Community Service
• Related Courses
• Campus Involvement
• Activities
• Certifications
ADDITIONAL RESUME SECTIONS:
Be specific to your field when possible
i.e. Marketing Research Projects v. Academic Projects

11. Business Project
International Business Course, UNCG Spring 2013
• In group of 5, compiled research to submit
proposed marketing improvements to a client
• Received ‘A’ on project and positive feedback from
the instructor

14. Cover Letters

15. Purpose:
• Introduce you to an employer
• Inform the employer about your interest in a
desired position
• Connect previous work history to a desired
position
• Highlight your
skills, knowledge, experiences, special habits
and interests
Do Not…
…simply restate your resume all over again!

16. COVER LETTER STRUCTURE
1. Candidate’s Mailing Address
2. Date of Application
3. The Employers Identification/Mailing Address
4. Addressed to a person (if possible)
5. First Paragraph
– Indicate the position, how it was located, and interest
6. Second Paragraph
– Connecting previous work history to the desired job
– Showcasing interests, skills, passion, desire, character, etc.
7. Closing Paragraph

17. HEADING
Include:
• Candidate’s mailing address
• Date of application
• Employer’s mailing address
123 Spartan Drive
Greensboro, NC 27410
August 19th, 2011
Mr. Steven Johnson
President, Johnson Foundation
3456 West Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27410

18. FIRST PARAGRAPH:
• Introduce yourself.
• Why you are writing (be as specific as possible).
• Name the position, field, or general career area.
• Mention where you heard about the opportunity (good
place to drop a name).
• (Briefly) Indicate why you are interested in the position.

19. FIRST PARAGRAPH:
Dear Ms. Pollock:
I’d like to officially apply for the Office Manager position you
mentioned at the Career Expo last week. I enjoyed our
conversation on this company and appreciate you coming to
share additional information. I have researched ABC
Corporation’s web page and I am very impressed with your
company’s commitment to excellent customer service and
your employee development training program. I will be
graduating from The University of North Carolina at
Greensboro in May and am actively seeking a management
position.

20. SECOND PARAGRAPH:
• What is unique about you that would make you a good candidate
for that organization.
• Relevant experiences, relevant training, qualifications, relevant
qualities, and, in the case of not-for-profit organizations, genuine
interest in the cause/issue.
• Always relate your skills back to the organization and its needs—
use key words/phrases from the job description.
• Indicate (in full detail) why you are interested in the position.
• Use brief stories/examples, but avoid excessive story telling.

21. EXAMPLE:
My experiences as a Psychology major have given me the
opportunity to cultivate many skills. I have had several
opportunities to work on group projects, create research
reports, and present publications at local, regional, and
national conferences. My recent academic endeavors have
placed a great deal of emphasis on group dynamics, project
management, and communication skills, which are
necessary for an effective Office Manager. Enclosed you
will find my résumé, outlining my skills and experience in
more detail.

22. LAST PARAGRAPH
• Close by making a request for an opportunity to
communicate with the employer.
• Request information if you are not seeking an
interview (make sure that the information is not
available on the company website first).
• Provide your e-mail and telephone number for
communication.
• Thank the employer.

23. BASIC RULES:
• Confine to 1 page, be concise
• Add your personality
• Explain your interest – use keywords
• Use same paper you use for your résumé
• Identify a specific person to send it to, not just Sir
or Madam - spell their name correctly
• Consists of 3-4 paragraphs
• Check for grammar/spelling errors
• Tailor each cover letter for each application/job

24. T-Style
• Experienced professional with
excellent leadership skills
• Good working knowledge of HR
law
• Manage the company’s benefit
plans and annual appraisal
process.
• Good working knowledge of HR
best practices and current issues.
• Design and implement HR policies
procedures in partnership with
the leadership team.
• 8 years HR experience in a leadership
role
• Knowledgeable with Workers Comp,
LOA, ADA, ADEA and other relevant
State and Federal legislation
• 6 years hands-on experience with
benefits administration and annual
appraisals.
• Active member of SHRM and NEHRA.
• Skilled in developing and
implementing HR policies and best
practices that advance the corporate
mission
YOUR NEEDS: MY ABILITIES:

25. • Create separate document titled
Professional_References.doc
• Use same header as your resume
• Include the following for each reference
• Name
• Title at current job
• Company (current one)
• Address of current company
• Phone – that is accessible to them
• Email – that they will check
• If needed, add “Former supervisor with ___”
A WORD ABOUT REFERENCES

26. A WORD ABOUT LINKEDIN
• www.linkedin.com – a professional Facebook
• LinkedIn is the leading professional network on the
web, enabling you to:
• Connect with classmates, faculty, and family
professionally
• Find new opportunities for internships and full time
positions
• Manage what potential employers learn about you
from the Internet

27. Next Steps:
Visit us to get feedback:
CSC in Elliott University Center
334-5454 :: uncg.edu/csc
M-F 10am-4pm for all students
Get it approved on SpartanCareers,
our online job board just for UNCG!

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• @UNCGCareer
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• UNCG Spartan Network (for
students, alumni and
employers)