Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 22 Resume & Letter Writing Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 “Keep your resume up to date! You need them at career fairs and for unexpected opportunities. At career fairs I usually bring 40-50 resumes and just talk to companies. I find out what I want to do into in terms of careers and positions.” Dora W., Senior, Applied Math “To keep my resume from being redundant, I use the verb list in the Job and Internship Guide. It’s a helpful tool that helps make my resume unique. You don’t want your resume to be like everyone else’s.” Karen C., Senior, Mass Communications/Psychology to do • Keep an inventory of your achievements. Save any positive written feedback you receive and other documents that illustrate your success. These come in handy when creating resumes and cover letters. • Get an early start. Carve out time to develop and edit your resumes and cover letters before submitting them. • Access proven examples and tools. Beyond this Job & Internship Guide, you can access the Resume Builder within Callisto to create effective resumes. • Use your own words. Do not borrow content from others’ resumes. Your unique voice should come across loud and clear! • Make a Mini-Appointment. Ask a career counselor to review and critique resume and cover letter drafts. • Recruit an English major or other word whiz to perform a final grammar and content review. Have two other people read your resume for good measure. • Follow up with employers you’ve submitted your resume and cover letter to within two weeks. • Watch our Online Resume and Cover Letter Workshops, available 24/7 on career.berkeley.edu Ato the position of new employee. Strong resumes do more than merely summarize your educational background and work history; they emphasize the results of your efforts, and draw clear parallels between your skills and experience and an employer’s needs. THE 5 STEPS OF RESUME DEVELOPMENT Step 1: Analyze the Job Description Read job descriptions thoroughly and then highlight all of the keywords which indicate required and preferred skills, abilities, attributes, and qualifications. If an employer is looking for somebody who is innovative, punctual, and attentive to detail, use these same or similar words in your resume. Step 2: Generate a List of Accomplishments Create an inventory of your accomplishments. These should include tasks that you enjoyed doing, did well, and are proud of. Include education/training, volunteer experience, jobs, projects, school assignments, travel, and group/ team activities. Focus on the outcomes of your efforts. Quantify your results if possible. Don’t be humble! Resumes are promotional tools. well crafted resume can elevate you from a state of anonymity Chapter Action Items more info: career.berkeley.edu 23 career.berkeley.edu PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers Step 3: Identify Relevant Skill Areas What skills are necessary for the job? Frame your experience so that the focus is on skills and achievements that are desirable for that particular position. Expand on relevant skills and experiences and commit less space to describing other experiences. Step 4: Write Descriptive Phrases Using action verbs—see p. 27, write short phrases to describe experiences that demonstrate your relevant skills. Remember, always place them in order of relevance. The most relevant information should always be on top. Step 5: Choose a Format While resume templates may be tempting, employers are often familiar with them and may perceive you as lacking ingenuity. Also, templates tend to be inflexible. Here’s a chart to help you select a format. Selecting a Resume Format Chronological • Lists your experience in reverse chronological order—from most recent to least recent. • Works best when your work, volunteer, and academic experience relate directly to the type of job you’re applying for. • Illustrates consistency in your work history. If there are wide gaps in your experience, this may not be the best format for you. • Most popular resume style. The majority of on-campus recruiters and business employers prefer this style. • See an example, p. 30 Skills • Lists your experience based on skill headings, which are not necessarily in chronological order. • Actual work history is summarized in a brief section at the bottom of the page. • Focus is shifted away from where and when you developed particular skills. The skills themselves are the main attraction. • Works best when you are trying to break into a field where you have little or no experience. A good choice for career shifters. • See an example, p. 31 Hybrid • Combines the above formats so that experience is listed chronologically and with skill headings. • Can be organized in different ways, but usually displays experiences with descriptions in reverse chronological order grouped under skill headings. • Works best when there are some consistent themes to your experience (teaching, leadership, marketing, etc.) • Some employers prefer this format, as it provides them with easily identifiable skill areas and a sense of your history. • See an example, p. 32 RESUME TIPS FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS • You may include work, leadership, and academic achievements from high school. By your third year, college experiences should replace those from high school. • Don’t worry about having limited work experience. You may highlight other accomplishments, such as those listed under “Resume Components,” p. 26. Include some of the components marked “optional.” • First resumes require extra time to assemble. Expect to spend a few hours creating a rough draft, and make an appointment with a career counselor to review your resume. • Be patient with the process! Resumes are always a work in progress. Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 24 RESUME DOs AND DON’Ts Do Focus on the specific results of your work, significant achievements, and recognition received Use action verbs such as “created” or “coordinated” to describe your experience Get feedback from several people, including a career counselor Have somebody whose writing skills you trust proofread your resume for spelling and grammatical errors Remember to describe both your paid and unpaid positions or volunteer experiences Exercise restraint rather than cramming too much information onto a resume Tailor your resume to each specific position Omit experiences that you would not want to repeat in future positions unless they are necessary for the job Use high quality paper in a neutral color Use readable and common fonts Don’t Use phrases such as “Responsibilities included” Use resume templates included in word processing software Manipulate margins or font size to accommodate information in place of proper editing Include routine job duties such as “making copies” Use long sentences or paragraphs Submit the same resume to every employer, regardless of the position Write long objectives such as, “To find a sales position at a medium sized corporation where I can grow and develop my management skills” MAKING A CAREER SHIFT Let’s say you worked as a restaurant host for the past two years; now you want to find an internship in human resources. How can you make the switch? By using your transferable skills! Transferable skills are skills that you’ve developed that can be used in many different settings. Here are some examples: • Customer service & conflict resolution • Analytical & problem solving ability • Teamwork & leadership • Written and verbal communication • Organizational skills and attention to detail • Research & presentation Your list will be unique. Prior to writing your resume, consider what skills you’ve developed that may translate from one work environment to another. As you search for jobs or internships, target job postings with these skills. Then write out in detail the ways in which you’ve developed each one. The case below illustrates how a restaurant host could demonstrate some of the transferable skills that an employer is seeking. Use it as a model for developing your own list of transferable skills. The Job Posting: Join the Human Resources Team of Cable Company X in the East Bay as a Recruiting Intern. Must: • be effective at written and verbal communication • be proficient in Word and Excel • be able to quickly learn computer programs • have ability to travel locally when needed • have punctual and consistent attendance • be willing to perform administrative duties Skills Developed as a Restaurant Host Written and Verbal Communication • Two years of assisting customers in a fast-paced, hectic restaurant environment • Mediated conflicts using a “customers first” approach to ensure resolution and satisfaction • Developed a customer service handbook for hosts and waitstaff. Initiative resulted in being awarded Employee of the Year. Quick Learner/Computers • Mastered proprietary table service management system in less than one week, increasing food service accuracy Punctual/Good Attendance • Maintained perfect attendance record as a host and as a residence hall peer counselor for over a 3 year period 25 career.berkeley.edu PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers EMAILING RESUMES Before emailing your resume, try to find out the employer’s format preference. Some accept attachments; others prefer your resume in the text of the email message. If you can’t find out the employer’s preference, send it both ways in one message. Unless you are told otherwise, include a cover letter. Send the resume and cover letter in one email message. See p. 37 for an example email format. When submitting a resume via an organization’s website, use the formatting and display style recommended by the website. To send your resume as an attachment: • Give the document a name the recruiter will associate with you, such as “MillerJennifer.doc.” Don’t give it a generic name like “Resume.doc” • Be sure your document is virus free • Email it to yourself to make sure it’s easy to open and the formatting remains intact To send your resume in the text of the email message: • Put the cover letter first • Do not use bold, underlining, bullets, distinctive fonts, colored text, or html codes. Use asterisks, plus signs (+), dashes, all capital letters, and combinations of these to highlight text • Email it to yourself and a friend with a different email provider to see how it will look • Text resumes look plain and ordinary, but employers are used to this. They are more concerned with whether the content meets their needs To make your resume scannable: Some employers utilize resume database tracking systems. They scan incoming resumes (sometimes letters, too) into a database and when they have openings, they retrieve resumes using relevant keywords. Some companies will indicate on their website if they scan resumes and often provide formatting tips. • Include industry or job-specific keywords, especially relevant skills, universal abbreviations, major, specific areas of study, and experience (e.g., marketing research, java, html, sales, gel electrophoresis). • Use 10 to 12 point font size. Do not use italics, underlining, fancy fonts, bullets or multiple columns. Use all bold or capitals for emphasis. • When submitting a hard copy by mail, print it on white paper with a laser printer and do not fold it. RESUME CHECKLIST STOP! Don’t submit your resume until you have checked off this list! • Have you set up a Mini-Appointment at the Career Center to get your resume critiqued? • Is the resume pleasing to the eye: easy-to-read font, good layout? Can an employer learn the basics about you with a 10 second glance at your resume? • Are your name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number and email address at the top of the page? • Did you use bullets, bold, all capitals, and underlining to highlight key strengths? • If you know your resume will be scanned, did you omit columns, underlining, and bullets? • Is information listed in order of importance and relevance to the skills listed in the job description? • Does the resume avoid generalities and focus on specific information about context, actions taken, and results? • Did you check the spelling of every word and make sure the grammar and punctuation are correct? • Do most phrases begin with action verbs such as “developed,” “initiated,” etc.? • Have you been accurate and truthful about your accomplishments rather than being too modest or overly zealous? • Did you tailor your resume for the position by including key skills and experiences the employer wants? • If you were the employer, would you call you for an interview? to do Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 26 RESUME COMPONENTS COMPONENT BASICS COMMENTS Identifying Data Put name, street address, email address and phone or message number at the top of the page (include area codes and zip codes). Can include personal web page if you want employers to see it. Voicemail message, email address, and website content should be appropriate for a potential employer. Don’t answer the phone during a job search if you are in a crowded or noisy setting. Education Name of school, major, degree received, graduation date, projected graduation date, or dates of attendance if degree was not completed. Include any course titles relevant to the targeted position. Honors and grade-point average are optional; include if among your strong points. If you attended more than one school, list the most recent first. You don’t have to list all the schools you have attended or high school. Additional education and training may either go here or under a separate heading. Experience/Work History Paid and unpaid work qualify as experience. Give the job title, employing organization, and dates of employment. Emphasize tasks, skills, abilities, and accomplishments related to the targeted position. Present achievements, contributions, and results (e.g., streamlined a procedure or made a cost-saving suggestion). Optional components–use if appropriate for your background and the employers you’re targeting Job Objective A one-line description of the type of position you want. Follows your name, address and phone number at the top of your resume. Should be specific rather than a general statement of your interests. Skills & Abilities or Summary of Qualifications Foreign languages, computer skills, office skills, lab techniques, or transferable skills not mentioned elsewhere in the resume. Can be combined under one heading or listed under separate headings. Languages Mention if you are proficient or fluent in a foreign language. If you understand a language but are not fluent, still mentionit.Forexample: fluentinRussian,conversational Spanish, or basic French. Activities & Interests In order of importance or reverse chronological order, list student activities/organizations, professional associations, and committees in which you have participated. List any offices that you held with the skills you used. Include activities and interests that show leadership or initiative or that pertain to your career interest. Community Involvement/Volunteer Activities List offices held, organizations, projects, and accomplishments. If the setting is political or religious, you may want to use generic descriptions (e.g., Youth Leader for church, Speech Writer for City Council candidate). If substantial, these may be listed under “Experience.” Honors Recent graduates and continuing students can include academic honors such as Dean’s List, honor societies, and scholarships. Can be listed separately or as a bullet point under Education. Research & Publications Brieflydescribe researchprojects.Listpublished articles, papers, books and presentations. Class Projects List relevant projects completed in college classes. List any research, lab skills, or software/ programming languages used. This shows that you have hands-on experience and is a good strategy for students with limited experience. Travel Include if your career interest involves travel or knowledge of other cultures. You can use this as a way of distinguishing yourself if you have significant travel experience. References/Portfolio You do not need to end your resume with the phrase, “References Available on Request,” but this is the best place to state that you have “Portfolio and/or writing samples available on request.” Create a separate page for references, see p 38. List names, titles and contact information. Always ask permission before using anyone’s name as a reference. Include people who know about your work related abilities, such as former employers, volunteer project supervisors, and faculty. Do not use relatives or friends. 27 career.berkeley.edu PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers Management administered analyzed assigned attained chaired consolidated contracted coordinated delegated developed directed evaluated executed improved increased organized oversaw planned prioritized produced recommended reviewed scheduled strengthened supervised Communication addressed arbitrated arranged authored collaborated convinced corresponded developed directed drafted edited enlisted formulated influenced interpreted lectured mediated moderated negotiated persuaded promoted publicized reconciled recruited spoke translated wrote Research clarified collected critiqued diagnosed evaluated examined extracted identified inspected interpreted interviewed investigated organized reviewed summarized surveyed systematized Technical assembled built calculated computed designed devised engineered fabricated maintained operated overhauled programmed remodeled repaired solved upgraded Teaching adapted advised clarified coached communicated coordinated demystified developed enabled encouraged evaluated explained facilitated guided informed instructed persuaded set goals stimulated trained Financial administered allocated analyzed appraised audited balanced budgeted calculated computed developed forecasted managed marketed planned projected researched Creative acted conceptualized created customized designed developed directed established fashioned founded illustrated initiated instituted integrated introduced invented originated performed planned revitalized shaped Helping assessed assisted clarified coached counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated expedited facilitated familiarized guided motivated referred rehabilitated represented Clerical or Detail Oriented approved arranged catalogued classified collected compiled dispatched executed generated implemented inspected monitored operated organized prepared processed purchased recorded retrieved screened specified systematized tabulated validated More Verbs for Accomplishments achieved expanded improved pioneered reduced (losses) resolved (problems) restored spearheaded transformed from The Damn Good Resume Guide by Yana Parker, Berkeley: Ten Speed Press Words in bold are especially good for pointing out accomplishments. VERB LIST FOR RESUMES & LETTERS Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 28 Kristen Romano 2250 Durant Street, Apt. 6 Berkeley, CA 94704 510-555-2996 romano790@berkeley.edu Objective: To find an internship where I can develop my leadership skills. Education: UC Berkeley Bachelor’s of Arts in Rhetoric Marin Academy H.S. Diploma, May 2007 Work Experience Jamba Juice, Berkeley, CA 9/07-present Cashier/Customer Service Duties include making smoothies, handling small and large cash transactions, opening and closing the store, light cleaning, and customer service as well as training new employees. Activities Women’s Pre-Law Organization, Development Chair, UC Berkeley, CA Spring 2008-present Manage a budget of 3,000, organize fundraising events, attend weekly meetings, interact with alumna and campus liaisons to populate panels at bi-annual events. Volunteer Tutor, Willard Middle School, Berkeley, CA Fall 2008 Helped tutor middle school students in a variety of subjects. Skills Bilingual, Spanish Comfortable working with different types of people, excellent communicator Microsoft Word, Internet research Interests Skiing, writing, cooking Thai and Greek food, traveling This objective is very general, stating little about Kristen’s specific goals. DO NOT USE THIS RESUME AS A MODEL! See next page for the improved “after” version. “BEFORE” RESUME chronological format There is no expected graduation date, which leaves readers guessing. High school diplomas are generally not included on resumes once you are in college. There is no need to say “Duties include.” Start with an action verb. See p. 27 for action verbs. This description lacks detail. Employers can’t read minds! Give them relevant details. This list only tells the reader what Kristen did, but doesn’t discuss the results of her efforts. Interests sections are of little interest to most employers, especially when relevant experiences haven’t been described fully. Along with content, watch out for formatting issues. This resume has several inconsistencies: only the “Education” heading has a colon—delete it. There are return spaces underneath “Work Experience” and “Activities,” but not under “Education,” “Skills” or “Interests.” Pick one style and be consistent. This will show that you are detail oriented. 29 career.berkeley.edu PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers “AFTER” RESUME hybrid format • Specific accomplishments, especially quantified results, build Kristen’s case. • Experience can be divided by topical area, allowing you to group your most relevant experiences at the top of the page. Pick topical areas relevant to the position you seek. • Experience does not have to be divided by paid and unpaid positions. Take your resume from “before” to “after” by scheduling a Mini-Appointment with a career counselor for a resume review. Kristen Romano romano790@berkeley.edu 2250 Durant Street, #6 Berkeley, CA 94704 510-555-2996 Objective Summer Law Internship at Hilder, Grant, and Smythe LLC. Summary of Qualifications • Leadership: Consistently surpassed fundraising expectations as Development Chair for Women’s Pre-Law Organization. • Language: Bilingual Spanish, spoken and written • Communication: Training and tutoring experience in food service and education settings. Consistently received positive evaluations from supervisors. Education Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric University of California, Berkeley Expected graduation date: May 2011 Leadership Experience Development Chair, Women’s Pre-Law Organization, UC Berkeley Jan 08-present • Initiate contact with 5-7 campus liaisons per semester to coordinate bi-annual fundraising events. Attendance rose from 85 to over 120. • Increased yearly organization fund from $1,800 to $3,000 dollars through alumni donor development and fundraising events. • Collaborate with Outreach Chair and Club President to coordinate monthly organization field trips to law firms. Training and Tutoring Experience Trainee Supervisor and Cashier, Jamba Juice, Berkeley, CA Sept 07-present • Supervise and train new employees on cashier and customer service protocol, safety standards, and company mission. • Promoted from cashier to trainee supervisor within 3 months of employment. Volunteer Tutor, Willard Middle School, Berkeley, CA Sept-Dec 08 • Provided one-on-one and small group tutoring to students in Math, English and Biology. • Developed original study tips guide for students. The Hybrid format highlights skills and experience. Careful use of lines and bullets adds impact. A clear, concise objective shows focus. Graduation date lets employers know where you are in your college career. Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 30 CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME Sophie Moore 2290 Fremont Way 510-555-9090 Fremont, CA 94555 jobhunter@berkeley.edu OBJECTIVE: Summer Internship as a Mechanical Engineer EDUCATION BS Mechanical Engineering, expected May 2011 (GPA 3.4) University of California, Berkeley Coursework: Statics, Dynamic Analysis, Product Development Physics, Math & Engineering Coursework, Fall 2006-Spring 2007 (GPA 3.8) Evergreen Valley College, San Jose, CA SKILLS • Self-motivated, innovative problem solver • Well-developed focus, time management and teamwork skills • Ability to perform well under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances • Software: AutoCAD, Advanced Microsoft Word and Excel • Languages: Proficient in Spanish conversation PROJECTS • Designed a more stable ironing board in collaboration with two other Fall 2009 students and presented results to class • Developed and maintained personal website (moorefamily.net) 6/08-present EXPERIENCE Stockroom Assistant, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto, CA 7/08-8/09 • Maintained appropriate inventory for hundreds of parts • Improved accuracy of monthly inventory • Distributed parts to busy production line in a timely way to avoid work stoppages • Developed knowledge of production protocols and technical manufacturing environment Promotional Assistant, Old Navy, Inglewood, CA 6/08-7/08 • Worked cooperatively… • Interacted with over 500 men, women and children… Customer Service Representative, Yogurt Park, Berkeley, CA 1/07-6/08 • Addressed the needs of hundreds of consumers from a variety of backgrounds • Efficiently attended to customer complaints and handled employee conflict resolution ACTIVITIES Rower, Cal Lightweight Crew Team 8/07-1/09 • Participated in year-round competitive intercollegiate rowing club, practicing 20 hours per week • Taught new members technique and helped motivate them during practices and competitions Saxophone, UC Berkeley Jazz Band 9/07-present • Demonstrated real-time adaptability and intuitive sense of group dynamics in regular practices and concerts Include a “Projects” section to show applied knowledge and experience. State your GPA if requested or if it will show achievement. See how this student transforms her resume into a skills format. 31 career.berkeley.edu PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers SKILLS RESUME Sophie Moore 2290 Fremont Way 510-555-9090 Fremont, CA 94555 jobhunter@berkeley.edu OBJECTIVE: Summer internship as a Mechanical Engineer EDUCATION BS Mechanical Engineering, expected August 2011 (GPA 3.4) University of California, Berkeley Coursework: Statics, Dynamic Analysis, Product Development Physics, Math & Engineering Coursework, Fall 2006-Spring 2007 (GPA: 3.8) Evergreen Valley College, San Jose, CA SKILLS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS DESIGN, PROBLEM SOLVING, AND CREATIVITY • Improved accuracy of monthly inventory counts at an ink-jet factory from 90% to 96% • Applied problem-solving skills to design a more stable ironing board for a group project • Took initiative to organize restaurant work area, resulting in greater efficiency • Developed and maintained personal website (moorefamily.net) MANUFACTURING • Maintained appropriate inventory levels for hundreds of parts used in the manufacture of inkjet printers and cartridges • Distributed parts to busy production line in a timely way to prevent work stoppages • Developed knowledge of production protocols and manufacturing environment TEAMWORK AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS • Provided efficient and courteous customer service to diverse clientele in busy retail environments while accurately making quick transactions • Demonstrated real-time adaptability and intuitive sense of group dynamics in jazz ensemble • Taught new crew members technique and motivated them during practices and competitions COMPUTER AND LANGUAGE SKILLS • Software: AutoCAD, Advanced Microsoft Excel • Languages: Proficient in Spanish conversation WORK HISTORY Stockroom Assistant, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto, CA 7/07-8/08 Promotional Assistant, Old Navy, Inglewood, CA 6/07-7/07 Customer Service Representative, Yogurt Park, Berkeley, CA 1/06-6/07 ACTIVITIES Saxophone, UC Berkeley Jazz Band 9/07-present Rower, Cal Lightweight Crew Team 8/07-1/09 This resume focuses on skills, but still lists work and other activites. Choose skills and areas to highlight based on what’s listed in job descriptions. See how this student transforms her resume into a chronological format. Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 32 HYBRID RESUME ALICIA GUTIERREZ 459 Buena Vista Avenue #3 aguitar@berkeley.edu Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 555-6712 Objective Educational software sales position Education University of California, Berkeley B.A. French, Minor in Education, May 2010 Senior Honors Thesis about semiotics and myth in Roland Barthes’ works (in progress) Skills • Knowledgeable about educational software through academic and personal experience Summary • Consistently successful track record in sales • Over one year of experience in teaching and training Experience TEACHING Teaching Intern, Break the Cycle, Berkeley, CA September 2009-present • Improved 1st grade students’ math skills. • Motivated 15 underachieving students toward success in their annual district exams. • Designed individualized curricula. Tutor and Teacher’s Aide, Edna Brewer School, Oakland, CA September 2009-present • Conceptualized and implemented a yearlong project for ESL students resulting in a journal of autobiographical works for use as a learning tool for other ESL instructors, historical archive, and a source of inspiration for other ESL students. • Drafted proposal to finance project, resulting in full grant support. Instructor and Camp Leader, National Cheerleaders’Association, Garland, TX May-July 2006 & 2007 • Instructed students of all ages in cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance. • Collaborated with a team of five instructors to create a positive, fun, and lively learning atmosphere. SALES & MARKETING Managing Editor – Maganda, UC Berkeley September 2007- present • Designed visual concept for Filipino Literary and Art magazine’s launch. • Organized and brought together Filipino artists from areas throughout California for fundraising and promotional events. Rush Chairperson, Chi Omega Sorority, UC Berkeley January-December 2008 • Coordinated team of ten in planning sorority recruitment. • Implemented marketing strategies promoting the benefits of membership, resulting in chapter membership increase of 35 percent. • Budgeted spending for Rush preparation week and Rush week. Salesperson, Panoply Corporation, Berkeley, CA July 2006-December 2008 • Refined communication skills and marketing techniques while helping customers select flattering attire. • Led in clothing sales for the months of July and August. Other Skills • Proficient in written and conversational French • Strong Microsoft Excel, Adobe PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, SoundEdit Pro, and Internet research skills This hybrid resume combines the strengths of both skills and chronological resumes. It focuses on two skill sets – teaching and sales/ marketing – and shows the experiences in which they were used. 33 career.berkeley.edu PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME Education UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY B.A. Architecture, May 2010 Relevant Courses Drawing Studio Design Studio Architectural Acoustics Construction Process & Method History of Architecture & Urbanism Civil Engineering Material Properties Energy Design in Buildings Landscape Structures Intro Structural Design Relevant Experience BERG JONES ARCHITECTS, Oakland, CA Architecture Intern (6/08-12/09) • Conducted site surveys for Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Williams Sonoma stores • Prepared as-built drawings using Arris 7.0 • Researched code requirements and prepared survey reports • Constructed site and building models for client proposals ATKINS PAINTERS, San Bernardino, CA Web Designer/Painter (6/08-8/08) • Designed and developed company website • Prepared and painted interiors and exteriors of residential and commercial buildings Leadership Positions AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS, UC Berkeley AIAEB Student Representative (12/07-present) • Attend monthly AIA board meetings and events on behalf of student chapter PHI SIGMA FRATERNITY, UC Berkeley Vice President (1/08-1/09) • Organized venues, security, transportation, music, funding for all social events • Managed $18,000 annual budget Executive Vice President (1/07-1/08) • Administered nationally recognized pledge training program • Evaluated fraternity operations and made critical decisions House Manager (1/06-1/07) • Coordinated 52 residents in routine maintenance and repairs of 10,000 sq ft residence • Supervised demolition, purchasing, contracting and scheduling of $12,000 bathroom renovations BERKELEY EDUCATES ON ALCOHOL AWARENESS SEMINARS (BEARS, UC Berkeley) Student Director (1/06-12/06) • Developed and presented seminars promoting social awareness of risks associated with irresponsible alcohol use Skills Technical: AutoCAD 2006, Arris CAD, PhotoShop, Excel, HTML, Java Script Professional: Model making, public speaking Affiliations American Institute of Architecture Students, UC Berkeley Interfraternity Council, Intramural Softball MILES STEVENS 3920 Durant Ave • Berkeley, CA 94704 • 510-555-9230 miles@berkeley.edu www.milesstephensportfolio.com Bullet points work well to draw attention to action verbs. Describe campus leadership activities with the same detail you would use to describe relevant jobs. Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 34 CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME JOSHUA LARSON 2503 Channing Way, #800, Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 555-1029 jlarso@berkeley.edu EDUCATION: WALTER A. HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, University of California, Berkeley Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, May 2010 Major GPA: 3.5, Overall GPA: 3.4; SAT Math: 710 Verbal: 800 WORK EXPERIENCE Catalyst Partners, Inc., San Francisco, CA (12/08-present) Consultant: Collaborated with 5 students and 3 Accenture professionals to increase awareness of and and use of client’s online software. Conduct basic market research with customer base through interviews and paper based surveys. Develop updated marketing plan and create implementation plan for local roll out of software. Spherion Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Pleasanton, CA (6/08-8/08, 12/07-1/08) Intern: Gathered and researched leads for account executives. Performed phone interviews with industry executives. Created Excel spreadsheet to track recruiters’ placements. Psychology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (1/06-5/07) Research Assistant: Managed team of four behavioral coders for project investigating age differences in emotion. Attended weekly team meetings to assess progress, discuss coding methods, and discuss relevant articles. Made over 40 calls to survey, recruit, and schedule potential participants. ACTIVITIES Eggster Hunt & Learning Festival, Berkeley, CA (8/06-present) Co-Director: Manage 11 committee heads to facilitate all functions of a 60+ member organization with mission to sponsor five local children’s nonprofits with funds, time, and talent and to offer a free event consisting of 10 egg hunts and 50+ educational booths geared toward children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Community Relations Co-Chair: Supervised and developed leadership in 10+ member committee. Screened and selected five agencies and developed working relationships through community service projects and conference meetings. Assisted organization in raising $26K and attracting attendance of 3500. Alumni Scholars Club, Berkeley, CA (8/06-present) Member/Marketing Chair/Freshman Finals Survival Kit Committee: Track and order materials for over 600 kits per semester. Research prices for kit materials and supervise package assembly for distribution. Raised over $15K through extensive mailing to parents of UC Berkeley students. Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA (6/06-8/06) 100 Hour Volunteer: Facilitated patient care by engaging with patients in the fifth floor playroom and conducting bedside visits. Created and arranged arts and crafts projects weekly for groups of 10 children. HONORS National Society of Collegiate Scholars, California Alumni Association Leadership Scholarship, Robert C. Byrd Scholarship; won four merit scholarships. SKILLS & INTERESTS Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe PhotoShop, and web design (HTML, JavaScript). Languages: Spanish (conversational), Cantonese (conversational). Interests: Avid vocalist, painter and photographer. Accomplished dancer, performed in Oakland Ballet Company’s production of Nutcracker. Except for some large firms, most employers don’t ask for SAT scores. This resume makes full use of the page with smaller margins. Margins should be at least 0.5 inches and fonts no smaller than 10 pt. 35 career.berkeley.edu CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers Anna Liu Local: 333 Haste St. Apt. 200C, Berkeley, CA 94708 (510) 555-8798 Permanent: 1898 20th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 555-8522 Email: aliu@berkeley.edu Education University of California, Berkeley Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology, December 2008 Emphasis in Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory Skills Enzyme characterization, RIAs, ion-exchange chromatography, gel electrophoresis, media preparation, protein assays, plasma preps, aseptic techniques, use of radioisotopes, HPLC, cell fractionation Coursework Biology Physics Cell Biology Chemistry Human Physiology Microbiology Organic Chemistry Human Anatomy Biochemistry Experience Laboratory Instructor Vista Community College, Berkeley, CA (8/08-present) • Lecture in genetics, immunology, microbiology, and general biology • Carefully prepare stock solutions and media • Supervise teacher assistants and oversee 35 students in each class • Work with a team of professors and teacher assistants in publishing new lab manuals Research Assistant Comparative Endocrinology Lab, University of California, Berkeley (8/07-present) • Plan, organize, and carry out long-term and short-term research projects • Analyze, research, and study evolution of hormones • Develop expertise in metabolic pathways of thyronines Student Caseworker Suitcase Clinic, Berkeley, CA (1/07-5/07) • Interviewed over 100 homeless and low-income individuals to obtain profiles and determine their presenting issues • Worked with lawyers, physicians, and social workers to obtain services for qualifying individuals English Tutor and Mentor City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (1/06-6/06) • Developed lesson plans to teach three groups of 35 students the complexities of the English language • Provided assistance to tutors in subjects such as grammar and composition Activities Mentor, Chinatown YMCA (8/07-present) Officer, Society of Cal Integrative Biology Undergraduate Students (SCIBUGS) (12/07-6/08) Fundraiser, Recreation Center for the Disabled (8/05-12/07) Additional Skills Corel Quattro Pro, MS Excel, MS Access, and DOS; fluent in Cantonese List both local and permanent addresses if you plan to move from your local address within 3 months of applying. Don’t use the abbreviations BA or BS if your resume will be scanned by employers. Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 36 SKILLS RESUME CHRISTOPHER LEWIS 1475 Grand Avenue Apt. 3 Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 555-2217 christol@abc.com OBJECTIVE Editorial Assistant SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS • Staff Editor for The Archaeological Review • Trained in expository, media, and academic writing • Developed archival system for museum film collection • Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, SASS and Mac and PC environments SKILLS Writing/Editing • Edited submitted papers for content, coherence, and language usage. • Transferred edited copy from print to Quark and formatted material for publication. • Completed Master’s dissertation; currently synthesizing select chapters for publication. Research • Developed, implemented, and interpreted six-page questionnaire. • Developed sampling techniques including special variant of standard random sample. • Prepared raw data for computer analysis. Organization/Administration • Coordinated all aspects of four-day international professional conference. Developed agenda, scheduled speakers, and organized discussion groups. • Catalogued and curated American Indian Ethnographic Film Collection for Lowie Museum of Anthropology. • Scheduled and coordinated auditions and interviews for performers and technical staff for commercial and industrial film projects. • Evaluated and contacted prospective clients and talent agencies as production assistant in commercial and industrial film projects. WORK HISTORY Field Archaeologist and Lab Analyst Field Archaeologist and Lab Analyst Field Archaeologist Collections Curator Sales Associate San Jose State University, CA Enlene and Verberie, France Jefferson Park, MD Lowie Museum, Berkeley, CA Canterbury, San Francisco, CA Spring 2009 Fall 2007 - Summer 2008 Summer 2007 Summer 2006 2005-2006 EDUCATION University of California, Berkeley M.A. Archaeology, May 2010 B.A. Anthropology, May 2004 UC Education Abroad Program, University of Melbourne, Australia, Spring 2003 This student uses a skills resume to highlight his writing and editing experiences and de-emphasize his archaeology background. The Summary of Qualifications brings immediate attention to relevant skills. 37 career.berkeley.edu PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers EMAIL RESUME Dear Ms. Walters, Thank you for meeting with me following the career panel yesterday at UC Berkeley. I am very interested in the entry-level manufacturing engineering position we discussed. Below is a copy of my resume and I have attached it as well. I believe my strong mechanical engineering training and work experience in a manufacturing setting make me an ideal candidate. I am available to begin work after January 2, 2010. I look forward to hearing from your human resources representative and will follow up on your suggestions. Thank you for your time and your referral. John Chang RESUME John Chang 189 Manor Lane Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (510) 555-8975 jc@berkeley.edu EDUCATION University of California, Berkeley BS in Mechanical Engineering, December 2009 Honors: Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering honor society); Regent’s Scholar RELATED COURSES *Product Development *Measurement Systems *Advanced 3D Modeling *Fluid Mechanics *Applied Fluids *Thermodynamics *Heat Transfer *Properties of Materials PROJECTS *Modeled aluminum tubing framework of a DNA machine and provided cost analysis, vendor information, and component and assembly drawings. *Conceptualized and developed a prototype for a device used to prevent the disastrous effects of household gas leaks. EXPERIENCE RAYTEK, INC., Fremont, CA, May 2008-present Manufacturing Engineering Assistant. Performed daily maintenance and troubleshooting of a manufacturing line. Researched and tested hardware and software scenarios for implementation. Text is simple and easy to read with no bold, underlining, or tabs. All text is justified left. See p. 25 for more guidelines. • Unless told otherwise, always send a cover letter with your electronic resume. • Email resumes and cover letter content should not exceed three printed pages. Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 38 REFERENCES to give to employers upon request MICHELLE ANDERSON 1253 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 92134 · 510.555.4457 · mander@berkeley.edu REFERENCES Deborah Smith Director of Marketing ADworks Corporation 2 Sacramento Plaza, Suite 2434 San Francisco, CA 94311 (415) 555-0477 deborah.smith@adworks.com Philip Blass, PhD Assistant Professor University of California, Berkeley Department of Psychology 3210 Tolman Hall Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 555-3175 pblass@berkeley.edu Sylvia Nunez Tutoring Programs Coordinator Berkeley Tutoring Center 695 College Ave. Berkeley, CA 92431 (510) 555-4892 snunez@berkeleytutoring.com For a polished look, use the same header style for your contact information on your reference sheet that you use for your resume and cover letter. In almost all cases, you will NOT submit references with your resume. Instead bring them to your interviews to furnish upon request. Secure 3-5 references prior to interviews. References should be people who have supervised you in an academic or hands-on setting like a job, internship, or volunteer position. Friends, family, and wellknown people who do not know you well are not good references—they can say little about your potential for success. 39 career.berkeley.edu PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers COVER LETTERS A well written cover letter should always accompany your resume or application. Its purpose is to introduce you and expand on the experience in your resume. A good cover letter should: • Include specific information about why you want to work for the employer • Exemplify clear and concise writing skills • Demonstrate your knowledge of the position • Align your experience with the desired qualifications of the employer Cover Letters for Job or Internship Listings 1. Know the employer Research the employer’s organization to see how your skills and abilities meet its needs. In your cover letter, show why you are a good fit. Send the letter to a specific person whenever possible; otherwise, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Members of the Selection Committee.” 2. Analyze the job description Take a good look at the job responsibilities and qualifications and design your cover letter to match these as much as possible. Sometimes job listings are vague. In these cases, draw from your experience of similar jobs to infer what skills and abilities might be required or research similar positions online. 3. Analyze your background Think about your background in relation to the job responsibilities and qualifications. Ask yourself, “What have I done that is similar to what this job entails?” Consider courses taken, classroom projects, work experience, summer jobs, internships, volunteer experience, extracurricular involvement, and travel. Be sure to indicate in the first paragraph what position you’re seeking. If a specific person recommended you for or alerted you about the position, include their name and title up front. For example “Jason Ryner, your Marketing Manager, recommended that I apply for this position.” Prospecting Letters If you are inquiring about possible openings, you are sending an Inquiry or Prospecting Letter. Address your letter to a specific individual, usually the person who supervises the functional area where you’d like to work. Be as specific as possible about the type of position that interests you. Ideally, your research will reveal the job titles used by this employer. If not, use generic job titles commonly understood in the field. COVER LETTER CHECKLIST STOP! Don’t submit your cover letter until you have completed the following: • Write an original targeted cover letter for each employer and position • State in the first sentence why you are writing • Show that your career goals are aligned with both the position and the organization • Make your points succinctly; every point should support your readiness to contribute • Proofread for typos and accuracy of contact information. Have another set of eyes review it too • Run Spell Check before sending your final copy, but remember that it does not catch everything • Follow up with the employer if you hear nothing after 2-3 weeks. Inquire if any further information is needed and reiterate your interest HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER THAT GOES NOWHERE • Make your introduction long winded and don’t include your job objective to cause confusion about what you’re applying for • Don’t proofread your letter or use Spell Check. This is very useful for those who claim to be “detail oriented” • Ramble on about your experiences without explaining why they are relevant. Don’t mention details that will let the employer know that you understand what their company does or what the job entails • Write more than one page, forcing employers to hunt for your qualifications • Explain what the employer can do for you, instead of what you can do for them • Don’t encourage the employer to contact you, leave out contact information, and don’t sign your name at the end of the letter • Send the same generic cover letter to all employers to do Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 40 The following is intended as a guide. Cover letters should be unique and original. Your street address City, State Zip Code Email address (Area Code) Phone Number Month Date, Year Mr./Ms./Dr. First and Last Name of Person Position or Title Employer Organization’s Name Employer Street Address/P.O. Box City, State Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name of Addressee: Tell the reader why you are writing (i.e., regarding the position that interests you; if appropriate, indicate how you learned of the position and/or organization). Make a general statement about being a good candidate for the job. Explain why you have targeted this particular organization: demonstrate your knowledge of its products, services and operations (this means you must research the potential employer). Stress what you have to offer, not what you want from, the employer. Identify those parts of your experience (paid or non-paid) that will interest this employer. Students and recent graduates can draw attention to relevant course work, special projects and campus activities. In some cases, you will add detail to items included in your resume. Refer the reader to your enclosed resume for additional information. Demonstrate your understanding of the duties of the positionthat you are applying for, and state how your unique qualifications fit the position. Request an interview appointment, or tell the reader that you will contact him/her soon in order to see if you can schedule a mutually convenient appointment. If the employer is some distance away, indicate when you would be available for an interview. (For example, if you will be traveling to the employer’s location during an academic holiday, indicate the days you will be in that area.) Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration. Sincerely, Type your name The simplest way to lay out your cover letter is to align all text to the left. Not only is it simple, but it looks professional and polished. Sign Your Name Here COVER LETTER suggested content & layout 41 career.berkeley.edu COVER LETTER for an existing opening 2121 Elm Street Berkeley, CA 94541 maryjones@berkeley.edu December 28, 2009 Ms. Susan Merrill PricewaterhouseCoopers Dispute Analysis & Corporate Recovery Group 100 Palm Street Los Angeles, CA 90000 Dear Ms. Merrill: As a Business Administration major at UC Berkeley with a strong background in economics, accounting, and finance, I am very excited to hear of a staff consultant position with PricewaterhouseCoopers. While I am certainly impressed by the far reach of PwC’s work, the company’s commitment to sustainable corporate responsibility and women’s professional development are particular draws for me. I believe the qualities, skills and experience you seek are well matched by my track record: Your Needs Accounting Experience Finance Experience Strong Communication Skills Solid Accounting and Finance Education Professional Accomplishments My Qualifications • Currently working with the Investment Management Group at Wells Fargo. • Prepared income tax returns for retail businesses and low income households. • Led team in preparing income tax returns by determining clients’ specialized needs. • Interact constantly with Wells Fargo managers and vendors. • Coursework in intermediate financial accounting, auditing, economics, introductory finance, and investments. • Graduating Business Administration Major with 3.5 GPA. • Independently created databases to facilitate expense tracking for IMG Finance and Marketing. I am eager to pursue this opportunity and would be very interested in setting up an interview to discuss further how I would be a strong contributor at PricewaterhouseCoopers. I can be contacted at (510) 333-1111. I look forward to talking with you soon. Sincerely, Mary Jones Mary Jones Although it’s more assertive to indicate that you will call, it’s best to wait for a call if the employer specifically states “no calls” in their listing. PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers Job & Internship Guide • 09-10 42 COVER LETTER prospecting for a position 333 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94765 susantdavis@berkeley.edu (555) 555-7777 December 1, 2009 Mr. Earl Jones Goodworks Agency 234 E Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA 94567 Dear Mr. Jones: I learned about Goodworks in the process of researching nonprofits online. I have been seeking an organization whose mission matches my desire to help low-income clients with practical matters and emotional support, and was inspired by Goodworks’ range of services and successful track record. I am writing to see whether you would be interested in hiring an intern this summer. I am a junior at UC Berkeley, pursuing my BA in Sociology and a Spanish Minor, and considering an eventual career in social work or nonprofit management. Since August, I have been conducting HIV test counseling sessions as a volunteer at the Berkeley Free Clinic. It has been rewarding working with people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are struggling to meet basic life needs, and to use my Spanish speaking skills. I would love to apply and further develop my counseling skills while making a positive contribution at Goodworks. I will be available to work up to 20 hours a week this coming summer and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the possibility of interning there. I will follow up on this letter in a week to see if we can set up a time. Thank you very much for your attention. Sincerely, Susan T. Davis Susan T. Davis Keep the letter short and to the point. The reader is probably very busy, and the letter is just to get her attention. Be assertive in the closing. Since you don’t have a mutual contact, you have to find another way to form a bond with the reader. Establish that you are interested specifically in this organization and explain why you are targeting them. 43 career.berkeley.edu COVER LETTER to a mutual acquaintance Logan Silva 555 Rodeo Drive Berkeley, CA 94532 peterc@berkeley.edu (510) 555-8765 December 17, 2009 Ms. Mary Smith Striped Bass, Inc. 1010 Avenue of the Stars, Ste 900 Los Angeles, CA 90000 Dear Ms. Smith: Jane Jones, a friend and Senior Financial Analyst at Striped Bass, suggested that I forward my resume to you. Based on a review of your website and my conversations with Jane about my educational training, work experience, and professional interests, I believe I would fit right in at Striped Bass. I am highly motivated to build a successful career in finance and hope to contribute to the team at Striped Bass as a Financial Analyst. My fascination with finance has grown steadily during my business school studies, driven mostly by my desire to understand how business decisions are made. Beginning with my first finance class and continuing with more indepth study of corporate finance and managerial accounting, I have come to see how financial data can be used to make business decisions, whether in launching a new product or acquiring a new company. I have also learned how important it is to keep a big-picture perspective during the decision-making process. This duality appeals to me tremendously as it follows directly from what I have been studying: business with its detailed focus on the company, and economics with its broad perspective on industry and the marketplace. Working as a Financial Analyst with Striped Bass would be a natural extension of the academic foundation I have gained. My work experiences also reflect my desire to become involved with challenging projects such as those offered by your organization. The opportunity at Striped Bass to participate in executing senior staff’s complex projects as well as eventually leading my own is very appealing to me. At Boston Scientific, I created numerous forecast and inventory reports for the Global Supply Chain Management team. This required significant attention to detail and analytical work. I further developed my communication and financial skills by working on numerous cost efficiency projects for the Microbiology department, including the creation of a corporate-wide standing order matrix. I would build upon these skills and experiences at Striped Bass and am confident that I would do outstanding work as a Financial Analyst. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, as I would like to meet with you at your convenience to discuss the possibility of full time employment. Sincerely, logan Silva Logan Silva Draw attention to relevant skills & demonstrate when and how you used them. For a unified look, consider using the same presentation style for your cover letter contact information that you used on your resume. Logan centered all of his contact information here as well as at the top of his resume. Begin with the name of your mutual acquaintance— this creates an immediate connection. PreparingforYour Search YourJobor InternshipSearchInternships Successful Interviewing Resume&Letter WritingSearch PreparingforYourInternship& JobOffers