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Section 3 -- Writing Resumes & Cover Letters
Writing Resumes & Cover Letters
This section will provide helpful hints when creating your resume or cover letter.
Topics covered include:
Format
Content
Writing Guidelines
Sample Resumes and Cover Letters
Action Words
A resume comparison chart is included to help you decide which resume format to
use. 34
Section 3 -- Writing Resumes & Cover Letters

Resume Formats -- Which one is Best?
Resume Format
Advantages
Disadvantages
Best Used By
Chronological
Functional
Combination
Target
Widely used format
Logical flow, easy to read
Showcases growth in skills and
responsibility
Shows promotions and impressive titles
Shows company loyalty
Emphasizes skills rather than
employment
Organizes a variety of experience
(paid and unpaid work, other activities)
Disguises gaps in work record or a
series of short term jobs
Highlights most relevant skills and
accomplishment
De-emphasizes employment history
in less relevant jobs
Combines skills developed in a variety
of jobs or other activities
Minimizes drawbacks such as
employment gaps and absence
of directly related experience
Personalized to company
Shows research
More impressive to employer
Written specifically to employers
needs
Emphasizes gaps in employment
Highlights frequent job changes
Emphasizes employment but not skill
development
Emphasizes lack of related experience
and career changes
Points out demotions/career set backs
Viewed with suspicion by employers due
to lack of information about specific
employers and dates
De-emphasizes growth/job titles
Confusing if not well organized
Requires more effort and creativity to
prepare
Time consuming to prepare
Confusing if not well organized
Should be revised for each employer
Individuals with steady work record
Individuals with experience that relates
directly to the position applied for
Individuals with no previous
employment
Individuals with gaps in employment
Frequent job changers
Individuals who have developed skills
from other than documented
employment
Career changers or those in transition
Individuals reentering the job market
after some absence
Individuals who have grown in skills
and responsibility
Individuals pursuing the same or similar
work as theyve had in the past
Everyone - because any of the other
formats can be made into a targeted
resume 35
Section 3 -- Writing Resumes & Cover Letters
RESUME GUIDELINES
A resume is an essential tool in a job search. This tool is used to market or sell
yourself to an employer. It should only be a short summary, not the whole story.
The following are general guidelines for writing different types of resumes.
This information changes geographically and varies according to the person
and the profession.
Resume Format:
Length should be one page, but not exceed two pages
Make margins (top, bottom, left and right ) approx. 1-inch
There should be plenty of white space and it should be easy to read
Font size should be 10 or 12 using conservative, easy to read font styles
Layout should be easy to follow and information easy to locate
Appearance should be neat and clean, no errors or corrections
Paper should be 20-25 weight bond, rag or linen and of neutral color
Envelope and cover letter paper should match resume paper
Left justified with dates on the left
Use black ink
Resume Content:
Show responsibility and results that relate to the needs of the company
Give examples of accomplishments and the ability to solve problems
Show statistics and numbers
Be honest, positive and specific
Use category headings: objective, professional highlights, education, training,
skills, professional associations and organizations, honors and awards, references
Avoid jargon and abbreviations. Dont use sentence format, instead use action
verbs and a few words with lots of impact.
Include volunteer experience, languages, internships, and certificates that relate
to the position.
Research the company and know what information would impress them
If you attach a reference sheet take off the statement, provided upon request.
Use industry terminology
General Tips:
Write your own. Start by writing down a list of everything youve done, your work
record, education and all your accomplishments. Do not use a resume writing
service. They usually appear to be too slick. (Use completed worksheets in sec-
tion 1 and 2 for input.)
Leave off salary information and only provide it when requested.
Do not mass mail resumes. It is the worst thing you can do.
Do not include post cards for employers to return.
Use a computer or type your resume. Try copy centers, libraries, schools, or check
with local job service centers to find out who has equipment to do resumes.
Some occupations dont need resumes, but it is always good to have one!
Never provide names of references on the resume. Either attach a reference sheet
or provide references when requested. 36
Section 3 -- Writing Resumes & Cover Letters
James Donaldson
10 Emerson Drive
Norfolk, Virginia 33333
(101) 555-1234
Objective: Service representative for Accounting Software International,
specializing in conversions.
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent teacher/trainer; patient and effective when working with a wide range of
personalities
Successful in identifying and solving computer related problems
Project oriented, sticking to a task until completed
Successful in learning and comprehending new systems and methods
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Bookkeeping
Reconciled loan payment records between servicing company and 150 lending institutions.
Reconciled cash records to computer records for over 200 accounts on a monthly basis.
Prepared monthly payroll, paid bills and processed tuition payments for private preschool.
Teaching/Supervising
Trained nine people in investor accounting, most of whom had no previous experience.
Wrote an Investor Reports Instruction Manual minimizing training time for new employees.
Maintained cordial working relations, while explaining and clarifying others errors.
Interviewed and hired four staff members.
Computer Usage
Worked with computer analyst in development of computerized specialty reports.
Assisted in implementation of new program on a PC, for accounts payable.
Input monthly account records on a PC and generated trial balance.
Problem Solving
Balanced seven months of critical reports for a large Federal agency involving $350,000 of
equipment for six major divisions which had been neglected for five months.
Designed an account coding system to eliminate dual coding and time wasted correlating
reports.
Reviewed company procedures, identifying sources of high error frequency, and submitted
recommendations to supervisors.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
2000-02
Treasurer/Bookkeeper
LITTLE TIKES PRESCHOOL, Cole, VA
1997-00
Investor Accountant Supvr
FIRST BANK CORP, Pleasantown, VA
1995-97
Account Reconciliation
DONZALL & ASSOCIATES, Monton, VA
1993-95
Investor Accounting
MEITUS INVESTMENTS, Santa Rosa, VA
1989-93
Financial Specialist
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
EDUCATION
B.A. in Accounting & Business
- NORWEST COLLEGE, Santa Rosa, VA
SAMPLE
TARGET
RESUME 37
Section 3 -- Writing Resumes & Cover Letters
Judy Rogers
XXX St. George Ave. #XX
Alameda, CA XXXXX
(111) 111-1111
Objective: Sales/Marketing Position
Highlights of Qualifications
Over 15 years professional experience with the public.
Personable and persuasive in communicating creatively with
thousands of customers from all cultures and economic levels.
Proven skill in persevering to solve customers problems.
Self-motivated and confident in making independent decisions.
Very well organized and able to meet deadlines.
Relevant Experience
Sales & Marketing
Made direct presentations to retail store owners and buyers, marketing Christmas
ornaments and gift items imported from the Philippines.
Co-hosted sales seminars for potential real estate partnership investors.
Oriented customers by answering questions regarding project details.
Followed up by phone to verify their commitment to invest in the partnership.
Canvassed by cold calling for contributions to a nonprofit organization.
Consistently surpassed sales quotas in retail clothing and houseware departments.
Co-led voter drive and personally persuaded 2000 citizens to sign the petition in
support of placing a community improvement initiative on the ballot.
Organization & Customer Service
Resolved wide range of customer problems, applying diplomacy and assertiveness to
delivery delays, fee and budget problems, property management decisions, airline
emergen