Resumes and Cover Letters
Research has shown that employers, on average, give a resume and cover letter only 10-15 seconds of attention so you can't afford to miss out!
Resume and Cover Letter Drop-In Clinics
Need to work on your Resume or Cover Letter? Come check out the Resume and Cover Letter Drop-In Clinics happening every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. in UC4002. (4th floor University Centre).
What is a Resume?
The resume is a self-marketing tool that highlights your education, experience, and accomplishments while profiling your ability to do the work for which an employer is hiring. It provides employers with a quick summary of your education and experience to capture their attention, given that on average, employers scan a resume for only 10-15 seconds. The formatting outlined in this guide is only an example, and individuals will have different preferences that add unique touches to their resume. A resume is used for job search applications and provides an overview of your experiences to an employer.
What is a Cover Letter and when should you use it?
The purpose of a cover letter is to highlight and explain your skills that you mentioned on your resume. Your resume should always be accompanied by a cover letter. You should use a different cover letter for each position to highlight the skills that are most applicable to the position to which you're applying.
Resources to help develop your resume:
- Resume and Cover Letter Writing Guide - Explains how to develop a resume and cover letter and provides samples of various sections and formats
- Action Verbs: How do you describe your work or volunteer experience? These verbs will help you design your sections and describe your duties
Resume & Cover Letter Review
If you need additional assistance once you have reviewed the Resume & Cover Letter Guide, students are encouraged to attend a Resume & Cover Letter Drop-In Clinic for further assistance.