Having a degree in IS will take some explaining. This is why it is important to be able to show potential employers what you and your degree will bring to the company. A resume is going to be your first impression to an organization so it needs to effectively but briefly show your qualifications. Another important document that will help showcase who you are is the cover letter. In times when employers are getting numerous resumes for a single position, cover letters are crucial in making you stand out. This is a great place to expand on your major and explain your specific course studies. It gives a better understanding of who you are to the potential employer by highlighting your goals, why you are applying for this job, and why you are the person who should be hired.
This week we are going to share ideas on cover letters and resumes. For those of you who already have experience with creating cover letters and resumes, please share some information that you have found helpful in the past. And for those of you who are less experienced, make sure to ask questions. Let’s make this an interactive week to benefit everyone!
- What are ways your resume can highlight your interdisciplinarity?
- What are some questions about cover letters you've have?
- Share your best cover letter
- What are questions about resumes that you have and/or share some advice?
- Share any resources you've found about cover letters and/or resumes.
1) My interdisciplinarity can be highlighted by my resume by the well rounded experiences and learned knowledge I have gained throughout my educational and professional choices. Having my interdisciplinary studies presented on my resume allows me to seem more competitive to have related subjects help my success in my minor.
ReplyDelete2) How exactly do you express your passion for the job without sound desperate? How do you communicate your greatness without sounding cocky?
3) ImAmazing Blvd. #6
Winter Park, FL 32792
(321)-321-3210
MercedesNotCar@Yahoo.com
January 27, 2011
Joanna Hillman
Senior Fashion Market Editor
4 Times Square
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
Dear Ms. Hillman:
I am writing to apply for a Teen Vogue internship in the field of Marketing. I have always been a fan of Teen Vogue Magazine and it has even inspired me to someday become a fashion marketer. I am an eager and enthusiastic fashion-lover with great ideas and spirit.
An internship with Teen Vogue Magazine would be a dream come true. Having the chance to be a part of a magazine fashion movement is a life goal of mine. I am an extremely hard worker who is dedicated to giving my best work 100% of the time. As you know being ahead of the fashion curve is the basis of the fashion and marketing industries, I am devoted to always finding the latest trends and making them more appealing to a mass clientele. I am currently working on achieving my Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Marketing. Interdisciplinary Studies allowed me to create a balance of Behavioral and Social Sciences with Communication to produce a better understanding of the Marketing world and even the world of fashion. This well-rounded set of knowledge and skills will allow me to get a complete understanding of what the magazine’s consumers are needing from the company’s product. To get a better understanding of my personal experiences and achievements I have enclosed my resume.
I would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with you to learn more about the various opportunities or hiring plans at Teen Vogue Magazine. I will do a follow up by telephone within two weeks to schedule an appointment. I will be glad to provide you with any additional information needed. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mercedes Beaudoin
Mercedes Beaudoin
4) The only advice I have for cover letters is that they should be direct (no extra ‘fluff’ writing, and they should be specifically addressed to a particular person and for a particular position you crave.
5) Go to http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/CoverLetterSamples.html This website allowed me to create the cover letter I have now.
-Mercedes Beaudoin
1. My resume would highlight, what the job pertains too. So that how I would highlight by showing classes that pertain to a job. I will explain what I did in those classes.
ReplyDelete2. Should every cover letter be the same? Should cover letters have something about the company?
3. My best cover letter was just giving a quick paragraph about my self and told them I was happy to apply with them. I got a response back so it must of worked.
4. How can my resume be unique? What makes employer look at resume? How long should my resume be?
5. What I think about resume are about your life. Its like selling a car, sell your self and you should get interviews.
Great points! A resume should highlight your abilities and strengths. A resume should also be to the point as much as possible and not drawn out, this is a great way to keep the readers attention and make the resume more appealing. Imagine that you were the potential employer, would the resume be appealing to you?
ReplyDelete* What are ways your resume can highlight your interdisciplinarity?
ReplyDeleteI think it can explain how your areas of focus can really compliment the job that you are applying for. It can state how you have more than one area of focus and how it makes you more well rounded.
* What are some questions about cover letters you've have?
I have never used a cover letter and I really have no idea what's even supposed to go into them and how long they're supposed to be.
* Share your best cover letter
Like I said I've never done a cover letter before. But I would try to highlight why I would be best for the company that I'm applying for.
* What are questions about resumes that you have and/or share some advice?
I have had a lot of help with the career services office with developing my resume, so my advice is to seek help and have someone review your resume.
* Share any resources you've found about cover letters and/or resumes.
Like I said above I used the career services office.
@Sammy Barakat : definitely agree with you about our resumes selling us. We have to make it where we stick out from the millions of other resumes that a job receives.
ReplyDelete@Mercedes Beaudoin : That's an awesome cover letter. Did you get the internship??
-Samantha Dullard
1. Some ways that a resume can highlight my interdisciplinarity is if I make sure to add all of the different skills I have learned from this program, not just the classes I have taken.
ReplyDelete2. I have created several resumes and cover letters for different classes. I cannot think of any particular questions I have at the moment.
3. One of my cover letters:
Dear Mrs. Raulerson,
Helping people is what makes me happy! Starting at a young age, my single mother relied on me a lot when it came to raising my two younger brothers. I grew to enjoy helping them with homework, brushing their teeth, and teaching them life lessons. All of the skills I have built, from then and along the way, will help me succeed in a fitness counselor position at Gainesville Heath and Fitness Center.
I hope to have an opportunity to meet you, and the other wonderful Gainesville Health and Fitness Center employees, to further explain how I can contribute to you wonderful facility.
Thank you so much for your time.
Amanda Barbato
4. My main concern/question is: how do we keep from making it seem cluttered, and not like we just through all of our qualifications out on the page.
5. Resume-now.com is a wonderful resource!
-There are many ways in which my resume highlights my interdisciplinarity, the education section will provide the exact major and areas of expertise as well as my minor. When I explain all of my experiences and qualifications it will certainly inform the reader about my multiple and integrated areas in which I am most proficient and will show that I am qualified for the job.
ReplyDelete-Questions about cover letters
Is it necessary to attach a cover letter when you are uploading your resume online?
If you attend to a job fair, are you still required to bring a cover letter? If yes, who should the letter be addressed to?
-Share best cover letter
I haven’t written a cover letter yet; however, I will apply all of the advice I receive from your posts on this blog in order to get an efficient letter.
-Share some advice
I heard before that is important to be straightforward on your resume, try to keep it substantial without being too long.
-Questions about resumes
I have this inquiry about my resume and it is about changing careers. I am a registered Pharmacy technician. I have a resume that targets that particular position; nevertheless, I would like to obtain a job other than being a pharmacy technician.
-Share any resources found about cover letters and/or resumes
http://www.fit.edu/career/resumes/cover_letter.php
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/681/01/
The only way I think about is mentioning my relevant courses (from both areas and Minor) and Diploma in IDS. Also I have some experience in working in several fields, so I hope that can be viewed as my IDS.
ReplyDeleteIs cover letter that important? I have heard that many employers do not look at it, but look at your resume, than they ask you everything at the interview? Is that true? I’ve heard that employer looks at resume and cover letter for about 30-40 seconds, thus when he/she reads narrative composed cover letter, most of the time is gone. Please help me to solve this puzzle whoever has experience.
As you can understand, fellow students, I have never written a single cover letter, I looked at the examples, but will be happy to see your best cover letters.
Concerning Resume, I wanted to ask: is this true that the most effective resume is not more than one page long? Also what do you think is this important to put one’s current job, even though it is not relevant to the position one applies? In my opinion the most important part of the resume is Skills portion.
I like this web-site. It has several different examples of resumes and cover letters , and teaches you how to present yourself in a best way you can:
http://www.e-bestresumes.com/resume_samples.htm
At this one you can find resumes categorized by fields, really helpful.
http://www.bestsampleresume.com/
@ Mercedes: I loved your cover letter. Really prompt and informative. I checked your web-site.It is Really informative and helpful. Did you get that internship position?
ReplyDelete@ Amanda: I think that you should not put all your qualifications in the resume, because it will become too long. You should choose the best ones and the most describing your superiority over other applicants.
ReplyDelete@Ivonne Morales @UCFSENIORGIRL @Sammy Barakat
ReplyDeleteI would like to comment first and post later. I hope I can offer a little insight to the cover letter. I have submitted and read cover letters in my 18 years in the business world. I don't believe that I have it all figured out, but might have some good ideas for someone.
To me, the cover letter is even more important than the resume. The resume is just a confirmation of qualifications and is the SECOND thing that is looked at by a potential employer.
A cover letter should always be submitted with a resume. You are trying to sell something....YOU! Sometimes, you will find a position that you really want but perhaps your qualifications (resume) aren't exactly what you think they are looking for. A good cover letter can bridge that gap. I always try to accomplish 3 things in a cover letter. Tell the person why you are the best person for the job. Don't tell them that you "think" you would be good for it, tell them that "I am the best person for this position" and give them a couple of short reasons why. Tell them anything that might set you apart from other candidates. This might be a personal experience that can be translated to the postion. The last thing I try to do is tell them why any "short comings" in your resume will not hinder your ability to perform the job better than anyone else. A resume can't convey this message, but a good cover letter can.
Keep it short and concise. People don't have the time nor the patience to decipher a long letter. Keep it short and to the point. A good cover letter will set you apart form other candidates and get you a face-to-face or at least a phone interview, and ultimately, that's what you want.
Confidence will never be seen as desperation...in fact it will create the exact opposite reaction from a potential employer.
I hope this helps a little bit.
Cheers!
Wayne Bannatyne
What are ways your resume can highlight your interdisciplinarity?
ReplyDeleteTo highlight my interdisciplinarity I will choose a functional resume where I can emphasize my skills and experiences. In the resume I can explain my different areas of study and how they relate to the position I am applying for.
What are some questions about cover letters you've have?
Why we need one? Are they very important? How log they should be?
Share your best cover letter
I haven’t write one but my letter will include an introduction of myself.
I will indicate a knowledge and interest in the particular employer and position.
I will explain briefly what I can offer to the company and I will request an interview.
What are questions about resumes that you have and/or share some advice?
I just learned about the different formats of resumes like chronological, functional, combination, and parts of a resume. How important are the action words like for example achieved, analyzed, budgeted etc…
The importance of writing a scannable resume and an electronic resume.
Share any resources you've found about cover letters and/or resumes.
Hanna, Sharon, Doug Radtke, and Rose Suggett. Career by design. Communicating your way to success. 4th. Upper Saddle River,New Jersey: Pearson, 2009. 131-182. Print.
What are ways your resume can highlight your interdisciplinarity?
ReplyDeleteMy resume would be able to tell my potential employers what I am capible of doing for them. They would be able to see what qualifications I have for the job I am interviewing for, and would tell them things that they may not have known that could could potentially get me my job easier.
What are some questions about cover letters you've have?
Mostly I just want to know what the content of the cover letter should be. All I will write in a cover letter is an introduction to me and what I can bring to a company.
Share your best cover letter
Hello Mrs. Pennyapple,
My name is Jace Thompson and I am a graduate from UCF with a degree in Interdisiplinary Studies with my focuses being Applied Mathmatics, Political Science, and Robotics. What I am able to bring to the table is the ability to design and build fully functioning Shananigans of any type either Electric or Mechanical that will be able to make you money. All I ask for is a steady Paycheck and some Dental Insurance. It would also be nice to have some vacation/sick time that I could be paid for during the year.
Thank You,
Jace Thompson
What are questions about resumes that you have and/or share some advice?
I don't exactly Have any questions about resumes. If I need to be able to make a resume, all I do is go on Google and type in "How to write a resume" and poof, there is my strategy guide to building a resume.
Share any resources you've found about cover letters and/or resumes.
Google.com is amazing for any questions that you may have on the subject.
Here are some key points for cover letters that I think are important and I hope they address the questions that have been asked so far.
ReplyDelete1. If you are uncomfortable talking about yourself in a cover letter, ask for help. There are so many resources out there (and a lot are free) to utilize. Asking someone who doesn't know you will be able to tell you how it "sounds" more effectively than a friend or family member.
2. Try to customize your cover letter to the company you are applying for. Keep a generic one that you can quickly access and then personalize it and put in specific names of the job/company.
3. If you are applying for a job online, you should do some sort of cover letter if there is a place for it. If there isn't a place to write one or upload it, make a cover letter and resume in one document so you can upload everything together.
4. I'm not too familiar with job fair protocol but I would suggest bringing a cover letter. If you talk with a company and they ask for your resume, I would ask them if they would like a cover letter as well. If you do your "homework" and know a specific company that will be at the fair and you want to work with that company, it helps to have a resume and cover letter with that company's information on it. That shows that you are serious about that company.
5. Since resumes have bullet point and brief facts, a cover letter helps explain some of those points and gives you a chance to explain why you are applying for the particular job. They should be short and concise like your resume, definitely all on one page, preferably 2-3 paragraphs.
Hope that clears up some cover letter questions. Thanks Wayne Bannatyne for all your insights too!
~Carmin
@ Amanda, I like that said that we should display are skills that is a good way of saying it.
ReplyDelete@ Wayne, thanks for the advice about the cover letter. I never knew it was that important. I will send one from now on.
ReplyDelete- I can highlight my interdisciplinarity in my resume by noting how my areas of study have been used in my previous positions and discuss how they can be used in the current position I am applying for. This can be done in my objective statement or in the cover letter.
ReplyDelete- Some questions I have about cover letters are, how long or short should it be? What information should I include or highlight?
- I have never used a cover letter. I have either completed an application or just submitted my resume without a cover letter.
- I would recommend that individuals should be sure that their resumes are not too wordy and that they should ALWAYS proofread! Also, highlight your qualities and demonstrate how they can be used in the position they are applying for.
- The only resource I have ever used to create a resume was the Microsoft resume format. However, individuals in our class did an outstanding job on their resumes and I took a few ideas.
@ Sammy, I like you analogy about selling a car. It is all about selling yourself; highlight your good qualities and why this job should be yours.
ReplyDelete@AGaas, it is important to list your current position regardless if it is relevant to the position you are applying for. Employers like to see that you have had work history. You need to should that you are versatile and that you have additional skills. Many jobs have a customer service component whether is working with customers or other employees and that is ALWAYS important.
@Wayne, I like your idea of bridging the gap using a cover letter. It is a great way to tell your potential employer why you should get the job when you aren’t necessarily quailified.
What are ways your resume can highlight your interdisciplinarity?
ReplyDeleteMy resume shows my interdisciplinarity by showing all of the different things that I have had to do in my career as well as the educational parts.
What are some questions about cover letters you've have?
I don't really have any questions. I am pretty confident in cover letter writing.
Share your best cover letter
Dear Mr. Smith,
Attached, please find my resume. I am interested in the sales rep position for the central Florida area. My resume will show that I am extremely qualified and I am confident that you will find that I am the right person for the position. Although I do not have the street experience of some other candidates, I bring a perspective that others don’t have which will serve me in way that will set me apart from others that may be considered for the job.
The best way to reach me is at 555.1212 or via email at wbannatyne@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you so that we can discuss the position further.
Best Regards,
Wayne Bannatyne
What are questions about resumes that you have and/or share some advice?
I shared a few thoughts in an earlier post.
Again...pretty comfortable with the resume thing.
Share any resources you've found about cover letters and/or resumes.
Like others, I have used the internet....however, real life advice is always a plus. I have consulted friends, family and co-workers for advice on resumes and cover letters.
@Carmin Leach
ReplyDeleteYour tips to writing a cover letter and resume are really great! I will take advantage of them and hopes everyone else does the same!
-Mercedes Beaudoin
@Wayne Bannatyne
ReplyDeleteYour extended experience with cover letters and resumes is fantastic. Your knowledge with these matters will benefit you tremendously! I can learn a lot from you.
-Mercedes Beaudoin
@Amanda Barbato. I like your cover letter because it provided personal details about your life while still being professional and direct with the message you wanted to convey, in that, you are capable of performing the job because of how experienced you are when caring for people.
ReplyDelete@AGaas. I never thought about that question before, if the cover letters are being read or not? I think that they might look at all the resumes, select a few of them and after that part they will read the cover letter to determine which candidate appeals to fit most of their needs.
ReplyDelete@ Carmin Leach. Thanks for all the information, I enjoy and learned when I read your post.
ReplyDeleteVeronica Alonso
@Wayne Bannatyne. You have a lot of experience, thank you for all the tips about cover letters, they are very helpful.
Veronica Alonso
@ Wayne Bannatyne. Thanks for the advice about the cover letter. I will definitely use those tips when applying for my next job for now also I will attach a cover letter along with my resume.
ReplyDelete1. How my resume can highlight IDS is by showing my vast variety of focuses. It will show that i focused on many different topics and am well rounded.
ReplyDelete2. Some questions about my cover letter are...
How long should a cover letter be?
What should i say?
How formal or informal should it be?
3. I have never written a cover letter. I have only sent my resume.
4. Do not put to much useless information. Make sure its clean and clear.
5. I would say just look at others and take what they did that you liked.
@Wayne
ReplyDeletei like what you said about real life experience in your resume
@Mercedes
ReplyDeletegreat cover letter!
@ Nikim: Thanks for your insight. I thought that as well, but always nice to hear the confirming thoughts from people around you.
ReplyDeleteMy resume highlights my interdisciplinarity, because I have held different positions at different companies, but they all have helped in building my skills for the next job.
ReplyDeleteSome questions I have about cover letters are: Are they really necessary? What information is the most important to include?
Some questions I have about resumes: What is the best format to use? Since I have been out of work for a while, is it best for me to list my education before my work history? It took me from Fall 2002- Summer 2010 (with a 3 year hiatus) to complete my AA, should I list my dates or simply that I have received an AA?
@UCFSENIORGIRL: I never even thought about using the Career Services Department. As students, we have a lot of opportunities at our finger tips, yet most of us aren’t aware of even half of them.
@Wayne Bannatyne: Thank you for your description of a cover letter and what is most important to include. I don’t have the best work history considering it took me until 2007 to “grow up”. So, after reading your post, I think a great cover letter will be very helpful in my job hunt.