Some tips from Career Services!
Why is a Resume important?
It is, in most cases, your first contact with a prospective employer. Unless you are handing the resume in person to an employer, it is the only means that employer has to assess your fitness for a position. Without that personal contact, such as at a job fair, the resume is your "first impression" and perhaps your only chance to impress.
It is, in most cases, your first contact with a prospective employer. Unless you are handing the resume in person to an employer, it is the only means that employer has to assess your fitness for a position. Without that personal contact, such as at a job fair, the resume is your "first impression" and perhaps your only chance to impress.
Therefore, your resume needs to be concise and easy-to-read with a format that allows employers to pick up on your Accomplishments, Background and Capabilities (ABCs) and want to interview you for their positions. The Career Services website at www.hbg.psu.edu/careers has instructions and numerous student resume samples under the link of "Employment documents". Check these out to see how your fellow students have showcased their abilities and get ideas for your own.
Is a Cover Letter important?
In a word, YES. Unless you are meeting an employer face to face at a job fair, where you have a chance to further introduce and explain your goals, etc., you should always send a cover letter with your resume. The cover letter should be in a professional, business letter format, clearly explaining why you are writing, what makes you an excellent candidate for their position, and how they can contact you or that you will followup. Again, see our web pages for examples of the cover letter.
In a word, YES. Unless you are meeting an employer face to face at a job fair, where you have a chance to further introduce and explain your goals, etc., you should always send a cover letter with your resume. The cover letter should be in a professional, business letter format, clearly explaining why you are writing, what makes you an excellent candidate for their position, and how they can contact you or that you will followup. Again, see our web pages for examples of the cover letter.
What about a Thank you letter?
ABSOLUTELY. A brief thank you letter should be sent to any employer who interviews you, or whom you meet at a fair. This extra step, showing an awareness of business etiquette (and just general good manners) can go a long way to helping you make a good impression on anyone who has helped you in your job search.
ABSOLUTELY. A brief thank you letter should be sent to any employer who interviews you, or whom you meet at a fair. This extra step, showing an awareness of business etiquette (and just general good manners) can go a long way to helping you make a good impression on anyone who has helped you in your job search.
For more information please visit the Career Services blog at the link here.
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