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RESUME & COVER
LETTER WRITING
For more information:
Contact: Ciera Graham, Gray Wolf Hall, Room 118
cagraham@wsu.edu
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TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE RESUME
1. APPEARANCE IS IMPORTANT
Printer and Paper Selection: Print your resume on a laser or inkjet printer. Print resume
on good quality 8 ½ x 11 resume paper – white, buff, ivory, light tan, or light gray are
recommended colors. Type cover letters on matching paper and use matching business
envelopes.
Print on only ONE side of the paper, do not print double-sided
Consistency in style: Be consistent with tabs, margins, and indentations throughout
entire document.
Consistency in text: Avoid using dense text, which is difficult to read. Avoid writing
content in paragraph form, strive for brevity but specificity when discussing past
accomplishments. Keep in mind, most employers only give your resume a 30 second
initial glance, it needs to be easily readable. Always bold section headings and degree
titles.
White space: While some may believe white space is an attention grabber, you want to
avoid excessive white space in between and within sections on a resume. All information
within ONE section (e.g. EDUCATION) of a resume should be single spaced, between
two different sections, aim for 1.5.
Font: Your resume should have a maximum of two different font styles. Stick to
common fonts like Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial. Section headings should be at
least 2-3 font sizes larger than the rest of the text, everything else should be 12 point, and
no smaller than 10
Pages: The standard length for most resumes is one page, however, if you need use two
pages, make sure the entire second page is used.
2. AVOID SENDING OUT A GENERIC RESUME
Your resume should be tailored for every different type of job you are applying for.
Always review the job description and pay attention to the required and preferred
qualifications. If there are certain competencies and/or skills that are needed for specific
positions, make sure those are listed on your resume. Avoid listing skills and information
that are not related to the job.
Always think of your resume as a document in transition; you should constantly be
updating your resume as you gain new jobs and internships, and complete relevant class
projects.
3. USE ACTIONS WORDS WHEN DESCRIBING PAST DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
Actions words like “completed”, “conducted”, “implemented”, “managed” are always
good to use on a resume
Avoid using passive and generic phrases like “in charge of” or “responsible for” when
describing duties and responsibilities
See list of action words in packet for assistance (Page 4 )
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4. AVOID GENERIC PHRASES OR DESCRIPTIONS OF SKILLS AND
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Your resume shouldn’t simple be a run-down of your day to day responsibilities and
duties, you should aim to describe what you accomplished or created
Emphasize leadership potential, organizational ability, communication skills, ingenuity,
and teamwork.
Avoid the use of slang and trite expressions (e.g., “working with people” or “eager, hard-
working”) The phrases hardworking and good time management are of little value, be
more specific, such as “able to manage multiple competing demands.”
5. AVOID LISTING SENSITIVE OR POSSIBLY CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES ON YOUR
RESUME
Avoid hinting at your religious and political orientation, and do not mention salary
requirements or list past salary history (unless requested by employer)
In an informal survey of recruiters and career advisers, Rich Grant, President of the Maine College
Career Consortium, cited these mistakes most commonly made that eliminate students from
contention:
95% Lack of accomplishment statements
90% Lack of and/or poor placement of action verbs
80% Lack of competitive advantage differentiation
70% Irrelevant detail
60% Poor formatting
50% Meaningless phrases
40% Grammar or word issues
33% Typos
20% Use of over-used MS Word templates
10% Old school statements like “objective” or “references available on
request”
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ACTION WORDS IN YOUR RESUME
Use action words to start each action phrase. The list of verbs will guide you in writing your action phrases
under “experience” on your resume. Please note when creating action phrases for current positions to use
present tense and past tense for past positions.
Clerical/Detail Skills
Approved
Arranged
dispatched
collected
organized
Tabulated
Compiled
Specified
inspected
retrieved
purchased
Generated
Implemented
catalogued
processed
validated
operated
Processed
Prepared
prepared
documented
arranged
recorded
Systemized
Screened
screened
tabulated
generated
monitored
Corresponded
Communication skills
Addressed
Developed
Directed
Drafted
Contributed
Facilitated
Formulated
Influenced
Interpreted
Lectured
Empowered
Demonstrated
Negotiated
Persuaded
Promoted
Publicized
Motivated
Enhanced
Recruited
Spoke
Translated
Wrote
Counseled
Clarified
Arbitrated
Arranged
Authored
Advised
Assessed
Guided
Technical Skills
Assembled
Built
Calculated
Investigated
Computed
Converted
Drafted
Surveyed
Engineered
Expanded
Fabricated
Collected
Installed
Maintained
Operated
Evaluated
Overhauled
Programmed
Remodeled
Inspected
Creative Skills
Acted
Composed
Conceived
Conceptualized
Customized
Designed
Developed
Directed
Fashioned
Founded
Illustrated
Initiated
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Evaluated
Originated
Planned
Revitalized
Inspected
Financial Skills
Administered
Forecasted
Projected
Researched
Audited
Allocated
Analyzed
Consolidated
Computed
Balanced
Budgeted
Evaluated
Forecasted
Decreased
Developed
Reviewed
Planned
Managed
Marketed
Executed
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FORMAT FOR A CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
NAME
(Heading can be centered left or right aligned)
Street name, city/state, zip code, area code & phone number, professional email, website
CAREER OBJECTIVE:
State what specific position you’re applying for, and identify 3 relevant skills that directly relate to the position. When
attending career fairs, your objective can be more general, or you can choose not to have one. Only make an objective when
you know the specific job you’re applying for. Objective should be 1-2 sentences.
SAMPLE OBJECTIVE: Seeking a full/part – time, internship, co-op, etc.… in /as preferred position utilizing (specific
skills you have to offer the employing company). .
EDUCATION:
Degree title should be spelled out and in BOLD (i.e. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering)
All degrees are listed in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent degree should come first
If applicable, minor(s) can be listed underneath major degree, certifications can also be listed as well
GPA can be listed here, however, please indicate that it is on a 4.0 scale (e.g. 3.5/4.0). Only list GPA if it is a 3.0 or higher
If applicable, you can list relevant coursework that may be applicable to the position, you should only focus on major
courses, and no more than 5-6 classes listed
List study abroad programs/experience here, if applicable
DO NOT LIST HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
RELEVANT SKILLS:
For engineering students, it is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that you call this section TECHNICAL SKILLS, as these skills are
essential to making you more marketable, and need to be visible on your resume. You can list what relevant software,
programs, applications, computer and more general technical skills here.
Only list skills in which you are proficient and comfortable, however do not include phrases such as “familiar with” or
“understanding of”
You may add another skills section such as “language skills” “interpersonal skills” or other skills which are not computer or
technical related.
You can list skills in a two column bullet format
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Position Title Start Month Start Year----Start Month Start Year
Employer, City, State
This section can include part time, full time, internship, co-op, and work/study abroad opportunities
Use action words to convey your primary duties and responsibilities, skills learned and/or gained, and relevant
accomplishments
Be consistent in your tense usage, past positions should have past tense verbs, current positions should have present tense
verbs. Do not use the “ing” form of verbs for current positions.
All positions should be listed in reverse chronological order, most recent position first.
Be thorough in your descriptions, but do not provide excessive wording or long sentences
For crafting descriptions, ask yourself, what did you learn? How did you learn it? And what was the purpose?
Strive to have 3-5 bullet points per job/position
OTHER EXPERIENCE:
This section is formatted similar to “relevant work experience” however, this section is reserved for volunteer experience
or other experience that is not directly related. For instance, if you had a non-industry related job that shows your ability to
work as a team, you can list that here
PROFESSIONAL AFFILATION(S), HONORS, ACTIVITIES, MEMBERSHIPS
Position held, organization/membership award, city, state, and years involved or year obtained
You can list organizations you are a part of, both on and off campus
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Use a heading that defines content. You may combine them (ex: Honors & Activities or Affiliations & Memberships).
List all relevant information such as: name of honor, group, activity; institution or company; city, state; beginning and
ending year or years (months need not be present under this heading, but is highly encouraged)
Starting the line with a term describing your level of involvement (ex: recipient, member, vice president) is not
necessary but can be helpful
REFERENCES:
(“References Available upon Request” should no longer appear on the resume!). If requested by the employer,
references should appear on a separate sheet of paper
Choose professors, former employers/supervisors, advisors, or mentors as references, but please get their permission
before using them as a reference
The reference sheet should include: name of person, title, address, phone (including area code), email (if relevant),
relationship to the applicant (e.g. professor, supervisor etc.). Print this out on matching resume paper and take it with
you to all interviews.
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Sample Entry Level Engineering Resume
Suggested format for all Engineering students
Mark Hoang
9999 Mill Street. Apt. 8C
Everett, WA 98201
425-762-4978
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE: To obtain an entry level position within the renewable engineering sector utilizing knowledge and
experience in industry-standard circuit design, electrical engineering theory, and testing tools and photovoltaic
systems
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering May 2014
Washington State University, Everett, WA
G.P.A: 3.8/4.0
Associate of Science, Pre Engineering June 2011
North Seattle Community College, Seattle, WA
G.P.A: 3.5/4.0
RELEVANT COURSEWORK:
Electronic Devices, Random Signals and Noise, Polymer Electronics, and Digital Sign Processing
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Electronic Workbench, PSPICE (or CAD), Micro-Cap, Matlab, Spectrum Analyzer, AutoCAD, C, C ++,
Spectrum Analyzer, Micro Station, Frame Maker
TECHNICAL PROJECTS:
Senior Project: January 2014-April 2014
• Built a transmitter and receiver for an audio signal
• Utilized direct sequence spread spectrum system and modulated data signal using BPSK (Binary Phase Shift
Keying)
• Demodulated signal using 2 parallel integrators to get more reliable data at the receiver
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Electrical Engineering Intern January 2013-March 2014
ABC Company, Everett, WA
Worked under senior electrical engineers to design PV systems that converted sunlight into electricity
Equipped selected PV systems with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capability, allowing customers to
operate selected circuits for hours (or even days) during a utility power outage
Assisted in a distributed system voltage performance analysis for high-level penetration photovoltaics,
contributing to research study that will be used to optimize future PV systems
Wrote content for company blog to educate the public on the advantages of solar electric power
Mathematics Computer Laboratory Assistant February 2009-March 2011
Everett Community College, Everett, WA
Installed and updated operating system and software programs
Helped students learn and acquire the skills to use software programs such as: Maple, Differential System, Data
Desk, Microsoft Office, Omni Page, and Vista Scan
INVOLVEMENTS/AFFLITATIONS
Member, Math Engineering Science Achievement Program 2011-2014
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Sample HBM Resume
Suggested format for HBM, Communication and Liberal Arts students
Cassandra Holland
2523 Rucker Ave. Apt. 867
Everett, WA 98201
425-446-5467
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE: To obtain a food and beverage position utilizing communication, organizational and administrative
skills.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts, Hospitality Business Management May 2014
Washington State University, Everett, WA
G.P.A: 3.4/4.0
Associate of Arts May 2012
Everett Community College, Everett, WA
G.P.A. 3.6/4.0
RELEVANT COURSEWORK:
Food Service Systems and Control, Hospitality Leadership & Organizational Behavior, Operational Analysis, and
Service Operations Management.
RELEVANT SKILLS:
Able to handle multiple competing demands and successfully complete projects
Able to delegate responsibilities, and provide exceptional leadership
Superior proficiency in food preparation and presentation standards
Adept at handling difficult patrons and utilizing problem solving skills to develop effective solutions
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Food and Beverage Intern March 2013-March 2014
Hampton Inn, Everett, WA
Acquired knowledge of menu, and all equipment---crockery, glassware and cutlery, used in restaurant
Manage customer order and requests successfully in a fast passed environment
Worked with a team of eight to plan special events and services
Communicated with guest about service quality to ensure satisfaction with food and service, and respond to
complaints.
Lead Server
Red Robin, Seattle, WA
Understand and communicate menu items and services available at the restaurant to diverse patrons
Trained new servers on company policies and procedures to ensure compliance
Improve the patron experience by informing customers of food preparation details
Prepared and updated daily server work schedules to enhance efficiency
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CREATING A CAREER OBJECTIVE
The following statements of objectives are intended to serve only as guides. You should prepare your own
objectives, recognizing that an interviewer may ask for an explanation or clarification. Statements should be 12-24
words in length
ADVERTISING: Seeking an entry-level position in the media department of a large advertising agency using
analytical skills to determine and plan effective space utilization.
BROADCASTING: Seeking an entry level broadcasting position utilizing experience in copy editing and writing
news releases.
PUBLIC RELATIONS: Seeking an entry-level position on a public relations staff of a growing public utility
company utilizing interests in photography, copywriting, and preparing press releases.
NEWSPAPER REPORTING: Seeking a position with a daily newspaper using interviewing, writing, and
photography skills.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: Seeking a technical assignment in vibration study and stress analysis, utilizing
problem solving, creativity, and mathematical abilities.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: Seeking an initial placement in Electronic Design involved with research,
development, testing and evaluation.
HOSPITALITY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: Seeking a position in the food and beverage industry utilizing
customer service, organizational and administrative skills.
RETAIL MANAGEMENT: Seeking an entry-level position in Merchandise Management with an established retail
firm utilizing problem solving and effective interpersonal skills.
CAREER OBJECTIVE DO’S AND DON’TS
Don’t add a “filler” to your career objective or state the obvious (like saying you want a challenging
position to what?)
Do be specific about the particular skills you will be applying
Do be precise, and succinct in writing your objective
Do highlight as least 3-4 relevant skills in your career objective
Don’t use personal pronouns (i.e. I, me, my) in your career objective
Don’t write a paragraph long career objective
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FORMAT FOR COVER LETTER
Your present address City, State, Zip Code
Date
Mr. Ms._______, Title Name of Company Street Address City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr. /Ms. _________:
If you can’t find the specific hiring personnel, address letter to “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Avoid saying to “whom it may concern.”
Paragraph #1: Statement of Interest
Express your employment interest by expressing the specific position you are interested in (should match position
listed on resume), and mention how you heard about the opening (newspaper, website, professor, etc.…). Express
your motivation/appeal for applying for this position at this specific company (reputation, location, expanding,
etc.…). Generate reader interest by mentioning knowledge you have gained through your research about the
company. If you have a personal contact within the company, include it in this introductory paragraph.
Paragraph #2: Background Summary & Articulation of Skills
Provide a synopsis of your relevant education and experience. Do not simply list what is covered in your resume,
but highlight specific skill sets and how they tie in with your personal and professional strengths. In this paragraph,
incorporate statements addressing the value you can bring to the hiring organization through your related
experiences. Provide specific qualifications, experiences, or achievements you have that will be pertinent to the
position. Focus on the real needs of the employer as you explain why you are qualified for this position.
Demonstrate what makes you such a valuable candidate for this position over other applicants.
Paragraph #3: Transferable Skills & Value-Selling
Mention any transferable skills that you have obtained from previous experiences that may be applicable to this
position (ex: time management, creativity, teamwork, interpersonal skills, etc.…). You can use this opportunity to
highlight these skills which you have acquired from any previous jobs, extracurricular activities, or community
activities that you feel will emphasize leadership positions or other personal attributes that you have to offer the
prospective employer. This allows you to stand out from other applicants.
Paragraph #4: Statement of Appreciation & Contact Information
Express your interest in an interview and be sure to mention that your resume is attached. Take the initiative to
indicate to the employer that you will follow up with them and include a specific time frame (within two weeks is
standard) or exact date that you will follow up with them. Indicate the method by which you will contact the
employer (phone is preferred, email is acceptable if necessary) to ensure that your resume was indeed received,
determine interest, and, if appropriate, arrange for an interview. Close the letter with a simple statement of
appreciation for the employer’s time in reviewing and considering your credentials.
Sincerely,
(Handwritten signature)
Typed signature
• Depending on the amount of experience you have, your cover letter may only be 3 paragraphs – which is
acceptable!
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• Under most circumstances, a resume should be accompanied by a cover letter.
• Keep your cover letter precise and to the point (should be 1 page only).
• Be sure your cover letter is well-written; this will be a sample of your writing abilities and your first impression on
the employer.
• Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you. • Prepare each cover letter
individually, with the information targeted to that specific position at that specific company.
• Also keep in mind the question “What makes me a qualified applicant?” when considering what information to
include. • Remember, the cover letter is intended to highlight the resume, not restate it!