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WayneStateUniversity•MikeIlitchSchoolofBusiness•CareerPlanningandPlacementOffice5229CassAvenue•240RandsHouse•Detroit,MI48202•313-577-4781•[email protected]
TipsforwritingprofessionaljobsearchdocumentsInmostjobsearches,howyoulookonpaperdetermineswhetheryou’llbeofferedaninterview.Yourrésumé,coverletter,referencesandthankyounotesareessentialtoolstogetyoutothecareeryouwant.Thisbookletprovidesusefulinformationandsamplesofprofessionaldocumentsthatcangiveyouanedgewhenapplyingforjobs.
CoverlettersRésumés
CurriculumvitaeReferences
Thankyounotes
“Domorethanisrequired.Whatisthedifferencebetweensomeonewhoachievestheirgoalsconsistentlyandthosewhospendtheirlivesandcareersmerely
following?Theextramile.”—GaryRyanBlair
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CoverlettersWhilemanycompaniesandjobpostingsdonotrequireacoverletterintheapplicationprocess,itishighlyrecommendedthatyoualwayssubmitaprofessional,polished,relevantcoverletterwithyourrésumé.Createonenowtohaveatthereadywhenyoufindajobposting.Whatisacoverletter?Acoverletterintroducesyoutoaprospectiveemployeranddirectlyrelatesyourqualificationstothespecificpositionyou’reapplyingfor.Acoverletteristheperfectplaceto:
• Weavetogetheryourexperienceswiththepositionqualifications• Makeitobvioustotherecruiterwhyyouareahighlyqualifiedcandidate• Enticethehiringmanagertoreadyourrésumé
Acoverletternotonlyoffersyoutheopportunitytolinkyouruniquesetoftalents,experiencesandinterests,italsoservesasyourformalintroductiontosomeonewhocouldinfluenceyourjobsearch.Additionally,acoverlettersetsthestageforthedetailsandexperiencescapturedinyourrésumé.Varioususesofacoverletter
• Tointroduceyourselfo Whenyouarecontactinganorganizationto
seeiftheyhaveanyopportunitiesavailableo Whenyouareemailingyourrésumétoa
contactandneedsomethingforthebodyoftheemail
• Toapplyforaspecificpositiono Whenyouareapplyingtoaspecificjobpostingandwanttohighlightyourkey
qualificationsthatrelatetothejobbydescribingyourrelevantexperiences,skillsandeducation
• Tonetworko Toincorporateyourfriends,family,colleagues,etc.inyourjobsearchprocess,
youmaysendabusinessletteroremailtointroduceyourself,highlightyourrésumé,andoutlineyourcareerinterests,keyskills,experiencesandqualificationsastheyrelatetothecareerpathyouareseeking
Whendeterminingwhattowriteinacoverletter,askyourself:
WhoamIsendingmyrésumétoandwhy?WhatwouldIlikethepotentialemployertoknowaboutmethatprovesIamtheperfectcandidateforthisopportunity?
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Whyprepareacoverletterinadvance?
• It’spractical:Ifyouhaveapreparedcoverletter,whenoneisrequestedyouarenotscramblinglastminutetoputittogether.Althoughyou’llneedtocustomizeyourpreparedlettertoaddressthedetailsofeachjobposting,havingtheframeworksetwillgiveyouagreatadvantageandtakethepressureoffwhenit’stimetoapply.
• It’ssavvy:Awellcraftedcoverletter,evenwhennotrequired,servesasanenticing
introductiontoyourrésumé.Italsogivesyouanadvantageoverothercandidateswhodidnottakethetimetowriteapolishedcoverletter.
WhenshouldIsendacoverletter?Youmustsendacoverletterwithajobapplicationwheneveroneisrequested,andwerecommendsendingoneeverytimeyouapplytoaposition.Ifyou’resendingyourrésumédigitally,youmayuseyourcoverletterasthebodyoftheemail.Coverlettercontent
• Abriefintroductionthatreferencesthepositionyouareinterestedinandhowyoufoundit,aswellasthecontactwhoreferredyou(ifapplicable)
• Whyyouareinterestedinthecompanyand/orposition
• Whyyouarequalifiedfortheposition,or,ifyouarenotusingtheletterforaspecificposition,summarizeyourexperiencesandaccomplishments
o Bedetailedanddescribeyourkeyexperiencesandqualitiesthatdirectlyrelatetothequalificationslistedinthejobposting
o Highlightthreetofiveofyourrelevantprofessionalaccomplishmentsanddirectlyrelatethemtothejobdescriptionand/orcompany
• Thankthereaderfortheirtimeandconsideration,andincludeyouremailandphone
number
TIP:Itisessentialtocustomizeortailoryourcoverlettertothespecificjobpostingandorganizationtowhichyouaresendingyourcoverletterandrésumé.
Essentialquestionsyourcoverlettershouldanswer
Paragraphone:IntroductionWhoareyouandwhyareyouwriting?
Paragraphtwo:HighlightyourqualificationsHowhasyoureducation,previousemployment,orotherexperiencespreparedyoufortheposition?
Paragraphthree:ConnecttothecompanyWhyisthiscompanyorjobagoodfitforyou?
Paragraphfour:ClosingstatementHowinterestedareyouandwherecanyoubereachedforaninterview?
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Keycoverlettertips
• Takethetimetothoroughlyreviewthecompany’swebsitetodetermineitsvaluesandidentity,andincludeyouraccomplishments,philosophiesandskillsthatalignwiththecompany’smission.
• Donotrepeatword-for-wordwhatisonyourrésumé,butciteanoteworthyachievementthatenticesthereadertowanttolearnmoreaboutyou.
• Keepyourletterbrief—nomorethanonepage—andinaprofessionalformat.Thelongertheletter,thelesslikelyitwillberead.
• Typeallcorrespondence,butsigntheletterifyouaresendingahardcopy.
• Proofread,proofreadandproofread!Havesomeoneelseproofreadyourletter,andthenproofreaditagain.
• Yourcoverletterandrésuméshouldbeinthesamestyle,fontandpaper.
• Ensureyouremailaddressandvoicemailgreetingareprofessionalandappropriate.
• Ifyouknowthenameofthepersonyousentyourcoverletterandrésuméto,followupwiththemdirectlyinoneweek.
WARNING:Justasagoodcoverlettercanincreaseinterestinyourrésumé,apoorlywrittenonecanleadthehiringmanager,recruiterorhumanresourcesstafftoskipyourrésuméanddiscountyouasacandidatealtogether.
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Coverlettertemplate
YournameYouraddressYourcity,stateandZipcode
Date
Contactperson’snameContactperson’stitleCompanynameCompanyaddressCompanycity,stateandZipcode
DearMr./Ms.__________:
Introduction:Explainwhyyouarewritingtheletter.Stateyourintentionclearly.Includethereasonyouarecontactingtheperson,orincludethetitleofthepositiontowhichyouareapplyingandhowyoulearnedabouttheopening(includethenameofthesourcewhereyousawtheposting).Ifanetworkingcontactreferredyoutotheorganization,mentiontheperson’snameandexplainyourconnection.NOTE:Youdonotneedtostartwith,“Mynameis…”asyournameisincludedatthebottomoftheletter.
Body:Describeyourexperiencesandqualifications.Adaptyourcoverlettertothespecificjobandcompanyororganization.Emphasizerelevantachievements,skillsandexperiences.Conveytotheprospectiveemployerwhyyouareasolidcandidatefortheposition,demonstrateyourunderstandingofthebusiness,andexplainwhyyouwillbeanasset.Ensurethatallexperiencesandskillsyoumentionarereflectedinyourrésumé.
Closing:Thefinalparagraphshouldthankthecontactforconsideringyoufortheposition.Besuretoincludehowandwhenyoumaybecontacted.Alwaysincludeyouremailaddressandtelephonenumber.
Sincerely,
{Yoursignature}
YourNameTyped
Ifsendingyourcoverletterasthebodyofanemail(withrésuméattached),youdonotneedtoincludethedateorfullcompanyaddressinformation.However,youshouldstillincludeyourcontactinformationatthebottomoftheemailbelowyourname.
TIP:Whenyoudonothaveacompanycontactname,includeamoregenerictitlethatreferencesthecompany(e.g.QuickenLoansrepresentative)orTowhomitmayconcern.
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Sample#1:Jobdescriptionandappropriatecoverletter
Jobdescription:
AuditStaffAccountantWesternFinancialAdvisors
AsanAuditStaffAccountantwithWesternFinancialAdvisors,youwillworkonvariousassignedsegmentsofengagements,insomeinstancesassumingsubstantialresponsibility(undersupervision)forsmallaccountingengagementsinvolvingcompiledorreviewedfinancialstatementsandtaxreturns.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Musthaveabachelor’sdegree,MBAinaccountingorfinancepreferred• Idealcandidatesshouldhaveatleastthreeyearsofsolid,relevantworkexperience
REQUIREDSKILLS:
• Possessstrongunderstandingofauditingprinciples,financialstatements,andanalyticalandproblemsolvingskills
• Demonstrateasolidgraspofbusinessconcepts,realisticjudgment,andquantitativeandcriticalthinkingskills
• Stronginterpersonalskillsandabilitytointeractwithuppermanagement• Abilitytoplan,organize,andprioritizemultipletaskswithinadefinedtimeperiod
Thisexcellentopportunityincludesahighlyprofessionalworkingenvironment,aswellasacompetitivesalarybasedonexperienceandaperformancebonus.Thispositionalsoincludesfringebenefitsincludingpaidhealthcare.Inaddition,asanindependentmemberoftheBDOSeidmanLLPAlliance,WesternFinancialAdvisorsoffersadditionaltrainingprogramsandworkexperience.
Coverletteremailsample:
SUBJECT:AuditStaffAccountantPosition
DearWesternFinancialAdvisorsRepresentative:
IamattachingmyrésuméforyourconsiderationfortheAuditStaffAccountantpositionpostedontheWayneStateUniversityMikeIlitchSchoolofBusinesswaynebizcareers.comsite.I
Intheintro,referencethejobpostingbytitle,postingnumberifprovidedandwhereyoufoundit.
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recentlyearnedmyMBAfromWayneStatewithaconcentrationinaccountingandfinance,andIamveryinterestedinfurtherdevelopingmycareerinauditing.Inadditiontomyrelevantdegrees,mybackgroundandexperienceinaccountingandcorporatefinancedirectlyrelatetoWesternFinancialAdvisors’auditneeds.
IhaveapproximatelyfouryearsofaccountingexperienceworkingasacollateralauditorwithSmith&Adamsaccountingfirmpriortograduateschool.InthispositionIwasresponsibleforfollowinguponoutstandingauditissuesandpreparingauditprograms.Iamconfidentthattheexperiencegainedworkinginaudithashelpedmedevelopastrongunderstandingofaccountingprinciples,aswellasthestrongverbalandwrittencommunicationskillsrequiredfortheposition.
Furthermore,IamcurrentlyemployedatABCCorporationwhereIworkinthecorporatefinancedepartment.Beginningasaninternsixmonthsago,Ihavebeenresponsibleforvariousprojectsassignedbyuppermanagement.InmyshorttimehereIhavehadtheopportunitytoprovidecostanalysisreportsforspecificprojectsandpresentedaplannedbudgettothebudgetcommitteefortheupcomingfiscalyear.Allofmyreportswerecompletedandsubmittedaheadoftheprojecteddeadlines.Additionally,Iassistedincontractagreementsfornewofficeequipmentthatcostinexcessof$3million.
Myrésuméisattachedtoprovideyouwithspecificdetailsonmybackgroundandqualifications.IwouldappreciatetheopportunitytointerviewfortheAuditStaffAccountantpositionasIamcertainthataface-to-facemeetingwouldmorefullyrevealmypositiveattitudeandabilitytomeetyourexpectations.Pleasecontactmeviaemailatbizcareers@wayne.eduorviaphoneat313-577-4781.
Thankyouforyourtimeandconsideration.Ilookforwardtomeetingyou.
Sincerely,
JohnDoe
Attachment:Résumé
Inthebody,begintooutlineyourqualificationsandexperiencesthatdirectlyrelatetothepositiontowhichyouareapplying.Ensureyouaregivingsolidexamplesthatdemonstratehowyouarequalifiedforthejob.
Intheclosing,provideyourcontactinformation,bothemailandphone.
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Sample#2:Coverlettertodirectcontact
JaneDoe 5201CassAvenueDetroit,[email protected],2016Mr.MarkAndersNorthwestFinancialAdvisors2150CommercialParkway,Suite4BSeattle,WA98249DearMr.Anders:
Thankyouforspeakingwithmethismorningaboutyourcurrentopeningforacompliancespecialist.Asyousuggested,Iamsendingalongmyrésumétogiveyouadditionalinformationpriortoourmeetingnextweek.Itexpandsonthesequalificationsthatareessentialforsuccessasacompliancespecialist:
• Nineyearsofexperienceinbankingandfinancialservices,includingparticipationinauditproceduresandin-depthinvolvementwiththefullrangeofcomplianceissues
• Historyofinitiativeandleadershipinidentifyingandreducingcompliancerisks
• Strongskillsintracking,monitoring,documentingandreporting
• Abilitytomanagemultipledetailedprojectssimultaneously
Ilookforwardtoourmeetingat9:30a.m.onWednesdayandlearningmoreaboutthisexcitingopportunitywithyourcompany.
Sincerely,{Signature}JaneDoeEnclosure:Résumé
Thewordinginthisexampleisappropriateforwhenyouhaveameetingorinterviewalreadyarranged.withadirectcontact.
Abulletedformatmaybeusedinanytypeofcoverletter.Inordertobeeffective,thebulletpointsmusthighlightspecificallyhowyouarequalifiedforthepositionbydirectlyrelatingyourskillstothejobduties.
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Sample#3:Introductorycoverletter
ErickaCareer 1111WestWayneDriveCity,[email protected],2016Mr.ThomasElderDirectorofMarketingSabatinoSpecialtiesInc.259VineStreetCincinnati,OH45202DearMr.Elder:RachelKoehler(currentpresidentoftheCincinnatiChapteroftheAmericanMarketingAssociation)suggestedthatIcontactyouaboutmarketingopportunitiesthatyoumayknowofinyourroleaschairmanoftheCincinnatiIncubatormarketingboard.IamacurrentbusinessstudentandaminterestedinrelocatingtotheCincinnatiareathissummerforaninternshipopportunity.Iameagertofindayoungtechnologycompanythatneedsanewmarketingprofessionaltoassistinintroducinginnovationstovariousbusinessmarkets,andSabatinoSpecialtiesInc.isexactlythetypeofcompanythatinterestsme.Mybackgroundandinterestsareagoodfitforanemerginghigh-techcompany.SinceworkingtowardmyBachelorofBusinessAdministrationdegree,Ihavegainedexperienceinmarketresearchandinteractingwithcustomersorpotentialclients.Asmyrésuméhighlights,Iunderstandhowtopositionandpresentnewmarketingconceptstobusinessaudiences,suchasemphasizingbusinessbenefitsandaddressingtargetcustomerneedsandconcerns.Iwillcallyouearlynextweektofollowup.Iappreciateanyideas,referralsorassistanceyoucanoffer.Sincerely,{Signature}ErickaCareerEnclosure:Résumé
Thiscoverletterexampleiseffectivewhenyouarewritingtoanewcontactandwhenyouhaveaninterestinacompany,butthereisn’taspecificjobavailable.Notehowthewriterdescribeshersincereinteresttothisspecificcompanyandrelateshercourseworkexperiencesandknowledgewithwhatsheishopingtodoinaninternship.
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Sample#4:GeneralinquirycoverletterJohnSmith12345WestStreetNameCity,MI48202Home:313-577-4781Cell:[email protected],2016HumanResourcesXPDStores1234StreetTroy,MI48084Dearsirormadam:IamacurrentstudentattheWayneStateUniversityMikeIlitchSchoolofBusiness,andIaminterestedinobtainingasummerinternshipwithXPDStores.Iamahard-workingandenergeticpeople-personwhoiseagertocontributemyeducationandskillstoasuccessfulretailorganizationlikeyours.ThroughoutmyacademicexperienceatWayneState,Ihaveworkedfull-time,mostrecentlyinaretailenvironment.CurrentlyatJCPenney,Iwaspromotedtoasupervisorypositionafterconsistentlyexceedingmysalesgoals.Ileadateamofsalesemployeesandoverseemerchandisingforonedepartment;consequently,Ihavegreatlydevelopedmyleadershipandsalesskills.Moreover,asacurrentstudentpursuingamanagementdegree,Ihavegainedastrongunderstandingofbusinessprinciples,andinonecourseprojectIcreatedamerchandisingsystemforastart-upretailfacility.Thisprojectprovidedinsightintoincorporatingtechnologyintoaretailsalesenvironment,anissuewhichmanyretailbusinessesencounter.Combinedwithmysincereinterestintheretailindustry,myacademicandrelevantworkexperiencesmakemeastrongcandidateforasummerinternshipwithXPDStores.Pleasecontactmeviaemailatbizcareers@wayne.eduorviaphoneat313-555-0000.ThankyouforyourconsiderationandIlookforwardtohearingfromyou.Sincerely,{Signature}JohnSmithEnclosure:Résumé
Thisletterdirectlystatestheperson’sinterestsanddescribeswhatrelevantexperiencesandskillstheyhavethatdemonstratetheirqualificationsfortheinternshipopportunity.
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RésumésArésuméisanessentialjobsearchtool.Itisapolishedandprofessionaldocumentthatrepresentsyou.Astheprimaryinterfacebetweenyouandhundredsofpotentialemployers,yourrésuméshouldbeenticing,flawlessandeasilyreadableinabout20seconds.
Trueorfalse?Thepurposeofarésuméistogetajob.False!Thepurposeofarésuméistooutlineyourskillsandqualificationsastheyrelatetothepositiontowhichyouareapplying.Thegoalofarésuméistoobtainaninterview.Acommonmisconceptionisthatarésuméisusedtogetajob,buttherealityisthatarésuméonlygetsyouthroughthefirstcandidatescreeningsothatyoumaybeselectedforaninterview.Therefore,yourrésuméshould:
• provideabriefoverviewofyourverybestacademicandrelevantprofessionalachievements,contributionsandskills
• givejustenoughdetailstoenticethereadertowanttoknowmoreaboutyou,whichwillpromptthemtocontactyouandinviteyouforaninterview.
REMEMBER:Thepurposeofarésuméistohighlightyourqualifications;thegoaloftherésuméistogetaninterview.
Believeitornot…
Theaverageemployerwillspendapproximately15secondsreadingyourrésumé.
Fiftypercentofallrésumésnevergetread…EVER.
Noonesingleitemgetsyouselected—thewholepackageiskey.
Evenifyouarehighlyqualified,ifyourrésuméispoorlywrittenyou’llnevergetselected.
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Résuméwriting:Whattoinclude♦Aclearandspecificobjectiveand/orprofessionalsummaryAnobjectiveisessentiallyyourgoalstatementthathelpsclearlyfocusyourrésuméonexactlywhatyouwanttodo.Yourrésumécontentshouldrelatetoyourobjective.Forexample,ifyourobjectivestatesthatyouwantafull-timepositioninmarketing,thenyourrésumécontentshouldoutlineyourskills,knowledgeandexperiencesthatdemonstrateyouarequalifiedforafull-timepositioninmarketing.Sampleobjectives:
• Toobtainanentry-levelpositioninthefieldofinformationsystemsspecializinginsystemsdevelopment
• Seekingamarketinginternshipforwintersemester2017• ToobtaintheAssuranceInternshipwithErnst&Young
Aprofessionalsummaryisashortdescriptionofyourprofessionalskills,knowledgeandexperiencethatdirectlyrelatetotheposition.Aprofessionalsummaryisbestusedbythosewithsomeprofessionalexperience.Themosteffectiveprofessionalsummariesincludeshort,actionstatementsthatquicklyidentifyyourrelevantkeyareasofexpertiseandaccomplishments.Sampleprofessionalsummaries:
• Performance-drivenmanagereagertoobtainachallengingpositioninfinance.Possessknowledgeoffinancialandeconomicoperations,combinedwithexceptionalskillsinplanningandmanagingprojectswithinbudgetandtimeconstraints.Demonstratedexperienceinbudgeting,costcontrollingandprovidingeffectivebusinesssolutionsinacreativeandanalyticalapproachwhilesurpassingproductivityandperformanceobjectives.
• Energeticsalesandfinancialservicesprofessionalexperiencedinmanagingcorporatefinance,sales,andbusinessoperations.Successfullydevelopedandmaintainedclientrelationshipsresultinginrespectedbusinessreputationandincreasedsale.
♦Education,skillsandpastemploymentpertinenttothepositiontowhichyouareapplyingThekeywordsareunderlined:Yourrésumémustrelatedirectlytothejobdescription.Effectiverésumésidentifytheaspectsofyourbackground,skillsandexperiencethatrelatetowhattheemployerislookingfor.Clearlydescribewhatyoucanofferandhowyou’requalifiedfortheposition.♦Focusedrésumécontentandexperiencedescriptionsthatconciselyoutlineyourkeycontributions,successes,accomplishmentsandhowyou“gotresults”
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Ifyouonlylistyourresponsibilities,youarenottellingemployersanythingaboutthescope,qualityoreffectivenessofyourwork.It’snotenoughtojustsaywhatyoudid.Didyoudoitwell?Proveit!Howdidyoucontribute?Whatwastheimpactofyourwork?Includequalifierswhenpossible.Sampleresults-basedexperiencedescriptions:
• Chosenbymanagerasmostefficientamong12servers;selectedtocatertolargestsectionofdiningtables,servingapproximately100customerspernight
• Supervisedoperationof80employees,encouragingcooperationandefficiency;implementedteambuildingprojectsandsustained90%employeeretention
♦Actionverbsinfirstperson(e.g.,manageormanaged,notmanages)Starteachsentencewithadescriptiveactionverbsuchasestablished,managed,organized,etc.Theverbtense(pastorpresent)shouldbeappropriateforwhentheexperienceoccurred.Alwaysusetheactivevoice.Sampleactionstatements:
• Coordinatedrelationshipswithotherdepartments,whichhelpedstandardizeproceduresacrossalloperatinggroups
• Analyzedmortgagefinancingoptions,insurancedocumentsandclosingstatements;recognizedastopperformerinspottingandcorrectingerrorsthatwouldholdupprocessingofdocuments
♦Locations(city,state)anddates(monthandyear)inallsections,includingeducation,workexperience,activities,honorsreceived,etc.Experiencedescriptions:FromblandtoeffectiveBland EffectiveWorkedwithbusinessestocarryoutUnitedWayfundraisinggoals
Partneredwithmorethan20areabusinessestoraise$15,000forUnitedWay,exceedingthegoalby23%
Helpedaccountantswithvariouspublicaccountingprojects
Assistedaccountantswithauditing$55,000inaccountreceivablesforcompany’slargestclient
Developedmarketingplanstopromoteconcertseriesoncampus
Developedfullyintegratedmarketingcampaigndistributedto10,000students,resultingin12%increaseinconcertattendance
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ActionverbsFollowingisalistofactionverbsthatmaybeusedtodescribeyourachievements,contributionsandresponsibilitiesinyourcoverletter,résuméorCV.Whenusingtheseverbs,remembertousetheappropriatetense.
Abstract Award Cooperate Enhance Improve Modify Purchase SponsorAccelerate Balance Coordinate Ensure Incorporate Monitor Realign Standardize
Accept Budget Counsel Establish Increase Motivate Receive StimulateAccomplish Calculate Count Estimate Influence Navigate Recognize StreamlineAchieve Capture Create Evaluate Inform Negotiate Recommend StrengthenAcquire Centralize Critique Examine Initiate Obtain Reconcile StructureAddress Clarify Cultivate Execute Innovate Operate Record StudyAdjust Coach Customize Expand Inspect Order Recruit SuggestAdminister Collaborate Debug Explore Install Organize Reduce SummarizeAdopt Collect Decide Extend Instruct Outline Refer SuperviseAdvance Combine Define Extract Integrate Overhaul Regulate SupportAdvertise Command Delegate Facilitate Interact Oversaw Reinforce SurveyAdvocate Communicate Deliver File Interpret Participate Report SustainAid Compare Demonstrate Finalize Interview Perform Represent SynthesizeAllocate Compile Design Finance Introduce Persuade Research TabulateAlter Complete Designate Form Invent Plan Resolve TargetAnalyze Compute Determine Formulate Inventory Predict Respond TeachApply Conceive Develop Fundraise Investigate Prepare Restore TestAppoint Conclude Devise Furnish Involve Present Restructure TrackAppraise Condense Direct Gain Join Prevent Retrieve TrainApprove Conduct Distribute Gather Launch Print Review TransformArrange Conserve Document Generate Lead Prioritize Revise TranslateAssemble Consolidate Draft Govern Maintain Process Revitalize UndertookAssess Construct Edit Head Manage Procure Schedule UpdateAssign Consult Emphasize Help Manufacture Produce Secure UpgradeAssist Contribute Employ Hire Market Program Select UseAttain Control Empower Host Maximize Promote Sell UtilizeAudit Convert Enact Identify Measure Propose Solve ValidateAugment Convey Enforce Illustrate Mentor Provide Spearhead VerifyAuthorize Convince Engineer Implement Merge Publicize Specialize Volunteer
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Résuméwriting:Whatnottoinclude
• Inaccurateinformation,embellishmentsorlies• Apicture/photoorinformationaboutmaritalstatus,gender,sexualorientation,
religion,height,weightorhealth• “Referencesavailableuponrequest”–employersknowyou’llprovidereferencesifthey
requestthem.• Hard-to-readormicroscopicfonts(nevergobelow10ptfont)• Complicatedformattingandfancyfonts
o Donotincludetables,graphicaltextboxes,graphicalsymbols,headers,footers,inconsistenttablayout,etc.
• Paragraphsandlongsentenceso Completesentencesandperiodsarenotnecessaryinarésumé.o Useonlyclearandconciseimpactstatements.
• Personalpronouns–avoidusing“I”or“my”statements• Excessiveuseofsuperlatives
o Ratherthanwritingyouarea"sensationalsalesperson,"adddetailsthatdemonstrateyourskills,suchas“recognizedassalespersonofthemonthforsixconsecutivemonths.”
• Toogeneralofadocumentnameo Imaginebeingarecruiterandgettingseveralhundredattachmentsperweekall
named“résumé.doc.”Useyournameasthetitleofyourrésumé(e.g.,SmithJohn-Résumé.doc).
Importantpoints
• Ensureyourrésuméiseasytoreadandconveysinformationquickly.o Shortstatementsandbulletformareeasiertoread.
• Consideryouraudience.o Spelloutabbreviationsandensureallcontentisunderstandabletonon-technical
professionals.• Experiencedescriptionsshouldfocusonyouraccomplishments,contributionsand
resultsofyoureffortsastheyrelatetothepositionyou’reseeking,ratherthansimplylistingblandjobdutydescriptionsorlistingofresponsibilities.
• Behonest.• Proofread,proofread,proofread!
o Therésuméyousendoutmustbeflawless–withoutmistakesortypos.o Don’ttrustcomputerspellcheckers;readeverywordoutloudtobesureitis
correct.• Makegooduseoftransferableskills,forexample:Whatdidyoulearnasacashierat
McDonald’sthatwillhelpyoubecomeasuccessfulaccountant?
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FormattingyourrésuméKeepyourrésumétoonepage.Youmaygototwopagesifyouhavemorethan10yearsofrelevantworkexperience.Remember,yourrésuméisjustahighlightofyouracademicandworkexperience;thereisnoneedtoprovideeverydetail.Makeiteasyfortheemployertolocatepertinentinformationquickly.Useclearheadings,appropriatespacingandbullets.Usefontsthatareeasytoreadandusebulletstoemphasizeimportantpoints.Ifyouareacurrentcollegestudent,structuretherésuméwitheducationfirst,thenworkexperience.Formatoptions
• Reversechronologicalo Listyourmostrecentinformationandexperiencesfirst.o Useareversechronologicalrésuméformatwhenyouhavebeenconsistently
employed(evenifthatmeansyou’veworkedeverysummerwhilegoingtoschoolfulltimeduringthefallandwinter).
• Functionalo Focusonyourkeycompetencyareas.Whileafunctionalrésuméstillincludes
datesanddescriptionsofyourexperiences,theexperiencedescriptionsarecategorizedintoyourstrengthareas,ratherthanbytheposition.
o Useafunctionalrésuméwhen:§ youdonothavemuchrelevantworkexperience§ youhavegapsoftimebetweenemployment§ youaremakingacareerchange§ youwanttoemphasizekeyaspectsofyourexperiences
• Combinationo Beginwithaclearandconciseprofessionalsummary,thenuseafunctional
formattohighlightyourqualificationsthatrelatetothepositionyouareseeking,andfinallypresentareversechronologicalformatofyouremploymenthistory
o Useacombinationformatrésuméwhen:§ youhavesteadyworkexperiencewithdemonstratedgrowthandyouare
lookingtocontinueyourcareerprogression§ youhavesteadyworkexperiencewithdemonstratedgrowth,butyouare
wantingacareerchange
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HowdoIknowwhichformattouse?
Therearethousandsofrésuméwritingresourcesavailabletoyouonline,inprintandfromanyonearoundyou.Asyouwillsoonlearn,everyoneishappytoshareanopinionaboutyourrésuméandmanyopinionswillvary.Itisuptoyoutocreatearésuméthatisprofessional,focused,interestingtoread,easytoreadandrepresentativeofyou.
Isyourrésuméformatworking?Trythis!
Iftheaverageemployeronlyspends15secondsscanningyourrésumé,whatwilltheynotice?Howdoestherésuméactuallylook?Takea30-secondscanforyourself:
• Arelinesneat?Evenlyspaced?• Dotabslineup?• Howdoesitappearinprintvs.onthecomputerscreen?• Whatistheeyedrawnto?• Whatdoesanddoesnotstandout?
Now,putthe15secondscantothetest!Haveafriendorfamilymemberlookoveryourrésuméfor15seconds.
• Whatdidtheynotice?• Whatdidn’ttheysee?
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Résumécontentoutline♦ContactinformationThetopofyourrésuméshouldincludeyourname,completeaddress,emailaddressandyourtelephonenumber.
• Ensureyourvoicemailannouncementiscourteousandprofessionalandyouremailaddressisprofessionalandappropriate
♦EducationOutlineyoureducationalexperiencesinreversechronologicalorder(mostrecentfirst).Includethenameofeachschool,location(city,state),degree,major,GPAanddatesattended.
• Ifyouattendedseveralcollegesorschools,maintainthesamesequenceofinformationforeachschool.Onceyouareincollege,youdonotneedtoincludeyourhighschooleducation.
• Includeyourcumulative,oroverall,gradepointaverage(GPA)and/ormajorGPA.♦ExperienceYourworkhistory,volunteerexperience,andrelevantcourseprojectsmaybelistedinreversechronologicalorderorbykeycompetencyareas.Eachexperiencedescriptionshouldincludeshortactionstatementsdescribingyourrelevantresponsibilitiesandaccomplishments
• Ifyouusethefunctionalformat,youwillneedtoincludeaseparatesectionlistingwhereyouobtainedtheexperience(i.e.,positiontitle,organization,dates,location).
• Maintainthesameorderofinformationforeachposition.Ifthesequenceisjobtitle,companyname,location,datesanddescription,maintainthesamesequenceandformatforeachposition.
♦SkillsIncludecomputerknowledge,business-relatedskills,certificationsandlicensures,andlanguages.♦Affiliations,membershipsandactivitiesIncludealistofthestudentorganizationsandprofessionalassociationswithwhichyouareinvolved,withorganizationtitle,roleorofficetitle(e.g.,treasurer,secretary,member)anddatesofmembership.
• Ifyouholdanofficerorcommitteepositionorcontributedsignificantly,andyourexperienceisrelevanttothepositiontowhichyouareapplying,youmaywanttoincludethedescriptioninyourexperiencesection.
♦HonorsandscholarshipsIncludesawards,dean’slisthonors,scholarships,etc.andthedatesyoureceivedthehonororrecognition.
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Sample#1:Annotatedrésumé
JaneStudent1234CareerRoad•Detroit,MI48202
Home313-555-1234•[email protected]
Objective Seekingafinanceinternship
Education WayneStateUniversity,Detroit,MIBachelorofScienceinBusinessAdministrationMajor:Finance,GPA3.5
GraduationMay2017
WorkHistory Intern–FinancialRepresentativeABCFinancialNetwork,Detroit,MI• Successfullyincreasednewclientsby25%andconsistently
exceededsalesgoals• Assessclients’financialneedsandgoalstoprovide
effectivefinancialadvice• Collaborateonprojectswithseniorfinancialrepsand
fellowinterns• Volunteeredtoorganizeandinputclientfinancialdata
intocomputersystem
May2015–Present
JuniorVarsityLacrosseCoachFictionalHighSchool,Detroit,MI• Manageateamof16-18players• Deviseandteachstrategicgoalsandconcepts
August2014–Present
RidecoordinatorRidesWorld,Detroit,MI• ReceivedOutstandingCustomerServiceAward
May2014–September2014
SalesrepresentativeXYZCompany,Flint,MI• Metorexceededsalesgoalsonaregularbasis• Marketedcompany’sservicesandproducttocustomers• Selectedbysupervisortotrainnewsalesassistant
January2009–October2012
Honors&Activities BetaAlphaPsi–President January2015–Present BetaAlphaPsi–Member May2014–Present WayneStateUniversityDean’sList Fallandwintersemesters
2011–2013
Includecurrentcontactinformation.Ensureyouhaveaprofessionalemailaddressandvoicemailgreeting.
Highlightimportantdetailssuchasyourdegreeandjobtitlesbyboldingoritalicizing.
Yourobjectiveshouldbeclear,specificandconcise.
Courseworkshouldonlybeincludedwhenyouhavetakenauniquecoursethatisrelevanttothepositionyouarepursuing.
Include2-5bulletedstatementsperposition.Includerelevantjobactivitiesandskillsthatwilltransfertothepositionyouwant.Donotincludeexperiencesthatwillnothelpyougetthejobforwhichyourobjectiveiscrafted.
Ifajoboccurredinthepast,verbsshouldbeinpasttense.
Whenincludinghonorsandextra-curricularactivities,includedatesofwhenyouwereamemberorwhenyoureceivedtheaward.
Useactionverbstodescribeyourexperiences.Describeachievements,keyresponsibilitiesandcontributions.
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Sample#2:Reversechronologicalformatrésumé
WayneState5201CassAvenue•Detroit,MI48202
313-577-4781•[email protected]:Toobtainafull-timepositionorinternshipinaccounting,specializingintaxEDUCATION:WayneStateUniversityMikeIlitchSchoolofBusiness,DetroitMIBachelorofScienceinBusinessAdministration ExpectedMay2017Major:Accounting,GPA:3.6Worked30+hoursperweektofinance85%ofeducationWashtenawCommunityCollege,AnnArborMIAssociateDegreeinAppliedScience,May2015EXPERIENCE:VolunteerTaxPreparer January2017–PresentAccountingAidSociety Detroit,MI
• PrepareandfileIRSform1040,Michigan-1040,andcitytaxreturnsforlowincomeandelderlyindividualsinthecommunity
• Analyzeandclarifyprevioustaxreturnsanddiscussedstrategiesandtaxissuestoprepareclientforfuturetaxseasons
AccountsPayableClerk May2016–December2016Accountemps–Assignment:ABCCompany Southfield,MI
• Processedpaymentsandverifiedaccuracyofpaymentdocuments• Workedwithclientstoobtainnecessaryinformationandmadeproperpayments• Supervisorprovidedpositiverecognitionofstrongjobperformance
ParcelPostMachineOperator August2015–April2016UnitedParcelService(UPS) Wyandotte,MI
• CreatednewdatatrackingsystemusingMSExcelandentereddata• Maintaineddetailedandaccuraterecordsofshipments,pouches,andsacks• Duringbusyseasonvolunteeredtotakeonadditionalresponsibilities• Consistentlymetdistributiongoals
SKILLS:
• MicrosoftOffice–Word,Excel,Access,Publisher,andOutlook• AccountingInformationSystems(AIS)–CAPS• QuickBooks,TaxWise,Peachtree
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Sample#2:Functionalformatrésumé
JohnSmith12345WestStreetName
City,MI48202Home:313-577-4781•Cell:313-555-0000
[email protected] Toobtainafull-timeretailmanagementpositionthatwillallowforpersonaland
professionalgrowthEducation WayneStateUniversityMikeIlitchSchoolofBusiness,Detroit,MI
BachelorofArtsinBusinessAdministration,December2016Major:Management MajorGPA:3.3,CumulativeGPA:3.0Worked25+hoursperweekwhilemaintainingastrongGPA
Honors GoldenKeyAwardRecipient2014StudentSenateMember2014–Present
Experience InterpersonalResearchandmarketproductstocustomersandrespondappropriatelytocustomerconcernsUtilizedeffectivepersuasiveskillsinretailsales;exceedstoresalesgoals100%orhigherfor4consecutivemonths
Receivedpositivefeedbackfrommanagementwhichledtogreatreviewseverymonth
OrganizationalPlannedandorganizedstoredisplaysofmerchandiseDesignedanddevelopedmerchandisesystemforuniversitybusinesscourseresearchprojectRecognizedbysupervisorsasbeingdetail-orientedintheofficesetting
ManagementTrained9newemployeesineffectivesalestechniquesCoordinatedandsupervisedvariousyouthactivitiesServedasstoresupervisorinmanager’sabsence
WorkHistory JCPenneyCompany,Troy,MI,2015–Present
SalesClerk/Cashier
MorganUniversity,DepartmentofPsychology,Rochester,MI,2014–2015Secretary/Receptionist
ChurchoftheHolySpirit,Roseville,MI,2013–2014AdultYouthGroupRecreationLeader(part-time)
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Sample#3:Reversechronologicalformatrésumé,fulltime
WayneLogistics5201CassAve,DetroitMI,48202
313-577-4781•[email protected] WayneStateUniversity Detroit,MI MikeIlitchSchoolofBusiness BachelorofScienceinBusinessAdministration,August2011
• EmphasisinMarketing,GPA3.4/4.0• MarketingCommitteeLeader,NewBeatHappening,2009-Present• Member,AmericanMarketingAssociationWayneStateChapter,2009-Present
HenryFordCommunityCollege • Broadliberalartscurriculumwithpre-businessemphasis,2007-2008
EXPERIENCE ABCCOMMUNICATIONS,INC.ADVERTISING&PROMOTIONS Detroit,MISummer2010 ProductionIntern
• Assistedinimplementingsummer-longproductsamplingeventforCoca-Cola’sOdwallabrand;developedbudgetsandtimelines,trackedlogistics,andcoordinatedsamplinglocations.Effortsresultedinproductexposuretoover7,600targetconsumers
• Ledathree-memberteaminexaminingpermitregulationsforsamplingevents;coordinatedphonecallstoofficialsandmanagedpermitapplicationstodeterminelocationoptions
• Devisedlogisticssolutionforpromotionaleventbyanalyzingvendorandshipmentoptions,decreasingclient’sshipmentcostsbyover$200
• Metwithmultiplepromotionalmerchandiseagenciesandeffectivelynegotiatedcostsforbrandedproductstofitwithinclients’budget
2009-2010 BOB’SBAR AnnArbor,MIPart-time Server
• Collaboratedwithmanagementonmethodstoincreasecustomerretentionbyanalyzingcustomerrelationshipsanddevelopingbrandedmerchandise
• Consistentlymaintainedhighestdrinksalesamongnineservers,accumulatingaveragesalesof$900pernight
• Trainedallnewservers,focusingonproductknowledge,maintainingpositiveguestrelations,andpromotinghigherprofitbeverages
2008-2009 BOBEVANSRESTAURANT Flint,MIPart-time Salesperson
• Managed6newtrainees;taughtcustomerserviceetiquette,promotionalsalestechniques,menuoptions,andcompanypoliciesandprocedures
• Selectedtoprovideinputatadistrictmeeting;persuadedmanagementtoimplementanewcarryoutmarketingplan;strategyresultedinfournewlocalclients
• Excelledinpromotionalcompetitionsamong16serversbyraisingweeklysalesaveragebyover$0.75percustomer,whichbroughtinover$300inadditionalweeklyrevenue
ADDITIONAL• Conductedmarketresearchfornonprofitorganizationtodetermineoptimaltargetmarkets
fordonationsandphilanthropicmotivations,wintersemester2010• ConversantinSpanish
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Sample#4:Reversechronologicalformatrésumé,internship
ErickaCareer•1111WestWayneDrive•City,MI48000•734-577-4781•[email protected]
Objective:Toobtainaninternshipinaccounting;availableJanuary2012
Education
WayneStateUniversityMikeIlitchSchoolofBusiness Detroit,MIMasterofScienceinAccounting,GPA3.4 ExpectedMay2013Completed137creditstodate
RelevantCoursework:Graduatelevelstudiesincludetwoin-depthcoursesinInternalAuditingcoveringcorporategovernance,riskassessment,internalcontrol,riskmanagement,internalauditingstandards,businessprocessesandrisk,auditreportwriting,andemergingissues
WayneStateUniversityMikeIlitchSchoolofBusiness Detroit,MIBachelorofScienceinBusinessAdministration,Accounting,GPA3.3 GraduatedMay2010
ExperienceSeptember2010–Present President,BetaAlphaPsi WayneStateUniversity,Detroit,MI
• Throughnewmarketingeffortsincreasedmembershipby20%• Organizemeetings,volunteerevents,andinteractwithmembersofthebusiness
community• Ledafundraisinginitiativeforalocalnonprofitthatresultedintotaldonations
of$1,500
August2010–Present AssociateGoodProductLaboratoriesLLC,Livonia,MI• Createdandimplementednewtrackingreportformonthlyexpenses• Submitmonthlysalesreportstoseniormanagement• Processmonetarytransactionswithhighestrateofaccuracyamongall
associates• Educatestoreemployeesonnewproducts
April2009–August2010 WaitressAlice’sRestaurant,Dearborn,MI• Tallieddailysalestotalsandreceipts;maintained100%accuracy
Honors&Activities
Fall,Winter2010 Dean’slistWinter2011 StellarStudentScholarshiprecipient
Skills• Technical:MSOfficewithextensiveknowledgeinExcel,proficientinQuickBooks• Language:FluentinFrench
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Sample#5:Reversechronologicalformatrésumé,fulltime
CareenaPlanning5201CassAvenue,Detroit,MI48202
[email protected]|313-577-4781Summary Anenthusiasticsalesprofessionalwith3yearsofexperienceinsalesandclientrelationsAccomplishments• Generatedmorethan$100,000bybuildingrelationshipswithseniorcorporateexecutiveswhichledtotwo
newcorporatetrainingcontracts• Uncoveredandcollected$75,000inunrecognizedrevenuefromtrainingservicesperformedpriortomy
tenure• Exceededdepartment’sforecastedrevenueby13%in2008and15%in2009• SavedTrainingExpertsapproximately$4,500annuallybyautomatingstudentcompletionrecordsthrough
creatinganMSExcelmacroprogram• Reducedcommunicationcostsby$2,500within6monthsbycuttingunnecessarycostsandfindingcost-
effectivealternatives WorkExperience TrainingExperts Detroit,MI May2009–PresentAccountExecutive,OnsiteComputerandTechnologyTraining• Promotetrainingservicestocorporationsbycoldcallingregionaltrainingrepresentatives• Organizeandnetworkwithprospectiveclientsatnationaltradeshows;secured12newaccountsin2months• Createmarketingcampaignsandmanagedirectmailpromotions;increasedtrainingsessionattendance25%• Negotiatewithsupplierstoenhanceprofitability• Leverageexistingrelationshipsandqualifycustomersforupsellopportunities• Managelogisticsofonsitetrainingforover15differentcorporatelocations
TrainingExperts Detroit,MI September2008–December2008BusinessAnalystIntern• Networkedindependentlywithnewcorporateclientandestablishedspecialsalesopportunity;onlyintern
evertoacquirenewcorporateclient• UtilizedQuickBookstoprocessallaccountsreceivable,invoicingandbilling• Contactedstudentstocollectpayments• Workedwithfinancialadvisorstoresolveproblemswiththestudenttuitionapprovalprocess• Developedadatabasetocapturestudentdataforcourseforecastingandtargetmarketanalysis Education WayneStateUniversity,DetroitMI May2009 BachelorofScienceinBusinessAdministration,Major:Marketing,GPA3.7PresidentialScholarshipRecipient,FullTuitionScholarshipComputerSkills Webdesign,AdobePhotoshop,MicrosoftWord,PowerPoint,ExcelMacros
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Sample#6:Reversechronologicalformatrésumé,fulltime
AndreaLogistics5201CassAvenue,Detroit,MI48202
Objective:ToobtainthePurchasingAnalystpositionwithABCCompanyEducation:WayneStateUniversity,Detroit,MI ExpectedMay2011BachelorofScienceinBusinessAdministrationGPA:3.36Major:GlobalSupplyChainManagementWorkExperience:XYZBuildingSupply,Redford,MI June2010–PresentManagerTrainee
- Assistinallstoreoperations:purchasing,personnelmanagement,customerrelationsandplanning- Tracksalesanddeliveries;increasedaccuracyofcyclecountsthroughcorrectbilling,loadingandreceiving- Trainedincontractsandpricenegotiation,distribution,expensecontrol,lossprevention,material
handling,salesmanagement,andmanufacturingprocessHomeBuilder’sCorporation,AllenPark,MI February2010–May2010CustomerServiceCustomerServiceAssociate
- Participatedincyclecountsandpriceaudits- Assistedwithinventoryshrinkageandlossprevention- Providedcustomerswithknowledgeableandpromptassistance
Kohl’s,Canton,MI March2009–January2010PointofSales
- Trainednewstaffoncompanypoliciesandprocedures- Processedmonetaryandsalestransactions- Monitoredandupdatedstocklevelsasneeded- Trackedandrecordedallspecialsalesandpayments
VolunteerWork:GreenKitchen,Dearborn,MI January2010–Present
- Organizedfinancesanddevelopedthebudgetforcenterrenovation- Coordinatedandmanagedteaminrelatedworkassignments
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Sample#7:Reversechronologicalformat,MBA
ShaneBusiness740McKinley,Plymouth,MI48170 Phone:(248)755-9285Email:[email protected]
Summary
- Morethanfiveyearsofbroad-basedmanagementexperience,includingoperations,analysis,budgeting,andprocessimprovement
- Demonstratedtrackrecordofmanagingmultipleprojectsandprovidingquality,on-timedeliverablesProfessionalExperienceDivisionTeamManager(2009–Present)ABCCorporation,Detroit,MI
- Manageteamconsistingof17employeesfortheMichigandivision- Supervisedailyfunctionsinpurchasing,estimating,budgetadherence,draftingandconstructionfor11projects
throughoutMichigan- Reduceddirectcosts5.2%in2007(2.8milliondollarsofannualsavingsover437housingstarts)
PurchasingManager(2006–2009)Emeril&Mozart,Ypsilanti,MI
- Developedandimplementedmarketingcampaignstoincreaseproductvisibility- Securedaccountswithfourinternationalcompanies- Established,maintainedandimprovedclientrelationshipswithvendors,wholesalers&retailers- Utilizedcorporatesoftwaretotrackpurchasingtrendswithinmajoraccounts- Negotiatedallcontractpricingwithvendorsandsuppliersandresolvedvendorpayabledisputes
FinancialConsultant(2004–2006)MorganStanley,Troy,MI
- Consultedwithhighnetworthindividualsandbusinessesregardinginvestmentportfolios- Determinedappropriateperformancebenchmarksandrisktolerance- Developedidealportfoliomodelanddeterminedassetallocation- Assistedclientswithprioritizationofgoalsandobjectives
AssistantProjectManager(2002–2004)Intern(2001–2002)ABCBuilders,Romeo,MI
- Selectedbyuppermanagementtooversee$1.2millionofresidentialconstruction- Interactedcloselywithcontractors,suppliers,architects,cityinspectorsandstaffpersonnel- Interviewed,evaluatedandhirednewemployees
EducationWayneStateUniversityMikeIlitchSchoolofBusiness,Detroit,MI
- MasterofBusinessAdministration,December2008- BachelorofArtsinBusinessAdministration,May2002
Certifications/Licenses- NationalAssociationofSecuritiesDealers(NASD)Series7Certification- RegisteredInvestmentAdvisorNASDSeries66
Skills&Achievements- ForeignLanguages:German
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Sample#8:Combinationformatrésumé,fulltime
LindaWayne5201CassAve
Detroit,MI,[email protected]
OBJECTIVEToutilizetheskillslearnedthroughprofessionalexperienceandcollegeinafinancialanalystposition
PROFESSIONALQUALIFICATIONSo Experienceinpreparinginvestmentsummaryreportsdetailingindustryaverages,riskanalysis,and
projectedfinancialperformanceforprospectiveinvestorso Demonstratedefficiencyinmanagingmultipleprojectsandprovidingdesiredresultso Implementednewprocesstoanalyzesalesstatementsandfinancialdocumentswhichledtomonthly
savingsof$15,000
FinanceDevelopedadetailedfinancialplanforstartupbusinessandcalculatednetpresentvalueForecastedfuturefinancialmarginsandgrowthopportunitiesforthecompanyCompiledfundamentalstudiesoffutures,options,bond,anddifferentiatedlongandshorthedgemarketsComputedcoststocarryrelationshipsforfutureprices
ManagementSupervisedasalesstaffof8andtrainedallnewsalesemployeesRecognizedbysupervisorsasdetailedorientedandhardworkingintheofficesettingPlannedandorganizedefficientuseofsuppliesandbudget
EXPERIENCEXYZCompany,Troy,MISr.AccountExecutive 2009-PresentDevelopedpresentationsandwonseveralaccountsthatbroughtinarevenueof$50,000Actedasaliaisonbetweenclientandthecompanytocomeupwithproperbudgetallocationandbettercustomerservice
Researchedproductcosts&negotiatedpriceswithvendorsOrganizedandgeneratedsponsorshipsfornumeroussocialawarenessprogramsthatpromotedthecompany
WayneIncorporated,Detroit,MI 2007-2009AccountExecutiveProvidedproductknowledgeexpertisetopotentialclientsinMichigan;grewclientbaseby200%intwoyearsSuccessfullyreceivedreferralsanddirectbusinessfromuppermanagementOversawentiresalescycleresultinginmoreclosedsalesandlessclientissues
EDUCATIONWayneStateUniversity,Detroit,MIMasterofBusinessAdministration,GPA3.75 December2010BachelorofScienceinBusinessAdministration,Major:Finance,GPA3.5 Dec2007
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CurriculumvitaeCommonlyreferredtoasaCV,acurriculumvitaeistheprimaryjobsearchdocumentforthosewhoareinterestedinpursuingacareerinacademia(suchasauniversityfacultyposition),scientificresearch,orajoboutsideoftheUnitedStates.Similartoarésumé,aCVisasummaryofyouracademicandworkexperience.BotharésuméandCVcontainyourname,contactinformation,education,workexperience,honorsandawardsandskillssections,andaCViswritteninthesameformatasarésumé,includingsectionheaders,bullets,datesandshortphrasesthatbeginwithactionverbstodescribeyourexperience.Howdoesacurriculumvitaedifferfromarésumé?ACVcontainsinformationthatisnotincludedinarésumé,suchas:
• Aresearchsectionthatincludesasummaryofyourresearchconducted,suchashypotheses,overviewofyourmethod,andfindings
• Apublicationsandpresentationssectionthatincludesacitationofallofyourresearchandacademicpapersthathaveappearedinjournalsandprofessionalpublicationsorthatyoupresentedatprofessionalconferencesandmeetings,citedintheappropriateprofessionalformat(e.g.,APA,MLA)
• Personalinformation,suchasnationality,genderanddateofbirth.KeepinmindthispersonalinformationshouldonlybeincludedwhenjobsearchingoutsideoftheUnitedStates,andyouareencouragedtocheckwiththeemployertoseewhatinformationtheywant.
Inaddition,theformatisslightlydifferent.ACVisoftensignificantlylongerthanarésumé,withtheshortestCVlengthtypicallyatthreepages.FormoreinformationonCVs,visit:http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/curriculumvitae/a/curriculumvitae.htm
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ReferencesAtsomepointduringyourjobsearch,anemployerwillrequestreferences.Yourreferencesshouldbepeopleyouknowonaprofessionalleveleitherthroughworkorschool;neverusearelativeorasignificantotherasyourreference.Choosereferencesbasedontheirknowledgeofyou,notontheirprestige.Whenprovidingalistofreferences,itisbesttoprovideaseparatepageonwhichyourreferencesareorganizedinaformalmanner.Thereferencepageshouldlisttheperson’sname,title,company/employer,employerlocation,contactinformation(emailandphone),andrelationshiptoyou.Referencepagetips
• Useaconsistentformat.o Yourreferencepageshouldbeonthesamepaperandinthesamefontandlayoutas
yourcoverletterandrésumé,creatingaconsistentlooktoyourapplicationpackage.
• Includethreetofourreferenceswhocanspeaktoyourprofessionalskillsandabilities.o Examples:supervisors,professors,subordinates,vendors,customers,prioremployees,
peopleyouhaveworkedwithonavolunteerbasis,etc.o Neverincludefamilymembersorsignificantothers,unlessspecificallyrequested.o Onlylistreferenceswhoarearticulateandrelativelyeasytocontact.
• Proofreadyourreferencepagecarefully.o Spelltheperson’sname,jobtitleandcompanycorrectly.Alsomakesuretheircontact
information,companyandpositionareuptodate.
• Unlessrequested,donotattachyourreferencepagewhenyoufirstsubmityourrésumé.o Thereisnoneedtoinclude“referencesavailableuponrequest”onyourrésumé.
Employersknowyou’llprovidereferencesiftheyrequestthem.
• Maintaincontactwithyourreferences.o Speaktoyourreferencesaheadoftimeifyouknowtheyaregoingtobecontactedbya
potentialemployer.Provideyourreferencewithacopyofyourrésuméandthejobdescriptionofthepositionforwhichyouareapplying.Themoreinformationyouprovide,themoreaccuratelyyourreferencecanspeaktoyourabilitiesandqualificationsastheyrelatetotheemployerorposition.
o Onceyouhavesecuredaposition,letyourreferencesknowandsendathankyou.
• Alwayssendathankyouletterandbecarefultonotoverusereferences.
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Referencepagesample
ShaneBusiness740McKinley,Plymouth,MI48170 Phone:(248)755-9285Email:[email protected]
ReferencesMr.JamesThompsonExecutiveManagerABCCorporationDetroit,MIEmail:[email protected]:(313)555-1212Relationship:CurrentemployerMs.JuliaRhodesEmeril&MozartYpsilanti,MIEmail:[email protected]:(734)555-1234Relationship:FormersupervisorProfessorJuliusErvingProfessorofFinanceWayneStateUniversityMikeIlitchSchoolofBusinessDetroit,MIEmail:[email protected]:(313)577-4781Relationship:Formerinstructor
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ThankyounotesItisproperetiquettetosendathankyounotetoapotentialemployer,arecruiterorinterviewer,areference,ortoanyotherprofessionalwithwhomyouwouldliketoexpressappreciationfortheirconsideration,time,informationshared,oragift(suchasasponsorship,scholarshipdonation,etc.).Athankyounoteshouldbesentassoonaspossible,ideallywithin24hours.Intoday’sbusinessworldwherepeoplearefrequentlytravelingorworkinginconsistenthoursoratvariouslocations,anemailthankyouletterisappropriate,butaneatlyhandwrittenthankyouletteroffersanaddedpersonaltouch.Ifsendingahandwrittenthankyouletter,ensurethatyouuseprofessionalstationery(résumépaperisfine)oraprofessionalthankyoucard.Evenifyouareunsureofwhattosayinathankyouletter,orifyouaresendingitoutaweeklate,pleasekeepinmindapersonalizedandsincerethankyouletterisalwaysappreciated.Athankyoulettershouldcontain:
• Anexpressionofgratitudefortheservice,giftorinformationgiven• Aspecificreferencetotheactionorobjectthatpromptedyourthankyouletter(i.e.the
service,giftorinformation)• Aspecificreferencetohowyouwillmakeuseofthegiftorinformation,orwhyyou
valuewhatwasprovidedorgiven
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ThankyounotesampleJaneStudent1234CareerRdDetroit,MI48202August6,2008RonaldHooperUnitedCaldingInc.1600StrempleBlvd.Detroit,MI48202DearMr.Hooper:ThankyoufortakingthetimetointerviewmeonJune3,2010.IwasfascinatedbyUnitedCalding’sproductlineandcustomerbase,andIremainveryinterestedintheAccountManagerposition.Ibelievethisopportunityistheperfectformegivenmybackgroundinretailandcustomerrelations.IhopeIdemonstratedmyabilitytoperformatoraboveyourexpectations.Enclosedpleasefindcopiesofmyreferencesperyourrequest.Bestregards,JaneStudent
