Tools of the TradeBy: Linda Thurman

Faculty Associate for Student Professional DevelopmentThe Office of Student Development & Success

Lee College of Engineering

Tool # 1COVER LETTERS:

• Tailored it • Inform, entice and captivate the reader • Business letter format• HIGHLIGHT your qualifications as they pertain to the

description/posting• Give short and concise examples to reinforce your point (s)• Do not apologize, avoid being ‘negative’ focus on the positive and what

you DO have to offer• Mention people and business skills- how did you get them? • Address these questions:

(1) What can you do for them?(2) Why do you want this project?(3) Why are you qualified for this project?

• Check for spelling, grammar usage and use descriptive/power action verbs

August 31, 2006

Dr. Josh ConradeDirector of Engineering Systems Flow Systems Inc.123 Brookshire Blvd.Charlotte, NC 28200

Dear Dr. Conrade;

The accompanying resume is in response to your company’s technical project listing for the UNC Charlotte, Lee College of Engineering Senior Design course. I am currently a senior in Mechanical Engineering and my interests are aligned with your company’s project as I have a strong desire to design HVAC systems for large commercial buildings.

This past summer I was fortunate enough to be an intern with Dynamic Heating & Air Inc. and gained hands on experience designing industrial HVAC systems using Solid works. I served as project manager for several small projects, ranging from $5,000 to 50,000, which I completed on time and under budget. I also had an opportunity to work with a team of experienced engineers on several large-scaled and complex projects (ranging from 1 million to 5 million dollars). I enjoyed the challenge of working on my own as it allowed me to hone my project management and organizational skills. However, I also found working on a team to be a very enlightening and invaluable experience. As a team member, I had to give weekly status updates and served as the “unofficial note-taker”. This experienced helped me improve both my verbal and written communication skills.

In closing, I would like to reiterate my interest in your company’s HVAC project and hope that if you are looking for a hard-working, dedicated and responsible individual, you will consider selecting me for this project. Thank you kindly for your time and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Sincerely, Will Ling

RESUME

When it comes to your resume, you have immediate control over these factors:

(1) How it looks (2) What it says (3) Who you send it to

• A good resume is a quick and easy read. It contains no fluff. • There are no unnecessary words.• It's a streamlined (tailored). 1 page long for college students• Use descriptive/power action verbs• DO NOT use “First person” tense (I, me, my, etc…)• NOT an autobiography of your life• Consider listing activities, courses, events or experiences that

make you “DIFFERENT” in a positive way• Spelling and grammar usage and consistency --- a must

Tool # 2

ObjectiveSeeking a challenging opportunity to work on an industrial solutions project emphasizing in networking and hardware infrastructure.

EducationThe University of North Carolina at Charlotte Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering May 2007Cumulative GPA 2.8/4.0 Related Coursework: Data Structures, Hardware System Design, Analog & Digital Communication, Network Theory II, and Computer Organization & Architecture Internship ExperienceBellSouth Corporation, Charlotte, NCHardware Engineer Intern May 2006 – August 2006 Tested functionality of prototype router designs. Troubleshot the hardware at the component level. Consulted with hardware and software groups to implement necessary design changes. Worked with diagnostics and test engineers to provide strategies for optimal functional test coverage in manufacturing. Utilized laboratory test and troubleshooting equipment including meters, analyzers, oscilloscopes, frequency generators, routers, and switches.

Technical Skills C++, Verilog, VHDL, Embedded Systems, UNIX (Sun Solaris), VLSI, Clean room, Pspice, Windows NT, and Cisco Routers

AffiliationsIEEE, Member 2004-presentNSPE, Member 2006-presentLee College of Engineering Leadership Academy, Graduate, May 2005

InterestsBuilding and fixing computers, guitar, intramural sports and chess

You:

1. Self-assessment (interests & skills)

2. What do you have to offer to the project & company

3. Reflect & strategize (no skills or experience….go get it)

Tool # 3

Needed Skills & Abilities……• Communication skills• Honesty/Integrity• Strong work ethic• Teamwork skills• Analytical skills• Motivation & Initiative• Interpersonal skills (get along with others)• Flexibility & Adaptability

Tool # 4

RESOURCES:

• The OSDS, Smith 228 – Books, Hand outs, CD’s (Post graduation plans)– Linda Thurman, Smith 266 lthurman@uncc.edu

Office hours: 3-4 pm M-TH

• Writing Resource Center (Fretwell 220)• Univ. Career Center (Atkins 150)

– Variety of resources, programs & services– Ben Cudia, Engr. Career Advisor

FALL EVENTS

• FALL CAREER EXPO 9/13 SAC-Track

• ENGINEERING PICNIC 10/13 Hayes Field

• College of Engineering sponsored “technical program/meetings’