RESUMES AND COVER LETTER

What should be included in a resume? Not all resumes are the same, but there are some common
elements that they all should include. The necessary elements are:

Heading - Your heading should include the essential personal information. Your formal name (not
nickname) should appear at the top and it should stand out above all else on the paper. You want
them to remember who you are in less than 30 seconds. Also include your address (both
permanent and temporary) and phone number. If you use email, include your email address.

Objective - (Also called “Career Objective”) Employers often say this is the most important part of a
resume. It is generally a one sentence explanation of the type of job you are seeking. Your objective
should be fairly specific. If you are applying for different types of jobs, change your objective to match each
type of job. If you are uncertain about the specific positions available, note your areas of interest.

Education - As students, this should be your next section of information. If you are in college, you
only need to include college because it is assumed that you have graduated from high school. For
the same reason, high school students should not include information from junior high/middle school.
You should specify the dates of attendance or graduation (or expected graduation). As a college
student, include your major and the degree you expect to receive. Some people include education-
related honors in this section. If your education is particularly relevant to a job, you may want to
include a section titled “Relevant Courses.” In this category, you can list classes that might contribute
to your employability.

Experience - (Also called “Work Experience” or “Employment Experience”) In this section, you should
include previous employers, their locations, your dates of employment, and your job title. You may
have to create a job title if you did not have one. You should include at least two one-line
descriptions of what your job duties and responsibilities were. You can not assume that the job title
explains what you did to all readers. Use action verbs to start each of these descriptions. Do not use
“I” in descriptions.

Activities - Employers like to see people who have been involved in school or community activities. In
this section, list special activities you participated in (prom committee) and organizations you joined
(drama club, baseball team, etc.). Include the years in which you participated. Be aware, however,
that some employers may eventually view this information as irrelevant. As high school students, this
should not be a concern.

Summary of Skills - Some people use this section to include special skills or talents that are not
LP4 – Resume Writing
included elsewhere on the resume, but would be relevant to the employer. Some possibilities are:

• Type 60 words per minute

• Fluent in French

References – Although it is common practice to put “References Available Upon Request” at the
bottom of a resume, most career advisors say it is unnecessary. However, there is nothing wrong
with taking a nicely printed list of personal references with you to an interview. You should have 2 - 3
people who have observed your work habits (employers, teachers, coaches, etc.) and 2 - 3 people
who can speak about your character. Make sure you have asked their permission to include them as
references. Only ask people who will speak well of you. Create a separate list of references including
their names, addresses, employers, job titles, and phone numbers. It is best to list work numbers
since some people don’t appreciate calls at home. You know an employer is interested when they
request a list of references.

How do I set up a resume? Your resume should be divided into distinct sections. The italicized
words above are typical section headings. Do not label the heading section. Headings should stand
out as boldfaced, larger text. Employers tend to have certain headings that interest them most.
Make it easy for them to find them. Here are some suggested headers:

Major Headers (to be used in almost all resumes): Objective, Education, Employment
History/Work Experience, School Activities.

Minor Headers (to be used if appropriate): Computer Experience, Associations, Certifications,

Community Activities, Highlights of Qualifications, Honors/Awards, Interests and
Hobbies, Projects, Relevant Courses, Summary of Qualifications, Volunteer Experience.

Should items be arranged in any particular order? Yes! You want your resume to be coherently
organized. There are two distinct types of resumes. Most young people utilize a Chronological Format.
The chronological style is exactly what it sounds like: It follows your work history backward from your
current job, listing employers, dates, and job responsibilities. This is the format that you would most likely
use if you are new to the workforce and have limited experience. Frequent job changes and work
instability show up dramatically with this format. For someone who has held many jobs, the Functional
Format is more useful. A functional resume is created without employment dates or company names.
This format concentrates on skills and responsibilities and is more likely to be used after you have
developed your career skills and have accomplishments to your credit.

Should I place Education above Experience or vice versa? Most high school and college
students include the Education section directly after the objective. However, if you have
experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for, you should place the Experience
section above Education.

How important is the format? The importance of the format lies in its consistency. There is no one
best resume format. Remember to stick to one format. It shows off your organizational abilities.
Should I use complete sentences when describing jobs? Not usually. Use action phrases
instead. Leave out unnecessary words. Try to match your skills and experience with the
employer's needs

Do the looks of a resume matter? Absolutely! When sending a resume to an employer or college,
don’t skimp. Use white or off-white professional weight paper and black ink. Avoid using colored
paper or fancy graphics in your resume unless the job you are applying for is in a career area that
might stress this type of formatting (art, graphic design, advertising, etc.) Always print resumes using
a quality laser printer.

LP4 – Resume Writing

Types of Resume Formats

The different types of resumes include chronological, functional, combination, or targeted

resumes that match your skills to each job for which you apply:

 Chronological Resumes (most frequently used)

 Functional Resumes (focused on skills)
 Combination Resumes (skills and work history)
Sample Resume - Year 10 or Earlier + No Paid Work Experience
(A Youth Central Sample Resume)

Adam Smith
Email: adamsmith@xmail.com.au
Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

Recent school leaver seeking to start a career in warehousing

Confident and articulate individual with commended ability to work with others to achieve set outcomes. Young yet mature
school leaver with developed employability skills and personal attributes that support the transition from education to full-
time employment. Leadership and communication skills developed and demonstrated through engagement in sports clubs
and associations. Motivated individual keen to obtain employment in warehouse and operations environment. Key strengths
include strong attention to detail and willingness to learn and develop professionally.

Key skills include:

 Customer service  Supervision  Stock control

 Problem solving  Records management  Coaching
 Team work  Cash handling
 Task allocation  Transaction processing

Technical Skills: Microsoft Word ~ Microsoft Excel ~ Microsoft Outlook ~ General SAP use

EDUCATION
Elwood Secondary College
Year 10
2013

Adam Smith |  Email: adamsmith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

Achievements:

 2012: Principal’s award for dedication demonstrated by sporting contributions and achievements.

 2011: Community recognition award for working as a buddy for newly enrolled Year 7 students.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

 Verbal Communication: Recognised ability to communicate with a range of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.
Demonstrated by 3-year captaincy of Captain of Elwood AFL team.

 Commitment & Dedication: Willing to provide long-term ongoing contribution and commitment to an organisation.
Demonstrated by membership of local AFL team for over 5 years.

 Collaborative Team Member: Ability to collaborate with team members. Demonstrated by group work assignments,
professional work experience placements and captaincy of Elwood AFL team since 2010.

 Reliable: Commended reliability as team member and supporter. Demonstrated by attending all Elwood AFL games since
2007.

 Honest: Strong personal morals and ethics ensure complete honesty and transparency at all times. Demonstrated by
managing cash count at fundraisers and events in school community.
STUDENT WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS
ACME TRANSPORT AND WAREHOUSE CENTRE 2013
WAREHOUSE ASSISTANT - TWO-WEEK WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT

Worked in fast-paced warehouse environment over a two-week placement period. Worked full-time hours and assisted as a member of
the receipt and despatch warehouse team.

Achievements and Contributions:

 Stock Control: Developed skills and understanding of processes to ensure ability to manage large variety of product lines while
meeting production targets.
 Logistics Planning: Calculated cubic metre requirements for despatch and assisted in identifying transport requirements to meet
customer deliveries and urgent order requests.
 Records Processing: Developed understanding of con note processing and pallet control procedures. Assisted with end-of-month
reconciliation of pallet accounts.
 WH&S: Developed understanding and appreciation for health, safety and environmental management policies in an organisation.
 Team Collaboration: Attended daily toolbox meetings reviewing daily production targets. Contributed to discussions on efficiency
and process improvements as well as problem resolution.

Testimonial:

“Adam worked with us during his school placement period of 2 weeks. Over this time he was a very enthusiastic learner and wanted to
help across all aspects of the warehouse. His interpersonal skills saw him adapt really well into the work environment and the guys were
more than happy to help him when he needed to understand something or wanted to learn. I see a strong future for Adam and wish him
luck.”

—Warren Jackson, Warehouse Manager, ACME Transport and Warehouse Centre.

Adam Smith |  Email: adam.smith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENTS
 2013: Elwood College - Year 7 Buddy
 2011: Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal - Volunteer Collector
 2010 - 2013: Elwood AFL - Captain - Under 18s

PROFESSIONAL REFEREES
Tom Noah
Coach
Elwood AFL Under 18s
Phone XXXX XXX XXX

Judy Little
Year 10 Coordinator
Elwood Secondary College
Phone: XX XXXX XXXX

Adam Smith |  Email: adam.smith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

 ACTION VERBS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR RESUME

PERSONNE
DECISION MAKING MANAGEMENT CHANGES L

ACCEPT ADJUDICATE ACTIVATE APPRAISE

DISCHARG
ACTIVATE ANALYZE COMPARE E

APPROVE ANTICIPATE CREATE EMPLOY

AUTHORIZE APPROVE DESIGN HANDLE

DECIDE DIRECT ESTABLISH INTERVIEW

RENDER ESTABLISH IMPROVE PROMOTE

REQUIRED EVALUATE MAKE RECRUIT

SOLVE EXECUTE MODIFY SCREEN

TERMINATE MANAGE STIMULATE SEEK

TEST MEET UPGRADE SELECT

ORGANIZE TRAIN

PLAN TRANSFER

PLANNING &
SUPERVISION ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH CONTROL

ADHERE ADMINISTER ANALYZE ACQUIRE

ASSESS ENGAGE COMPILE ALLOCATE

ASSIGN FURNISH DEFINE ASSUME

COUNSEL INSURE DETERMINE CONTROL

DEFINE JUSTIFY DEVELOP EXTEND

DELEGATE PROCESS EVALUATE FORECAST

DEMONSTRATE PROCURE IDENTIFY FORMULATE

DEVELOP PURCHASE INVESTIGATE MEASURE

ENCOURAGE RECEIVE PREPARE MONITOR

EXERCISE RECLAIM PROPOSE PLAN

FOSTER REJECT RECOMMEND PROGRESS

MANAGE REQUISITION RESEARCH SCHEDULE

MEET SECURE REVIEW

Adam Smith |  Email: adam.smith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

PARTICIPATE SHIP SUBMIT

REPORT STORE
REQUEST SUPPLY

SUPERVISE

EXTERNAL
HELPING PERSONNEL COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES

ARRANGE APPRAISE CONTACT COOPERATE

ASSIST DISCHARGE CRITIQUE COORDINATE

CONTRIBUTE EMPLOY DECLARE NEGOTIATE

COUNSEL HANDLE DISPLAY PUBLICIZE

GIVE INTERVIEW INFORM REPRESENT

GUIDE PROMOTE INTERPRET STRENGTHEN

INITIATE RECRUIT ISSUE

SERVE SCREEN SPEAK

SOLVE SEEK TESTIFY

SELECT WRITE

TRAIN

TRANSFER

Excerpted from ACAP (Aroostook County Action Program) Workforce Development Center
Resume

Transferable Skills

For lists of transferable skills that you may be able to apply to your resume, check these sites:

• http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/publications/223e_28a.htm

• http://www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills_set.html

• http://www.placementmanual.com/career/career-11.html

• http://www.d.umn.edu/student/loon/car/self/career_transfer_survey.html

LP4 – Resume Writing

Adam Smith |  Email: adam.smith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

Sample Cover Letter: No Work Experience
(A Youth Central Cover Letter Template)

Use this sample cover letter if:

 You're applying for a job that has been advertised

 You don't have any formal (paid) work experience

This sample cover letter demonstrates the kind of things you need to address if you're applying for an advertised job,
but you don't have any formal (paid) work experience.

You can use this sample cover letter whatever your level of education. This sample has been designed to be used by
high school students and graduates, tertiary students and graduates, and also people who have left school without
doing VCE.

A good cover letter should include:

 Your name, email address and phone number at the top of the page on the right
 The name of the business and the contact person's full name on the left
 The date you wrote the letter on the right
 A reference line (e.g., "Re: Application for Administration Assistant position")
 An address to the reader directly (e.g., "Dear Mr. Moyle" - try to avoid using "To whom it may concern" if you
can)
 An opening statement that briefly introduces you to the reader
 A main body that highlights qualities and characteristics you have that are relevant to the job
 A closing paragraph asking to arrange an interview

If you don't have any formal work experience, things you can mention in your cover letter include:

 General skills that help you work in a team and as part of an organisation
 Personal attributes that will help you learn to work in a professional work environment
 Key strengths and contributions that show you are a stand-out applicant
 School work experience or volunteer work that demonstrates your strengths and attributes
 Any sporting or community club participation (if relevant)
 Any hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job or demonstrate your professional experience

Key points of this cover letter are that it:

 Introduces you to the reader

 Responds to the requirements of the job
 Attracts the reader's interest and refers them to your resume
 Doesn't include too many “I” statements, which can run the risk of disengaging the reader

The focus of this kind of cover letter is to prove that your personal qualities and characteristics are a good fit with the
requirements of the job and also that they will make a positive contribution to the organisation or business.

Adam Smith |  Email: adam.smith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

 Joanne Tint
Email: joannetint@xmail.com
Mobile: XXX XXXX XXXX

Mr Allan Moyle
Moyle Retail Solutions
Phone: XX XXXX XXXX
Email: enquiries@moyleretailsolutions.com.au

23 April 2015

RE: Application for Casual Retail Sales Assistant position

Dear Mr. Moyle,

As a highly motivated and dedicated student with strong communication and interpersonal skills, I would like to apply
for the position of Casual Retail Sales Assistant.

As a student I have been extensively involved in my school community, which has allowed me to develop strong
interpersonal skills. My involvement in various events, including drama eisteddfods and sports carnivals, has allowed
me to work closely with my peers while supporting the school community as a whole.

These experiences have allowed me to develop strong time management and organisational skills, which I see as
being very important when seeking to work in casual employment while continuing to study.

Personal attributes that I believe make me suitable for this position include:

 Motivation: Volunteer participation and school results demonstrate high motivation.

 Customer Service: Assisting with the sale of products at community events has allowed the development of
customer service skills.
 Communication: Acting in drama performances and working as an MC for school events has allowed the
development of communication skills.
My teachers and educators have commended me for my willingness to participate and my dedication to helping out
where possible. I enjoy working with others and believe that my strong communication skills will ensure that I can
meet the expectations of this role.
I am aware that you will receive a large number of applications for this job, but I would very much appreciate the
opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities to you in person.
I believe that I have a lot to offer your organisation. I am keen to develop my professional skills and look forward to
discussing my application with you at an interview. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your consideration. I can
be contacted at all times on the details provided above.

Thanking you in advance for your time,

Joanne Tint

Adam Smith |  Email: adam.smith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae: What's the Difference?
Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin for “course of life.” In contrast, resume is French for “summary.” Both CVs &
Resumes:

 Are tailored for the specific job/company you are applying to

 Should represent you as the best qualified candidate
 Are used to get you an interview
 Do not usually include personal interests
If you are applying for both academic as well as industry (private or public sector) positions, you will need to prepare both a
resume and a CV.
Curriculum Vitae vs. Resume: Format and Content
The CV presents a full history of your academic credentials, so the length of the document is variable. In
contrast, a resume presents a concise picture of your skills and qualifications for a specific position, so
length tends to be shorter and dictated by years of experience (generally 1-2 pages).

CVs are used by individuals seeking fellowships, grants, postdoctoral positions, and teaching/research
positions in postsecondary institutions or high-level research positions in industry. Graduate school
applications typically request a CV, but in general are looking for a resume that includes any publications
and descriptions of research projects.

In many European countries, CV is used to describe all job application documents, including a resume. In
the United States and Canada, CV and resume are sometimes used interchangeably. If you are not sure
which kind of document to submit, it is best to ask for clarification.

Resume Curriculum Vitae

Emphasizes skills Emphasizes academic accomplishments

Used when applying for a position in industry, non-profit,

Used when applying for positions in academia, fellowships and grants
and public sector

Is no longer than 2 pages, with an additional page for

Length depends upon experience and includes a complete list of
publications and/or poster presentations if highly relevant
publications, posters, and presentations
to the job

After 1 year of industry experience, lead with work Always begins with education and can include name of advisor and
experience and place education section at or near the dissertation title or summary (see examples). Also used for merit/
end, depending upon qualifications tenure review and sabbatical leave

Adam Smith |  Email: adam.smith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

Adam Smith |  Email: adam.smith@xmail.com.au |  Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX