b'Career Services \xe2\x97\x8f 220 Administration Building \xe2\x97\x8f 487-2313 \xe2\x97\x8f www.career.mtu.edu\n\nEffective Resumes \xe2\x97\x8f Cover Letters\nResume\nThe first and perhaps the most vital step in preparing yourself for a successful job search is to\ncreate a powerful resume that will open doors and generate interviews. And you\xe2\x80\x99ll want a\npowerfully effective and attractive resume because:\n\xe2\x80\x9cOn average, most recruiters spend about 30 seconds scanning a resume and cover\nletter before sending it to the \xe2\x80\x9cyes\xe2\x80\x9d or \xe2\x80\x9cno\xe2\x80\x9d pile.\xe2\x80\x9d\n\nTop Ten Skills companies are looking for in you:\n1. Co-op/internship experience\n2. Confident communication skills (both written and oral)\n3. Strong Grade Point Average\n4. Teamwork and interpersonal skills\n5. Leadership experience\n6. Computer & Technical skills\n7. Problem solving/Analytical skills\n8. Accomplishments/Achievements\n9. Flexibility/adaptability\n10. Personal confidence\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nYour resume should provide\nEVIDENCE that you possess\nmany of these skills\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nYour resume should be\nTAILORED to match the job\nposting as closely as possible\nwhen applying for specific jobs\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nA 1st or 2nd year resume will look\nDIFFERENT than a 3rd or 4th\nyear resume.\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nIn 30 seconds, your cover letter and resume package needs to convey an image of who you are, what\nyou\xe2\x80\x99re capable of, and how you\xe2\x80\x99ve used your abilities to achieve specific results.\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nYou want your marketing documents to indicate that you know yourself well and have a firm grasp on\nwhat you bring to the table.\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nThis self realization and evaluation time will serve you in other ways as you search for your dream job,\nas it will enlighten you to what you like to do, what you\xe2\x80\x99re good at, and what kind of a career you\ndesire.\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nYour resume must reflect these things and you\xe2\x80\x99ll then be able to speak fluently and confidently in\nwriting (the resume) and verbally (the interview) about your background and skills in a way that will\nimpress your potential employer and greatly raise your chance to work where, when, and how you\nwant.\n\nThere are no hard and fast rules to writing and presenting a cover letter and resume, although there are\nexpected good practices that can guide you as you create your self-promoting, self-marketing documents\nas the first step in achieving the job opportunity on the path of the career of your dreams.\n\n\x0cWhen producing your resume, focus on one important objective: to efficiently and effectively\ncommunicate your qualifications to your audience (always, always keep your intended audience in mind!)\nTo do that, adhere to the 3 Cs: clean, clear, concise.\nClean: You want to make a strong visual impact on your reader before the first word is read:\n\xef\x82\xa7 Organized layout\n\xef\x82\xa7 Effective use of white space\n\xef\x82\xa7 Symmetry\n\xef\x82\xa7 Uniformity\n\xef\x82\xa7 Highlighted sections\n\xef\x82\xa7 Consistent type face such as Arial, size 11 (no bigger than 12, no smaller than 10)\n\xef\x82\xa7 Professional quality and weight stationary in a neutral color\n\xef\x82\xa7 High quality printing \xe2\x80\x93 no photocopies\nClear: You want to write who you are in terms of education and experience, what you can do, in terms of\naction, and how well you can do it, in terms of accomplishments and achievements:\n\xef\x82\xa7 Use action phrases beginning with action verbs (see following list)\n\xef\x82\xa7 Detailed description of duties\n\xef\x82\xa7 Meaningful accomplishments\n\xef\x82\xa7 Ask yourself the following questions to stimulate your description of what you\xe2\x80\x99ve accomplished:\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you identify and/or solve any major issues or problems?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you establish any new or innovative systems or procedures?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you design, test, analyze, and/or implement a process or procedure?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you design, test, analyze, fabricate, repair, maintain a product or manufacturing process?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you develop a product or process or procedure that will raise production?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you develop a product or process or procedure that will lower costs?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Were you a successful team member and/or team leader?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you serve as project manager, coordinator, liaison, representative, or committee chair?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you supervise or train other team members or employees?\n\xef\x82\xa7 Did you show initiative and go above and beyond what was asked of you - go out of your way\nto provide exceptional service to a client, customer, stakeholder?\nConcise: You want to state your experience in terms of accomplishments/skills/professional behaviors,\nbased on your target job, in the shortest, but most understandable way:\n\xef\x82\xa7 Again, use powerful action phrases beginning with action verbs\n\xef\x82\xa7 Use bullet points\n\xef\x82\xa7 Be specific \xe2\x80\x93 use hard evidence detail\n\xef\x82\xa7 Avoid whole sentences\n\xef\x82\xa7 Use an active voice and past tense for previous experience\n\xef\x82\xa7 Write in the first person, but without the \xe2\x80\x9cI\xe2\x80\x9d\n\xef\x82\xa7 You want to say, in as few carefully chosen words as possible, what action was taken, in what\nsetting, with what skills, and with what results. So, consider the following format for describing\nproject experience:\n\xef\x82\xa7 Project Title\n\xef\x82\xa7 Objective\n\xef\x82\xa7 Problem Solving Methods Used (remember action verbs here and give at least 5)\n\xef\x82\xa7 Results (or projected results if project is on-going)\nThe following pages provide a basic template and numerous examples of excellent and effective resumes\nof students just like you. None of these resources are proprietary, so feel free to use any formatting\nand/or text you wish.\nRefer to the list of \xe2\x80\x9cAction\xe2\x80\x9d verbs to use for your work and project experience bullets.\nPlease consider making an appointment with a Career Services Career Advisor for a personal one-onone resume review. Call 906-487-2313 or email career.mtu.edu.\n\n\x0cBasic Resume Format\n\nJane Doe\n\n123 Anystreet\nAnytown, Anystate 12345\n906.555.1234\njanedoe@mtu.edu\n\nOBJECTIVE\nUse the objective statement to customize your resume directly to the job and/or company to which\nyou are applying.\nEDUCATION\nCollege or University\nDegree\nMajor/Focus/Concentration\nMinor\nGPA:\n\nLocation\nExpected graduation date\n\nCO-OP or INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE\nName of Company\nJob Title\n\xef\x82\xa7 Action\n\xef\x82\xa7 Action\n\nLocation\nDates\n\nFIELD RELATED EXPERIENCE (possible topic headings\xe2\x80\xa6)\nPROJECT EXPERIENCE - Especially if you are lacking in hands-on experience in your field, this\nis a good area to include. List 1 or 2 projects and at least 5 action points\nMichigan Tech University Enterprise Program \xe2\x80\x93 SAE Aerospace Team\nProject:\nObjective:\n\xef\x82\xa7 Action\n\xef\x82\xa7 Action\nWORK HISTORY\nENGINEERING EXPERIENCE\nCOMPUTER PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE\nACCOUNTING EXPERIENCE\nMEDICAL LAB EXPERIENCE\nWEB PAGE DESIGN EXPERIENCE\nMARKETING EXPERIENCE\nARCHEOLOGICAL FIELD EXPERIENCE\nTEACHING EXPERIENCE\nOTHER POSSIBLE SECTION HEADINGS\nVOLUNTEER SERVICE WORK\nLEADERSHIP\nACCOMPLISHMENTS/ACHIEVEMENTS\nTECHNICAL SKILLS/COMPUTER SKILLS\nACTIVITIES\nCLUBS/AFFILIATIONS/COUNCILS/PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS\n\n\x0cDual Degree First Year Engineering Student\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nShows coursework project experience\nHighlights computer & technical skills\nObjective statement specifies position\n1234 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, MI 49931\n906.555.1885\njdoe@mtu.edu\n\nJohn Doe\nOBJECTIVE\n\nTo obtain the position of Mechanical Engineering Summer Intern with Precision Edge Surgical Products\nCompany\nEDUCATION\nMichigan Technological University\nDual Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering\nMinor: French Language\nGPA: 4.0\nSault Area High School and Career Center\nGPA: 4.047\nClass Rank: 1st\n\nHoughton, MI\nExpected 2015\n\nSault Ste. Marie, MI\nMay 2010\n\nPROJECT EXPERIENCE\nMichigan Technological University\nHoughton, MI\nMicrobrewery Design Project\n2011\nObjective: to design a more sustainable and cost efficient microbrewery production line\nMethods:\n\xef\x82\xa7 Worked as part of an engineering team\n\xef\x82\xa7 Project manager\n\xef\x82\xa7 Modeling and design leader\n\xef\x82\xa7 Designed a 3-D solid model of the proposed microbrewery\n\xef\x82\xa7 Analyzed the hazards of the brewing process\n\xef\x82\xa7 Prepared a resource budget to estimate system energy requirements\n\xef\x82\xa7 Developed a computer simulation of microbrewery using Matlab Technical Computing Software\nOutcome (projected): Design, model, and simulation of a feasible and marketable design solution for\na more cost effective and energy reducing microbrewery production line\nSault Area High School and Career Center\nFirst Robotics\n\xef\x82\xa7 CAD Drafting with Integrated Machining Technologies\n\xef\x82\xa7 Student Participant\n\xef\x82\xa7 Program Mentor\n\nSault Ste. Marie, MI\n2006 \xe2\x80\x93 2010\n2007 \xe2\x80\x93 2010\n2008 \xe2\x80\x93 2010\n\nSKILLS\nComputer\n\xef\x82\xa7 Windows and Linux Operating Systems\n\xef\x82\xa7 Microsoft Office\n\xef\x82\xa7 Autodesk Drafting and Modeling Software\n\xef\x82\xa7 Unigraphics Modeling Software\n\xef\x82\xa7 Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic\n\xef\x82\xa7 Matlab Technical Computing Software\n\xef\x82\xa7 Rollomatic Virtual Grind Software\n\nTechnical\n\xef\x82\xa7 CNC Machining (plasma cutter, mill, lathe)\n\xef\x82\xa7 Manual lathe and milling operations\n\xef\x82\xa7 Rollomatic CNC Grinding Machines\n\xef\x82\xa7 Computer Aided Manufacturing CAM\n\xef\x82\xa7 Computer Aided Design CAD\n\n\x0cMIS Student Resume\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nNotice details and quantifiers\nShows alternate area for listing\n\nJohn Doe\njdoe@mtu.edu\nCurrent Address:\n1234 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, MI 49931\nPhone: (906) 555-1885\n\nObjective:\n\nTo obtain a full time position in the Management Information Systems\nDepartment with IBM\n\nEducation:\n\nMichigan Technological University (MTU), Houghton, MI\nBachelor of Science in Business Administration\nConcentration in Management Information Systems\nGPA: 3.62\nExpected Date of Graduation: December 2012\n\nDatabase\nExperience:\n\nCTC Science Corporation, Chassell, MI\nDatabase Engineering Co-op (May- Aug 2010)\n\xef\x82\xb7 Reduced client overstock by 10% and saved $80,000 annually by\ncreating inventory system database with SQL Plus\n\xef\x82\xb7 Developed a database application with Oracle Web DB\nDatabase Management Project (MTU) Houghton, MI\n\xef\x82\xb7 Created a conceptual data model with structural constraints\nand assumptions for a particular organization\n\xef\x82\xb7 Developed a database to efficiently track and record information\nconcerning the NCAA football team\n\xef\x82\xb7 Implemented a database allows appropriate management of\ninformation and produce relevant periodic reports\n\nOther\nExperience:\n\nMTU Memorial Union Building, Houghton, MI\nDining Services\xe2\x80\x94Crew Supervisor (September 2009- May 2011)\n\xef\x82\xb7 Supervised and scheduled staff of eight students\n\xef\x82\xb7 Interviewed and trained new staff\nMcDonald\xe2\x80\x99s Restaurant, Tapiola, MI\nTrainer (2006-2008)\n\xef\x82\xb7 Supervised and trained new employees\n\xef\x82\xb7 Member of Quality Improvement Committee\n\xef\x82\xb7 Promoted to manager at McDonald\xe2\x80\x99s at age 16\n\nActivities:\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nMTU International Club member:\n\xef\x82\xb7 Gave presentations and organized cultural events\nDean\xe2\x80\x99s List at MTU\nVolunteer for Humane Society, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly\nCompleted high school exchange program in Japan\n\nPermanent Address:\n5678 Main Street\nSomewhere, MI 12345\nPhone: (789) 555-1234\n\nRelevant Courses:\nInformation Systems Projects\nTelecommunications\nSystems Analysis and Design\nIS/IT Management\nBusiness Database\nManagement\nPrinciples of Marketing\nBusiness Communication\nAccounting Principles\nManagerial Statistics\nIndividual Problem Solving\nGroup Problem Solving\nQuantitative Problem Solving\nPrinciples of Macroeconomics\nInternational Economics\nOrganizational Behavior\nInternational Management\nQuality Management\n\nComputer Skills:\nOperating Systems \xe2\x80\x93\nWindows, Macintosh OS\nProgramming Languages \xe2\x80\x93\nHTML, Visual Basic, SQL\nSoftware \xe2\x80\x93\nMS Word, Access, Excel,\nPowerPoint, Visio Professional,\nAdobe Acrobat, PhotoShop,\nDreamweaver, Director,\nPageMaker, Flash, Fireworks\n\n\x0cSenior Engineering Student Resume\n\xef\x82\xa7 Considerable Co-op Experience\n\xef\x82\xa7 Demonstrated leadership work\n\n1234 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, MI 49931\n906.555.1885\njanedoe@mtu.edu\n\nJane Doe\n\nObjective: To obtain a full time position in the safety and crashworthiness or human factors evaluation\ndepartments in the Toyota Technical Center\nEducation: BS in Mechanical Engineering\n\nMichigan Technological University\n\nHoughton, MI\nExpected, 2012\n\nCo-op Experience:\nToyota Technical Center\nAnn Arbor, MI\nMay \xe2\x80\x93 August 2011\nEngineering Design Instrument Panel Co-op\n\xef\x82\xa7 Compiled and highlighted various trends with JD Power &Appeal data analysis\n\xef\x82\xa7 Collected and compiled information for target setting for a new vehicle project\n\xef\x82\xa7 Measured steps and gaps related to registers, speakers, glove box, upper box etc.\n\xef\x82\xa7 Learned attention to detail concerning styling, lighting, and interior harmony\n\xef\x82\xa7 Completed a utility study to evaluate how customers utilize their storage space\n\xef\x82\xa7 Completed competitor Glove Box Volume trend study using engineering principles\nToyota Technical Center\nAnn Arbor, MI\nJanuary-May 2010\nVehicle Engineering Evaluation & Safety Crashworthiness Co-op\n\xef\x82\xa7 Updated \xe2\x80\x9cHead Drop Calibration\xe2\x80\x9d procedure to increase clarity and promote consistency\n\xef\x82\xa7 Provided support during CV testing; understanding associated FMVSS procedures, assisting with setup,\nperforming and documenting free motion head form test\n\xef\x82\xa7 Conducted Energy Absorber testing; created and analyzed various test scenarios\n\xef\x82\xa7 Processed vehicle SE test data to compare HIC data\n\xef\x82\xa7 Shadowed engineers during sled and bumper testing/ updated dummy database\nToyota Technical Center\nAnn Arbor, MI\nJanuary-May 2009\nMaterial Research Department Metallic Group Co-op\n\xef\x82\xa7 Conducted surface roughness testing and analysis on Galvannealed Sheet Steel comparing current\nproduction with E-coat and phosphate samples to improve vehicle paint appearance\n\xef\x82\xa7 Presented surface roughness results during the \xe2\x80\x9cNorth American Steel Working Group\xe2\x80\x9d and Paint\nVillage meetings.\n\xef\x82\xa7 Created operational procedures for various machines such as: Mounting Press, Coating\nthickness gauge, Charpy Impact Tester etc.\n\xef\x82\xa7 Completed Japanese class\nToyota Technical Center\nAnn Arbor, MI\nJanuary-Sept. 2008\nMaterial Engineering Department Metallic Group Co-op\n\xef\x82\xa7 Conducted benchmarking activities for North American magnesium applications\n\xef\x82\xa7 Presented information at videoconferences for counterparts in Japan\n\xef\x82\xa7 Set up field testing for magnesium alloyed samples\n\xef\x82\xa7 Microhardness analysis; including SEM analysis\n\xef\x82\xa7 Attended Japanese class\nComputer\nSkills:\nIdeas, MathCAD, Mathematica, Matlab, Microsoft Office Suite, Star Office, MGA software\nLeadership:\n\nSenior Design-Gas Generation & Storage Facility\n\xef\x82\xa7 Noise Control Liaison\n\xef\x82\xa7 Secretary\nDelta Phi Epsilon International Sorority\n\xef\x82\xa7 Recruitment Group\n\xef\x82\xa7 Winter Carnival Statue Group\nNational Society of Black Engineers\n\xef\x82\xa7 Pre-College Initiative Chair\nAerospace Enterprise\n\xef\x82\xa7 Executive Vice-President\n\nAugust 2008 - present\n\nDecember 2008 - present\n\nAugust 2009 - present\nMay 2010 - Dec.2010\n\n\x0c\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nUpper Classman\nComputer Engineer\nCComputer\nHighlights internship experience while attending school\nEntrepreneurial Experience\n\nJohn Doe\nEmail: jdoe@mtu.edu\nCell: (906) 555-1885\nUniversity Address:\n1234 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, MI 49931\n\nHome Address:\n5678 Main Road\nSomewhere, MI 12345\n\nObjective\nTo obtain an entry level engineering position in a Computer Engineering related field that will allow me to\nmake a contribution to the field.\nEducation\nMichigan Technological University\nB.S., Computer Engineering\n\nAug. 2008 - Present\n\nSpring 2012 Graduate\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nGPA 3.06\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nRelevant Courses: Embedded Systems Programming, Systems Administration, DSP, Electronics,\nHardware & Software Sys Integration\n\nExperience\nGE Aviation (Smiths Aerospace)\n\nJan. 2011 \xe2\x80\x93 Present\n\nConsultant/Programmer\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nProgram Test Software for GE (Smiths) Aerospace, designing test s for flight product\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nSuccessfully performed Hardware/Software integration on flight systems\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nWork in an Extreme Programming Team based environment\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nDevelop with National Instruments Labwindows/CVI in C and NI Teststand\n\nIntegrated Microsystems Enterprise (Michigan Technological University)\n\nAug. 2010 \xe2\x80\x93 Present\n\nPresident/CEO\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nRunning a student based company focused on bringing small integrated products to real world\nmarkets, such as secondary education and pavement design\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nDesigned wireless embedded sensor systems, soldered and debugged surface mount integrated circuits\nthat are designed in house by other students\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nManage project timelines, design requirements, and personnel conflicts\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nWorked with external companies on Army Research Labs and DoD projects as main point of contact\nand lead consultant engineer\n\nHoneywell\n\nMay \xe2\x80\x93 Aug. 2009\n\nIntern\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nProgrammed and designed UI front -end to control and test ZigBee wireless network\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nProgrammed in C and Java\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nTroubleshot and debugged integrated wireless system\n\nComputer Skills\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nProgramming Languages : C, C++, Java, Assembly, Fortran 90\nApplications : NI MAX, NI LabWindows/CVI, NI TestStand, Cygwin, gcc, g++, SVN, Dimensions,\nNational Instruments Suite, MatLab, HyperTerminal\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nHardware : GPIB, VXI, RS422, RS232, Mil-STD-1553, PIC Microcontrollers, Atmel Atmega 128 and 256,\nBluetooth, ZigBee, Chipcon Radios, Sun SPOT, Mote iv\n\nInterests\nMicro Design, Embedded Systems, Robotics, Wireless Communication, Bass Guitar, Computer building,\nBroomball, Fencing, Hockey, Mission Trips\n\n\x0c1234 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, MI 49931\n906.555.1885\njanedoe@mtu.edu\n\nJane Doe\nEducation:\n\nMichigan Technological University\n\xef\x82\xa7 B.S. in Psychology\n\xef\x82\xa7 General Education Credits focused in Biological Sciences\n\xef\x82\xa7 Departmental GPA: 3.21 Overall: 2.83, Deans List Fall 2006\n\nWork\nExperience:\n\nMichigan Technological University\nHoughton MI\nResearch Assistant, Psychology Department\n2009 \xe2\x80\x93 2011\n\xef\x82\xa7 Researched educational opportunities and outcomes within secondary school students,\ninstitutionalization and effects of service learning programs in K-12 schools\n\xef\x82\xa7 Formatted research manuscript using proper APA formatting and editing\n\xef\x82\xa7 Conducted telephone surveys for the Copper Country Intermediate School District\n\xef\x82\xa7 Researched literature reviews using various online databases\n\xef\x82\xa7 Analyzed surveys for result reporting\n\xef\x82\xa7 Reviewed grant proposals for service learning projects\n\nSocial Science\nResume\nhighlighting:\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nExcellent\nresearch skills\n\nTeaching Assistant, Physiological Psychology\n\xef\x82\xa7 Provided students with individual instruction upon request\n\xef\x82\xa7 Responsible for maintaining and updating grade spreadsheets\n\xef\x82\xa7 Assisted professor with construction and formatting of exams\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nExpected APA\nformat writing\nskills\n\nStudent Development Complex Customer Service\n\xef\x82\xa7 Provide customers with friendly assistance\n\xef\x82\xa7 Maintain accurate counts of equipment rentals and returns\n\xef\x82\xa7 Acquired First Aid and CPR Certification\n\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nGood\nleadership\nexperience\n\nHoughton MI\nMay 2013\n\n2010\n\n2009 - Present\n\nShopko Pharmacy\nHoughton MI\nPharmacy Technician\n2010 \xe2\x80\x93 present\n\xef\x82\xa7 Maintained accurate records of pill counts and patient billing information\n\xef\x82\xa7 Honed essential teambuilding skills\n\xef\x82\xa7 Communicated with supervisors and customers\n\xef\x82\xa7 Strived to maintain patient confidentiality and uphold various medical policies\n\xef\x82\xa7 Learned various insurance policies and requirements\n\nComputer Skills:\n\nMicrosoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS (statistical analysis software), Windows OS\n\nActivities and\nLeadership:\n\nLeadershape Graduate, 2008\nAlpha Sigma Tau National Sorority\n2010 - Present\nAthletic Director\n\xef\x82\xa7 Organized and scheduled group participation in Homecoming/Winter Carnival events\n\xef\x82\xa7 Organized and scheduled teams for Intramural Athletics\nTrouble Shooter\n\xef\x82\xa7 Mediated member internal and external conflict and crisis issues\n\xef\x82\xa7 Developed, organized and lead miniature group therapy sessions\nWinter Carnival Statue Chair\n\xef\x82\xa7 Led group of 25 in statue build\n\xef\x82\xa7 Concept and design according to theme and statue competition regulations\n\xef\x82\xa7 Resource procurement\n\xef\x82\xa7 Scheduled groups of builders\n\xef\x82\xa7 Timeline adherence\nAssociation of Psychology Students\n\xef\x82\xa7 Vice President, 2009-2011\n\xef\x82\xa7 Assisted president in running of meetings\n\xef\x82\xa7 Planned and implemented various service projects\n\nVolunteer Work:\n\xef\x82\xa7 MOPS (Mothers of Preschool Students)\n\n\xef\x82\xa7 Big Brothers/Sisters\n\n\x0cCOVER LETTER\nTop 5 things recruiters look for in a cover letter\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nreadability\na sense of your personality and attitude\nhow you found out about the job opening\nyour educational and experiential accomplishments\nevidence that you\xe2\x80\x99ve researched the company\n\nMany times, even the resume makes a second impression behind the cover letter. That \xe2\x80\x9coh so critical\xe2\x80\x9d\nfirst impression is made by the letter that introduces the resume \xe2\x80\x93 the cover letter. So, a cover letter can\nbe just as important and as powerful as your resume. When the envelope is opened, your cover letter is\nthe first thing seen. It can make an indelible first impression, it can set the tone for your candidacy, and it\ncan earn your resume the careful examination it deserves. A good cover letter sets the stage for the\nreader to accept your resume as something worth serious attention.\nYour first step is to grab your reader\xe2\x80\x99s attention. You do this with the appearance of your letter: the type\nis large and legible enough for others to read, it is completely free of misspellings, and it is well laid out so\nthat it is easy on the eye, and if that letter is going by mail, rather an e-mail, you grab attention by using\nquality stationary, including envelopes.\nYour second step is to generate interest with the letter\xe2\x80\x99s content. The first opportunity you have to do this\nis by addressing the letter to someone by name. The cover letter offers you an opportunity to personalize\nand target your resume to a particular reader. This is critical, since resumes are impersonal. Without a\npersonalized cover letter, a resume may create the impression that the addressee is simply part of a\nmass mailing. Find out who will be the first in line to evaluate your application materials or better yet,\nwrite to the stakeholder in this hiring process \xe2\x80\x93 the person who is responsible for hiring the right person\nfor the job or who will have the final say as to who is hired. This may take some investigation and\nresearch work, but it is well worth your while.\nImportant guidelines for writing powerfully effective letters are to have something of interest to\ncommunicate to the reader and to deliver that message with passion and enthusiasm.\nAgain, know your skills! With a targeted letter, the first step is to indentify your skills and marketable\nattributes. Then write with the reader in mind. Show them something you have to offer that will benefit\nthem. Think of your letter in terms of your reader\xe2\x80\x99s interest. Put yourself in the employer\xe2\x80\x99s shoes. You\nwill get the interview or advance to the next step if you meet the prospective company\xe2\x80\x99s \xe2\x80\x9ccriteria or needs\nfor hire.\xe2\x80\x9d Address the company\xe2\x80\x99s needs as you understand them and draw the connection between those\nneeds and your skills as a means to meet them. This means more research and investigation on your\nend, but, again, well worth your while. Your letter must address and answer the following questions:\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nWhat is the company really looking for?\nWhat qualifications do I have that are valuable to a potential employer?\nWhat specific contributions have I made in the past that will excite the employer and tell them that\nI am capable of that kind of contribution again?\nWhat type of personality do I have, and am I a team player?\nWhy do I want to work for this company?\nWhy would this company want to hire me instead of the guy behind me?\n\nThe following pages provide a basic template and numerous examples of excellent and effective resumes\nof students just like you. None of these resources are proprietary, so feel free to use any formatting\nand/or text you wish. Refer to the list of \xe2\x80\x9cAction\xe2\x80\x9d verbs to use for your work and project experience bullets.\nPlease consider making an appointment with a Career Services Career Advisor for a personal one-onone resume review. Call 906-487-2313 or email career.mtu.edu.\n\n\x0cBasic Cover Letter\nResume Format\nBusiness Block Style\nYour Street\nYour Town, State, Zip\nDate\n(space)\n(sp)\n(sp)\n(sp)\nName of Contact (Hiring Stakeholder)\nTitle\nCompany\nAddress\nAddress\n(sp)\nDear Hiring Stakeholder: (If you cannot find a contact name, use Dear Sir/Madame:)\n(sp)\nFirst Paragraph: Immediately tell your reader why you\xe2\x80\x99re writing. Be sure to fully describe the\nemployment opportunity, along with how you found out about it. The first paragraph should ignite\ninterest in your candidacy and spark enthusiasm from the reader. What can you do for him or her in\ngeneral terms.\n(sp)\nSecond Paragraph: Give your reader your background. Go more in depth about your experiences,\neducation, skills, and abilities. Also, build a bridge between those details and what the company needs.\nTell you reader what you can offer the company with as specific and focused evidence as possible.\n(sp)\nThird Paragraph: Show evidence that you\xe2\x80\x99ve researched the company and explain why you want to work\nfor them.\n(sp)\nClosing Paragraph: Let your reader know that you\xe2\x80\x99ve included your resume for their review. Then,\nsuggest some follow up action. You might ask for an interview, let them know you\xe2\x80\x99ll follow up with a\nphone call to speak further about the opportunity, your qualifications, or scheduling an interview. If you\xe2\x80\x99re\nsending your application materials electronically, you may want to suggest a follow up phone call to\nensure your documents were received. Then, of course, thank your reader for their time and\nconsideration.\n(sp)\nSincerely,\n(sp)\n(sp)\n(sp)\n(sp)\nYour Name\nEnclosure/Attachment\n\n\x0c1234 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, MI 49931\nApril 7, 2011\n\nInternational Conservation Service\nMidwest Region Office\n123 Opportunity Drive\nOut of Town, MI 12345\nRE: Ann. # MWRO-08-MP-0043\nDear Hiring Manager:\nI am writing to apply for the position of GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist position in the Great Lakes\nNetwork (GLKN) as advertised in announcement #MWRO-08-MP-0043. This position came to my\nattention through Mike Smith, a previous supervisor and the GIS Analyst / Lecturer in Michigan\nTechnological University\xe2\x80\x99s (MTU) School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (SFRES). I am\ncurrently finishing up my senior year as an Applied Ecology and Environmental Science major at MTU.\nThe following list highlights my skills that I believe will allow me to make an immediate and valuable\ncontribution to the International Conservation Service:\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\xef\x82\xb7\n\nGIS/Remote Sensing Experience \xe2\x80\x93 I have completed both an Intro to GIS course and a master\xe2\x80\x99s\nlevel GIS course in addition to an Independent Study in GIS/Remote Sensing. I have worked on\nseveral GIS projects including ortho-rectifying aerial photos from the 1940\xe2\x80\x99s for GLKN in addition\nto being the GIS analyst on my Integrated Resource Assessment (Senior Design/Capstone) team.\nStand Survey Design - Accustomed to obtaining a list of stands that need surveys and creating\nthe protocol and procedure myself. In addition, I am familiar with many different survey strategies\nand methods.\nCommunication and Interpersonal Skills \xe2\x80\x93 I am currently a Teaching Assistant for Introduction\nto GIS for Natural Resource Management and have previously been a tour guide for the Michigan\nTech Admissions Department.\n\nMy interest in GIS/remote sensing stems from my coursework at MTU, where I developed an appreciation\nfor the necessity of accurate GIS/remote sensing analysis in the greater natural resources fields. I\nespecially came to this conclusion when I was attempting to integrate my two primary interests of\nwetlands and fire caused disturbance. At some point in the future, I would like to pursue a graduate\ndegree looking at the interactions between wetlands and fire. As such, I believe that strengthening my\nunderstanding of GIS/remote sensing, not only in my areas of interest but also in natural resources as a\nwhole, will greatly aid me in my future research.\nI have attached my resume for your perusal and ask for the opportunity to interview with you at your\nearliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you\nsoon.\nSincerely,\n\nJohn Doe\nAttachment\n\n\x0c1234 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, MI 49931\nFebruary 1, 2011\n\nMr. John A. Smith, CEO\nThe Best Care Hospital\n123 Opportunity Drive\nOut of Town, MI 12345\nDear Mr. Smith:\nI am writing to apply for the Biomedical Engineering Intern position at Best Care Hospital. I heard about\nthis opening from Dr. Michael Neuman, my department chair at Michigan Technological University. I\nbelieve my academic background and my engineering work experience make me an excellent fit for this\nposition. I know my skills and my character will allow me to help The Best Care Hospital achieve its\nhealth care goals.\nI have experience working on several team biomedical engineering design projects, including work with\nthe Consumer Product Manufacturing Enterprise. I am currently working on a year-long senior design\nproject focused on cardiac flow measurements around stent struts using particle imaging velocimetry\nsystems. I have had the experience of communicating with a company as to its needs, applying my\nengineering knowledge and skills to the project\xe2\x80\x99s design, building, testing, and redesigning, and seeing the\nproject through to a successful outcome.\nI have held several leadership roles on Michigan Tech\xe2\x80\x99s campus, including membership in the Society for\nBiomaterials, Interfraternity Council Philanthropy Committee Chair, and numerous leadership positions\nwithin Alpha Gamma Delta International Women\xe2\x80\x99s Fraternity. This campus community experience honed\nmy leadership and communications skills and has made me a great team player.\nMy resume is enclosed for more details concerning my education and experience. (I will call you shortly to\nensure you received my application materials.) I am excited about this career opportunity and would\nappreciate the opportunity to interview with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your\nconsideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.\nSincerely,\n\nJane Doe\nEncl.\n\n\x0c1400 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, Michigan 49931\nFebruary 21, 2011\n\nJane Doe\nCopper Co.\n444 Mine Drive\nCoppertown, WI 55555\nDear Ms. Doe:\nI am writing to apply for an internship/co-op position currently available at Copper Co. I learned\nof this opportunity when I spoke with your company\xe2\x80\x99s representative at the Michigan\nTechnological University Career Fair on February 19. I believe my academic background and\nmy great desire to apply my engineering fundamental knowledge to industrial projects makes me\nan excellent candidate for this position. I know my character and experience will allow me to\nmake an immediate contribution to the technical needs of Copper Co., thus helping Copper Co.\nmeets its goals.\nI am currently studying to earn a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Although my work experience\nis limited, I am having a successful academic experience. I am anxious to compliment my\neducation with hands-on, real world technical work. My engineering courses have allowed me\nto work with other engineering students to plan, design, build, test, and then redesign\nmechanical devices, taking a project from start to successful finish.\nI have included my resume for your perusal. I am excited about the opportunity to work at\nCopper Co. in an intern or co-op position, and I am happy to speak with you further about how I\nmay fit your needs. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.\nSincerely,\n\nJohn Smith\nEnclosure\n\n\x0c1234 Townsend Drive\nHoughton, MI 49931\nApril 11, 2011\n\nMr. Bob d\xe2\x80\x99Builder\nProject Engineer\nHealthy Pharmaceuticals\n100 Anywhere Avenue\nSt. Paul, MN 44444\nDear Mr. d\xe2\x80\x99Builder:\nI am writing to tell you of my great interest in pursuing a summer Chemical Engineering\ninternship with Healthy Pharmaceuticals in the St. Paul area. I believe that my academic\nbackground and engineering project experience make me an excellent candidate for this kind of\nposition.\nI am currently studying to earn my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological\nUniversity. I thoroughly enjoy my course work and appreciate my academic success, but am\neager to apply what I have learned to a hands-on industry experience. Having grown up in the\ntwin cities area, I know that Healthy Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in the design,\ndevelopment, and manufacturing of a vast and varied array of products. For this reason, I am\ntruly excited to ask for the opportunity to contribute to your company. My collegiate education\nand passion to broaden my chemical engineering experience make me a great fit with your\ncompany.\nI have enclosed my resume for your review and request an interview with you at your earliest\nconvenience. I will contact you in 3-4 business days to discuss a possible interview. Thank you\nfor your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.\nSincerely,\n\nJane Doe\nEncl.\n\n\x0cAction Verbs for Resumes and Cover Letters\nManagement\nSkills:\nAdministered\nAnalyzed\nAssigned\nAttained\nChaired\nConsolidated\nContracted\nCoordinated\nDelegated\nDeveloped\nDirected\nEvaluated\nExecuted\nImproved\nIncreased\nOrganized\nOversaw\nPlanned\nPrioritized\nProduced\nRecommended\nReviewed\nScheduled\nStrengthened\nSupervised\nCommunication\nSkills\nAddressed\nArbitrated\nArranged\nAuthored\nCollaborated\nConvinced\nCorresponded\nDeveloped\nDirected\nDrafted\nEdited\nEnlisted\nFormulated\nInfluenced\nInterpreted\nLectured\nMediated\nModerated\nNegotiated\nPersuaded\nPromoted\nPublicized\nReconciled\nRecruited\nSpoke\nTranslated\nWrote\n\nResearch\nSkills\nClarified\nCollected\nCritiqued\nDiagnosed\nEvaluated\nExamined\nExtracted\nIdentified\nInspected\nInterpreted\nInterviewed\nInvestigated\nOrganized\nReviewed\nSummarized\nSurveyed\nSystematized\nTechnical\nSkills\nAssembled\nBuilt\nCalculated\nComputed\nConfigured\nDesigned\nDevised\nEngineered\nFabricated\nInstalled\nMaintained\nOperated\nOverhauled\nPerformed\nTrouble-shooting\nProgrammed\nRemodeled\nRepaired\nRetrieved\nSolved\nUpgraded\nTeaching\nSkills\nAdapted\nAdvised\nClarified\nCoached\nCommunicated\nCoordinated\nDemystified\nDeveloped\nEnabled\nEncouraged\nEvaluated\n\nTeaching Skills\n(Continued)\nExplained\nFacilitated\nGuided\nInformed\nInstructed\nPersuaded\nSet goals\nStimulated\nTrained\nClerical/Detail Skills\nApproved\nArranged\nCatalogued\nClassified\nCollected\nCompiled\nExecuted\nGenerated\nImplemented\nInspected\nMonitored\nOperated\nOrganized\nPrepared\nProcessed\nPurchased\nRecorded\nRetrieved\nScreened\nSpecified\nSystematized\nTabulated\nValidated\nHelping\nSkills\nAssessed\nAssisted\nClarified\nCoached\nCounseled\nDemonstrated\nDiagnosed\nEducated\nExpedited\nFacilitated\nGuided\nMotivated\nReferred\nRehabilitated\nRepresented\n\nFinancial Skills\nAdministered\nAllocated\nAnalyzed\nAppraised\nAudited\nBalanced\nCalculated\nComputed\nDeveloped\nForecasted\nManaged\nMarketed\nPlanned\nProjected\nResearched\nCreative\nSkills\nActed\nConceptualized\nCreated\nCustomized\nDesigned\nDeveloped\nDirected\nEstablished\nFashioned\nFounded\nIllustrated\nInitiated\nInstituted\nIntegrated\nIntroduced\nInvented\nOriginated\nPerformed\nPlanned\nRevitalized\nShaped\nMore Verbs\nAchieved\nExpanded\nImproved\nPioneered\nReduced\n(losses)\nResolved\n(problems)\nRestored\nSpearheaded\nTransformed\n\n\x0cCareer Services \xe2\x97\x8f 220 Administration Building \xe2\x97\x8f 487-2313 \xe2\x97\x8f www.career.mtu.edu\nPlease note our NEW location!\nCareer Services Offers:\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nMyPlan: on-line assessment tool to help identify your interests and strengths\nPersonal, one-on-one advising to help you find a career and major that best fit you\nNACElink: on-line job-posting, resume posting system that connects you with companies and job\nopportunities\nResume critiques\nMock Interviews\nBusiness and Dining Etiquette\nJob search strategies\nCorporate information sessions\nCompany visits\nTwo Career Fairs\nCampus interviews\nCareer Development seminars, conferences, and presentations\n\nCall us at 487-2313 for a personal, career advising appointment\nVisit our website www.career.mtu.edu for additional information\nAlso at Career Services:\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\xef\x82\xa7\n\nInterview Rooms\nComputers and Printers\nCareer Resource Library\nFriendly and Helpful Staff\n\nRemember\xe2\x80\xa6If you are uncertain about your future or current career path, consider utilizing\n\xe2\x80\x9cMyPlan.\xe2\x80\x9d It\xe2\x80\x99s a Career and Educational Planning System FREE to Michigan Tech students.\nMake sure you check \xe2\x80\x9cshare results with career advisor,\xe2\x80\x9d and make an appointment for a oneon-one appointment with a Career Services Career Advisor to help you analyze your results and\ndiscuss your future plans.'