13/05/2013
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
A resume is a brief, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions. Although it alone will not get you a job or internship, a good resume is an important element towards obtaining an interview.
Tailor your resume to the type of position you are seeking. This does not mean that all of your work history must relate directly, but your resume should reflect the kind of skills the
employer would value. Find additional guidance on resumes and cover letters , as well as resume samples, on the OCS website.
Create a Strong Resume
TOP 5 RESUME MISTAKES:
1. Spelling and grammar errors
2. Missing email and phone information
3. Using passive language instead of “action” words
4. Not well organized, concise, or easy to skim
5. Too long
RESUME LANGUAGE SHOULD BE:
• Specific rather than general
• Active rather than passive
• Written to express not impress
• Articulate rather than “flowery”
• Fact-based (quantify and qualify)
• Written for people who scan quickly
receipts and utility bill payments; promoted loan products, internet banking and automated teller machine usage; managed inventories in automated teller machine cards, checks and accounts.
DON'T
• Use personal pronouns (such as I)
• Abbreviate
• Use a narrative style
• Number or letter categories
• Use slang or colloquialisms
• Include a picture
• Include age or s*x
• List references on resume
RESUME TIPS
PLAN TO WORK INTERNATIONALLY?
DO:
• Be consistent in format and content
• Make it easy to read and follow
• Use spacing, underlining, italics, bold, and
capitalization for emphasis
• List headings (such as Professional Experience) in order of importance
• Within headings, list information in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• Avoid information gaps such as a missing summer
• Be sure that your formatting translated properly if converted to a .pdf
Resume guidelines can vary from country to country. Check out
Going Global at www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu.
Accelerated
Accomplished
Achieved
Acted
Adapted
Added
Administered
Advised
Analyzed
Arranged
Assembled
Assessed
Broadened
Budgeted
Built
Calculated
Centralized
Changed
Clarified
Classified
Collaborated
Collected
Compiled
Completed
Composed
Conducted
Conceived
Concluded
Constructed
Controlled
Coordinated
Counseled
Created
Defined
Delegated
Delivered
Derived
Demonstrated
Designed
Determined
Developed
Devised
Directed
Discovered
Documented
Earned
Edited
Enabled
Energized
Enhanced
Established
Evaluated
Examined
Executed
Expanded
Expedited
Fabricated
Facilitated
Followed
Formed
Formulated
Founded
Gained
Gathered
Generated
Governed
Guided
Handled
Headed
Identified
Impacted
Implemented
Improved
Increased
Initiated
Inspected
Installed
Instituted
Instructed
Interviewed
Interpreted
Introduced
Invented
Launched
Lectured
Led
Liaised
Maintained
Managed
Marketed
Mastered
Maximized
Mediated
Minimized
Modeled
Monitored
Motivated
Negotiated
Operated
Optimized
Orchestrated
Organized
Originated
Participated
Performed
Persuaded
Planned
Predicted
Prepared
Presented
Prioritized
Processed
Produced
Programmed
Promoted
Proposed
Proved
Provided
Publicized
Published
Purchased
Recommended
Recorded
Recruited
Redesigned
Reduced
Regulated
Reinforced
Renegotiated
Reorganized
Reported
Represented
Researched
Resolved
Reviewed
Revised
Revitalized
Rewrote
Scheduled
Screened
Selected
Served
Shaped
Simplified
Sold
Solved
Spearheaded
Standardized
Steered
Streamlined
Strengthened
Structured
Studied
Suggested
Summarized
Supervised
Supported
Surpassed
Surveyed
Synthesized
Taught
Tested
Trained
Translated
Unified
Updated
Upgraded
Utilized
Verbalized
Verified
Visualized
Worked
Wrote
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
Action Verbs for your Resume
Write an Effective Cover Letter
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
Your cover letter is a writing sample and a part of the screening process. By putting your best foot forward, you can increase your chances of being interviewed. A good way to create a response-producing cover letter is to highlight your skills or experiences that are most applicable to the job or industry and to tailor the letter to the specific organization you are applying to.
Your Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, Date of Letter, Contact Name, Contact Title, Company name, Street Address, City, State, Zip Code
Dear _________:
Opening paragraph: Clearly state why you are writing, name the
position or type of work you’re exploring and, where applicable, how
you heard about the person or organization.
Middle paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in this employer
and your reasons for desiring this type of work. If you’ve had relevant
school or work experience, be sure to point it out with one or two key
examples; but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize skills or
abilities that relate to the job. Be sure to do this in a confident manner
and remember that the reader will view your letter as an example of
your writing skills.
Closing paragraph: You may refer the reader to your enclosed
resume. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for a meeting by
indicating the action or steps you’ll take to arrange an appointment.
Sincerely,
Your name typed
Use complete
title and address.Address to a particular person if possible. Make the addressee want to
read your resume.Be brief, but specific.Ask for a meeting and remember to follow up. Always sign letters.
• Address your letters to a specific person if you can.
• Tailor your letters to specific situations or organizations by doing research before writing your letters.
• Keep letters concise and factual, no more than a single page. Avoid flowery language.
• Give examples that support your skills and qualifications.
• Put yourself in the reader’s shoes. What can you say that will convince the reader that you are ready and able to do the job?
• Remember that this is a marketing tool. Use lots of action words.
• Have someone proofread your letter.
• If converting to a .pdf, check that your formatting translated correctly.
• Reference skills or experiences from the job description and draw connections to your credentials.
Some general rules about letters:
Roberta Josephina Maddox
[email protected] |433 Mather Mail Center 17 Rodeo Road |Harvard College Irvine, CA |92720 Cambridge, MA 02138-6175 |(714) 558-9857 (714) 439-6547
Education
HARVARD UNIVERSITY Cambridge, MA
A.B. Honors degree in History. GPA 3.73. June 2012 Coursework in International Political Economics and the European Community. Commit 25 hours per week to the Harvard Varsity Field Hockey Program.
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON London, UK
Study abroad coursework in Investment Analysis and Financial Accounting. Fall 2010
IRVINE HIGH SCHOOL Irvine, CA
Graduated with high honors. SAT I: M:780 V:760. May 2008 National Honor Society. Member of Varsity Field Hockey Team.
Professional Experience
PEPSI-COLA NORTH AMERICA BEVERAGES New York,
NY Marketing Analyst Intern Summer 2011 Examined profitability of foreign market for new fruit drink using analysis of comparable local brands. Managed focus groups and consumer surveys gathering >500 data points. Created ideas for niche marketing campaigns including use of social networks and viral marketing. Presented findings to senior managers using quantitative analysis and creative visuals in a combined PowerPoint presentation.
THOMAS WILCK ASSOCIATES Newport Beach, CA
Assistant Account Executive Summer 2010 Researched and assembled requests for proposals for medium-sized public relations and communications firm. Actively participated in staff meetings and brainstorming sessions. Generated correspondence with top executive officers.
TECH HILLS Laguna Hills, CA
Technology Intern Summer 2009 Implemented new web site, including backend database storage system and dynamic web pages.
Leadership Experience
HARVARD UNDERGRADUATE WOMEN IN BUSINESS (WIB)
Executive Committee Member Spring 2010–PresentOrganized marketing and advertising campaign to increase membership. Coordinated business conference and networking reception for 50 business professionals and 500 students.
HARVARD COLLEGE MARATHON CHALLENGE
Training Program Director Spring 2009Developled training program for 25 charity runners. Raised over $25,000 to support Phillips Brooks House Association and The Cambridge Food Project.
Skills & Interests
Computer: Microsoft Excel, Power Point, and Access, Stata, SQL, Java and HTML.Language: Fluent French and Conversational Spanish. Traveled extensively in Europe.
Sample Resume
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
Always use your or email account and check it frequently, even if you have enabled forwarding. If an employer asks for your SAT scores or GPA, you can include them in your education section. Watch out for typos! Note that relevant interests and skills can be
demonstrated through campus and volunteer activities as well as through previous employment.
September 20, 2011
Ms. Ellie Wells Senior Manager Wallaby Yogurt Company
110 Mezzetta Ct American Canyon, CA 94503
Dear Ms. Wells:
I am a senior at Harvard University and would like to be considered for the Manager in Training opportunity at the Wallaby Yogurt Company. I am very interested in the field of marketing and would welcome the opportunity to contribute my research and writing skills and experience to your growing business.
I am excited about Wallaby’s commitment to organic, all-natural ingredients in its products. As a varsity field hockey player, I am very aware of the importance of healthy food as the foundation for a healthy life. Your emphasis on “learning by doing and leading by serving” is also very consistent with the training I received as an athlete. Whether on the field learning new drills in the worst weather conditions or patiently working with a new team member, I am most fulfilled when contributing to the team effort. At Harvard, my concentration is in History while also exploring coursework in Economics. My academic work has strengthened my research and writing skills as well as my understanding of the economics of business growth and development. Working with Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business (WIB) over the last two years gave me the experience and confidence to work in a dynamic, fast-paced organization where being a quick learner and pitching in are instrumental to success. As a member of the Executive Committee, for example, I managed campus advertising campaigns that increased overall membership and attracted more than 500 students from 12 different schools to our annual Intercollegiate Fall Conference. Thank you for your consideration. I very much look forward to the opportunity to speak with you in person about my interest in this position. Sincerely,Roberta Maddox
Sample Cover Letter
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
Sample Resume
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
Peter J. Lee 250 Winthrop Mail Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 781-444-6892 – [email protected] EducationHARVARD UNIVERSITY Cambridge, MA A.B. in Social Studies with honors and language citation in Spanish expected, May 2012. GPA 3.56. Awarded Mill-Taylor Prize for one of two top papers out of 100 students in yearlong sophomore tutorial; Starting Shortstop, Varsity Baseball Team. MARINA BAY HIGH SCHOOL San Diego, CA Valedictorian, Class of 2008. Captain, Speech and Debate team; First Cello, Marina Bay High School Orchestra; Shortstop, Varsity Baseball team; President, Best Buddies. SAT V-800 M-750. Public Service and Education Experience MISSION HILL AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM Boston, MA Director Summer, 2010 Be consistent presenting data. Use either numerals or words but not both. •Managed staff of 20 student coordinators and 120 volunteers to work with 50 elementary and middle school children •Partnered with community leaders, parents and school board committee to develop programs that support educational and personal growth •Raised more than $40,000 through phone-a-thon and dance contest CRIMSON SUMMER EXCHANGE PROGRAM Hong Kong, PRC English Language Teacher Summer, 2009 •Developed curriculum for teaching English to over 800 high school students •Trained 75 undergraduate and graduate students to teach classes over 8-week period in cities throughout China •Created learning activities based on Olympic theme for 2 classes of 40 middle school students OFFICE OF GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Sacramento, CA Communications Intern Summer, 2008 •Researched and wrote talking points, newsletter articles and memoranda which summarized issues relating to high school youth •Collaborated with Governor’s Summer Youth program to deliver academic enrichment programs to over 12 inner-city communities throughout state HABITAT FOR HUMANITY New Orleans, LA Volunteer Spring, 2007 •Built 2 houses over spring recess to replace those lost during Hurricane KatrinaUsedifferentactionverbs Computer and Language Skills Fluent in Spanish Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, Stata, and Dreamweaver
Sample Cover Letter
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
Mr. Joseph Turner Save the Children Foundation 54 Wilton Road Westport, Connecticut 06880 Dear Mr. Turner: I am writing to express my interest in the Early Childhood Development Research Assistant internship with Save the Children. I am completing my Junior year at Harvard University and will graduate with a B.A. in Social Studies in May, 2012. I believe strongly in the need for social change, especially as it affects children. The work that Save the Children delivers both advocating and taking action in countries throughout the world has set the standard for more than seventy-five years. It is your history and persistent search for solutions on behalf of children that makes me eager to join your team. Early childhood development is central to my academic interests. Next year I hope to complete my thesis on the influence of after-school programs on homework performance among children of immigrant Chinese families. The opportunity to work with your ECD unit this summer will allow me to apply some of the experience that I have gained in the classroom both as a student and a teacher. My concentration in Social Studies requires extensive research and writing across a broad spectrum of subjects. I am also adept atmanaging large sets of Excel data and preparing graphs, charts and other visuals to illustrate research findings. I spent two summers teaching in diverse classroom settings. The experience I gained in China taught me to manage my time carefully in order to complete the curriculum I had created. Managing a team of more than 120 volunteer teachers for an after-school program in Cambridge, Massachusetts required attention to detail around scheduling, training and orientation that will help me contribute to your project. I understand that the internships with Save the Children are unpaid and I am prepared to seek grants or fellowships to support myself. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the internship in more detail. Sincerely, Peter J. Lee
Sample Resume
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
CAROL SOZAKA-DIAZ [email protected] Kirkland Mail Center 66 Wedgewood Road 95 Dunster Street Providence, RI 02906 Cambridge, MA 02138 401-532-1184 EducationHarvard University Cambridge, MA A.B. with anticipated concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology, May, 2013 Recipient: Herchel Smith Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Summer 2010. Providence High School Providence, RI Valedictorian, Class of 2009. National Merit Scholarship; Rhode Island Governor’s Academic Scholarship; Rhode Island Distinguished Merit Senior in Math, Science and English. Research Experience Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Tumor Immunology Boston, MA Lab Research Assistant June-August 2010•Conducted lab research on oncogene lck in T lymphocytes using cell culture, microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and FACS analysis. •Managed all cell lines, created lab reagents and media, and conducted related assays and experiments including ELISA, BCA, Western, and spectrometry; tracked experiments in lab notebook. The Miriam Hospital, Department of Behavioral Medicine Providence, RI Research Assistant July-August 2009 •Conducted statistical analysis of data for study which determined effects of personality on heart risk factors. •Summarized results of analysis and presented to Principal Investigator and senior research team. Activities and Leadership Experience Harvard Undergraduate Council Cambridge, MA First Year Social Committee Representative October-May 2010 Planned social events for first year students including Valentine’s Day Dance, which was attended by 70% of freshman class. ProjectHEALTH Boston, MA Volunteer Asthma Prevention Educator, Boston Medical Center January-August 2010 Conducted classes on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise for families with children suffering from asthma. Providence Science Support Providence, RI Founder Providence High School tutoring service September-June2009 Provided after-school science and math support for local Middle Schools; recruited 20 volunteers to work one-on-one with 50 eighth grade students. Carol is interested in a scientific research position and includes technical skills and scientific jargon in her descriptions. If she were applying to non-lab or non-science positions, she would use lay terms to describe her accomplishments such as “Conducted basic scientific research designed to isolate the role that T cells play in cancerous tumor growth.” She chose a visually appealing and balanced format highlighting science and additional experience to provide a complete picture of her skills.
Sample Cover Letter
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
300 Currier Mail Center Harvard University Cambridge, MA 02138 December 20, 2010 Dr. Peter Walker Cancer Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital 220 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 Dear Dr. Walker: I am writing to express my interest in the position of Clinical Research Assistant in the Cancer Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. I am in my sophomore year at Harvard University, where I’m planning to concentrate in molecular and cellular biology. My professional interests lie in both lab research and clinical healthcare related to cancer, and I’m eager to make a positive impact while interacting with patients undergoing treatment. This position particularly caught my attention as it involves clinical research trials, which would complement my previous activities conducting lab research and statistical analysis. My experience last summer at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute allowed me to work with Dr. Jane Hagopian, performing assays and experiments supporting tumor research. I learned valuable lab techniques and analysis, and the experience further solidified my interest in the area of cancer research. My research assistant role at the Miriam Hospital exposed me to data related to the effects of personality on heart risk, and I was able to use my analytical skills to organize and assess that data for future research efforts. These experiences have reinforced my strong interest in healthcare, and inspired my goal for a career in public health. In addition to the skills developed in my research experiences, I also strengthened my oral and written communication and organizational skills through two campus positions at Harvard. My Advertising Representative and Office Assistant experiences have required me to successfully multi-task, work under pressure, prioritize, and solve logistical or organizational problems. These skills will be valuable in the Clinical Research Assistant role, enabling me to analyze and organize data while communicating and interacting with patients. I look forward to relating with patients on a personal level while effectively helping them benefit from the center’s medical care services. I have included my resume for your review. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about my candidacy in greater detail. Sincerely, Carol Sozaka-Diaz
