Resume Basics Career Services Workshop
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Resume Basics Career Services Workshop
Welcome!
Are you just getting started with your resume?
– OR –
Do you want to fine-tune your current resume?
Then, you are in the right place! This workshop will guide you through the process of
creating a professional resume that highlights your key skills, accomplishments,
employment history and educational achievements that are relevant to the occupation –
or occupations – you are seeking.
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comWorkshop Objectives:
Upon completion of this workshop you will be able to:
Identify the purpose of a resume
Determine the best resume format for your targeted career search
Organize individual information including dates of employment, companies worked
for, positions held and education or training experiences
Draft accomplishment statements that demonstrate quantifiable results using the
STAR format – Situation/Task, Action and Results
Write a qualifying summary and list key skills that target specific positions using
resources such as O*Net Online, Employ Florida Marketplace and other online
resources for job descriptions
Use supporting career search campaign correspondence such as cover letters,
reference sheets and thank you notes
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comThe Basics – Resume Q & A
What is a resume?
It is a visual presentation of your skills and experience. A good resume demonstrates
how your skills and abilities match the requirements and qualifications of the job(s) to
which you are applying.
What is the purpose of a resume?
To get an interview!! Therefore, it is crucial that your resume makes that all-important
first impression for you. You don’t get a job solely based on your resume. A good resume
stimulates the interest of a potential employer to talk with you further.
What are employers looking for in a resume?
Most human resources professionals, recruiters and hiring managers spend a maximum
of 10 seconds on the initial scan of a resume. Make your resume stand out in those
critical 10 seconds by ensuring it is:
Easy to read – use a professional format that is clean and crisp
Well-written and concise – free of grammatical and punctuation errors, and not
needlessly wordy
Professional and accurate – highlight your unique accomplishments using facts
and figures to back up your claims
Well-organized – use bullets, bold print and indentations to quickly guide the eye
to main points
Electronically searchable – use a font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, which
can be picked up by electronic resume scanners. Font size should not be smaller
than ten
Proofread! – Proofread! – Proofread! – or ask someone else to do it – another
pair of eyes always helps
How long should a resume be?
The best resumes are usually no longer than one or two pages. Some electronic resume
readers and online applications will only read one page, so the second page information
may be lost. In most instances a one-page resume will suffice, however yours should
never be longer than two pages.
1
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comResume Q & A – continued
Do I need to change my resume every time I apply for a different position?
A generic resume will not be as successful as a customized, targeted resume. A resume
that demonstrates how your skills and experiences match the duties and requirements
of the position to which you are applying is much more likely to prompt the hiring manager
to call you for an interview.
What if I don't have much experience?
While things like your academic record and work experience are typical ways to show
how suited you are to a particular job, these are not the only things you should include.
There are other ways to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job, including:
Personal traits – hardworking, honest, enjoy being part of a team, organized
Strengths – things you do well and enjoy – planning events, creating PowerPoint
presentations
Experiences – any volunteer work or extracurricular activities
Key responsibilities and achievements – awards or recognition you've received
that demonstrate your accomplishments
What are things to AVOID on a resume?
Don’t lie or exaggerate – ever!
Don’t use first-person language (I, me, my, etc.)
Don’t use a “cute” e-mail address such as beachbabe@gmail.com. To convey a
professional image your e-mail should contain your name if possible. For example:
janedoe@hotmail.com OR jdoe@yahoo.com
Don’t put your picture or any photographs on your resume
Avoid weird paper or funky fonts – Resumes are formal business documents
Don’t list references on your resume – These should be on a separate sheet that
complements your resume
2
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comResume Formats
There are three basic types of resumes: Chronological, Functional and Hybrid.
The Chronological Resume
The chronological style is a more traditional resume. The Experience section is the
focus of the resume and each job is described in some detail. There is typically not a
major section highlighting skills or accomplishments. This structure is primarily used
when you are looking to stay in the same occupation/profession, in the same field of
work, and for more conservative fields.
Advantages: May appeal to more traditional readers as it is easy to understand what
you did and in which jobs. The names of your past employers may stand out more,
especially if they are impressive.
Disadvantages: It is much more difficult to highlight what you do best and will most
likely not work well for someone making a career change.
Sections that may be included in a Chronological Resume:
Heading - Contact Information
Qualifying Summary
Work/Employment Experience – including selected accomplishments
Volunteer Work (optional)
Military Experience (if you have it)
Technology/Computer Skills (optional)
Education and Training
Professional Licenses or Certifications
Memberships/Associations (optional)
3
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comSample Chronological Resume
STEPHEN C. HARVEY
Sarasota, FL
941-555-1234
StephenChronologicalHarvey@email.com
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND GROUND TRAINER
10+ years successful leadership Flight & ground training certifications
Results-driven & team-oriented Skilled communicator, instructor & coach
Highly productive training strategist Flexible; ability to adjust to rapid change
Effective mission-critical project trainer Train diverse groups with ease
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AIRLINE CAPTAIN Atlanta, GA 2010 to Present
AAA Airlines
Promoted to airline captain, responsible for both pre- and post-flight oversight while
supervising entire flight teams, including co-pilots, flight attendants and ground crews
Trained 200 students in comprehensive flight and ground control in 16 Single- and Multi-
engine aircraft
Maintained effective communications with airline passengers, crews and flight school clients
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR Lexington, KY 2007-2010
Top Flight Training
Mastered all professional airline pilot regulatory and company-mandated recurrent training;
completed all Bi-Annual Flight Check Rides
Successfully fulfilled requirements on comprehensive copilot training programs on four
different aircraft
Learned all applicable regulatory compliance requirements, operational policies and flight
safety standards mandated by OSHA and the FAA
OPERATIONS MANAGER Chicago, IL 2004 to 2007
Happy Isles Golf Port
Provided the strategic management and on-going supervision of a 20-member crew, which
maintained a large-scale golf course clubhouse and jet port operation
Managed daily operations, including all flight logistics and pilot relations for the jet port
Prepared summary business reports and operational support for more than 250 clients
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
Certified Flight Instructor (16 Single- and Multi-engine)/Advanced Ground Instructor
FAA 1st Class Medical – No limitations; FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Flight Engineer Written (Turbojet and Basic) – Score: 100%
B.S., Aviation Management with Flight, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comThe Functional Resume
The functional style highlights major skills and accomplishments and helps the reader
see clearly what you can do for them, rather than having to read through all of your past
job titles and duties to find out. Actual company names and positions are in a subordinate
position, with no description under each.
Advantages: It is an effective format for career changers, those with a wide range of
skills, students with little work experience, military officers, homemakers returning to the
job market and for those who want to make slight shifts in their career direction.
Disadvantages: Because there isn’t a description of what you did at each of your past
jobs, it may make it difficult for the reader to know exactly what duties you performed at
each position.
Sections that may be included in a Functional Resume:
Heading - Contact Information
Qualifying Summary
Selected Accomplishments under specific functional areas of expertise
Work/Employment History
Volunteer Work (optional)
Military Experience (if you have it)
Technology/Computer Skills (optional)
Education and Training
Professional Licenses or Certifications
Memberships/Associations (optional)
5
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comSample Functional Resume
STEPHEN F. HARVEY
Sarasota, FL 941-555-1234 Stephen.Functional.Harvey@email.com
CORPORATE REGIONAL TRAINER
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
10+ years in successful leadership roles Hands-on cost-effective management
Effective mission-critical project trainer Skilled communicator, instructor and coach
Results-driven and team-oriented Flexible; ability to adjust to rapid change
Highly productive training strategist Train diverse groups with ease
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Training Experience
Trained 200 students in comprehensive flight instruction and ground control protocol
Mastered all professional regulatory and company-mandated recurrent Train the Trainer
modules; completed bi-annual supervisor training
Successfully instructed 60 copilot candidates on four different aircraft
Awarded southeast region “Trainer of the Year” designation within the airline industry
Strong educational background in management and administration
Management Experience
Promoted to airline captain, responsible for both pre- and post-flight oversight while
supervising entire flight teams, including co-pilots, flight attendants and ground crews
Maintained effective communications with airline passengers, crews and flight school clients
Mastered a working knowledge of applicable federally mandated regulatory compliance
requirements, operational policies and safety standards
Provided the strategic management and on-going supervision of a 20-member crew, which
maintained a large-scale golf course clubhouse and jet port operation
Prepared business reports and operational support for more than 250 clients
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
AAA Airlines, Airline Captain, Atlanta GA 2010-Present
Top Flight Training, Flight Instructor, Lexington KY 2007-2010
Happy Isles Golf Port, Operations Manager, Marathon Key, FL 2004-2007
EDUCATION
Certified Flight Instructor (16 Single- and Multi-engine)/Advanced Ground Instructor
Flight Engineer Written (Turbojet and Basic) – Score: 100%
B.S., Aviation Management with Flight, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
6
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comThe Hybrid Resume
Includes elements of both the chronological and functional formats, but is written using
keywords and phrases that allow you to focus the key skills you have for a particular
position.
Advantages: It maximizes the advantages of both resume styles and is easy to
customize for each position to which you are applying.
Sections that may be included in a Hybrid Resume:
Heading – Contact Information
Summary of Skills – Bulleted list of key skills using key words in the job posting
or occupational description
Employment Experiences – Selected accomplishments under specific functional
areas of expertise
Work/Employment History
Volunteer Work (optional)
Military Experience (if you have it)
Technology/Computer Skills (optional)
Education and Training
Professional Licenses or Certifications
Memberships/Associations (optional)
7
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comSample Hybrid Resume
STEPHEN H. HARVEY
941-555-1234 • Sarasota, FL • StephenHybridHarvey@email.com
COMMERCIAL AIRLINE CAPTAIN
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
10+ years successful leadership Pilot training/Evaluation/Human factors
Effective communication skills Hands-on cost-effective management
Results-driven and team-oriented Flexible with ability to shift with rapid change
FLIGHT RATINGS & TECHNICAL SKILLS
Flight Instructor (16 Single/Multi-engine) FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Advanced Ground Instructor Aircraft Systems/Failure Analysis
Airline Transport Pilot - Commercial Privileges Engine Failures/Fires/Shutdowns
Flight Engineer Written – Score: 100% FAA Operating Rules/Airworthiness Std.
FAA 1st Class Medical – No limitations Adverse Weather/High Altitude Meteorology
Air Traffic Control Procedures Aircraft Loss of Control/Emergency Landings
Air Space Requirements OSHA/FAA Safety Standards
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AAA Airlines, Airline Captain, Atlanta GA 2010-Present
Promoted to airline captain, responsible for both pre- and post-flight oversight while supervising
entire flight teams, including co-pilots, flight attendants and ground crews
Trained 20 students in comprehensive flight and ground control in 16 Single- & Multi-engine aircraft
Top Flight Training, Flight Instructor, Lexington KY 2007-2010
Mastered all professional airline pilot regulatory and company-mandated recurrent training;
completed all Bi-Annual Flight Check Rides
Successfully fulfilled requirements on comprehensive copilot training programs on four aircraft
Happy Isles Golf Port, Operations Manager, Marathon Key, FL 2004-2007
Provided the strategic management and on-going supervision of a 20-member crew, which
maintained a large-scale golf course clubhouse and jet port operation
Prepared summary business reports and operational support for more than 250 clients
EDUCATION
Certified Flight Instructor/Advanced Ground Instructor
Flight Engineer Written (Turbojet and Basic) – Score: 100%
B.S., Aviation Management with Flight, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
8
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comGathering Your Information
Heading - Contact Information
The Heading answers the question “Who are you and how do I contact you?”
Tips for a professional Heading:
Make sure your contact information clear and easy to read
Your name should stand out by using bold font and one or two font sizes larger
than other resume text
Use the same size font for the rest of your contact information as throughout your
resume – a font that is too large will take up valuable space – a font that is too
small may be difficult to read
It is not necessary to include your street address – just the city and state
Your email address should be professional and contain your name if possible
If you have both a cell and home phone – use the one you use most often
Sample Heading layouts:
Jonathan Albright Cell: 941-555-1212
jon.albright@example.com Sarasota, FL
Margie Nielson
Any Town, FL
941-111-1111
mnielson@example.com
9
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comGathering Your Information
Your Employment History/Work Experience
Your resume is your story – not a job application. There is no need to go into detail about
the employers for whom you worked or to reveal information that isn’t relevant. Focus
on YOUR accomplishments and qualifications.
Start with your most current job and go back in time. List all your jobs within the last
seven to 10 years. If you had multiple jobs under one company, list them separately
under that company. It shows progression and development.
If you were not working for a year or more, what did you do during that time? What
activities or groups were you a part of? Unpaid or paid - think about volunteer work or
committees in which you were involved.
Identifying Your Accomplishments
Identifying an accomplishment is similar to telling a story. It emphasized your
achievements and successes by using quantifiable, or measurable, information. The
best way to demonstrate your skills, abilities and valuable experience is being able to
concisely explain your accomplishments. Your best stories will be your “accomplishment
stories”.
You can make your accomplishments stand out by using the STAR Format.
Situation Briefly give an overview of what needed to be done.
1-What you were being asked to do?
or
2-What did you take the initiative to do?
Task 3-What challenges made this task difficult?
Briefly describe (using good action words) the steps YOU
Actions
took to complete the assignment.
What happened because of what you did? Can you quantify,
Results
or measure, the results?
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comExamples of Accomplishment (STAR) Statements
Achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 99.9% every year for five years
Exceeded annual sales quotas by an average of 15% for three years in a row
Planned construction of an industrial facility for a real estate developer that realized
$60K net savings in projected construction costs
Developed a high-profile promotional fundraising campaign that resulted in
contributions exceeding $30K, three times the previous record
Fully integrated two organizations within three months after a merger; reduced
combined headcount to the pre-merger level of 660 without jeopardizing critical
pressroom “know-how”
Reduced operating costs by 25%, turning a loss of $17M into a $21M profit
Generated high productivity gains by merging culturally diverse groups and
consistently developing the best talent
Saved the company $2,000 by redesigning the order intake process with electronic
scanning, resulting in reduced paper usage
Employee of the month for three consecutive months (May, June and July 2009)
at The Gap
Situation
Task
Action
Result
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comGathering Your Information
Your Employment History/Work Experience and Accomplishments
Use the next two pages to list your Work Experiences and Accomplishments starting
with the most recent experience first and going back seven to ten years.
Company Name, City, State Year – Year
Job Title
Provide a mini-job description 1–3 sentences
List top 3-6 accomplishments stories from this job – Use STAR format
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comCompany Name, City, State Year – Year
Job Title
Provide a mini-job description 1-3 sentences
List top 2-4 accomplishments stories from this job – Use STAR format
Company Name, City, State Year – Year
Job Title
Provide a mini-job description 1-3 sentences
List top 2-4 accomplishments stories from this job – Use STAR format
13
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comGathering Your Information
Your Education and Training
Education and Training information is the final piece of information to share on your
resume. Start with the highest degree or most recent first, then list the major, minor
and/or course of study and the school with city and state.
Example Education and Training Layout
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Associates Liberal Arts State College of Florida Sarasota, FL
Certificate Job Readiness Suncoast Workforce Sarasota, FL
Use the space below to list your education and training.
Degree Major School City, State
Degree Major School City, State
Degree Major School City, State
14
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comGathering Your Information
Other Sections Unique to You
Not everyone has military, volunteer or professional association experience or honors
and awards to list. However, if you do and it is relevant to the position(s) to which you
are applying, make sure to include it on your resume. Use this section to capture the
information that is unique to you.
Licenses (or) Certifications
License Issuing Institution City, State Year Issued
License Issuing Institution City, State Year Issued
Military Experience Honorable Discharge
Branch of Service Highest Rank Achieved Awards or Special Training
Honors and/or Awards
Award What you did to earn it Company Year
Award What you did to earn it Company Year
Professional Association Memberships
Role Held Name of Organization City, State Year
Role Held Name of Organization City, State Year
15
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comThe Top 3rd of the Page – Qualifications and Key Skills
Now that you have gathered your information, it is time use that information to highlight
your skills and qualifications that match the job description for which you are applying.
Qualifying Summary
A Qualifying Summary has taken the place of what we used to call an objective. It is
usually written in a paragraph format, using short statements that summarize why the
employer would want to hire you.
Tips for writing a Qualifying Summary:
Make it specific to the job description when possible. Reviewing the job description
for the position allows you to write the best qualifying summary.
Through highlighting your qualifications, indicate the type of job you are seeking
and tell employers what you can do for them.
Be clear and concise; indicate how your abilities, skills and background relate to
the job to which you are applying.
Based on the job description for the position to which you are applying, summarize your
qualifications for that job. Start with the most important qualification first – usually this is
experience. Then list the other work-related skills that are most important. Pull key words
from the job posting to build your summary. Use the format below to help you write your
summary.
,
Trait Job Title/Occupation
With
Most important qualifications (summarized experience)
Expertise in
List top three work-related skills or job requirements
Highly skilled in
List additional transferable skills
Known for being
If there is an accomplishment that is noteworthy or other traits, list here.
16
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comThe Top 3rd of the Page – Qualifications and Key Skills
On the Hybrid Resume format this section is shorter and more specific. It is called the
Billboard Showcase.
Billboard Showcase
The Billboard Showcase highlights what you bring to the company and lists one major
accomplishment, achievement, award or special project. The phrases are short and
focused.
Example Billboard Showcase Format
Jonathan Albright Cell: 941-555-1212
jon.albright@example.com Sarasota, FL
Construction Project Manager
10+ years of experience in Commercial Construction
Lead Field Supervisor for several Publix Super Markets remodels throughout Florida
Skills Summary
Additional skills are easy to read when they are organized in short, concise, bulleted
statements. List up to six skills relevant to the position – again, you can pull this
information from the employer’s job description to make it specific to you and to the
position requirements.
17
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comPowerful Words and Phrases
You have gathered your information and have learned how to highlight your skills and
qualifications that match the job description to which you are applying. Now that you
have a great start, it’s time to strengthen to your resume with powerful words and
phrases.
Great resume writing is about choosing strong, descriptive words. Use words that add
impact for the reader, words that would prompt a call to you for an interview. Get rid of
unclear or unnecessary words that do not contribute to this purpose.
Keywords
Technologies responsible for computer-readable resumes operate on the principle of
labeling. At the center of this technology are keywords. Keywords are the experience
and skills that come from the specific terminology used in the job description.
Using the right keywords for your particular experience and education is critical
to the success of your resume. Without the right keywords, your resume will
be forever waiting on the Internet for a hiring manager to find it.
If your resume contains the right words then you will be among the first
candidates whose resumes are reviewed.
Where to find Keywords
There are several sources to search for appropriate keywords and phrases for your
resume including:
O*Net Online: www.onetonline.org
You can search here for specific job descriptions; research occupational
education and training requirements; and learn more about the tasks, skills and
abilities it takes to perform just about any occupation in which you may be
interested.
Professional Association websites for a specific occupation or industry are
also great places to find the buzzwords used in related jobs.
Job Description/Posting searches on the Internet can offer descriptors and
phrasing comparisons from across the country. Find at least five unique
postings for the same job title and locate the keywords in all of them to uncover
industry lingo.
18Powerful Words and Phrases
Action-Oriented Accomplishment Statements and Job Descriptions
Use action verbs to add power to your accomplishment statements and past job duty
descriptions. Use the sample list below to get some ideas about how to write your
Action-Oriented Accomplishment Statements and/or to describe your job duties.
Achieved highest sales, an increase in productivity, employee of the month
Administered programs, policies and procedures
Analyzed information, customer needs, procedures, sales figures
Audited cash register for correct totals, bank statements
Budgeted for large company events, project projections, sales projections
Built a new product design, sustaining relationships
Charted sales, patient information, rooms cleaned, supplies ordered
Conducted tours, inspections, training sessions
Coordinated co-worker’s schedules, restaurant side-work, conference calls
Created sales brochures, order forms, new logo design, enhanced customer service
procedures
Designed a simple form to track information, a better way to do a job
Developed a faster way to clean rooms, a solution to a problem, a more efficient way to
catalog information
Directed the work of others, customers to area attractions, the development of a
project
Expanded the ways customers could get what they needed, the ways we learned
about customer needs
Expedited the flow of information, materials, or people
Guided project team, customers, management
Identified customer needs, customer problems, better ways to accomplish the job
Implemented a new way of doing a task, a new way of solving a problem
Improved how money was spent, how people were served, how information flowed
Increased profits, productivity, customer satisfaction, efficiency, output/production
Initiated a new way of doing a job, a new solution to a problem
Innovated a new way of doing work, a new way of communicating tasks to be done, a
new solution to a problem
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comInstructed co-workers in proper procedures, children in lessons, customers in use of
equipment
Investigated customer complaints, problems, errors
Launched new product line, advertising campaign, employee recognition program
Maintained accurate records, clear procedures
Modified procedures to increase profits, service to better meet customer needs
Monitored procedures, money handling, customer satisfaction, income and expenses
Motivated a work team, self
Negotiated solutions to problems, conflicts between co-workers, conflicts with
customers
Obtained approval, necessary resources, support, customer agreement
Ordered necessary supplies and materials
Organized people, paper, records, work tasks, work areas
Planned set goals, new ways of doing things, new program or procedure
Presented ideas to management to improve some aspect of the work system,
information to customers
Proposed a product, a service, an idea
Promoted a product, a service, an idea
Qualified applicants for enrollment, proposals
Recommended a solution, a product, a service, an idea
Reduced waste (of time, materials, money), errors, customer complaints, employee
turnover
Reported information, mistakes, sales figures, project progress
Saved time, money, customers
Solved problems with work system, problems between people, complaints from
customers
Streamlined processes, procedures, manufacturing operations, product development
Tested water, food, services, supplies
Translated documents, conversations
Utilized computer programs (name them specifically), equipment (name
specifically), system to improve productivity
Verified documents, purchase orders, data entry, budget numbers
Wrote memos, newsletter articles, instructions, orders, manuals
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comCover Letters Basics - Q & A
What is a cover letter?
This is a letter of introduction that accompanies your resume. It tells who you are, shares
your interest in the specific job, and briefly highlights the skills and experience you have
that you believe will benefit the reader.
When do I include a cover letter?
Always. A cover letter should always be used when applying for a job, whether in person,
via the Internet, by sending an email or fax, or when mailing a hard copy of your resume.
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
At its best, a stand-out cover letter is strategic, persuasive and concise, and should
achieve three key objectives; your cover letter should:
Provide an effective introduction to and compelling context for your resume
Engage the reader so that she or he will want to find out more about you by
reviewing your resume and, hopefully, invite you for an interview
Help position you as a strong contender and a good fit
How do I write a cover letter?
Spend quality time on your cover letter. Remember that your cover letter is the first
impression of you. Depending on how well you know yourself, your selling points, and
how strong a writer you are, plan for a minimum of 30 minutes for each letter.
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comTips for writing your cover letter:
Customize a letter for each job - write one that is unique to the company and to
the role you are looking to fill
Use standard business letter format and keep it to less than one page
Make your cover letter mirror your resume in style/format and use the same font
and paper as your resume
Address the letter to a specific person, if possible. If you are unable to determine
a specific person, you may address the letter to “Hiring Professional”. This is
preferable to “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it May Concern”
Use correct salutation (Dr., Ms., or Mr.), if known
Check the correct spelling of name and title
Tone should be clear and professional – stay away from uncommon buzzwords
and anything too personal
Let your warmth, enthusiasm and energy shine through
Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and explain why the job is of
interest to you
Do not rehash your resume. Craft a few compelling statements for your letter
to help the recruiter/reader quickly assess who you are and what you have to
offer – persuade the person to want to read your resume and learn more about
you
Make every word count. If there is a word or phrase that does not prove a point
or does not add solid proof of your strong candidacy, then it is clutter.
Streamline your letter as much as possible
Ask others to read your letter. Get feedback about what they think the content
conveys about you. Take this opportunity to find and fix typos and grammatical
errors, the overuse of certain words, or anything that sounds boastful or too good
to be true.
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comAnatomy of a Cover Letter
23
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comSample Cover Letter
24
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comReference Sheet Basics – Q & A
Who should my references be?
Your references should be people who can and will speak highly of your current and/or
past work performance. A character reference should only be provided if requested or if
your choices are limited.
Work Supervisors
Co-Workers
Owners of Companies
Vendors
How many references should I have?
You should have a minimum of three professional references. Four to six is best.
Should I ask them first?
Yes! Always ask if someone will serve as a positive reference for you. Do not provide a
person’s name as a reference to a potential employer without asking permission.
Remember to confirm with the reference that you have correct job titles and contact
information. Give each reference person a copy of your updated resume.
Should my references be on my resume?
No. References should be provided separately. You do not need to put “References
Available Upon Request” on the bottom of your resume. It is assumed.
How should my reference page look?
Use the same paper, font and formatting as your resume
Put your name and contact information on the top of your reference page - it
should mirror your resume in font and format
Make sure you have the correct phone number and spelling of each reference’s
name and where they wish to be contacted (e-mail address, etc.)
When do I give my references to the employer?
Follow the employer’s instructions. If asked, send references with your resume. Some
employers like references provided with the resume and the application. You should
always take a copy of your of your references to an interview. At the conclusion of the
interview, ask the interviewer(s) if they would like a copy of your reference list.
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comSample Reference Sheet
Margie Nielson
Any Town, FL
941-111-1111
mnielson@example.com
References
Mr. John Smith
Former Owner, Sunshine Autos
941-123-4567
email: sunshineautos@example.com
Ms. Jane Smith
Former Supervisor, ACME Corporation
941-111-1234
email: jsmithacmecorp@example.com
Mr. Jon Doe
Former Co-worker, Fictitious Art Supplies, Inc.
941-555-1212
email: jondoe@example.com
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comThank You Note Basics – Q & A
Why write a thank you note?
Writing a thank you note reflects courtesy and good manners. It is also a chance to keep
your name in the forefront with a potential employer and provide another good
impression. With less than half of candidates taking the time to write a thank you note,
you’ll be remembered in a positive light!
To whom do I send a thank you note?
Send a note to each person with whom you interviewed and to anyone who provided
beneficial information to you in getting the interview.
When do I send it?
The best time to send a Thank You note is within 24 hours of your interview or
informational meeting.
What should I say?
Your Thank You is a chance to reaffirm your candidacy and highlight your skills,
experience and enthusiasm for the job and the organization
Be personable, making mention of what you liked about the company and
specific things you discussed at the interview
Be sure to include any information that the employer requested or provide
anything relevant that you may have forgotten to mention in the interview
Handwritten or Typed?
Most employers feel a handwritten thank you note is the most personal, if your
handwriting is poor, it may look more professional to use a computer with a standard
business letter format.
Did You Know?
72% of employers expect to receive a thank you note from job seekers.
But, only about half that many (38%) bother sending a note.
– Monster TRAK survey
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Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comSample Thank You Note
28
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comMy Action Plan
One thing I will do immediately to work towards creating or improving my resume is
Additional next steps I am going to take for my career search campaign are…
29
Resume Basics Workshop
careersourcesuncoast.comI Got a Job!
We love to hear about the achievements of our career Seekers. Tell us about your
new job, and we can ensure that your success is recorded accurately in Employ
Florida Marketplace.
Ways to share: Please complete this form and return it to one of our CareerSource
centers, fax to 941.358.2820, or mail to 1112 Manatee Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34208.
Thank you!
Your Information
Name:
Phone number: Last 4 of SSN:
Email address:
Employ Florida Market Place User ID:
Company Information
Company Name:
Address:
Phone number: Job Title:
Start Date: Hours per week:
An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice
telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.
Resume Basics Workshop
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