Resume, LinkedIn, and Cover Letter
Resume
Your Ultimate Tool
With your resume, you should
- Intend to secure an interview
- Grab attention; employers typically scan a resume for no more than 15 to 30 seconds.
- Take advantage of that time by crafting a resume that is clear, concise, and quickly demonstrates how you meet their needs.
- Have and utilize a comprehensive master resume that contains details of all professional experience and useful skills in one place. Once you have a master resume, you'll be able to create target or specified resumes depending on specific job or type of work.
Remember that experience can come from a variety of different places and that all transferable skills should be recognized to highlight why you are best qualified.
Your Connection To The Professional World
Think of it as a compliment to your resume, where you can connect with peers and colleagues. Follow the Saint Mary's College group and find groups and associations that interest you.
A Quick LinkedIn Profile Checklist:
- Photo - Add a professional-looking profile photo to be 7x more likely to be found in searches
- Headline - Stand out with a keyword-rich headline that describes how you want to be known on LinkedIn
- Summary - Write a brief summary that highlights your relevant skills and your ability to get results
- Experience - List your experience with articulate descriptions explaining your work
- Education - List your SMC education and other training
- Skills and Expertise - Add at least 5 key skills to your profile
- Location & Industry - Add your industry and ZIP code so recruiters can find candidates like you.
- URL - Customize your profile URL (and include it on your resume, email signature, business cards, etc.)
- Connect - Connect with Saint Mary's College to see a sample profile
LinkedIn Resources
Cover Letters
A Motivational Letter of Introduction
A cover letter will accompany and highlight your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). A cover letter provides employers with written evidence of your qualifications and skills, so it's important to use words that clearly explain your work experience, skills and who you are as a person.
- Remember to keep your letter short, no more than one page.
- Prepare a specific letter for each employer. When possible, address each employer by name and title.
- Open your letter with a strong sentence that will encourage the employer to keep reading.
- Give specific examples of results you have delivered. Tailor your letter to the interests and needs of the person to whom you are writing. Focus on the outcomes that will help solve the employer’s problems.
- Have someone else proofread your letter before sending. Remember that your cover letter is evidence of your communication and writing ability.