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Resume Writing: The Basics Resume Formats Chronological: A chronological resume emphasizes your work or experience history around dates. Jobs or other related experiences are listed in reverse chronological order with a primary focus on work or activity accomplish ments or specific job titles. A chronological format highlights career progression and growth through job titles or the names of employers and is easy to follow. The disadvantages of this format are that non impressive job titles, short term employment and changes in career path are clearly visible. You should consider using a chronologi cal format when your work, education or activity experience is strong and relevant to your objec tive, when previous job titles or company names sound impressive, when your job history shows growth, or to emphasize specific career-related accomplishments. Functional or Skills-based: A functional or skills-based resume organizes information around functional headings that highlight demonstrated skills and abilities. It highlights your major areas of accomplishment in ways that best support your job objective and is not bound by dates. You may draw on all sources of experi ence (employment, volunteer work, extra-curric ular activities and coursework) to describe your skills. You should consider using a functional or skills-based resume when job titles and work history are not related to each other or relevant to your career objective and you wish to de emphasize them in order to draw attention to your transferable skills. A functional or skills-based resume is also effective for those who have little work expe rience at all. Resume Appearance • Use light colored resume paper (white, ivory or beige) that will copy cleanly and not come out gray. • Use the same style paper for both your resume and cover letter. • You may use simple graphics such as lines to create a border, but don't overdo it. Exception: If you are a graphic or interior design major, you may want to use your resume to dis play your design skills. • Maintain reasonable margins. ( In general, 1 inch margins are preferable)'Apply this to cover letters also. • be cognizant or balancing white space on your resume - both a sparse resume with too much white space, and a crowded resume with too little white space, are visually unappealing. Resume Mailing • Use large manila envelopes rather than folding resumes into standard business envelopes. • Always send a cover letter with your resume, placing it on top of the resume. • Do not staple pages. If you need to combine or separate pages, use paperclips instead. Cover letter Writing Tips Andrea Campbell Program Manager Career Center Cover letters are extreme « ly important tools in the job search process. A dynamic S? cover letter that highlights > your skills and what you can contribute to the employer invites'her/him to read your resume for more detailed information. Effective cover letters should convey a sense of purpose, project enthusiasm for the position, and demonstrate knowledge of the employer's goals and needs. Employer research conducted prior to writing can better inform you of their specific needs. Keep the following tips in mind when composing your letter. Address the letter to a specific person. This may require research on your part or a phone call to the company, but it will facilitate a more timely response from the employer. Be sure to indicate a specific job title for the person as well. If possible, tailor your letter to the requirements of the position and the employer's needs. If you are seeking to connect with an employer but are not aware of open positions, it is also accept -r aoie to send a letter highlighting your skills and interest in working for that employer. Be sure to send a typed original cover let ter with your resume. Sound upbeat and confi dent to invite the employer to read your resume. Use the active voice for a more forceful approach. The letter should be easy to read, typed neatly on a single page (8 1/2 by 11") on good quality paper, and free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. Proofread your letter several times and make a copy to keep for your files. Before mailing it, ask yourself the following questions. • Is it clear? Will it impart my meaning to the reader? • Is it concise? Do I say every thing I want to say in the fewest wordspossible? • Is it well organized? Am I including relevant ideas? • Am I projecting to the employer the contribution I can make? • Have I expanded on areas in my back ground that are particularly relevant to the position and employer? To obtain additional information about writ ing cover letters and obtain samples, visit the Career Center library. On-call counselors are also available to review your letter and offer sug gestions.