Memorandum
Date: Spring Semester 2013
To: English 306 Students
From: Rick Van Noy, English 306 Instructor
Subject: Resume Set
This memo explains the guidelines for the resume set.
We have been discussing career concerns, professional development, resume designs and cover letters. This assignment asks you to produce a working resume and letter of application to be used for job searches.
Using models provided by the textbook and me, develop a resume (1) for general or specific audiences; that is, you may tailor the data for a particular job, or you may devise a more standardized resume for placement-center and graduate school files. Consider carefully how you highlight the document’s information: will you stress functional hierarchies or organizational descriptions? Educational background or work experience? How will you integrate special skills (computer sophistication, leadership roles) within the resume? What design elements and styles—boldfacing, bulleting, italicizing—will make your information more visually appealing?
The application letter (2) should complement the resume, expanding upon and clarifying the resume’s outlined information. Each paragraph should serve specific purposes, and your suitability for a job or position must be delineated in the body paragraphs. It should use a proper letter format, and should be written to a specific position (attach ad) (3).
Also include a thank you or follow-up letter for a make-believe interview (4). Finally, attached to the resume and cover letter will be a memo (5) to me, explaining why you have chosen a particular format or choice (for both): how do the documents’ designs and arrangements make them effective? Explicate your reasons behind your format, structure, language and tone. The subject line should read: Strategies Used in Resume, Application Letter [unless personal statement], and Follow-Up Letter.
When reading each other’s resumes, please carefully examine for certain features:
- Is the name visible and appropriately placed?
- Are addresses (including e-mail) accessible yet unobtrusive?
- Is there enough white space? Are sections balanced?
- Are headings clearly defined and consistent?
- Are the typefaces legible, readable, aesthetically pleasing?
- Do the sections follow a smooth, fluent pattern? Are they clearly separated?
- If there is a job objective, is it concisely stated?
- Has the writer properly highlighted educational background, relevant courses, significant professional training?
- Are the job descriptions adequate, active, parallel?
- Are the dates of employment clearly marked?
- Has the writer noted requisite skills?
- Has the writer overused certain words or phrases?
- Are minor sections like "Personal" or Extracurricular Activities" given enough detail, specificity?
- Should the writer include memberships more?
- Is there an indication that references or a dossier are available? Should there be?
- Can anything else be included to explain the writer’s capabilities and experience? Summary qualifications?
Slide Show on Resumes and Cover Letters
Job-finding:
Monster Board, Hot Jobs, Career Builder - job hunting online
Effective Resumes
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Should |
Should Not |
|
Immediately impress the reader |
Have an unclear objective |
|
Be visually appealing and easy to read |
Contain misspellings or typographical errors |
|
Be concise |
Contain lengthy phrases, sentences, or paragraphs |
|
Emphasize accomplishments, reflecting your ability and potential |
Misrepresent your background or qualifications |
|
Communicate job-related abilities, not just duties |
Contain irrelevant information |
|
Focus on the employer's needs and your ability to meet those needs |
Be poorly typed or reproduced |
|
Indicate career aspirations and goals |
Omit critical information |
|
Support your career objectives |
Be poorly organized |
|
Communicate responsibility and dependability |
Be "gimmicky" or amateurish |
|
Favorably distinguish you from other applicants |
Contain unexplained time gaps with regard to employment history |