Having a stellar resume and cover letter is essential to getting an interview. Time invested preparing these documents will pay off. Once you have a draft created, we'd be happy to critique your resume and cover letter. Either set up an appointment by calling (616) 526-6485, stop in during walk-in hours at the Career Resource Center (2nd Floor Hekman Library-check our homepage for walk-in times), or e-mail your documents to us (note: e-mailing a resume is the least effective critiquing option; meeting in person is preferable).
How do I create a resume?
Your resume should highlight your skills and achievements for prospective employers, giving them an idea of what you can bring to their organization. Our resume handout will walk you through the steps of creating your resume. View additional samples: internship resumes, chronological resumes, functional resume.
What is a cover letter, and how do I write one?
Anytime you send out a resume, it should be accompanied by a cover letter. This letter sets the context for your resume, explaining what position you're seeking and elaborating on your skills and achievements. Never send out a form letter; each cover letter needs to be addressed to a specific person and should be tailored to the job for which you're applying. For more information and a detailed explanation of how to write a cover letter, view our handout.
Is it acceptable to e-mail my resume to an employer?
E-mail has become an increasingly popular mode for submitting a resume. If you send your resume by e-mail, it should still be accompanied by a cover letter. You can either write a brief, formal cover e-mail and then attach a full cover letter and resume, or you can treat the body of e-mail as a cover letter. Whenever you e-mail an employer, you should maintain high grammar and style standards, as you would for a regular letter. Do not slip into a less formal style (e.g., spelling errors, lack of capitalization).
What should I do if an employer requests a scannable resume?
Scannable resumes are designed to be read by a computer searching for key words, therefore it's important to use appropriate language that will attract attention. Simplify your formatting and do not use italics.
What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of material that will help you show your qualifications in detail. A portfolio can include items such as your resume and cover letter, your transcripts, samples of your writing, evaluations of your past work, etc. Read our handout for more information about portfolios.
