Resume Guide

SUNY Westchester Community College • Career Services Resume/Cover Letter Guidelines 2022-2024 27 Why am I writing? The first paragraph needs to grab the reader’s attention. Say why you are writing and sending your resume: State why you are interested in the firm and how you can fill a need they have. If a mutual friend or associate referred you to the company, say so. The hiring manager may feel more obligated to respond to your letter. If you heard about the position through another means, be sure to say where/when/who. List the title of the position as well. How am I qualified? In the second paragraph, briefly state the skills you bring to the position that would specifically meet the employer’s needs . Your resume will provide the details. State how you will use your talents and experience to benefit the position and the firm. The prospective employer is not that interested in how the position will benefit you. Think about answering the question: How can I help you? (the employer) What steps will I take to follow up? The closing paragraph should include a plan of what you hope will happen next (an interview). Be clear about how you can be reached and how you will follow up (if you don’t hear from them). Be assertive but polite. Writing Tips How you write your letter is as important as the message it contains. Often prospective employers use the letter as a measure of your writing and communication skills. Be sure to use correct grammar, spelling and vocabulary that reflect your style. Be natural; use simple uncomplicated language and sentence structure. Don’t try to sound like someone else. (Don’t take the chance of using words incorrectly!). Be specific and get to the point; be positive. Don’t ever volunteer any negative information about yourself in the cover letter or the resume. Make sure every sentence has something to do with explaining your interest in the company, illustrating how you will fill their needs. Type the letter using the same font and paper as the resume for uniformity. Tell the employer how to reach you including a phone and email address (but be sure to check those messages at least two times per day). Check carefully for grammar and spelling mistakes, and then check again. Typos and grammatical errors say a lot about the kind of work you do. Don’t depend on spell check; keep a dictionary handy for proper word usage and grammar reference. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself of all the cover letters you send to employers and include them in your job search folder for future reference and follow up. Emphasize your Transferable and Marketable Skills Career experts consistently mention the following transferable skills as vital for new graduates:  Communication skills (oral and written)  Teamwork/group/interpersonal skills  Leadership skills