Resumes
We will review the Best Way to Write a Resume by Job Genius video at the top of the Resumes page – – (http://nwtech.edu/alvacc/resumes/) – of the Career Center website and provided below.
Each student will need to create a resume in an easy to read professional format. You should include a heading at the top of the resume that includes full name, full address, phone number and email address. Sections of your resume may include qualification summary, education, licensure, work experience, additional skills, professional memberships, community activities, honors and awards, and references.
Some of the most common corrections/suggestions include:
- Include hyphens or bullets to separate areas of the address and contact info in the heading section.
- An example of formatting for city, state, and zip is: 1801 11th Street, Alva, OK 73717 which includes the comma after the name of the city with the two letters in abbreviation for state capitalized.
- Use either (580) 327-0344 as a format for telephone numbers or 580.327.0344 but not (580)-327-0344 .
- Include a qualification statement what explains what your goal is or leave it out. This is not a two or three word area.
- Education section should include the most recent education at the top of the list. Be sure to include the city and state of the school.
- The section headings should be in a larger font than the information in the sections.
- Be consistent with font and font sizing. Section headings can be a larger font than section information however the headings for all sections need to be consistent in size and font.
- Be consistent with spacing (such as spacing between sections and between bulleted items, etc.)
- Be consistent with date formats. If you spell out the names of months then be consistent throughout the resume.
- Information in sections should be bulleted if possible and not in sentence format.
- Include information for three references. References cannot be friends. Include your relationship for each reference such as instructor, previous employer, etc.
- Be consistent in capitalization.
- Be accurate in job titles and descriptions (aid, aide, nurses, nurse, etc – ex. Long-Term Care Certified Nurse Aide)
- Be consistent in tense of duties (managed, manage, assist, assisted, etc.)
- Include dates in the education section.
- Have all dates listed at the right side. Ask me for help with setting a right align tab.
- Include degrees or program areas in the education section.
- Include the following sections: Qualification Summary, Education, Licensure or Certifications, Experience (Work Experience), Professional Memberships, Community Activities (Community Service), Honors (Awards), Skills (if not included in work experience), and References
If you are looking for skills or tasks to include on your resume, visit http://profiles.keytrain.com/profile_search/search.asp and search for nurse. Common job duties for the occupation selected should be displayed.
Templates
The following templates may be downloaded and used as a STARTING point for NWTC student resumes.
NWTC Alva Blue resume template
NWTC Alva CC simple-red resume
Sample resumes – Nursing Student Sample Resume – Resume For Nursing Student With Clinical Experience
The following are examples of how to format the resume as far as having the section heading stand out and easily identify each section:
Introduction to Cover Letters
Cover letters are important because they tell employers the type of position you’re seeking and exactly how you’re qualified for it. Your cover letter can also explain things that your resume can’t.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that, along with your resume, is sent with your job application. A cover letter is your chance to tell a potential employer why you’re the perfect person for the position and how your skills and expertise can add value to the company. The letter should be professional but personable, and serve as a sort of introduction.
A lot of job seekers today wonder if a cover letter is still appropriate to send with your resume—and the answer is yes! Even if an employer doesn’t ask for a cover letter, it couldn’t hurt to send one. In fact, it can help you get someone’s attention in a different way, and it can be a great way to display your enthusiasm for the job and company.
Basic Elements of a Cover Letter
The following should be included in the cover letter:
- Your name and address preferably in the header area of letterhead that resembles or matches your resume.
- Current date.
- Name and address of the person/company you are sending the letter to.
- Greeting – Address your cover letter to the proper person.
- Opening – Write a personable, inviting opening paragraph that notes which position you are applying for and how you learned of the job opening.
- Achievements and Skills – Highlight your past achievements as they relate to the job you’re applying for. Emphasize additional relevant skills and certifications which show you meet the job requirements.
- Closing: Briefly recap your strengths as a candidate, why you want to work for the organization, a call for action or next steps, and your contact information.
Template for writing your cover letters:
Use the same letterhead format you did for your resume if it is attractive which includes the following in a header section of a Microsoft Word document: Your Name, Street Address, City, State Zip Code, Phone Number, Email address. You will NOT type this information as it appears here with just commas separating each element of the header.
Date
Individual’s Name (at the business you are applying to), Job Title (that individual’s job title within the business)
Name of Organization or Company (company where you are applying)
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. WhoEver Is Listed Above (if no name is provided please ask me for help):
First Paragraph: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you’re applying. Mention how you learned of the opening.
Second Paragraph: Explain why you’re interested in working for this employer and specify how you fit this position. Don’t repeat the information on your resume. Include something special or unique about yourself that will benefit the employer. Remember, the reader will consider this an example of your writing skills.
Third Paragraph: Mention that your resume is enclosed and indicate your desire to meet with the employer. You may want to suggest alternate dates and times, or simply advise them of your flexibility to meet. Include day and evening contact information. Include a statement or question that will encourage the reader to respond. Be sure to communicate your plan to follow up. You might state that you’ll be in the area on a certain date and would like to set up a meeting, or you’ll call on a certain date to set up a meeting. Finally, thank the employer for his/her time.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature in blue or black ink)
Your name
Enclosure
Tips and Tricks for Cover Letters
Check out the following resources on how to write a cover letter:
- CareerOneStop.com – Cover Letters
- Glassdoor.com – How to Write a Cover Letter
- Monster.com – Cover Letter Tips
- Balance.com – How to Start a Cover Letter
Cover Letter Examples
Check out the following examples of how to write a cover letter:
- Monster.com – Cover Letter Examples by Industry
- Monster.com – Cover Letter Samples
- TheBalanceCareers.com – Cover Letter Sample for a Resume
- TheBalanceCareers.com – Sample Email Cover Letter Message
Cover Letter Assignment
Search for a job opening that resembles something you may want to pursue once you have completed your career training. Create a PDF file (ask me how) that has the job opening and job description. Drag that PDF file into the file folder I created for you on the Shared Google Drive.
Create a letterhead using Microsoft Word that will be used in writing your cover letters. You will need to provide your contact information within the letterhead. Be creative but professional. Use the header and footer sections of the Microsoft Word document. After creating the letterhead be sure to save it and upload a copy to the Shared Google drive into the folder I created for you.
Create a cover letter for the job opening that you have found for an acceptable career position of your choice.
Be sure to print and then upload your cover letter to the Shared folder on the Google Drive.