Resume and Cover Letter: What They Are
A resume is a short description of where you've worked, where you went to school and your skills. It gives an employer a sense of what you can do and what experience you have.
A cover letter is a short introductory letter that accompanies your resume. A cover letter is written to a specific employer for a specific job. Click here for information on writing a cover letter.
Why You Need a Resume
The purpose of a resume is to get you in the door for an interview. Employers decide who to interview based on the resumes they receive for each job. The better your resume is, the more likely it is that you'll get to interview for the job.
What to Include in Your Resume
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Name, address, phone number and email address (if you have one)
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Work history (including where you've worked, what positions you held and your duties)
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Information on your education
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Any awards or certificates you've received (such as "employee of the month" or honors in school)
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Any special skills you have that might interest an employer
Click here to see a sample resume.
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How to Write a Resume
The Beehive will walk you through writing a resume. It's quick and easy.
Click here to use the Beehive's free, easy-to-use tool to build a resume.
Click here for tips on writing a good resume.
How to Send a Resume
You can usually mail or email your resume to an employer (some will only accept resumes by email). When you send your resume, you should always include a cover letter.
Click here for information on writing a cover letter.
Get Help Writing a Resume
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Online: Click here to use the Beehive's resume-building tool.
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In person: You can go to your local One-Stop Career Center to get free help writing a resume, finding a job and more. Click here to find the One Stop Career Center nearest you.
Click here for advice from Monster.com on how to deal with resume "dilemmas" like having a criminal record or not having enough experience.
Next Steps...
Write a cover letter
Apply for jobs
Go for an interview
Provide references
Write a thank you letter