RESUMES & COVER LETTERS
Career And Professional Planning (CAPP)
Cynthia Mika and Vicci [email protected]
www.capp.uidaho.edu208.885.6121
Resume Bliss
1. Headers – Visually appealing2. Name – Stands out (larger font)3. Contact Information – Easy to find4. Objective – Concise and clear5. Education – Clearly stated; major GPA listed6. Relevant Coursework – Listed7. Project – Related to job description8. Engineering Experience – Labeled and
defined9. Skills – Relevant engineering skills listed
Resume Bliss
1. Other Experience – Written with transferable skills2. Professional Organizations
Member, IEEE, September 2008 – Present 3. ACTIVITIES
Participant, Intramural Sports, UI, 09/07-present4. Community Service
Hurricane Relief Volunteer, New Orleans, Summer 20075. Honors and Awards
Dean’s List, Honors Student, Presidential Scholar6. References – Second page; same header; name, title,
mailing address, phone and email 7. Resume – One page; readable font type and size; .7” to
1.0” margins
Resume Concerns
Name – Too small or not bolded Experience
Unrelated positions listed first Repetition of action verbs or descriptions Emphasis on too many accomplishments Using pronouns – do not use Writing sentences – phrases only
References – Listed on first page
Resume Concerns
Formatting Bullets – too large Inconsistent
Hyphens Abbreviations Spacing
Errors – Typing or misspelling Capitalization Margins – too crowded Dates – not aligned (immediately following, on tab
or right margin)
Resume HeadersVicci D. White
111 North Campus Drive Moscow, ID 83843 [email protected] (208) 885-6121
Vicci D. White111 North Campus Dr.
Moscow, ID 83843 Find errors and inconsistencies
[email protected] 208.885-6121
CYNTHIA MIKA222 W. Line Dr.
[email protected], ID 83844 (208) 885-6121
CYNTHIA MIKA222 W. Line Drive [email protected]
Moscow, Idaho 83844 (208)-885-6121
Resume Objective
OBJECTIVE: To obtain an electrical engineering internship with a firm in the systems and control industry.
Objective: seeking a position to learn about new things in the field, to build my interpersonal skills and build a network in Boise.
ObjectiveSummer internship in electrical engineering.
ObjectiveTo look for a job in Boise, Idaho.
Find errors and inconsistencies
Resume Education
EDUCATIONBachelor of Science in Electrical EngineeringUniversity of Idaho, Moscow, ID Expected May
2011
EducationB.s., E. E.; minor in computer scienceUniv. of Id, Moscow, Idaho 2007-present
Find errors and inconsistencies
EducationUniversity of Idaho, Moscow, ID Anticipated December
2010B.S., Electrical Engineering; Minor, Computer Science
Resume Coursework
RELEVANT COURSEWORKElectronics, Signals & Systems, Energy Systems, Microcontrollers, Digital Logic
Classes: ECE 350, Signals & Systems; geog 403, Climatology; Comm 331 Conflict Management
Find errors and inconsistencies
Course Highlights Electric Circuits I & II Intro to Problem Solving & Programming Engineering Dynamics Technical Writing
Resume Accomplishments
ENGINEERING EXPERIENCEJet Propulsion Intern, JPL, Pasadena, CA 05/08-08/08
Specified a code architecture for the controller’s acceptance of GPS input. Created 3-D plots and cross sections of topographic data. Analyzed data and proposed recommendations. Communicated regularly with project lead and team members via email. Organized schedules for six co-workers.
Engineering Tutor, EE dept., WSU (9/09 -present)Tutored in engineering classes. Helped students with homework. Organized schedules for six students.
Find errors and inconsistencies
Engineering Tutor, Electrical Engineering Department, Washington State University, Pullman, WA (9/09 - present)Provided further instruction and assistance for up to 20 engineering students. Discussed examples of problems to conceptualize homework. Coordinated schedules for students and three tutors.
Resume Experience
ExperienceMcDonald’s, server/host, Moscow, ID Sept.
2006 – Present Made food and gave it to people (Communicated
with customers to meet needs) Cleaned tables, emptied trash and washed dishes
(Maintain a pleasant and clean environment)Find errors and inconsistencies
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Electrical Engineering Department, UI June 2007-August 2007• Drafted using Microstation Powerdraft• Designed circuitry to be used in local stores• Facilitated campus-wide event for over 150 people
Resume Skills
Headings Technical Skills and Abilities Technical Skills Technical Competencies Skills
Technical Computer Languages
Resume Skills
Technical SkillsProficient in SQL, PASCAL, C/Dynamic/C++; knowledgeable in AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, Data Entry, Microsoft Office.
Skills: Internet research, Powerpoint, Excel, Word, Eagle, XMGrace, Oscilloscope, Function Generator, Xilinx, Math CAD, communication, teamwork, multi-tasking.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIESHardware: Rabbit, Digital Mulimenter, Pulse GeneratorSoftware: Pspice, LTSpice, HDL, VDHL
Resume
Q & A
Cover Letter Bliss
Format – readable; business style Header – matches resume Date – 2 or 3 spaces between header and
greeting Greeting – addressed to a person Body of letter – thoughts flow between
paragraphs; details about personal and academic breadth; gives most important information for employer
Cover Letter
First Paragraph Answers question “Why them?” Mentions organization by name Tells what position you are applying for Credits the source where you heard of or
found job
Second Paragraph Ties your background and experience to
employer’s need as stated in the job/internship description
Cover Letter
Third Paragraph Continues with their need and your
experience OR Tells your outstanding qualities and
characteristics as related to the position
Fourth Paragraph Possible summary sentence Confident not cocky statement about
interview Gives a time you will follow up with them Provides contact information for you Thank you for…
Cover Letter
Closing – Sincerely, Three line spaces for signature Your name Enclosure or Attachments: Resume,
Application
Strong Example
I am a sophomore at the University o f Idaho seeking a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. I spoke with you about internships at the Engineering Career Fair last fall and am still interested. VVVV electrical engineers work directly with architects, and that cooperation and breadth of perspective sounds interesting.
I heard about your summer internship program through my brother, (name), who is a project engineer with VVVV. As a sophomore, I have just begun to learn the basics of electrical engineering. I know true experience can only be gained working in the industry.
Needs Improvement
I believe I have the background to be an asset to your company.
I worked at an engineering firm after
school during high school and learned a lot.
(When your cover letter reads like a form letter; Be sure to add your voice)
Strong Example
If hired, I would bring strong assets to VVVV. Through two customer service positions, I have developed a friendly and helpful style. For instance, my curiosity about simple electronics led to work at Radio Shack where I began to understand that people with the same interests have different levels of understanding. I have broad interests, which have helped me gain good time management skills and tenacity. As well as holding a high GPA in high school and working in retail, I volunteered in a history museum and taught myself to play guitar.
Needs Improvement
Your company sounds like a place where I can learn a lot.
I want to work with you this summer.
I will do my best to provide what you need.
Please call me or send an email.
(Colloquialisms and overused words or phrases: thrown my way; actually; as you can see from my resume; etc.; even going so far as to; other various; starting a sentence with “And”)
(Repeating resume – refer to an experience but expand from the resume)
Strong Examples
I hope you will take the time to interview me for the summer internship position as I would love to tell you more about why I would be a great choice.
I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you in person about my qualifications at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and the opportunities you give engineering students to gain an understanding of the industry while still in college.
Cover Letter
Q & A
Thank you for your collaboration with the CAPP Career Advisors!
