RESUME, COVER LETTER

& SOP
 RESUME

• A brief document that summarises education, employment history and experiences

• Purpose- for job interview or internship or admission

• https://owl.purdue.edu/engagement/job_search_resources/resumes/index.html
• https://owl.purdue.edu/engagement/job_search_resources/cover_letters/index.html
 RESUME WRITING ESSENTIALS

• Identification- name, affiliation, contact no., address, email id, website (if any), photo
• Bio-note/ summary/career objective
• Experience- if working (not essential for students) but can add volunteering and participation in various activities
• Education- reverse chronological order (latest to oldest)
• Skills/specialisations- highlight with some reference to experience like projects undertaken etc.
• Professional Affiliations- memberships
• Conferences/workshops/internships- very important for students
• Publications
• Achievements- all awards and accomplishments
• Languages known-
• References- some faculty/ expert
 IMPORTANCE OF RESUME
• Creates the crucial first impression
• Catchy appearance and contents
• Well- organised, properly written and presented in an apt layout
• Free of errors
• The purpose is to persuade that you have abilities, skills and personal qualities that the
employer is looking for
• A good resume is always accompanied by a well-drafted cover letter/statement of
purpose/personal letter
 SOP/PERSONAL LETTER
• https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/graduate_school_applications/graduate_school_
applications_statements_of_purpose/statements_of_purpose_drafting_your_statement.html
• Main Elements:
1. What is your interest area/ what exactly do you want to do if given a chance
2. How and why is the place/position/course a perfect fit for you?
3. Your uniqueness over others
 A COMMON PATTERN FOR ‘SOP’
WRITING
1. State what you are doing now and what and why are you applying for?

2. State reasons for your choices

3. How you became interested – brief specific – directly related examples

4. Details of projects and courses – to show your focus

5. Show your complete familiarity with the course- well researched- show a logical connect
 STYLE AND APPROACH
• Anecdotal (telling a story about you)

• 1st person Narrative

• Double check for grammar and mechanics

 COVER LETTER
• Function- application to apply/ communicate
Goes with resume

• Format- like any formal letter

• Content Division—

1. Reference to what you are applying for

2. Reasons for applying linking with your uniqueness/interest area/future goals etc.
3. Hope/ action