CUSTOMIZING YOUR RESUME

AND COVER LETTER

Career Services
Baker University Center 533
740-593-2909
www.ohio.edu/careers
RESUMES
BASIC REFRESHER
 Identification Information
 Objective/Summary

 Education

 Experience and Activities

 Important guidelines

NOTE: There is no definitive right way to create your resume

IDENTIFICATION DATA
 Name, address, phone number, email
CAREER OBJECTIVE
 Optional? Opinions vary
 What skills do you bring?

Not
“Desire a position in business.”
Instead
“A position in business management utilizing skills in strategic
management, business research and information management.”
“Highly motivated communication specialist with experience
developing internal communication material
EDUCATION
 Include
 University,location, degree (Bachelor of ________),
graduation date, major/minor, GPA
EXPERIENCE AND ACTIVITIES
 Work/Relevant/Internship/Other Experience
 Consistency is key (organization, position/title, dates, location)
 Use active verbs, sentence fragments
 Use numbers, specific results
 Prioritize bullets based on job description

 Student Activities
 Can use same format as experience
 Time management, Teamwork, Leadership, etc
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
 Must be positive with most important points first
 Highlight, underline, capitalize key messages
 Be concise and clear—you have 10-20 seconds to make
your point
 Résumé is a flexible document

 Show your results/accomplishments with numbers

 Customize your resume for every position

STRATEGIES TO CUSTOMIZE
 Think from employer perspective
 Research the company – online and networking
 Study the job description to understand what type of characteristics
and experience they want
 Reflect on how your experiences match what they’re looking for
 Make sure your most relevant experience is at the top (similar to a
news story)
 Make sure the bullets under your experience match their
requirements (borrow their words)
 Sell yourself with your objective/qualifications summary
ACTIVITY (SEE HANDOUTS)
 Identify some key points in the job description that
highlight what they’re looking for
 Identify where Evan has that type of experience on his
resume
 Talk to the people next to you about how would you
customize his resume
 Shouldany experience be moved up?
 Any bullets need to be created, edited or moved up?
 What words should he be sure to use?
 What could be a sample qualification summary?
SAMPLE RESUMES
 Online resource
www.esampleresume.com
 Resume Guide Handout
COVER LETTER?
GENERAL LAYOUT
Opening Paragraph
 Why writing, what applying for, why interested
Middle Paragraph
 Skills,experience, education, etc. that may be of
interest/relate to position
 Evidence that you have researched the organization
thoroughly and that you possess skills used within that
organization
Closing Paragraph
 Interest in interviewing, contact info, thanks
STRATEGIES TO CUSTOMIZE
Opening Paragraph
 Find someone on the inside
Middle Paragraph
 Match your list of skills with the job requirements
 Borrow words from the job description

Closing Paragraph
 Research the corporate website and try to understand their
mission statement
SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTION
Sample Job Description: Sales Rep
You will be need to possess the following:
0-3 years in a results driven sales position
A need based selling approach targeting decision makers to
convert prospects into clients in a zip code protected territory
Ability to cross-sell into an existing base of clients

 
Company Mission Statement: To make healthcare more cost-
effective, so our customers can focus on their clients.
CUSTOMIZED LETTER SAMPLE
I am applying for the Outside Sales position posted on Ohio
University’s CareerLink.com. During a recent conversation with your
national sales director, Bob Smith, he mentioned that you are looking for
someone with my background and experience.
 
I am a motivated sales professional with more than 1 year of
direct sales experience. As the intern for the sales division of Company X,
I was recognized by my supervisors for my ability to develop solutions
customized for the client’s needs, to convert prospects into clients, and to
cross-sell product to the existing client base. I am driven by results and
possess strong communication skills.
 
I would love to learn more about this position and I welcome the
opportunity to discuss how my skills and ideas can help Company X make
healthcare more cost-effective for your customers. I can be reached at
(555) 555-5555 or name@gmail.com.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PHASES
Plan for Future
Meet Tom:
He has selected the career path the best fits
him at this time. He is ready to get his
first full-time job and wants some
help ensuring he’s creating a
good impression on potential
employers.
Get Experience
Meet Erin:
Erin has narrowed her career
options to a couple choices and
wants to start learning what it’s
like in the “real world” so she can definitely
decide the career path she wants to begin.
She’s wondering how to gain relevant
experience and obtain internships.
Self-Assessment
Meet Zach:
He has yet to choose a major and has no
idea what he wants to do for a career.
He’s wondering where to even
begin to look for answers.
Explore the Options
Meet Heather:
Heather has broad interests and is trying to
determine which major she should declare.
After her self-assessment, she has
narrowed it down to two and is looking for
more information on the majors and career
opportunities each one could lead to after
college.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PHASES
4. Plan for Future 1. Self-Assessment
Services: Services:
•Bobcat Mentor Network •FOCUS self-assessment tests
•Bobcat CareerLink •Major & career advising
•Job Search Assistance
•Mock Interviews
•Career & Internship Overarching Services:
Fairs •Walk-ins
•Individual Career
Counseling
3. Get Experience Appointments 2. Explore the Options
•Seminars & Workshops

Services: Services:
•Bobcat Mentor Network •CareerBeam
•Bobcat CareerLink •Bobcat Mentor Network
•Resume Review •“What Can I Do With This Major”
•Career & Internship Fairs handouts
•Campus Involvement Center