Cover Letters
When should a cover letter be sent? Always! There are few exceptions, like when you are applying online and there is no method for submitting a cover letter. Another might be at Career Fairs. However, even then, including a cover letter with your resume proves to the employer that you've done your homework (it is customized for them after all) and that you are enthusiastic about the possibility of working for them. Access sample cover letters and instructions.
Resumes
Start by creating a master resume in Word with as much detail and as many pages as needed. Then copy the file and revise it to correspond with a specific job posting. The most relevant information for the position should be moved near the top, least relevant to the bottom or removed or abbreviated.
Beware of Templates
Use this template to build your resume. Most other templates found online are too fancy for the “Applicant Tracking Systems” that many organizations use to automate their search process. Using other templates may cause your resume to be bypassed in the selection process.
It’s best to keep your resume simple - no graphics, photos, columns, tables or fancy fonts. Use Word to edit and save your final version as a PDF to upload/share.
Resources
Login to Canvas (not with the app) before clicking on this link: Brandywine Career Services’ Pride. Select “Modules” and scroll down to the Resume module to download a sample resume, template and snippets.
Video Resume Tips – Contains ten 1-minute videos through LinkedIn Learning (free for current students and employees – must be logged in to LinkedIn using an active PSU account).
Sample resumes and instructions
Showcase Relevant Skills
Students learn important concepts and skills throughout college that are unique to specific industries/disciplines (keywords) and which need to be included in your resume.
Save relevant projects, papers, research and presentations to more easily communicate your skills using professional language / keywords.
Consider your “transferable” skills - knowledge gained through extracurriculars, leadership roles, volunteer work, part-time and full-time job experiences.
Lookup skills needed by specific occupation on the O*Net Online. Enter an occupation title to review the typical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required (KSAs). Assess which you possess.
Lookup the “8 Career Readiness Competencies” employers are seeking. Review the Behaviors listed for each to determine which you possess.