PSYC 303 COURSE PROJECT: COVER LETTER & RESUME
· Choose a historical figure discussed in the text book.
· Create a Cover Letter and Resume based on the life, accomplishments, and influences of the individual you have selected. Write the resume AS IF YOU ARE THIS PERSON! For example: if you choose Sigmund Freud, write a resume that you believe Freud would write to apply for a job and include all of his information including who he would use a references for a job (who was he close to and/or who did he work with during his life?)
· The resume and cover letter should be professionally formatted.
· The resume should include a Reference page with three references listed and should include a one-page cover letter.
· You may choose how you format the resume but ensure that information presented is accurate.
· You may also be creative in wording but no other visual representation.
· Submit no less than one cover page, two to three single spaced pages including all parts of the resume, and a reference page (NOT references of where you obtained your information, the references that your individual would use.) I do NOT need you to cite your resources BUT you should make sure your resources are accurate!
· Do your research: look up resume and cover letter examples as well as thoroughly research your chosen individual. If you need additional help with formatting, let me know!
RESUME INFORMATION/WHAT TO INCLUDE
What is a Resume?
A resume is a brief summary of personal, educational, professional experiences used for job applications.
Best Resume Formats
· Reverse chronological resume format – this is the most popular resume format and is ideal for people with plenty of work experience that is relevant to the role which they are seeking.
· Functional/skills-based resume format – if you lack relevant work experience because you are a student/recent graduate, or you are looking to make a career change, the skills-based format is a good choice.
· Combination resume format– this is a great choice if you have a diverse set of skills and work experiences that you feel are relevant to the desired role.
Resume Layout Must Have
· One page in length (max three) is ideal as long as all content is covered.
· Clear section headings.
· Ample white-space, especially around the margins.
· Easy-to-read font.
What Sections to Include on a Resume? (Sections can be titled how you deem appropriate)
· Cover Letter (this is a summary of what is included on the resume and why you feel you should be hired for the job) The cover letter is the before the resume and separate from the body of the resume.
· Contact Information (in the header)
· Professional Title (in the header)
· Career Objective
· Work Experience (or Employment History)
· Education
· Professional Qualifications (or skills) (if applicable)
· Awards/Achievements/Accomplishments (if applicable)
· Certifications (if applicable)
· Reference Page (this includes the people you feel your potential employer can contact to provide you a good recommendation) The reference page is after the resume and should include the name, address, phone number, and email of the person recommending you for the job.
Which Contact Information to Include On a Resume
DOs
· As a minimum, include your name, phone number, email address, and the current location of residence.
· Consider including social media profiles that are relevant to the position, such as a detailed LinkedIn profile. Other profiles like Twitter, Medium and Instagram, may be valuable for certain roles.
DON’Ts
· Do not use an unprofessional email address, like [email protected] Create a separate professional email if you don’t already have one.
· Do not include personal information, such as marital status, nationality or religious affiliation.
· Do not include a professional headshot if you are applying for a job in the United Kingdom or North America.
What to Include In the Work Experience Section of a Resume
· This section is your opportunity to showcase how your experience is aligned with the position you want. The best way to do this is through bullets, with each point providing examples of past responsibilities and accomplishments based on what the potential employer is asking for in the job description.
· One more consideration is that you want to avoid leaving any gaps in employment on your resume. If one of your previous jobs doesn’t seem applicable and it came between two relevant roles, you still need to list it. But you don’t have to describe it in great detail.
What to Include In the Education Section of a Resume
· The content under this section depends on where you are at in your career. If you’ve been working for 20 years, you are best keeping the education section brief by listing your completed academic degrees and institutions attended from most recent to oldest.
· For students or recent graduates, the education section has added importance. Here you can include sub-sections for relevant courses taken, research/course projects, and academic achievements. This is how to create a resume without a lot of work experience.
Hard Skills Examples for a Resume
· Financial ratio analysis
· Proficiency with specific software
· Written or verbal communication
· Negotiation
· Equipment operation
· Additional Sections for a Professional Resume Format
Extra sections to consider include
· Achievements (E.g.: scholarships or industry awards).
· Organizations (E.g.: memberships in professional associations).
· Certifications (E.g.: professional designations).
· Conferences/Courses attended
· Languages spoken.
How to Write a Cover Letter That Pairs With Your Resume
· When applying for a job, consider the employer’s standpoint. He or she wants to know “Why should we hire you?”
· A resume goes a long way towards answering this question, but it isn’t the only step. First, you have to encourage a recruiter to actually review your resume. This is the purpose of a cover letter.
· Assume that the potential employer will read your cover letter first and your resume second. The letter is an introduction to who you are and why you are the best fit for the position. Therefore, your letter offers a preview of your resume by providing a few of its highlights.
· Once you show the reader that you have key skills or experiences related to the position, he or she will want to see what else you can offer and turn to your resume.
RUBRIC
GRADING: You may receive a maximum of 100pts on the assignment. You will be graded on the following:
Content Accuracy 40: The information must relevant to the course subject and must be presented as an accurate account of information. You may take liberties with information such as making up an email address or street address, but all information such as work history, education, awards, etc. must be accurate and fact based.
Organization and Mechanics 35: The project must be presented in a clear and concise matter. Resumes must be typed in 11 or 12 font in Times New Roman or Calibri, single spaced, and information should be organized and lack grammatical errors.
Creativity 25: The project should be a unique interpretation of the person chosen. Students are encouraged to think creatively. No project should be a replication of any other project submitted or printed from an online source. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade on the assignment and can result in a failing grade for the course.
