Resume Advice

[84GNTTYPE]

I am currently a freshman in college majoring in corporate finance. Many of jobs that I am applying for are at banks and require that I have a resume and cover letter. I have been working for at least the past three years, but it has been in retail.

My main problem is that I have never written either a cover letter or a resume before. Does anyone know of any good websites or books that could help point me in the right direction. Also help with how to account for my schooling even though I have not yet graduated.

I appreciate any advice you all can give.

Thanks,
John

 

[EMcNeice]

www.resumeedge.com I had them write me a cover letter, did a GREAT job! Its a little pricey but a perfect resume and cover letter are essential! Mine would be a lot different than yours because i'm applying for law enforcement jobs. You can't go wrong with that website though.

As for accounting for your schooling, just note what year you are in and how many credits you have earned, and when you expect to graduate.

 

[striker_29]

As far as accounting for the schooling you have had so far, you will simply state that in the education portion of your resume. If your currently in school working on a degree, note that there as well. Never use the word "I" in a resume, its about you, so that is understood. Instead of saying: "I was a network engineer, and I blahh, blahh, blahh, say: "Network engineer for so and so, duties included yadda, yadda, yadda." A resume can be a great way to brag, so be sure to include any accomplishments, etc. For instance, when I graduated college I had an overall 4.0 gpa. I would never bring that up in an interview, but you can bet it went on my resume, and remains there to this day! Employers love that kind of stuff, but most importantly, never lie. Good luck!

 

[DKREDT]

IMHO the cover letter is probably more important. Make sure you write it specific to thier job opening and professionaly and aggresively tell them why they need to stop looking to fill this position once they meet you.

Your resume needs to be "clean" and readable with a job objective that matches up with their opening.... otherwise you don't look very serious to them. Keep it to one page.

All of your work experince on the resume needs to be highlighted so that it benefits your potential new employer.

I would be happy to proof them for you and give you some tips if you want to send me a copy.

Let me know.

Joel

 

[84GNTTYPE]

DKREDT thanks for the offer. Once I have some time to write something up I'll probably take you up on it.

Thanks for the other replies too guys. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[DKREDT]

No problem. My wife was a VP at a local bank before she "retired" to stay home with our sons. I have quite a bit of experience hiring for my previous company. I have seen LOTS of resume's and cover letters.. good and bad. Let me know.


Joel

 

[striker_29]

Drkedt has it right, I forgot you definately need to keep it to one page, and taylor it to them a bit. You don't want to lose their interest. And finally, there should be zero mistakes on it. I read mine 10 times and still had two sneaky typos, so let several people read it for you. Good luck!

 

[84GNTTYPE]

DKREDT - You have mail!



Thanks,
John

 

[Nashty]

Some general advice.

Do some light research on the company so you can tailor the resume and objective to them. Find out who to send the cover letter to, not just: To Whom it May Concern. A simple phone call to the company will usually take care of that. Find out everything you can about them so you come in educated and there is a general feeling that you have some idea of the work there. Plus you may discover that you DON'T want to work there.

Keep your cover letter brief, they have to read lots of them. Your resume should be on white or barely off white paper. Keep the font simple and readable, don't try to pack too much on there. Don't list any religious related accomplishments or anything that can be construed politically incorrect or a touchy subject. Don't list your references. Might mention they are available on request but not until they ask for them, reduces clutter.

While you're still early in college, get out there and network your behind off. Want to work at a particular bank? Go in there place, do what you can to familiarize yourself or get to know someone from there. By all means, join a professional society. Volunteer also, it looks good.

Get your advanced degrees while still young, big time helper and you won't have family to arrange schooling around. You'll be glad you did later.

The interview... Better email me for that, it could take a while.

Roger (John Deere Human Resources)

 

[GN SBS]

Originally posted by 84GNTTYPE
I am currently a freshman in college

Nashty offers some excellent advice.

I'd also suggest speaking to someone at your college or university career center. Chances are they have quite a collection of materials to look at in their career library and will have folks willing to critique your cover letters, resume, and practice interviewing (all for free!). They should also know where other folks at your school have had success in finding internships or jobs and can point you to the right contact.

Lots of folks would kill to have those types of resources available to them-- don't let them go to waste!