Resume and Cover Letter Assignment

 

Where do you begin? Find an advertisement for a Systems Analyst position in the newspaper, on the web, from the CDC, etc.  Make note of the skills required for this position.  And consider them in the context of your current skills.  If you want a job like this, what experience should you gain during your education?

 

What is a resume?   A summary of information about you used to “sell” yourself to an employer.  You should include a biography of your work, educational and volunteer experiences.

 

How to begin?   Write down a personal inventory of all work experiences, educational institutions, volunteer and community work, awards and other types of recognition, and your interests and activities.

 

Where to find additional information?   Magazines and books are available at the library.  On-line resources can also be very helpful.  One example is the Career Development and Counseling Center.  Use the address below and explore Job Search Handbook.  I will also have sample resumes and cover letters that you can examine.

 http://www.mnsu.edu/dept/cdc/students.html

You are responsible for researching the proper format for your resume.

What is a cover letter?   A formal letter of interest that should accompany your resume.  Assume that you are applying for an internship to shadow or work with a systems analyst who meets the qualifications found in your advertisement.

 

Your letter should contain 3 parts:

1)      What position are you applying for? Why are you writing? (This is the 1st paragraph.)

2)      Highlight your qualifications.  Use very specific examples with details. (This is the 2nd and possibly 3rd paragraph.)

3)      Ask for and interview and tell how and when you can be contacted. (This is the last paragraph.)

 

More information can be found at the CIS internship webpages: http://internship.cs.mnsu.edu/cover_letters.htm

 

Keep resumes and cover letters to one page in length.

Be sure to use spell check!

 

 When is this due?

 Your Best Resume and Cover Letter will be brought to class on Wednesday, January 21. Bring two copies, one for me and one for peer review.

 Your Revised Final draft will be turned in on Tuesday, January 27 in class. 

 What will you turn in? 

1)      An advertisement for a Systems Analyst position

2)      A perfect resume and cover letter. 

3)      (optional) You may also include your personal inventory and copies or references to the resources you used.

 Grading Criteria

Total: 5 pts Revised Resume
2pt Format/Layout/First Impression
1pt Spelling/Grammar (one mistake will cost you the point!)
2pts Content
Total: 5 pts Revised Cover Letter
1pt Proper format
1pt Spelling/Grammar (one mistake will cost you the point!)
3pts Content (the majority of the points will be earned by a well written 2nd paragraph)