Resumes and Cover Letters

Cover Letters

When should a cover letter be sent?  Always! There are few exceptions, like when you are applying online as instructed and there is no method for submitting a cover letter. Even then, why not mail it in with your resume?  This will ensure that they receive all of your application materials, even when technology has a glitch. Another exception might be 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.

How to Write a Cover Letter and Samples (from the Penn State Career Guide)

Cover Letter Checklist 

Cover Letters and More (slide presentation)

---

Resumes

Human Resources professionals repeatedly say that a resume, no matter how much experience one has, should be only one page long*. To accomplish this, start by creating a master resume with as many pages as needed, then copy and revise the copy to correspond with a specific job posting. Revisions involve developing an objective that matches the position desired, and changing the order and content of your resume based on this objective. Most relevant information should be moved near the top, and bulleted lists within each experience should be re-ordered as well. Finally, remove or edit down any information that is not at all relevant (without creating huge gaps in your history).

*  If you still have two pages after revisions, a two-page resume containing relevant material is appropriate. Also, the one-page resume is not appropriate for positions with the government nor does this apply to curriculum vitae (CV). A CV is more detailed than a resume and is commonly used by those looking for work outside the U.S. and by those looking for an academic job, i.e. in a college or university. 

Learn more about resumes through the following resources:

How to Write a Resume with Samples (from the Penn State Career Guide)

Resume Headings

Resume Template

Resume Slide Presentation

What Employers Recommend

---

Cover Letters and Resumes

University Park Career Services Resume & Cover letter webpage contains Curriculum Vitae tips (CV) and other types of letters to employers

Vault Career Insider – Subscription resource free to Penn State students containing guides such as:
Vault Guide to Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews
Vault Guide to Law Resumes

Students must create an account using their Penn State email address in order to be able to download guides.

 

• Career Services
  • ACS Home
  • Students and Alumni
  • Employers
  • Parents and Families
  • Faculty and Staff

• Academic Advising
  • Advising Tools
  • Campus degree programs
  • Campus RAP Sheets
  • Campus Faculty Advisers
  • Campus Program Coordinators
  • College Representatives

• Advising Policies
  • University Undergraduate Advising Handbook
  • Policies for Students

• First Year Students
  • New Student Orientation
  • First-Year Academic Advising Calendar
  • Events for first-year students