Job & Internship Guide • 08-09 22
Resume &
Letter Writing
Job & Internship Guide • 08-09
“Keep your resume up to date! You need them at career fairs
and for unexpected opportunities. At career fairs I usually
bring 40-50 resumes and just talk to companies. I fi nd out
what I want to do into in terms of careers and positions.”
Dora W., Senior, Applied Math
“To keep my resume from being redundant, I use the
verb list in the Job and Internship Guide. It’s a helpful
tool that helps make my resume unique. You don’t
want your resume to be like everyone else’s.”
Karen C., Senior, Mass Communications/Psychology
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do9
• Keep an inventory of your
achievements. Save any positive
written feedback you receive and
other documents that illustrate your
success. These come in handy when
creating a resume and cover letter.
• Get an early start. Carve out time
to prepare and edit your resumes
and cover letters before submitting
them.
• Explore formats. Beyond this Job
& Internship Guide, there are many
resume and cover letter resources in
our Infolab. Determine which one
will market you best.
• Use your own words. Do not borrow
content from others’ resumes. Your
unique voice should come across
loud and clear!
• Make a Mini-Appointment. Ask a
career counselor to review and
critique drafts of your resume
and cover letter.
• Recruit an English major or other
word whiz to perform a fi nal
grammar and content review. Have
two other people read your resume
for good measure.
• Follow up with employers
you’ve submitted your resume
and cover letter to within two
weeks.
• Sign up for Callisto to access CalJobs
and CareerMail and explore other
job listing websites to identify job
and internship opportunities.
A
to the position of new employee. Strong resumes do more than merely
summarize your educational background and work history; they emphasize
the results of your efforts, and draw clear parallels between your skills and
experience and an employer’s needs.
THE 5 STEPS OF RESUME DEVELOPMENT
Step 1: Analyze the Job Description
Read job descriptions thoroughly and then highlight all of the keywords which
indicate required and preferred skills, abilities, attributes, and qualifi cations. If an
employer is looking for somebody who is innovative, punctual, and attentive to
detail, use these same words in your resume.
Step 2: Generate a List of Accomplishments
Create an inventory of your accomplishments. These should include tasks that
you enjoyed doing, did well, and of which you were proud. Include education/
training, volunteer experience, jobs, projects, school assignments, travel, and
group/team activities. Focus on the outcome of your efforts. Quantify your results
if possible. Don’t be humble! Resumes are promotional tools.
well crafted resume can elevate you from a state of anonymity
Chapter Action Items
more info: career.berkeley.edu
23 career.berkeley.edu
Preparing for Your
Search
Your Job or
Internship Search
Internships
Successful
Interview
ing
Resum
e &
Letter
W
riting
Search
Preparing for Your
Internship &
Job O
ffers
Step 3: Identify Relevant Skill Areas
What skills are necessary for the job? Frame your experience so that the focus is on skills and achievements that
are desirable for that particular position. Expand on relevant skills and experiences and commit less space to
describing other experiences.
Step 4: Write Descriptive Phrases
Using action verbs—see p. 27, write short phrases to describe experiences that demonstrate your relevant skills.
Remember, always place them in order of relevance. The most relevant information should always be on top.
Step 5: Choose a Format
While resume templates may be tempting, employers are often familiar with them and will not appreciate your
lack of ingenuity. Also, templates tend to be infl exible. Here’s a chart to help you select a format.
Selecting a Resume Format
Chronological
• Lists your experience in reverse
chronological order—from most
recent to least recent.
• Works best when your work,
volunteer, and academic
experience relate directly to the
type of job to which you’re
applying.
• Illustrates consistency in your
work history. If there are wide
gaps in your experience, this may
not be the best format for you.
• Most popular resume style. The
majority of on-campus recruiters
and business employers prefer
this style.
• See an example, p. 30
Skills
• Lists your experience based
on skill headings, which are not
necessarily in chronological
order.
• Actual work history is
summarized in a brief section at
the bottom of the page.
• Focus is shifted away from
where and when you developed
particular skills. The skills
themselves are the main
attraction.
• Works best when you are trying
to break into a fi eld where you
have little or no experience. A
good choice for career changers.
• See an example, p. 31
Hybrid
• Combines the above formats
so that experience is listed
chronologically and with skill
headings.
• Can be organized in different
ways, but usually displays
experiences with descriptions
in reverse chronological order
grouped under skill headings.
• Works best when there are
some consistent themes to
your experience (teaching,
leadership, marketing, etc.)
• Some employers prefer this
format, as it provides them
with easily identifi able skill
areas and a sense of your
history.
• See an example, p. 32
RESUME TIPS FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
• You may include work, leadership, and academic achievements from high school. By your third year, college
experiences should replace those from high school.
• Don’t worry about having limited work experience. You may highlight other accomplishments, such as those
listed under “Resume Components,” p. 26. Include some of the components marked “optional.”
• First resumes require extra time to assemble. Expect to spend a few hours creating a rough draft, and make an
appointment with a career counselor to review your resume.
• Be patient with the process! Resumes are always a work in progress.
Job & Internship Guide • 08-09 24
RESUME DOs AND DON’Ts
Do
Focus on the specifi c results of your work, signifi cant
achievements, and recognition received
Use action verbs such as “created” or “coordinated” to
describe your experience
Get feedback from several people, including a career
counselor
Have somebody you trust proofread your resume for
spelling and grammatical errors
Remember to describe both your paid and unpaid
positions or volunteer experiences
Exercise restraint rather than cramming too much
information onto a resume
Tailor your resume to each specifi c position
Omit experiences that you would not want to repeat in
future positions unless they are necessary for the job
Use high quality paper in a neutral color
Use readable and common fonts
Don’t
Use phrases such as “Responsibilities included”
Use resume templates included in word processing
software
Manipulate margins or font size to accommodate
information in place of proper editing
Include routine job duties such as “making copies”
Use long sentences or paragraphs
Submit the same resume to every employer, regardless of
the position
Write long objectives such as, “To fi nd a sales position
at a medium sized corporation where I can grow and
develop my management skills”
MAKING A CAREER SHIFT
Let’s say you worked as a restaurant host for the past
two years; now you want to fi nd an internship in human
resources. How can you make the switch? By using your
transferable skills! Transferable skills are skills that you’ve
developed that would appeal to nearly any employer. Here
are some examples:
• Customer service & confl ict resolution
• Analytical ability & problem solving
• Teamwork & leadership
• Written and verbal communication
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Research & presentation
Your list will be unique. Prior to writing your resume,
consider what skills you’ve developed that may translate
from one work environment to another. As you search
for jobs or internships, scrutinize job postings with these
skills. Then write down (in detail) the ways in which you’ve
developed each one. The case below illustrates how a
restaurant host could demonstrate some of the transferable
skills that an employer is seeking. Use it as a model for
developing your own list of transferable skills.
The Job Posting:
Join the Human Resources Team of Cable Company X in
the East Bay as a Recruiting Intern. Must:
• be effective at written and verbal communication
• be profi cient in Word and Excel
• be able to quickly learn computer programs
• have ability to travel locally when needed
• have punctual and consistent attendance
• be willing to perform administrative duties
Skills Developed as a Restaurant Host
Written and Verbal Communication
• Two years of assisting customers in a fast-paced, hectic
restaurant environment
• Mediated confl icts using a “customers fi rst” approach to
ensure resolution and satisfaction
• Developed a customer service handbook for hosts and
waitstaff. Initiative resulted in being awarded Employee of
the Year.
Quick Learner/Computers
• Mastered proprietary table service management system in
less than one week, increasing food service accuracy
Punctual/Good Attendance
• Maintained perfect attendance record as a host and as a
residence hall peer counselor for over a 3 year period
25 career.berkeley.edu
Preparing for Your
Search
Your Job or
Internship Search
Internships
Successful
Interview
ing
Resum
e &
Letter
W
riting
Search
Preparing for Your
Internship &
Job O
ffers
EMAILING RESUMES
Before emailing your resume, try to fi nd out
the employer’s format preference. Some accept
attachments; others prefer your resume in the text of
the email message. If you can’t fi nd out the employer’s
preference, send it both ways in one message. Unless
you are told otherwise, include a cover letter. Send the
resume and cover letter in one email message. See p.
37 for an example email format.
When submitting a resume via an organization’s
website, use the formatting and display style
recommended by the website.
To send your resume as an attachment:
• Give the document a name the recruiter will associate
with you, such as “MillerJennifer.doc.” Don’t give it a
generic name like “Resume.doc”
• Be sure your document is virus free
• Email it to yourself to make sure it’s easy to open and
the formatting remains in tact
To send your resume in the text of the email message:
• The cover letter should appear fi rst
• Do not use bold, underlining, bullets, distinctive
fonts, colored text, or html codes. Use asterisks,
plus signs (+), dashes, all capital letters, and
combinations of these to highlight text
• Email it to yourself and a friend with a different email
provider to see how it will look
• Text resumes look plain and ordinary, but employers
are used to this. They are more concerned with
whether the content meets their expectations
To make your resume scannable:
Some employers utilize resume database tracking
systems. They scan incoming resumes into a database
(sometimes letters, too) and when they have openings,
they retrieve resumes using relevant keywords.
Some companies will indicate on their website if they
scan resumes and often provide formatting tips.
• Include industry or job-specifi c keywords, especially
relevant skills, universal abbreviations, major,
specifi c fi elds of study, and experience
(e.g., marketing research, java, html, sales, gel
electrophoresis).
• Use 10 to 12 point font size. Do not use italics,
underlining, fancy fonts, bullets, and multiple
columns. Use all bold or capitals for emphasis.
• When submitting a hard copy by mail, print it on
white paper with a laser printer and do not fold it.
RESUME CHECKLIST
STOP! Don’t submit your resume until you have
checked off this list!
• Have you set up a Mini-Appointment at the Career
Center to get your resume critiqued?
• Is the resume pleasing to the eye: easy-to-read
font, good layout? Can an employer learn the
basics about you with a 10 second glance at your
resume?
• Are your name, address, city, state, zip code,
phone number and email address at the top of the
page?
• Did you use bullets, bold, all capitals, and
underlining to highlight key strengths?
• If you know your resume will be scanned, did you
omit columns, underlining, and bullets?
• Is information listed in order of importance and
relevance to the skills listed in the job description?
• Does the resume avoid generalities and focus on
specifi c information about experience, context,
and results?
• Did you check the spelling of every word and
make sure the grammar and punctuation are
correct?
• Do most phrases begin with action verbs such as
“developed,” “initiated,” etc.?
• Have you been accurate and truthful about your
accomplishments rather than being too modest
or over zealous?
• Did you tailor your resume for the position by
including key skills and experiences the employer
wants?
• If you were the employer, would you call you for
an interview?
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Job & Internship Guide • 08-09 26
RESUME COMPONENTS
COMPONENT BASICS COMMENTS
Identifying Data Put name, street address, email address and
phone or message number at the top of the
page (include area codes and zip codes).
Can include personal web page if you want
employers to see it.
Voicemail message, email address, and website content
should be appropriate for a potential employer. Don’t
answer the phone during a job search unless you are in
an appropriate environment.
Education Name of school, major, degree received,
graduation date, projected graduation date,
or dates of attendance if degree was not
completed.
Include any course titles relevant to the targeted position.
Honors and grade-point average are optional; include if
among your strong points. If you attended more than
one school, list the most recent fi rst. You don’t have to
list all the schools you have attended nor high school.
Additional education and training may either go here or
under a separate heading.
Experience/Work
History
Paid and unpaid work qualify as experience.
Emphasize tasks, skills, abilities, and
accomplishments related to the targeted
position. Give the job title, employing
organization, and dates of employment.
Present achievements, contributions, and results
(e.g., streamlined a procedure or made a cost-saving
suggestion). Experience does not have to be paid.
The components listed below are optional–use if appropriate for your background and the employers you’re targeting
Job Objective A one-line description of the type of position
you want.
Follows your name, address and phone number at the
top of your resume. Should be specifi c rather than a
general statement of your interests.
Skills & Abilities
or Summary of
Qualifi cations
Foreign languages, computer skills, offi ce
skills, lab techniques, or transferable skills not
mentioned elsewhere in the resume.
Can be combined under this heading or listed
separately.
Languages Mention if you are profi cient or fl uent in a
foreign language.
If you understand a language but are not fl uent, still
mention it. For example: fl uent in Russian, conversational
Spanish, or basic French.
Activities & Interests In order of importance or reverse chronological
order, list student activities/organizations,
professional associations, and committees in
which you have participated. List any offi ces
that you held with the skills you used.
Include activities and interests that show leadership or
initiative or that pertain to your career interest.
Community
Involvement/Volunteer
Activities
List offi ces held, organizations, projects, and
accomplishments.
If the setting is political or religious, you may want to
use generic descriptions (e.g., Youth Leader for church,
Speech Writer for City Council candidate). If substantial,
these may be listed under “Experience.”
Honors Recent graduates and continuing students can
include academic honors such as Dean’s List,
honor societies, and scholarships.
Can be listed separately or as a bullet point under
Education.
Research &
Publications
Briefl y describe relevant research projects. List
published articles, papers or books.
Class Projects List relevant projects completed in college
classes. List any research, lab skills, or software/
programming languages used.
This shows that you have hands-on experience and
is a good strategy for younger students with limited
experience.
Travel Include if your career interest involves travel or
knowledge of other cultures.
You can use this as a way of distinguishing yourself if
you have signifi cant travel experience.
References/Portfolio It is not necessary to end your resume with the
phrase, “References Available on Request,”
but this is the best place to state that you have
“Portfolio and/or writing samples available on
request.”
Create a separate page for references, see p 38. List
names, titles and contact information. Always ask
permission before using anyone’s name as a reference.
Include people who know about your work related
abilities, such as former employers, volunteer project
supervisors, and faculty. Do not use relatives or friends.
27 career.berkeley.edu
Preparing for Your
Search
Your Job or
Internship Search
Internships
Successful
Interview
ing
Resum
e &
Letter
W
riting
Search
Preparing for Your
Internship &
Job O
ffers
Management
administered
analyzed
assigned
attained
chaired
consolidated
contracted
coordinated
delegated
developed
directed
evaluated
executed
improved
increased
organized
oversaw
planned
prioritized
produced
recommended
reviewed
scheduled
strengthened
supervised
Communication
addressed
arbitrated
arranged
authored
collaborated
convinced
corresponded
developed
directed
drafted
edited
enlisted
formulated
infl uenced
interpreted
lectured
mediated
moderated
negotiated
persuaded
promoted
publicized
reconciled
recruited
spoke
translated
wrote
Research
clarifi ed
collected
critiqued
diagnosed
evaluated
examined
extracted
identifi ed
inspected
interpreted
interviewed
investigated
organized
reviewed
summarized
surveyed
systematized
Technical
assembled
built
calculated
computed
designed
devised
engineered
fabricated
maintained
operated
overhauled
programmed
remodeled
repaired
solved
upgraded
Teaching
adapted
advised
clarifi ed
coached
communicated
coordinated
demystifi ed
developed
enabled
encouraged
evaluated
explained
facilitated
guided
informed
instructed
persuaded
set goals
stimulated
trained
Financial
administered
allocated
analyzed
appraised
audited
balanced
budgeted
calculated
computed
developed
forecasted
managed
marketed
planned
projected
researched
Creative
acted
conceptualized
created
customized
designed
developed
directed
established
fashioned
founded
illustrated
initiated
instituted
integrated
introduced
invented
originated
performed
planned
revitalized
shaped
Helping
assessed
assisted
clarifi ed
coached
counseled
demonstrated
diagnosed
educated
expedited
facilitated
familiarized
guided
motivated
referred
rehabilitated
represented
Clerical or Detail
Oriented
approved
arranged
catalogued
classifi ed
collected
compiled
dispatched
executed
generated
implemented
inspected
m