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Tips and Tricks of Great Resumes

The Resume-Internship Connection
By Jobweb

Think resumes are just for seniors launching a job search? Think again. Resumes are now commonly required of undergraduates applying for internships, co-ops, and other experiential programs. Yet, requests for a resume as part of the internship application process still catch many students by surprise!

"I didn't think I would need a resume to apply for summer internships," groans Sandi, a college sophomore. "I've never written one and I haven't done anything interesting. My reason for interning, in the first place, is to get some experience to put on my resume."

Sandi, like all college students, should have begun to "grow" her resume right from the start of her college career. Working toward your career begins the day you set foot on campus, not some time in the distant future. Your resume should track your progress toward your career goals, changing each semester as you add new jobs, activities, and classes to the mix. With frequent updates, your resume will be ready to mail, fax, or e-mail to potential internship sites at a moment's notice.

Getting started on your first resume isn't easy. If you're like most first timers, your big stumbling block is the anxiety you feel trying to translate your background and experience into "marketable" terms. Early in your college career, you may worry that you haven't done nearly enough to interest potential internship employers, that your resume will expose your weaknesses rather than showcase your strengths.more...

The Importance of a Great Cover Letter
By Maria E. Hebda

You've seen a want ad for a job that seems to be the perfect fit for you. You really want to impress the employer, so you set out to write a cover letter that really sizzles. But, somehow, you can't seem to find the right words. You're not certain where the line can be drawn between recognizing your accomplishments and bragging. In short, you're stumped. It is important to realize that there is an art to writing an effective cover letter. However, you don't need to be born with this particular artistic skill. It can be developed in a relatively short period of time. Still, you might be wondering just how important it is to write a great cover letter. The fact is, without a stellar cover letter, chances are you will not be able to land an interview. While a resume is certainly important, it doesn't tell the full story. That's why you need an effective cover letter. It introduces you to the employer, outlines why you're the best candidate for the job, and encourages the employer to find out more about you. Obviously, without an interview, you can't hope to get the job. Therefore, you'll need a first-rate cover letter to display your qualifications to their best advantage. And, once you've crafted a cover letter you like, chances are you'll want to show it off to more than one employer. So invest some time in a cover letter. It's likely to pay off handsomely in helping you to secure future earnings. more...