Resumes vs. cover letters, what is the difference?

Hi everyone! My name is Mary Robison, and I am a Career Assistant in the Career Development Center. Let's talk about the "all important" resume and cover letter. What is the difference? For starts, the resume is used to "showcase your accomplishments" and the cover letter is used to "highlight your strengths". But what does that really mean?

Lot's talk cover letter. It's a document that the employers sees first. So, should this be the place for strengths/personality, highlights or resume, research on company (possibly their goals or mission)? YES! Since this is the first thing the employer will read about you, if should shine. Addressing the cover letter to the corret person is amust. DO not use to whom this may concern. Research the company you are applying to and be specific. If you need an idea on structure, you can break you letter up into three paragraphs. Make sure to start with the reason you are writing the letter, and/or the position you are applying for. A good chunk of your info should be in the second paragraph. This is where you should describe why you are perfect for this job, and what you could bring to the table (you can also add examples here too!). End your cover letter stating that you will follow up with the company (make sure you do . . . it looks bad if you don't), and the best way to contact you. Lastly, don't forget to thank the employer and sign your name.

Let's talk resumes now. This is where you should find the "meat and potatoes". The best way to start putting a resume together is to gather all the things you have done recently. This can include jobs, volunteering, leadership positions, clubs, sports, etc. Once you have organizated what you have done (make sure to put the most recent activities first in each category), you can begin to arrange it in some type of order. For example, always start with your name, address (I would suggest using your home address), phone number and email. Next be sure to put an objective. When you apply for a job/internship, your objective should be very specific to what you are looking for in a job.

After these two sections, it's up to you on what to put next. I personally put related experience next because I have learned that the top of your resume should be "awesome, spectactular, amazing, etc." for the employer to spend their time reading. That makes sense, because why would busy employers spend their time reading a resume if words are misspelled, it looks sloppy or unprofessional, and it fails to demonstrate the required qualifications for the job? Under work experience, make sure to have two to three strong bullets of things you learned on the job. Also, remember that since you are in college now, most things from high school should not be on your resume.

I hope these hints helped get you started. All in all, remember that it will take a lot of work to get your resume in tip-top shape (I am constantly revising mine!) but that's why the Career Development Center is here! We have Career Assistants in the office Monday thru Friday
10-5 p.m.. Just check on our site below for the schedule (oh and no need for appointments!)
http://www.ashland.edu/career/rsassistance.html. If you need more detailed advice from a professional, please feel free to make an appointment with a Career Specialist by calling 419-289-5064.

~Mary Robison

careers@ashland.edu