Resume and Letter Writing Guide
2012 – 2013
Table of Contents
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Writing Your Resume
Sample Resume
Resume Action Words
Writing Cover Letters
Sample Cover Letter
Sample Prospecting Letter
Sample Thank You Letter
Professional References
Career Development Services
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd S.
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
(239) 590-7946
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/careers/
FGCU Career Development Services supports the mission of the University and the Division of
Student Affairs by promoting student learning and development and helping students fulfill
their career expectations. Within this context, we assist students in developing and
implementing career, education, and employment plans and decisions.
Overview of Services
Job and internship search advising,
including resume/cover letter assistance
and preparation for employment interviews
and salary negotiation.
Graduate school planning, including
assistance with resume/CV/personal
statements, graduate school research, and
The Essay on Caring Teacher Teachers Students Cruel
Through all of the years that I spent in school, I've had a lot of experience with different types of teachers. Every teacher that I've met had a different way of teaching and a unique method of explaining the material to their students. Some would be strict and hard while others would be gentle and mild; some would be effective while others not. A lot of the teachers have a good idea of how to ...
preparation for interviews.
Advising on career and major selection,
including assessments, major and career
information, and assistance in the decisionmaking process.
Campus student employment, through the
use of a web-based job listing system,
College Central Network.
Resume and Letter Writing Guide – FGCU Career Development Services
Page 1
Writing Your Resume
Your Step-By-Step Resume Building Guide
IMPORTANT NOTE: While there is not necessarily one “right” way to write a resume, FGCU Career Services
attempted, through this guide, to capture many of the preferences employers have expressed to us about
resumes. This guide is particularly helpful if you have never created a professional resume before. However, even
if you already have one, we strongly encourage you to review the guide and compare it to your current resume.
What is a resume and why is it important?
A resume is a document that summarizes your professional qualifications. When a recruiter sees your resume, it
will be the “first impression” they have of you. They will use your resume to see whether you are a good “fit”
for the position, and how well you compare with other candidates. The bottom line? It is critical that your
resume has the right look and content to get you noticed. A well-written resume can improve your chances of
being considered for an interview.
STEP 1: Developing Your Content – “Make a List”
The two main elements of a resume are content and design. The content phase is first. Start by assembling all
the information about your qualifications. Open a Word document and make a list of your experiences using the
guide below:
Education – Include the following:
o Start with “Florida Gulf Coast University” and
o
o
o
o
o
o
follow with the names of other universities or
community colleges you attended
The name of the degree you are pursuing and
when you expect to graduate (example: “May
2015”)
Any minors or concentrations
Any academic recognitions, such as Dean’s List
Career Experience Essay
Community/Career Experience Reflection For two out of the three years that I have taken photography at Sac High, I have helped set up for the art show that occurs every year – The Best of Sac High Art Show. Setting up the art gallery takes a lot of hard work and time. This experience is helpful for a future career in photography and art gallery because I have assisted in what would be called Art ...
or Honor Society
Your GPA if it higher than a 3.3
Any study abroad experiences
For those students with no related work
experience, consider including a listing of
coursework within your major or any major
projects that are highly related to the field you
are pursuing.
Generally speaking, do not include high school on
our resume. Exception: Since Freshman and
sophomores sometimes don’t have much work
experience, they can include high school in their
“Education” section and high school activities such
as clubs, sports, student government, etc. However,
remove high school information when you start
your junior year, unless it is directly related to your
career goal.
Employment: While making this list, it is best to
include every job you have ever had. You can refine
this list later. Start with your current or most recent
job and list them in reverse-chronological order.
State the name of the employer, city, state,
position(s) held, and dates of employment (month
and year.) DO NOT include the name and contact
information for your supervisor.
Internships or Field Experiences: Record in the
same format as your work experience.
Extracurricular Activities, especially leadership: For
example: membership in student clubs,
fraternity/sorority, Student Government, etc.
Volunteer and Community Service: Your Service
Learning hours are perfect for this section!
Honors, Awards and Memberships in Professional
Associations (if any)
Related Skills: Not everyone has this section. If you
do, the skills should be specific like web design skills
or second languages, as opposed to “organizational
skills.”
Resume and Letter Writing Guide – FGCU Career Development Services
Page 2
STEP 2: Enhance Your Content – “Marketing You!”
Now it is time to build descriptions into your jobs and internships (and extracurricular activities, if applicable.) During
this part, it may be helpful to ask yourself some questions about each of the experiences:
What did you do?
How did you do it?
How well did you do it?
The Term Paper on Workfare Welfare Work Job
Workfare - Welfare with a Twist Since nearly fourteen percent of all Americans live in poverty, the subject of welfare has become a political hot potato. Politicians anxious to win points by cutting welfare rolls are increasingly favoring "workfare", which mandates programs requiring those on welfare to get job training and jobs. (See Table 1) Workfare can be defined as a government administered ...
What skills did you use to do it?
Why did you do it?
How much and how many?
The goal is not to have the details of your previous positions sound like a “job description.” Job descriptions describe a
position– employers want to know about YOU! Use the checklist below to help with this process:
Action-oriented – This is very important. Each
sentence should begin with an “action” verb, such
as coordinated, collected, planned, maintained,
promoted, prepared, provided, merchandised, or
managed. Refer to the “Actions Verbs” section of
the guide.
Accomplishment-based – Were you ever recognized
as employee of the month? Did you exceed your
sales goals? Were you ever given additional
responsibilities like training new staff?
Measurable – If you supervised employees, how
many? If you were in sales, what were your sales in
$ amounts. Quantify wherever possible.
Detailed – For example, if you planned events,
describe what the events were and what was
involved in the planning. Don’t expect the recruiter
to figure out what you did. Tell them!
Industry verbiage – If you are pursuing a career in a
particular field, your resume should contain words
common in that industry (e.g. For a marketing
position, terms such as brand management,
consumer behavior, marketing mix, consumer
research, product development, campaign
management should appear on the resume, either
through your work experience (preferably) or
education.
Quick Tips:
Current jobs are written in the present tense (“coordinate”), past jobs in the past tense (“coordinated”)
Do not refer to yourself by using the word “I.” It is understood the resume is about you.
For very basic jobs or jobs in which the nature of work is evident by the job name (cashier, server, delivery truck
driver, landscaper) do not go into great detail.
STEP 3: Organize Your Content – “From the Top Down”
Did you know that recruiters may only spend about 30 seconds scanning your resume the first time they read it?
The Term Paper on Based Reward Employees Job Work
I. The Meaning of Money in the Workplace A. Money and Employee Needs 1. Money is an important factor in satisfying individual needs. 2. Money is a symbol of status, which relates to the innate drive to acquire. 3. Financial gain symbolizes personal accomplishments and relates to growth needs. 4. People value money as a source of feedback and a representation of goal achievement. 5. Compensation is ...
Therefore, you need to capture their attention right off the bat. The order of the categories on your resume should be
arranged with the most relevant and marketable information on top. This is typically your education and related work
experiences.
√ If you have related work experience, separate your work experience as “Related Work Experience” and “Other
Work Experience.” List “Related” work experience before “Other” work experience.
√ Within each section (Related or Other), list your experience in reverse chronological order, meaning your most
recent jobs should be at the top. Include month and year. Be consistent for all jobs you list.
√ For summer or holiday jobs use “Seasonal” to cover multiple years (e.g. Seasonal 2008-2010)
√ If some of your related experience was unpaid, such as through an internship or volunteer positions, drop the
word “Work” from the title and call it “Related Experience.”
Resume and Letter writing Guide – FGCU Career Development Services
Page 3
√
In most cases, it is a good idea to list all or most of your work experiences, even if they are unrelated. Those jobs
reflect positively on your work ethic and responsibility. Most employers do not want to hire someone that hasn’t
worked before, so if jobs aren’t on your resume, they can’t assume anything about your past work experience.
Identifying Your Transferable Skills
Another benefit of including some of your unrelated work experiences is that they allow you to communicate your
transferable skills. Your goal is to demonstrate how your previous experience TRANSFERS to the position you are
seeking. Do the best you can. While it is true more experienced workers typically have more to say—students
sometimes undersell themselves if they do not spend time thinking about this critical area.
Job or Experience
Administrative Assistant
Committee Member for Special Event
Public Relations Intern
Retail Associate
Sports Team Captain
Restaurant Server
Creative Writing Club Member
Dance Club President
The Essay on Work Job Experience Jobs
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK EXPERIENCE Kristi Padgett Hamilton County High School December 4, 1998 THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK EXPERIENCE A part-time or summer job pays more than money Although the money earned is important, the work experience gained has a greater long-term value when one applies for a full-time job after graduation of school. Job application forms (the application blank and the personal ...
Childcare Provider (babysitter)
Sorority Member
Marching Band Member
Transferable Skills to Highlight
scheduled and coordinated team meetings, coordinated multiple projects
simultaneously, developed divisional reports on a monthly basis
worked in a team environment, achieved fundraising goal of $1,000
developed and distributed press releases, researched social media
presented merchandise, resolved customer problems, awarded “Associate of
the Month” 3 times
maintain personal discipline, motivate team of 25 Members, set and obtained
team goal
ensured customer satisfaction, multi-tasked under pressure, presented new
menus to team every month
wrote and edited a variety of articles and essays, designed and proofed
quarterly student publication
organized and lead weekly rehearsals, promoted club through group
presentations to local high school audiences of 100+
planned activities, tutored on reading skills for 3 children ages 3-5 years
oriented new members, followed and Implemented organization guidelines
for 40 members
scheduled daily, weekly and monthly rehearsals, organized instrument
transportation and insurance
What about an “Objective”?
In most cases, an objective is not needed since you will typically include what your objective is in your cover letter. An
objective should only be used when it is highly specific. For example: “To obtain a position in pharmaceutical sales.” It
may also be helpful when posting your resume on a job boards so that prospective employers know what kind of job you
are seeking.
STEP 4: Design Your Resume – “Keep It Simple”
As we stated before, the first time a recruiter looks at your resume, he/she may scan it quickly. This means you need to
present your credentials in an easy-to-read format. Start with a Simple Word Document. Do not build your resume in a
template. Most recruiters do not like template resumes. Why?
• Templated resumes don’t usually display the information the way recruiters like to read them.
• It may convey to the recruiter that you are not proficient in Word or don’t know how to write a resume. This
The Essay on Cerebral Palsy Brain Include Page
Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is the term given to a general group of nonspecific neuromuscular disorders that cause behavioral abnormalities. The condition was originally thought to be caused by asphyxia and trauma during pregnancy; however, through extensive research many divisions of cerebral palsy emerged. Such categories include spastic, athetoid, and ataxic cerebral palsy. Today over half a ...
may be perceived as unprofessional and unsophisticated.
• Templates can be difficult to modify and make changes in.
Resume and Letter Writing Guide – FGCU Career Development Services
Page 4
We suggest you consider using the design guidelines:
• Use a common font (e.g. Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial) throughout the entire resume
• Make your section headings are distinct by using text treatments (like bolding, CAPS, and italics)
• Use bullet points to for lists (like when describe your responsibilities in a position you held)
• Margins should be 1” at most and content should fill the page
• Text size should be no smaller than 11pt. Keep same font size throughout the resume (your name can be larger)
• In most cases, and especially for recent graduates, your resume
should not be longer than one page! (Although there are some
exceptions, such as resumes in the field of education, or workers
DO NOT STATE ANY OF THIS
with over 15 years of experience.)
INFORMATION ON YOUR
• Do not list your references! Create a separate document for that.
RESUME:
It’s also not necessary to include “References Available Upon
Age, gender, ethnicity, race,
Request”. Typically references are only requested by employers
later in the hiring process.
marital status, family situation
STEP 5: Review, Revise and Proof Your Resume
No spelling or grammatical errors. For highly competitive positions, a
mistake on your resume may preclude you from further
consideration . Proof your resume several times. Have a friend or
roommate proof it too. Do not rely on “spellcheck.”
STEP 6: Managing Your Resume Document –“Which
Format When?”
(number of children), Social
Security Number, University
Identification Number (UIN), and
photos of yourself.
In most cases, hobbies and
interests are not included either,
unless they related DIRECTLY to
the position you are pursuing.
The resumes of potential candidates find their way to recruiters in
many ways. Some recruiters may search online job sites like College
Central Network or Monster.com. You might submit your resume as
an attached email document or upload it to a company website. You may even deliver it directly into the hands of
potential employers at a career fair or networking event. In all cases, it is important to select the correct file format.
Sending a resume via email: The preferred file format is a PDF attachment. Cover letters should be included in the body
of your email and/or attached separately. Name your files professionally (e.g. PatSymthResume or
PatSymthCoverLetter).
Presenting a resume in person: In this case, file format is not as important as the quality of the printing and paper.
Consider using a heavier paper stock and be sure the print quality is clear. Resume quality directly reflects upon your
professionalism. The campus bookstore sells resume paper.
Uploading a text-based version of your resume (Also known ASCII or Scannable resume): You may need to save your
resume as a “Plain Text” file. Large corporations often use a scanning process to review and track resume submissions.
While this resume format is not necessarily attractive, the use of plain text and key words can help your resume be
identified by databases.
Resume and Letter Writing Guide – FGCU Career Development Services
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SAMPLE RESUME
OVERALL DESIGN
NO TEMPLATES.
NO TEXT BOXES.
NO GRAPHICS.
NO UNUSUAL FONTS.
ONE PAGE DOCUMENT WITH
11 OR 12 SIZE FONT.
DO NOT LIST REFERENCES.
IN TERMS OF “SUMMARY
STATEMENTS” OR”OBJECTIVES”
TYPICALLY WE DO NOT
RECOMMEND THEM SINCE THE
COVER LETTER IS A GOOD PLACE
TO DISCUSS YOUR SPECIFIC
100 North 20th Street – Fort Myers, FL 34567
CAREER GOALS. HOWEVER,
(239) 000-000 – [email protected]
EXPERIENCED JOB SEEKERS MAY
______________________________________________________________________________________
HAVE A “SUMMARY OF
QUALIFCATIONS.”
PAT A. SMYTHE
EDUCATION
Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL
Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication
Expected May 20XX
• 3.4 Cumulative GPA; Dean’s List 20XX
• Relevant coursework: Advanced Public Speaking, Journalism, Organizational Communication Behavior,
Communication and Conflict, and Nonprofit Public Relations
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Completed 30 hours of general education coursework
EDUCATION
LIST THE ugust 20XXARE CURRENTLY PURSUING.
A DEGREE YOU – May 20XX
ACCEPTABLE TO LIST COURSEWORK IN MAJOR.
INCLUDE GPA IF 3.3 OR BETTER.
INCLUDE DEAN’S LIST OR OTHER ACADEMIC AWARDS.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Gulf Coast Cruise Liner, Naples, FL
Community Relations Intern / Newsletter Editor
August 20XX– December 20XX
• Drafted and distributed 10 press releases to print media about company’s work with local charities
• Developed a list of 20 contacts at local radio and television stations for event coverage
• Represented the company at monthly Chamber of Commerce events and trade shows
ACTION VERBS
• Created quarterly company DON’T JUST LIST RESPONSIBILITIES.
newsletter which was distributed to all customers
QUANTIFY WITH NUMBERS, DATES OR
• Coordinated speaking arrangements for company President on boating safety
PERCENTAGES.
START EACH SENTENCE WITH AN
• Constructed 5 PowerPoint presentations for sales meetings
ACTION VERB.
• Revamped content of company website to better showcase product line
• Designed graphics layout for new company brochures and created advertising literature to distribute to
upscale residential communities
• Researched competitors to identify gaps in the marketplace and suggest sales opportunities, which
helped increase revenues by over 8% from the previous year
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
RELATED SKILLS
START WITH MOST RECENT JOB
• Proficient in a variety of business computer applications, including Excel, Access, Publisher, Flash,
LIST MONTH AND YEAR
USE “SEASONAL” FOR SUMMER OR
Dreamweaver, InDesign, and Photoshop
PART TIME HOLIDAY JOBS
• Bilingual – conversational Spanish
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE
The Beachside Restaurant, Server, Fort Myers, FL
December 20XX – Present
LIST “RELATED SKILLS” IF YOU HAVE
• Selected as February Employee ofTHEMMonth for providing outstanding customer service
the – NOT EVERYONE DOES.
M training to new hires
• Provide orientation and on-going UST BE SPECIFIC SKILLS YOU HAVE
EXTRACURRICULAR
TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE IN
ACTIVITIES
University Bookstore, Sales Associate, Gainesville, FL
August 20XX – May 20XX
LIST LEADERSHIP ROLES
SUCH AS •
COMMIITEE
Assisted the Community Relations Manager in hosting author book signings and special events
CHAIR OR VICE
•V
PRESIDENT.olunteered to be cross-trained in all other areas of the store in order to provide additional support and
assistance to those departments as needed
DO NOT LIST HOBBIES OR
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Collier County Parks & Recreation, Summer Camp Counselor, Naples, FL
Seasonally (20XX – 20XX)
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Florida Gulf Coast University Student Government – Public Relations Committee
• Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Coordinator-Developed schedule and organized reception table
Resume and Letter Writing Guide – FGCU Career Development Services
Page 6
Resume Action Words
Administrative & Management Skills
Administered
Advised
Analyzed
Approved
Assigned
Authorized
Chaired
Consolidated
Contracted
Controlled
Coordinated
Counseled
Delegated
Determined
Developed
Diagnosed
Directed
Disseminated
Enforced
Ensured
Examined
Executed
Explained
Governed
Guided
Hired
Implemented
Influenced
Initiated
Inspired
Installed
Instituted
Instructed
Integrated
Launched
Lectured
Managed
Mentored
Moderated
Monitored
Motivated
Negotiated
Organized
Originated
Oversaw
Performed
Pioneered
Planned
Presided
Prioritized
Processed
Produced
Promoted
Recommended
Redirected
Referred
Reorganized
Represented
Responded
Reviewed
Routed
Scheduled
Sponsored
Streamlined
Strengthened
Supervised
Taught
Terminated
Trained
Validated
Innovated
Integrated
Interpreted
Interviewed
Introduced
Invented
Launched
Lectured
Led
Manipulated
Mediated
Merged
Modernized
Motivated
Negotiated
Obtained
Painted
Validated
Perceived
Performed
Persuaded
Planned
Presented
Produced
Projected
Proofread
Publicized
Published
Read
Realized
Reasoned
Reconciled
Recruited
Rectified
Remodeled
Reported
Revitalized
Scheduled
Screened
Shaped
Sold
Spoke
Stimulated
Summarized
Synthesized
Taught
Trained
Translated
Visualized
Wrote
Communication and Creativity Skills
Abstracted
Acted
Addressed
Arbitrated
Arranged
Assessed
Authored
Briefed
Built
Clarified
Composed
Conceptualized
Conducted
Constructed
Corresponded
Costumed
Created
Systematized
Critiqued
Demonstrated
Designed
Developed
Developed
Directed
Edited
Enabled
Enlisted
Facilitated
Fashioned
Formulated
Generated
Helped
Imagined
Influenced
Initiated
Tabulated
Financial Skills
Adjusted
Administered
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Bought
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Conciliated
Decreased
Detailed
Developed
Disbursed
Dispensed
Distributed
Doubled
Downsized
Economized
Eliminated
Exceeded
Financed
Forecast
Funded
Gained
Generated
Increased
Invested
Maintained
Managed
Marketed
Merchandised
Planned
Projected
Purchased
Reconciled
Reduced
Reported
Resume and Letter Writing Guide – FGCU Career Development Services
Researched
Reshaped
Retailed
Saved
Secured
Sold
Solicited
Sourced
Specified
Supplemented
Page 7
Helping Skills
Adjusted
Advanced
Advised
Aided
Arbitrated
Assisted
Attended
Augmented
Backed
Balanced
Boosted
Braced
Cared
Clarified
Collaborated
Comforted
Consoled
Consulted
Contributed
Counseled
Demonstrated
Developed
Diagnosed
Directed
Encouraged
Expedited
Facilitated
Familiarized
Fostered
Furthered
Guided
Helped
Instilled
Led
Liaised
Listened
Mentored
Ministered
Negotiated
Nourished
Nursed
Nurtured
Obliged
Promoted
Provided
Reassured
Reclaimed
Rectified
Redeemed
Reeducated
Referred
Reformed
Rehabilitated
Related
Rendered
Repaired
Represented
Served
Serviced
Settled
Spoke
Stabilized
Streamlined
Supplied
Supported
Translated
Treated
Tutored
Unified
Research Skills
Administered
Amplified
Analyzed
Applied
Articulated
Assessed
Audited
Augmented
Balanced
Calculated
Charted
Clarified
Collected
Compared
Compiled
Composed
Concentrated
Conducted
Constructed
Consulted
Critiqued
Decided
Detected
Determined
Diagnosed
Discovered
Documented
Drafted
Edited
Evaluated
Examined
Exhibited
Experimented
Explored
Extracted
Extrapolated
Focused
Forecast
Found
Gathered
Generated
Identified
Integrated
Interpreted
Interviewed
Invented
Investigated
Located
Measured
Observed
Obtained
Organized
Perceived
Pinpointed
Planned
Prepared
Processed
Proofread
Recognized
problems
Researched
Reviewed
Riveted
Screened
Studied
Summarized
Surveyed
Synthesized
Systematized
Unearthed
Wrote
Produced
Promoted
Proposed
Publicized
Purchased
Realized
Recruited
Reduced
Reported
Researched
Resolved
Restored
Reviewed
Routed
Saved
Served
Set goals
Sold
Solved
Stimulated
Summarized
Surveyed
Translated
Sales Skills
Arbitrated
Catalogued
Centralized
Consulted
Dissuaded
Documented
Educated
Established
Expedited
Familiarized
Identified
Implemented
Improved
Increased
Influenced
Inspired
Installed
Integrated
Interpreted
Investigated
Judged
Launched
Lectured
Led
Liaised
Maintained
Manipulated
Marketed
Mediated
Moderated
Negotiated
Obtained
Ordered
Performed
Planned
Processed
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Teaching skills
Acquainted
Adapted
Adopted
Advised
Answered
Apprised
Augmented
Briefed
Built
Certified
Charted
Clarified
Coached
Collaborated
Communicated
Conducted
Coordinated
Counseled
Decided
Delegated
Delivered
Demonstrated
Designed
Developed
Directed
Dispensed
Distributed
Educated
Effected
Empowered
Enabled
Enacted
Encouraged
Enlarged
Enlightened
Expanded
Explained
Facilitated
Fomented
Formulated
Generated
Grouped
Guided
Harmonized
Implemented
Influenced
Informed
Initiated
Innovated
Installed
Instituted
Instructed
Integrated
Invented
Lectured
Listened
Originated
Persuaded
Presented
Responded
Revolutionized
Set goals
Stimulated
Summarized
Trained
Translated
Valued
Developed
Devised
Drafted
Edited
Educated
Eliminated
Excelled
Expanded
Expedited
Fabricated
Facilitated
Forecast
Formed
Generated
Improved
Increased
Inspected
Installed
Instituted
Integrated
Interfaced
Launched
Lectured
Maintained
Marketed
Mastered
Modified
Molded
Operated
Packaged
Pioneered
Prepared
Processed
Programmed
Published
Reconstructed
Reduced
Researched
Restored
Revamped
Streamlined
Supplemented
Surveyed
Systematized
Trained
Upgraded
Wrote
Technical Skills
Analyzed
Broadened
Charted
Classified
Communicated
Compiled
Computed
Conceived
Conducted
Coordinated
Designed
Detected
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Page 9
Writing Cover Letters
Any time you email, fax, mail, or submit your resume online, you should include a cover letter. The purpose of a
cover letter is to show the prospective employer how your qualifications fit the particular job you are applying
to, as well as to communicate your interest in working for that particular organization. There are two basic types
of cover letters: letters of application and letters of inquiry (or prospecting letters.)
A letter of application is used when applying for a position that has been posted and is currently available. The
letter should clearly state how your educations, skills, and experience match the qualifications listed in the job
posting. Therefore, it is imperative that you closely examine the job posting and ensure your letter addresses at
least three of the main qualifications desired. Do not, however, duplicate everything that is on your resume just highlight your main qualifications. Also, you should never use a “generic” cover letter. Each one should be
customized for a specific job and company.
A letter of inquiry, or prospecting letter, is sent to express interest in working for a particular employer when
there is not an advertised job posting to respond to. In this type of letter, summarize your qualifications and
highlight how you can make a contribution to the company. You also must communicate why this company
interests you and why you want to work for them. Therefore, like a letter of application, these letters should be
customized for a specific company – never use a generic letter. These types of letters are most effective when
you can reference how you heard about the company, whether it is through one of your contacts or through
your research. However, not all employers accept unsolicited letters and resumes.
In most cases, cover letters should not exceed one page in length. Use a professional business format, such as
full block style. Below are the main sections to include when composing a cover letter.
Key Sections:
Salutation – Your letter should be addressed to a specific person. Research the most appropriate person to
receive the letter. Consider calling the company receptionist for the name of the department manager.
First Paragraph – State immediately and concisely which position you are applying for and how you heard
about it. Keep the first paragraph short – in most cases no more than 2 – 3 sentences.
Second Paragraph – This is your “sales pitch.” What makes you the best candidate for the position? Refer
to the job posting, and correlate how your education, skills, and experience match the needs of the
position. But don’t just repeat your resume. Pick 4 -5 key areas where you are a good fit.
Optional Third Paragraph – Why do you want to work for this employer? Emphasize your knowledge about
the company, your familiarity with the industry, and how this position fits into your career plans. If this
section is not longer than two sentences, do not create a third paragraph – just combine content into the
final paragraph.
Final Paragraph – In this paragraph, thank the person for their time and consideration. Indicate the phone
number where you can best be reached. (Make sure there is a professional greeting, including your name,
on your voicemail message!) If you are applying to a position out of the area, indicate when you are
planning to relocate to that area, or when you may be taking a trip to that area and would be available for
an interview.
The Closing – Keep the closing simple-“Sincerely” suffices. If sending the letter via email, simply type your
name under your closing. (You can include a script version of your name in place of a signature.) If printing
your letter, sign your name in blue or black ink above your typed name.
Resume and Letter Writing Guide – FGCU Career Development Services
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Sample Cover Letter
PAT A. SMYTHE
100 North 20th Street – Fort Myers, FL, 33901
(239) 000-0000 – [email protected]
August 25, 20XX
Peter Jones
General Manager
Neapolitan Marine Inc.
1000 Commerce Lane
Naples, FL 33979
Dear Mr. Jones:
Please accept this letter and resume in application for the Public Relations Director position at Neapolitan
Marine (#1234) as posted on the FGCU College Central Network website. I believe my combination of
experience, skills and personal interest in the boating industry may match well with the qualifications you are
seeking.
On my resume you’ll note that I recently graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Marketing. This past spring, I served as the Public Relations/Advertising Intern at Gulf Coast
Cruise Liner, a luxury yacht broker in Naples where I had the opportunity to work with the media, write press
releases, and develop community relations events. My responsibilities also included overseeing the creation
of all corporate marketing materials and maintaining the company website. Managing these communication
strategies required proficiency in various desktop publishing programs and website design software. Attention
to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work under deadlines were critical to ensuring
successful public relations efforts for the company.
Neapolitan Marine has a great reputation in the boating industry and I am very interested in learning more
about this position and your public relations goals. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you in
more detail about my background and how I may be able to contribute to your team. Feel free to contact me
at your convenience at 239-000-0000. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Pat A. Smythe
Pat A. Smythe
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Sample Prospecting Letter
PAT A. SMYTHE
100 North 20th Street – Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 000-0000 – [email protected]
September 12, 20XX
Peter Jones
Director of Business Development
ACE Advertising
1000 Commerce Lane
Tampa, FL 33979
Dear Mr. Jones:
I am a recent graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a Marketing degree and am considering
relocating to the Tampa area. While conducting research on advertising firms in Tampa, I came across
your company website and was very impressed. I have been looking for opportunities to break into the
advertising field and would like to inquire about possible positions in your account management
department.
As indicated on my resume, I have gained advertising experience through an internship at the Gulf Coast
Chamber of Commerce, which involved working on numerous outreach initiatives with the Membership
Director. These projects included creating promotional materials, developing media spots, redesigning the
website, and assisting with a direct mail campaign. I also noticed on your website that your company has
accounts with many of the top luxury resorts in Florida. As an Assistant Front Desk Manager at an upscale
hotel in Naples for two years, I have a strong understanding of the hospitality industry, which may enable
me to make an immediate contribution with some of these accounts.
I am genuinely interested in working for ACE Advertising. If there aren’t any full-time positions available, I
would also be willing to work part-time or assist on a temporary basis with any special projects you may
have. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this in more detail with you. Feel free to contact me at
your convenience at (239) 000-0000. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Pat A. Smythe
Pat A. Smythe
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Sample Thank You Letter
PAT A. SMYTHE
100 North 20th Street – Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 000-0000 – [email protected]
September 19, 20XX
Mr. Peter Jones
General Manager
Neapolitan Marine, Inc.
Naples, FL 33979
Dear Mr. Jones:
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the Marketing Director position at
Neapolitan Marine. During the interview, you stressed that having a strong marketing program was
critical to achieving your goal of becoming the largest marine products supplier in Southwest Florida.
With my previous marketing experience and connections in the local boating industry, I believe I can
help you achieve your goal.
I am very interested in joining your leadership your team and contributing to the continued success
of Neapolitan Marine. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your consideration of my
candidacy for this position.
Sincerely,
Pat Smythe
Pat Smythe
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Professional References
Since over 80% of employers check references, be prepared to submit a list of your professional references to
prospective employers. Do not put your references on your resume – they should be on a separate document,
titled “Professional References.” In most cases, only submit your reference with your resume if it is requested.
Also, it is not necessary to write “References Available upon Request” on your resume. That is understood.
Why do employers conduct reference checks?
Ensure the consistency of everything stated on your resume and what you have said in the interview
Obtain feedback that provides a more in-depth picture of you as a candidate, including their perception
of your skills, personality, and work performance
Identify any areas of weakness or concern
Consequently, these are the only individuals capable of providing this information objectively:
Current and former supervisors and colleagues (supervisors preferred)
Current and former faculty/staff members
People that may know you from a substantial volunteer experience.
As you can see, friends and relatives are not included on the list since they probably can’t speak to your
employment performance, and their feedback is not typically considered objective.
Follow the sample reference entry below:
Mr. John Smith
Teller Supervisor
Everglades Bank
100 Main St.
Fort Myers, FL 33988
Cell: (xxx)xxx-xxxx
Work: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Email: [email protected]
Relationship: Immediate supervisor for two years at Everglades bank
Preparing your list of references:
Your list should compromise a minim of three, maximum of five references
Ask each person if they would be willing to serve as your reference, and be sure they will give you a
positive reference. If a person doesn’t seem pleased about being a reference, you are probably better
not using them. A lukewarm or “I don’t know her very well” reference can be damaging.
Ask them for the phone number in which they prefer to be contacted
If you know, let them know what kinds of jobs or which companies you are applying to. This can help
them customize their feedback toward the job/company.
Put them in order of strongest to weakest. Your strongest references are typically your current
supervisor, individuals who know you well and have the most favorable things to say about you, and
people that have know you the longest. Avoid having more than two references from the same place.
Bring a hard copy on stationary that matches your resume when you go on an interview.
Once you have obtained the job, it is professional protocol to send a note or email to all your references letting
them know, and thanking them for their help.
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