Preparing Your Résumé and Cover Letter for Nontraditional Employment Résumé Résumé Sections Résumé Sample Cover Letter Cover Letter Sample The Résumé A good résumé is essential for obtaining nontraditional employment because it shows employers that you are interested in employment and that you are educated, experienced and skilled. There are a few general suggestions. Type your résumé Keep your résumé up to date Limit your résumé to one page, single-spaced if possible Do not list your references on your résumé (write "available upon request" and provide them on a separate sheet of paper at the interview) Obtain permission to use someone as a reference Do not attach any photographs Follow the résumé format—name and contact information, objective, education, employment and other experience (see below or view sample) Return to top Résumé Sections Name and Contact Information At the top of the page list your full name, home address and telephone number. If you don't have a phone, list a phone number where a message can be left for you. Do not include any additional personal information. Objective Your objective is a brief statement about the kind of job you are looking for. For example: Objective: A position as a first-year apprentice electrician Objective: A position as an entry-level computer technician If you are applying for more than one type of job, tailor the objective to match each particular job. Education List your highest level of education and include the name and location of the school. If you have completed college and graduate school, list both. If you are recently out of school, mention your grade point average if it is high, your major, any honors or awards and extracurricular activities. Employment and Experience List employment in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. Include the company name, address, your title and dates of employment. Summarize your responsibilities and accomplishments. Include skills you have mastered such as computer knowledge, machinery operation or blueprint reading that would help you perform the nontraditional job. Mention any volunteer work or other important experiences, especially those that allowed you to learn a useful skill. Return to top The Cover Letter A cover letter is an important tool that demonstrates sound writing ability and alerts the prospective employer to your interest in employment. The cover letter serves to highlight important points about your résumé and provide additional information about you. Unless the employer specifically refuses to accept cover letters, send a cover letter along with your résumé. (View sample.) Salutation Address the letter to the employer using the salutation: "Dear NAME:". You may also address the letter "To Whom it May Concern". Introduction Paragraph The introduction paragraph introduces you to the employer and explains that you are interested in employment. Body Paragraph The body paragraph highlights your résumé, explains additional information about you and shows why you are well suited for the job. Final Paragraph The final paragraph lets the employer know that you are very interested in discussing the job further and that you will be contacting them to follow up. Include the date you will be contacting them and your phone number. Express appreciation for their consideration of you for employment. Complementary Close End the letter with a complementary close, such as Sincerely. Then leave a few spaces in which to sign your name, followed by your full, typewritten name. Return to top     | Home | Contact | Search/Sitemap | User Guides | Events | Internet Guide | Email Lists | Copyright © 1998, Wider Opportunities for Women, All Rights Reserved.