RÉSUMÉ & COVER LETTER ASSIGNMENT

Using the notes on ‘Preparing a Résumé’ and what we discussed in class, create your own résumé. Examples are provided on my webpage.

It should be stated that most businesses receive upwards between several dozens to several hundred résumés on a given week. As such, employers literally only have 5 seconds to glance at your résumé.

If the résumé is appealing, then the employer will read it, if it is not, then it gets dumped; there's always someone else. Keeping this in mind, create a résumé that is both appealing and informative!

Marks

Your marks will come from the following:

Criteria (see Rubric on next page)
Résumé is one page – 8.5 x 11 paper
Résumé created in Microsoft Word. Evidence of major Word tools is easily seen (fonts, tables , borders, alignment, bullets, etc)
Selection of a résumé template made and has been correctly applied (all parts included)
No distracting fonts – Arial or Times New Roman used in the creation of the résumé.
Sufficient information given (including name and contact information, details in specific sections (meaning, do you have enough details in work experience, volunteer experience, appropriate time line orders, etc.)
Spelling and Grammar (It counts!!! Employers look for attention to detail!)
Does your resume grab my attention – be creative with its design. You may wish to use textboxes for example to highlight features.

Hints

- Avoid making spelling mistakes

- A unique résumé gets more attention than ordinary résumés

- Don't change the margins, use standard margins (traditional)

- Use white space, it's more appealing to the eye (no one wants to read a lengthy résumé)

- Know your audience, don't put irrelevant things like, "I can do 10 back flips" as a skill if you're applying for FutureShop (although that is awesome if you can!)

PLEASE ALSO REVIEW RUBRIC ON NEXT PAGE. HAVE ME ALSO REVIEW YOUR RESUME BEFORE SUBMITTING!!!

Résumé Rubric:

4
/ 3
/ 2
/ 1
Format/
Layout / The resume consistently follows formatting guidelines. Format and layout make the resume exceptionally attractive, drawing attention to the content, and enhancing readability. / Formatting guidelines for length, layout, spacing, and/or alignment are almost always followed. 1-2 problems in format and layout, but readability and attractiveness are not affected. / Formatting is repeatedly inconsistent in length, layout, spacing, and/or alignment, reducing readability and attractiveness. / Formatting guidelines for length, layout, spacing, and/or alignment are not followed, making the resume unattractive or hard to read.
Style / The fonts are consistent and easy to read. Font size varies appropriately for headings and text. Use of font styles (italic, bold, underline) is used consistently and improves readability. / The fonts are consistent and easy to read. Font size varies appropriately for headings and text. / Fonts are not used consistently, varying in style and size and making the text difficult to read. / No consistency in fonts. A wide variety of fonts, styles and point sizes was used.
Content / The resume includes all necessary items (headings) and follows guidelines consistently (e.g. objective, action verbs, dates, places).Relevant education and experience are presented in order. / Almost all necessary items are included and guidelines are followed for the most part. 1-2 errors in presentation of the content (e.g. objective, dates/places, action verbs, use of reverse chronological order). Relevant education and experience mostly provided. / Several necessary content items are missing or there are several errors in presentation (e.g. objective, dates, places, actions verbs or use of reverse chronological order). Some relevant education and experience provided / Presentation of content contains many errors or omissions, e.g. in the use of chronological order, action verbs, objective, dates, places, etc. Resume is not supported by relevant education and experience.
Grammar/
Vocabulary / The resume uses accurate English grammar and vocabulary (word forms, word choice). Action verbs are consistently used in past tense. / There are 1-3 errors in the use of English grammar and vocabulary (word forms, word choice). Action verbs are almost always used in past tense. / There are 4-5 errors in English grammar and vocabulary (word forms, word choice). Action verbs are often not used in past tense. / There are more than 5 errors in English grammar and vocabulary (word forms, word choice). Action verbs are usually not used in past tense.
Mechanics (Spelling, Punctuation/
Capitalization) / There are no errors in spelling, punctuation, or capitalization in the resume. / There are 1-3 errors in spelling, punctuation, or capitalization in the resume. / There are 4-5 errors in spelling, punctuation, or capitalization in the resume. / There are more than 5 errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization in the resume.