A representative from BU's Center for Career Development discusses resumés and CVs

1. Undergraduate
Economics
Associa2on
CCD
Event
(10/1/13)

2. Undergraduate
Economics
Associa2on
2
Government
Shuts
Down!

3. Undergraduate
Economics
Associa2on
3
Announcements
Econ
Talk
 Sunday, Oct. 6th, 12:00pm in GSU Starbucks
Wri2ng
CommiFee
+
STATA
Workshop
 Sunday, Oct. 6th, 1:00-2:00 pm in CAS 322
UEA
Ar2cle
Compe22on
 Tuesday, Oct. 22

4. Undergraduate
Economics
Associa2on
4
Opportuni2es
Mathema2ca
Policy
Research
(MPR)
 Social policy and research firm headquartered in Princeton, NJ recruiting undergraduates
for Research Assistant/Programmer – entry level position
 Application Link: https://www.mathematica-mpr.com/Employment/
City
of
Boston
 Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) at City Hall in Boston are recruiting for
the Spring semester. Projects are varied but could include reporting and analytics.
 Application Link: http://www.cityofboston.gov/DoIT/internships/

5. Undergraduate
Economics
Associa2on
5
UEA
Event
Résumés,
Cover
LeFers
and
CVs
Sydney
Simpson
&
Zach
Costello

6. Resume Basics

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Contents
 Purpose of a Resume
 Formatting: Types of resumes and tips for effective
formatting
 Content: What to include and how to describe your
experiences
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Resume Basics

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Purpose of a Resume
Use resumes to:
 Clarify your thinking about your skills and goals
 Apply to positions
 Distribute to your network
 Post online (in job search sites like BU CareerLink)
 Serve as a point of reference during an interview
 Supplement a graduate school application
Resume Basics
8

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Types of Resumes
 Chronological
 Most commonly used format
 Lists your experiences with the most recent first
 Functional
 Organized by skill or experience type
 Combination
 A flexible format with elements of chronological a functional formats
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Resume Basics

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Basic Rules
 Maintain a professional image
 Be relevant
 Be brief
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Resume Basics

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What To Include
 Contact information
 Education
 Experiences
 Optional additional sections
 Check out examples in our Resume Guide
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Resume Basics

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Contact Information
 Name
 Telephone number (with a professional voicemail
recording)
 Email address (professional)
 Address: Current and/or permanent
 Optional: Website, LinkedIn profile address, or social
media contact if relevant
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Resume Basics

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Education
 Name of the institution, city and state
 Degree (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, etc.)
 Major(s), minor(s), or concentration(s)
 Year degree was completed or expected
 GPA (optional)
 Relevant coursework (optional)
Resume Basics
13
10/9/13

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Experience
 All relevant experiences both paid and unpaid
 The organization name, position title, location and
dates, and a description focusing on your
accomplishments and skills
 Start your descriptions with strong action verbs
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10/9/13Resume Basics

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Experience
Include instances where you:
 Developed new strategies or procedures
 Demonstrated effective leadership or management
 Managed or supervised other people well
 Received promotions or increased your responsibilities
 Increased the profits or services of an organization
 Produced a specific result or product
 Solved a problem
 Received recognition by others
Resume Basics
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10/9/13

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Optional Items
 Objective
 Profile or professional
summary
 Skills
 Interests
Resume Basics
16
 Honors or awards
 Club or professional
organization memberships
 Leadership
 Certifications

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Final Tips
 1 page long (2 pages with significant relevant
experience)
 Consistent font, bolding, italicizing, and formatting
 Use white space
 10-12 point, easy to read font
 Proofread it
 Have someone else proofread it
 Update it often
Resume Basics
17
10/9/13

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Additional Resources
 CCD website:
http://www.bu.edu/careers/resumes-cover-letters/
 CCD resume guide: http://www.bu.edu/careers/files/
2012/08/Resume-Guide-2012.pdf
 CCD resume review hours: http://www.bu.edu/careers/
about-us/contact-directions/
Resume Basics
18

19. Boston University Slideshow Title Goes Here
Visit us soon! Visit us often!
100 Bay State Road, Sixth Floor
Boston, MA 02215
bu.edu/careers
facebook.com/buccd
@BU_CCD
617-353-3590
Resume Basics
19

20. Cover Letter Writing

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Contents
 Purpose of a cover letter
 Types of cover letters
 Contents of a cover letter
Cover Letter Writing
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Purpose of a Cover Letter
 To elaborate on your career objective
 To demonstrate your knowledge of the employer
 To target your special interests/qualifications, and/or experience to
the needs of the organization
 To describe the unique personal qualities that you would bring to
the position
Cover Letter Writing
22

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Types of cover letters
 Letter of application
 Letter of inquiry
 Follow-up letter
Cover Letter Writing
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Basic Rules
 Limit letter to one page
 Use simple and correct grammar
 Adhere to business format while showing your personality
 Personalize each letter… address to a specific individual and
make it relevant to each position/company applying to
 Sign your letter
 Keep a copy of all correspondence
 Proofread carefully…have other people review your letter
(CCD Resume and Cover Letter Review Hours)
Cover Letter Writing
24

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Before You Write
 Do your research
 Research the employer using an internet search, the company
website, employee contacts (check the Career Advisory Network for
alumni contacts)
 Analyze the job description
 Review your resume and qualifications
 Clarify your interest in the company or position
Cover Letter Writing
25
9/15/11

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Intro Paragraph
State why you are writing
 What is the position or type of position that you are interested in
 How did you find out about the position/organization
 If you were referred by someone, state their name
You may include (briefly)
 Key information such as your major and degree
 Reason for your interest in this particular company or job
 Some reasons why you are a good fit
Cover Letter Writing
26

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Body of Cover Letter
 The body of the letter is generally one or two paragraphs
 Explain why you are interested in the employer or role
 Elaborate on relevant experiences, giving specific examples and relating
them to the needs of the employer
 Use the job description to help you decide what to include
 Make sure that you give details and make connections to the specific job
(this should not just be a reiteration of your resume)
Cover Letter Writing
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Closing Paragraph
 Keep this paragraph short
 Remind the reader of your interest in the position
 Thank the reader for his/her time and indicate your desire for an
interview
 List a phone number and email address where they may reach you
 Indicate when you plan to follow up on your application
Cover Letter Writing
28

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Resources for Cover Letter Writing
 CCD website:
http://www.bu.edu/careers/resumes-cover-letters/
 CCD cover letter guide: http://www.bu.edu/careers/
files/2012/09/Cover-Letter-Guide-2012.pdf
 CCD cover letter review hours: http://www.bu.edu/
careers/about-us/contact-directions/
Cover Letter Writing
29

30. Boston University Slideshow Title Goes Here
100 Bay State Road, Sixth Floor
Boston, MA 02215
bu.edu/careers
facebook.com/buccd
@BU_CCD
617-353-3590
Visit us soon! Visit us often!
Cover Letter Writing

31. Undergraduate
Economics
Associa2on
31
Announcements
UEA
General
Mee2ng
Tuesday, Oct. 8th, 7:00-8:00pm in CAS 211