Resume Writing

The ultimate objective of advancing your education is to enhance your skill set and broaden your prospects in the professional arena. Achieving success in your quest for your desired job relies not only on your education and qualifications, but also on your ability to effectively present yourself to potential employers. The initial stride toward creating a favorable impression is in crafting a robust resume and a compelling cover letter. These documents will spotlight your work history, education, and abilities, introducing you to potential employers and, with luck, securing an interview.

At Westminster College, we integrate comprehensive guidance on resume construction within our programs, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to harness their education in pursuit of their career ambitions.

A well-crafted resume encompasses several key elements, including:

• A clean and organized layout
• Clear and accurate contact details
• A succinct and captivating introduction in the form of either a Resume Summary or a Resume Objective statement
• A section detailing your Employment History, arranged in reverse-chronological order (beginning with your current or most recent position)
• 4 – 6 bullet points for each job role, outlining your responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills
• An Education Section, also presented in reverse-chronological order
• A Skills Section, enumerating pertinent and valuable skills, particularly those aligned with the specific role you’re applying for
• An optional Hobbies Section, offering a glimpse into your overall personality, if space permits

Once you’ve created your comprehensive master resume, it’s essential to customize it for each job application. Incorporate keywords that mirror the requirements stated in the job posting and emphasize the facets of your resume most relevant to the role.

Now, let’s talk about the Cover Letter.

While your resume presents a snapshot of your education, skills, and experience, a well-crafted cover letter remains a pivotal component of your job application.

The cover letter should always be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Ideally, it should be addressed to the individual handling the recruitment process. Your cover letter should amplify the significant aspects directly linked to the job. This is your opportunity to delve deeper into the most pertinent points from your resume, which might have been concisely summarized there, but now deserve a more thorough exploration. These points should explicitly align with the advertised position, showcasing your qualifications and suitability for the role.

In fact, most recruiters expect cover letters to accompany resumes. Neglecting this crucial element can adversely impact your chances. Hence, be sure not to omit this essential component.