Resume and Cover Letter Tips

With Trinity's new Career Services Online you can:

• Create a resume
• Upload a resume
• Have your resume critiqued by a Career Counselor at Trinity College
• Post your resume online for employers specifically seeking Trinity students.

Resume Tips

1. Complete the Resume Development Worksheet available in Library 103.
2. Schedule an appointment in the Academic Services Center (202-884-9636).
3. Use the worksheet as a GUIDE to create your resume.  Translate only the needed information into a logical format or template. 
4. Look at sample resume formats in the Career Center.
5. FAX resumes and cover letters from plain white paper only.
6. Remember:

• The purpose of your resume is to get you a job interview.
• Try to keep resume to one page.
• Use at least 10-12 pt fonts.
• Use a professional style font (i.e. Arial, Times Roman, etc.)
• Do not mix size/style of fonts, except for your name or bold/italics/underline.
• Use bullets to highlight key points. 
• You don’t need to use full sentences on a resume, but you must use complete thoughts for understanding.
• It’s OK to have more than one resume; your resume will change according to the type of job you are applying for.
• Only list GPA if 3.75 or higher.
• Leave plenty of white space.
• State that references are available upon request (or transcripts/ writing samples if applicable).

Cover Letter Tips

1. Complete the Cover Letter Development Worksheet, one for each position.
2. Schedule an appointment in the Academic Services Center (202-884-9636) to assist you with developing your cover letter.
3. Use the Cover Letter Development Worksheet at a GUIDE.  Translate the questions into full, complete sentences when composing your cover letter.
4. Look at sample cover letter formats in the Writing Center.
5. Save all job descriptions; attach them to a copy of the cover letter.
6. Remember:

• The purpose of your cover letter is to get the employer to read your resume.
• Your cover letter should be no more than 3-4 paragraphs.
• Avoid “Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern.”
• Each cover letter must be personal and tailored to the job description. Research and reference the organization if the posting doesn’t tell you enough about the position
• BRIEFLY relate your experiences to those requested by the employer.
• Don’t restate everything you’ve already detailed in your resume.
• Don’t share personal information or opinions – save it for the interview.
• Ask for an interview.
• Thank the employer – they didn’t have to read it!
• Close with “Sincerely”, followed by original signature of full name.