Resumes & Cover Letters

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb that shows what you accomplished. Verbs like led, designed, analyzed, facilitated, and implemented are a great place to start. 

Instead of saying you were “Responsible for social media,” say “Managed Instagram account with 1,500+ followers,” or “Created weekly content that boosted engagement by 30%.” 

Group your experiences by relevance, not just in chronological order. You might separate your resume into sections like Marketing Experience, Leadership, or Research Projects to highlight what’s most important for a specific role. Within each section, list relevant job experiences by most recent first. 

Include a dedicated skills section where you list relevant tools and abilities for the job you are applying to. This might include Excel, Canva, Google Analytics, public speaking, and more. 

If you don’t have room to add a separate skills section, be sure to weave them into your experience bullet points, such as, “Tracked inventory using Excel,” or “Collaborated with a team of seven on a group presentation.” 

Use a simple, consistent format with easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri, use even spacing, and give your sections clear headers. Avoid using text boxes, brightly-colored elements, tables, or graphics that can confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

Unless you have significant experience or credentials in your field, keep your resume to a single-sided PDF or Word Document. 

Tailor your resume for each opportunity by adjusting your summary, rearranging sections, and using keywords from the job description. If a job posting emphasizes teamwork and communication, highlight your experience(s) that show those traits, like “Led weekly team meetings,” or “Presented findings to department faculty and staff.” 

Grab the reader’s attention right away. Introduce yourself, name the position you’re applying for, and express genuine enthusiasm for the role. A strong opening sets the tone and helps either a recruiter or your potential employer connect your name with the job from the start. 

Use one or two key examples that clearly link your background to what the employer is looking for. Whether it’s a past internship, leadership role, volunteer opportunity, or class project, show how your skills and experiences align with the specific responsibilities of the job. 

A cover letter isn’t just about skills—it’s about finding the right fit. Let your voice come through and explain why this role matters to you. What excited you about the company’s mission or work? Why do you care about the industry? That personal connection will help make your letter memorable. 

Wrap up by thanking the employer for their time and expressing interest in next steps. Be clear and positive about your willingness to discuss the role further or meet in-person or virtually for an interview. Confidence, without arrogance, goes a long way. 

Avoid the temptation to use the same cover letter for every job and just swapping out the company and position. Take time to tailor each one by referencing the company, the job description, or their values. A personalized cover letter shows effort, interest, and that you’ve done your homework. This sets your cover letter apart from generic templates. 

Recruiters often use LinkedIn to search for candidates, so it’s important that your profile mirrors your resume. Make sure your job titles, dates, and descriptions are accurate and consistent. Use relevant keywords to help your profile show up in searches. 

Take a moment to review any public social media accounts tied to you. We recommend removing or making private any content that doesn’t reflect your goals or values. Employers may check these accounts, and you want everything they might see to support your personal brand. 

Depending on your field, you may benefit from sharing your work online. A personal website, digital portfolio, blog, or other options can be a great way to highlight your skills, creativity, and initiative beyond what’s on your resume. 

Use your social media presence to demonstrate your interest in your field. Share relevant articles, comment on industry news, or post your own thoughts as you see fit. This isn’t just about self-promotion—it’s about showing curiosity, awareness, and professional engagement.