Resumes and Cover Letters

A well-crafted resume can be the deciding factor in securing the job you’ve always dreamed of. The Office of Career Services is available to assist you in creating your resume, curriculum vitae (CV), or cover letter.

Resumes in 5 easy steps!

1. Open a blank Word or Google document and remove all formatting presets.
2. Identify the sections you need and list them on your resume.
3. Draft all your content, saving the professional summary for last.
4. Organize and format your content effectively.
5. Proofread and refine your resume.

Resume Best Practices

Do These:

• Use the “gapping” style with short phrases that typically start with action verbs.
• Keep it concise; one-page resumes are suitable for most applications.
• Be specific about your job duties and accomplishments.
• Choose a Professional Summary instead of an Objective statement.
• Make it easy to read; use bullet points for details and bold text for headings.

Don’t do these:

• Avoid including pictures!
• Steer clear of scripts or creative fonts; Arial or Times New Roman are excellent choices.
• Don’t use templates, as they can be challenging to edit.
• Stick to black and white; avoid colors.
• Do not include references; place them on a separate page.

To have your document reviewed, please upload it to your Handshake account.

Once your document has been reviewed, a member of the Career Services staff will reach out via email with edits and suggestions, or they may request that you schedule an appointment.

Direction to upload:

1. Click on your name in the left navigation pane
2. Select Documents in the upper right-hand corner
3. Click on New Document
4. Title and upload the document of your choice and click create document. (If you want employers to be able to view your resume, click the box to make it public.)
5. The Office of Career Services must approve all resumes. You will receive a notification once your resume is approved.

Best Practices for Writing a Cover Letter

• Unlike resumes, cover letters follow a specific format. Adhere to the standard structure for cover letters.
• Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific individual within the organization. Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Company” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Keep it concise—typically, one page with three or four paragraphs suffices.
• Present your strengths and accomplishments with confidence, steering clear of arrogance.
• Include relevant details about the company to demonstrate that you’ve invested time in your research.

Resume AI with Big Interview

Unlock the Power of Resume AI with Big Interview.  Resume AI is a cutting-edge feature from Big Interview, available to you as a WVSU student. This tool is designed to help you create a polished, professional resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market.

Why Use Resume AI?

1. Instant Feedback: Upload your resume to receive immediate, actionable suggestions on content, structure, and formatting. Resume AI analyzes your document to ensure it’s professional, visually appealing, and optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
2. Keyword Optimization: Tailor your resume for specific industries or job descriptions. Resume AI identifies essential keywords to help your resume match what employers are looking for.
3. Content Improvement: Struggling with how to phrase your skills and experiences? Resume AI provides guidance on crafting impactful statements that highlight your accomplishments and showcase your unique strengths.
4. Time-Saving: No need to start from scratch. Resume AI helps you refine your existing resume quickly and efficiently, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of your job search.

How to Access Resume AI

Using Resume AI is simple! Log in to Big Interview, navigate to the Resume Builder section, and upload your current resume or start a new one. Follow the prompts to get personalized feedback and recommendations.

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