Resume and Cover Letter Pointers - NMU Writing Center

• Be specific in your accomplishments. Use numbers whenever possible.  Compare:

• If you are a student or recent graduate, list your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher.Add your major GPA if it's higher than your overall GPA.

• Students and new graduates with little related work experience can use the education section as the centerpiece of their resumes, showcasing academic achievements, extracurricular activities, special projects and related courses.
• Do not include information from high school.
• Keep it brief.  Cover letters should never be longer than one page, and it's best if you keep your resume to one page as well.  Two-page resumes are acceptable if you have a large body of relevant experience to cover, but never submit resumes that are more than two pages long. 
• Be assertive and proactive.  Explain what special skills and qualities you can bring to the job, but don't explain what the job will do for you. Avoid empty clichés, such as "I am a self-starter" or "I'm a people person."
• Use active words and phrases. Avoid "are" and "is" and passive voice.

• When writing about non-professional experiences, give specific information to help the hiring manager understand how your experience might translate to the job you're applying for.  Compare:

• Appearances count, so use quality paper (but no flowery or colored letterhead).  Also, don't send photocopies of your resume or cover letter.

• State your skills and qualifications, but don't tell the employer that you are the best person for the job. It can appear arrogant and presumptuous.

PROOFREAD!  Most Human Resources employees have a three-strike rule: three mistakes are all it takes for your resume to go in the garbage.