A résumé is the most important tool of your job search. It is an advertisement of your qualifications, skills and experiences. A well-prepared résumé likely will help you land a job interview. Use the interview to sell yourself.

Résumé Tips

• Use phrases, not complete sentences
• Keep phrases to 10 or 12 words and paragraphs to three or four lines.
• Make your statements clear and concise
• Avoid the pronoun "I"
• Use action words
• Emphasize capabilities and skills, especially transferable skills such as "coordinated, initiated, supervised," etc.

Tips for Cover Letters

A cover letter should accompany each résumé that you send. The cover letter introduces your résumé to the reader and allows you to emphasize your qualifications and skills. Be sure to:

• Explain why you are writing (including the position for which you're applying)
• Describe your qualifications and what you can contribution to the organization
• Ask for an interview

Learn more about writing a successful résumé and cover letter.

Preparing for an Interview

The interview is your time to shine. It is important that you offer thoughtful answers to the questions that employers ask. Be alert. Research the organization before the interview, and understand the what the employer is looking for. During the interview, you should:

• Dress appropriately
• Control your nerves
• Make eye contact
• Pay attention to body language (yours and that of the interviewer)
• Be candid and enthusiastic

Learn more about interviews and the questions that employers frequently ask.