Resume And Cover Letter Templates (Page 8 of 23) in pdf

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Tailor headings to your particular experiences; you can be creative!

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List internships, field terms, or volunteer work under a separate heading for greater emphasis

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When employment spans years, do not indicate months (e.g., 2003-2005)

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Use various type styles and formatting tools to emphasize items, but never make the page look too “busy”

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Use bullets; stay away from paragraphs and full sentences whenever possible

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Keep your resume concise; one page is the general norm; never exceed two

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If your resume is two pages long, be sure your name appears at the top of both pages and use a paper clip to

attach them (do not staple—makes it more difficult for the employer to detach the paper for photocopying)

HOW TO INCLUDE REFERENCES

Never list references on the resume. DO NOT add the line “references available upon request”, as this is assumed

and unnecessary to state – use your resume space more effectively be filling it to with more important information

which highlights your strengths and qualifications. If requested, include a listing of your references on a separate

page, which matches your resume in terms of paper, font, layout, letterhead, etc. See Sample Reference Page on p.

14 of this guide.

If an employer does not specifically request a list of references, you have two options:

1) send a reference list any way to bring to their attention particularly notable individuals on your reference list (this

is common in the sciences and academia in general – the department may ‘expect’ you to send a list of references

even if the job ad doesn’t specify to do so); sometimes institutions use the reference list as a part of the initial

screening process or to contact your current professors/supervisors to get more information about your background

before inviting you to the next step in selection); or 2) wait until the interviewing stage and bring your list of

reference to the interview to show confidence in your abilities and references. This approach gives you two key

advantages. First, it gives you greater control over when the employer contacts your references, allowing you time

to contact them in advance to give more detail about the position for which you are applying if needed. Second, it

prevents the employer from screening you out of the hiring process early if you would prefer them not to contact

references early. Most employers outside academia will indicate in the job ad if they would like a list of references

or reference letters. Still, depending on your individual background and preferences, you may opt to send the

reference list/letters even if the job ad doesn’t specify – use your judgment and determine whether or not the

reference list is likely to improve your chances of being considered in the next step in the selection process.

Things to provide someone serving as a reference for you:

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Information about positions for which you are applying

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If a reference letter or form is required from your references – provide the requirements information/forms

to the reference

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Copy of your unofficial transcripts

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Copy of your resume

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If the reference is a faculty member - copies of papers graded by the faculty member, and a list of your

current classes

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Possible talking points for them to write about in a recommendation letter, if applicable

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If a reference letter/form is required – a stamped addressed envelope

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If a reference letter/form is required – a stamped self-addressed postcard that reads “The

(company/organization name) has received your reference form from

(reference name) on this date of

(leave this blank for date) .” Ask your reference to include this card with the reference letter/form. The

employer may mail this to you when they receive the reference letter/form.

Additional Tips

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When asking for references, ask the individuals if they can provide a “strong” reference. If you do not get

their assurance that they are comfortable providing you with a favorable recommendation, then do not use

them as a reference. They may say something in a phone reference or write you a letter of reference that

reflects poorly on you.

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When asking for a reference letter, ask early—when possible give your references several weeks notice and

give them a deadline of two weeks prior to when you hope to get your application in (Caution: Do not give

them the application deadline date as their due date for the reference letter. Some references may delay

until the deadline and a family emergency, departmental problem, time management issues, etc. may cause

them to miss the deadline.)

Resume And Cover Letter Templates Page 8

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