resume and cover letter quiz answers pdf

Resume And Cover Letter Quiz Questions With Answers

Get ready for resume and cover letter quiz with informative questions with answers? Getting the job of your dream may be dependent on the first impression you make and this is not on the date of the interview. The first contact that one makes with a prospective employer is through their resume and cover letter, these two documents are almost enough for an organization to range your capabilities. How good are you at the resume and cover letter writing? Try playing this resume and cover letter quiz and assess your understanding of the key elements and formats of a cover Read more letter.

_____________ is a letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying another document such as a résumé or employment application; as a way of introducing themselves to potential employers and explaining their suitability for the desired position.

Résumé

Job Application

Cover Letter

Reference Letter

Rate this question:

It is important to remember that cover letters are ________ letters, and you are the product. Cover letters serve to introduce you to an employer, and resume tells about you.

Recommendation

Resignation

A cover letter serves to ________________________________.

Create a favorable first impression.

Introduce yourself.

Demonstrate your professionalism.

Illustrate your communication skills.

All of them

None of them

Cover letters are typically divided into _________ categories.

Cover letters are generally _____ page at most in length, divided into a header, introduction, body, and closing., the ___________ paragraph should create interest and explain why you are writing. it should state the type of position you are applying for, as well as how you heard about the company. also in your first paragraph, refer to your enclosed or attached resume..

Introduction

The ________ paragraph highlights or amplifies on the material in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer.

In the __________ paragraph you request action, such as an appointment, an  interview, or some other definite action, what format do write a cover letter in.

Business Formal

Business Informal

___________ is a document used by individuals to present their background and skillsets.

Business letter

What is a very important tip you should do before submitting your résumé?

Spell Check

Have someone else read it

Make it all bold

None of these

In many contexts, a resumé is short (usually ______ to _____ pages), and directs a reader's attention to the aspects of a person's background that are directly relevant to a particular position.

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• Mar 22, 2023 Quiz Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
• Dec 12, 2011 Quiz Created by Dbanks1

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Home » Quizzes » Resume Quiz

Do you know how to write a resume that’ll get you hired? Take the resume quiz and test your resume writing knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, this quiz will help you improve your resume and stand out to potential employers. Get ready to enhance your job application game and increase your chances of landing your dream job!

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The end result may not mean that you need to quit your job but to find ways to enjoy it again.

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Download the resume checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything when crafting your resume.

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Recap of The Resume Quiz Answers

What is the most important thing to highlight in your work experience.

While listing the companies you’ve worked for, your duties and responsibilities, and your skills are all essential for giving a comprehensive picture of your professional background, accomplishments demonstrate your impact and value as an employee. They showcase how you’ve contributed to your previous employers and what tangible results you’ve achieved. This not only helps differentiate you from other candidates but also provides concrete evidence of your abilities and potential for future success.

How should you write about yourself in your resume?

When writing about yourself in a resume, it’s generally recommended to use the third person, past tense, except for your current position, where you would use the first person, present tense. This helps maintain a professional tone and consistency throughout your resume.

Should you always list Education before Work Experience? Not necessarily. The order of sections in a resume can vary depending on your individual circumstances and what you want to emphasize. Generally, if you’re a recent graduate or if your education is particularly relevant to the position you’re applying for, it might make sense to list Education before Work Experience. However, if you have significant work experience that is more relevant or impressive than your education, you might choose to prioritize Work Experience and list it before Education. Additionally, if you have certifications or other qualifications that are relevant to the position, you might want to include a separate section for those, after Education or Work Experience. Ultimately, the goal is to organize your resume in a way that highlights your strengths and qualifications most effectively for the specific job you’re applying for.

How to utilize keywords in your resume?

It’s essential to include job-specific keywords and action verbs in your resume. List keywords strategically throughout sections like the summary statement, skills section, and work experience. Focus on concrete skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

How long should your resume be?

For an entry- or mid-level role, it’s generally recommended to keep your resume to one page. This concise format ensures that you include only the most relevant and impactful information without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details. However, for higher-level positions where you may have more extensive experience and achievements to showcase, using two pages can be appropriate. The key is to prioritize quality over quantity and ensure that every piece of information included in your resume is relevant and contributes to your overall candidacy for the position. Listing all your work experience isn’t necessary if it’s not directly relevant to the job you’re applying for; instead, focus on highlighting the most pertinent experience and achievements.

Why you should customize your resume for each position?

Customizing your resume for each position you apply for offers several advantages:

• Helps you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) : Many companies use ATS to screen resumes based on keywords and other criteria. By tailoring your resume to each position, you increase the likelihood of matching the job requirements and getting past these systems.
• Helps you focus on the employer’s specific needs : By customizing your resume, you can highlight the skills, experiences, and achievements most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for. This demonstrates that you understand the employer’s needs and can fulfill them effectively.
• Shows you’re invested in the opportunity : Customizing your resume shows that you’ve taken the time to research the company and the position, and that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity. It demonstrates your dedication and enthusiasm, which can make you stand out as a candidate.

When describing work experience, is paragraph-style job descriptions preferred over bulleted lists?

In most cases, bulleted lists are preferred over paragraph-style job descriptions when describing work experience on a resume. Bulleted lists are easier to read and scan quickly, which is important since recruiters and hiring managers often spend only a few seconds initially reviewing each resume. Bullets help to highlight key responsibilities, achievements, and skills in a concise and organized manner, making it easier for the reader to identify relevant information.

However, there may be situations where a paragraph-style description is more appropriate, such as when you want to provide a more detailed narrative of a particular role or accomplishment. In such cases, it’s essential to keep the paragraph brief and focused, using clear and concise language to convey your qualifications effectively.

Overall, while there’s no hard and fast rule, bulleted lists are generally the preferred format for describing work experience on a resume due to their clarity and ease of reading.

Is it important to list references on a resume?

It’s generally not necessary or recommended to list references directly on your resume. Including references can take up valuable space and may distract from the more critical information about your qualifications and experiences. Additionally, most employers don’t expect to see references on a resume, as they typically request them later in the hiring process, often after an initial interview.

Instead of listing references on your resume, you can create a separate document titled “References” that includes the names, titles, contact information, and a brief description of your relationship with each reference. You can then provide this document to employers when they request references during the application process or bring it to interviews.

Focusing your resume on highlighting your skills, experiences, and accomplishments relevant to the position you’re applying for is generally more effective than including references.

Should you include a cover letter with your resume?

While some job seekers might believe that cover letters are becoming obsolete, they can still be valuable tools for introducing yourself to a potential employer, explaining why you’re interested in the position, and highlighting key experiences and skills that make you a strong candidate.

However, if the job ad explicitly states that a cover letter is not required, it’s acceptable to omit it. Otherwise, including a well-crafted cover letter along with your resume is generally recommended, as it provides an opportunity to make a positive impression and stand out from other applicants.

Which type of action verbs appeal to employers the most?

Action verbs that demonstrate initiative, leadership, problem-solving, and achievement tend to appeal most to employers. These verbs convey a sense of capability and accomplishment, which is crucial for grabbing the attention of hiring managers and demonstrating your potential value to their organization.

Using strong action verbs not only makes your resume more dynamic and engaging but also helps to convey your past accomplishments and the proactive approach you bring to your work.

Some examples of effective action verbs include:

• Spearheaded
• Implemented
• Streamlined

Should you include social-media links in your resume?

It’s not necessary to add social media links but recruiters often check candidates social media profiles without you adding them to your resume. Ultimately, whether to include social media links, such as LinkedIn in your resume is a personal decision based on your individual circumstances and the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. If you do choose to include them, ensure that your profiles are up-to-date, professional, and relevant to the position.

Including social media links in your resume is a decision that depends on several factors:

• Relevance : If your social media profiles are relevant to the job you’re applying for and showcase your professional skills or accomplishments, it may be beneficial to include them. For example, if you’re applying for a digital marketing position and you have a well-curated LinkedIn profile that highlights your experience and expertise in the field, including a link to it can be advantageous.
• Professionalism : Ensure that your social media profiles present you in a professional light. If your profiles contain inappropriate content or are primarily personal in nature, it’s best not to include them on your resume.
• Privacy : Consider your comfort level with sharing your social media presence with potential employers. If you’re concerned about privacy or prefer to keep your personal and professional lives separate, you may choose not to include social media links on your resume.
• Industry norms : Research the norms within your industry. In some fields, such as media, marketing, or creative industries, it’s more common and even expected to include social media links as a way to showcase your work and network.
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Cover Letters

Writing a cover letter.

The goal of your cover letter is to complement your resume. Employers use cover letters to determine your interest in the position and company, as well as to assess your written communication skills.

Your cover letter should be clearly structured and answer the following questions: 

Who are you?

Introduce yourself. Include your major and year at Georgetown. 

Why are you writing? 

In the first few sentences, mention the specific job title, if you know it, and how you heard about the position opening. Be concise.

Why are you interested in the position?

Without getting too personal, relate something about the job to your own interests or experiences to show the employer that you have a genuine interest. Do not focus on what this job will do for you unless you are directly asked to answer that question. Instead, focus on what you can contribute to the company.

How are you qualified? 

Highlight skills and achievements that demonstrate why you are qualified for the position, and use key terms from the description that are relevant to your background. 

What is your next step?

In closing, you should request an interview, with a strong reminder as to why the employer should meet with you. Also, consider adding a statement saying that you will follow up (e.g., within two weeks) to confirm that she has received your resume and cover letter. Skip this step if they’ve requested that you do not contact them.

Cover Letter Tips: 

• Customize the cover letter for a specific employer and job description. Templates are easy to spot and indicate you don’t really care about this opportunity in particular.
• Address the letter to a specific individual. If no name was given in the job announcement, call the organization to learn who is on the hiring team. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager:” or “Dear Search Committee:” (please note that those are colons, not commas).
• Isolate three or four skills that you possess that are relevant to the position and mention concrete examples from your resume that demonstrate these skills.
• Be brief! An ideal cover letter will be three to four concise paragraphs and only be one page. 
• Align all text on the left margin. Don’t indent your paragraphs.
• Match the font style and formatting of your resume to your cover letter. 
• Proofread several times and ask friends to help!

Cover Letter Formatting

A cover letter should first and foremost represent you and your experiences in an authentic way. This includes writing style and formatting. However, this outline may give you a place to start. Also, be sure to have someone else review your document for content and flow!

Heading (Ensure this matches the heading you use on your resume as it creates a personal brand. This should include your present address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address.)

(Align all text on the left margin.)

Employer’s Name (This can also be the name of the recruiter, or director of the department.)

Organization Name

Street Address

City, State Zip Code

Dear Employer’s Name : (It is important to personalize your cover letter by using an actual name. Utilize Handshake, LinkedIn, or call the organization directly to find this information.)

(First paragraph) Introduce yourself. Indicate the reason you are writing, the specific position for which you are applying, and how you heard about the opening. Briefly express why you are interested in the position, or why you are applying to this company in particular. If you are inquiring about jobs in general, and if no specific opening exists, indicate your interest in career opportunities within your desired field. You may also find it helpful to write a “thesis statement” as your final sentence, which will guide the reader through the rest of your document.

(Second paragraph) Highlight your education and/or skills. This could mean including information on your major, research projects, relevant coursework, study abroad, or other Georgetown experiences. Be sure to connect these highlights to the position you are applying for. Keep in mind, these do not have to be content matches but can include skills such as communication, writing, critical analysis, quantitative, etc. 

While some students will focus the entirety of this paragraph on education, consider whether or not this is a good fit for you. If it makes more sense to first highlight professional accomplishments or other activities because it will make you a stronger candidate, then it is important to do so.

(Third paragraph) Highlight your professional accomplishments. This could include paid positions, internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, athletics, etc. Look at your resume, and choose three or four achievements that demonstrate skills the employer is looking for. Look back at the job description for key terms, and think about where you have demonstrated that qualification or skill.

(Fourth paragraph) The closing. Refer the reader to your resume. Request an interview (if appropriate) and give a final reason or summary statement about why the employer should consider you as a candidate. Thank the employer for considering you for the position.

Your signature (If submitting your cover letter online, you don’t need to include a signature)

Your typed name

Sample Cover Letters

• Download our sample cover letter to see a properly formatted, well-written example of a successful cover letter.
• To see additional cover letter samples, visit Resume Worded and sign in with your Georgetown email address.

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Resumes and Cover Letters

Your resume and cover letter are often your first introduction to an employer, and they have to impress them enough that they want to meet with you. This module will show you how you can create effective resumes and cover letters.

Test Your Knowledge

Before you begin, test how much you know about creating resumes and cover letters. Once you’ve completed the module, come back and take this quiz again to see how much you have learned. opens in new window (opens in new window)

Resume and Cover Letter

• Building Your Resume
• Building Your Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are documents that help you market yourself to prospective employers. They are usually submitted as a package as part of a job application, with the cover letter appearing first, followed by the resume. An effective resume and cover letter should convince the employer that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the job.

List relevant knowledge and experience in your resume

A good resume will summarize your education, skills, work, and achievements as they apply to the job. The employer needs to be able to find the essential information quickly. Often, resumes are read or scanned in only 30-60 seconds.

By placing all the most relevant and important information on the first half of the page, you are strategically increasing the chances of having the employer identify the qualifications that you demonstrate that match the requirements of the job. Therefore, resumes with strong profiles and summary of qualifications sections are more likely to be selected for an interview.

A well-planned resume will:

• Provide an example of your ability to organize and present ideas clearly
• Demonstrate your attention to detail by being free of grammar and spelling errors
• Provide details of relevant experience and education credentials
• Demonstrate your fit with the company culture

There are several types of resume formats, but this module will cover a skills-based resume format (also known as a combination format). This format lets you highlight skills you learned in your program as well as practical experience from jobs, field placements, co-op, applied research and team projects.

Expand on your qualifications in your cover letter

Cover letters must be customized for each employer because they are intended to show why you are a good fit for that specific job. The employers want you to demonstrate several things in your cover letter:

• your knowledge of the company
• how you could benefit their team
• compelling reasons why you’d like to work for them

Avoid presenting information not covered in the resume. There are several reasons for this:

• In some cases, a cover letter is not a requirement. If the employer chooses not to read it, he or she may miss some key information about you.
• There is more emphasis placed on your resume as it serves as proof of the skills, knowledge and experience you describe in your cover letter.

Your cover letter is opportunity for you to highlight the skills and experience that are covered on your resume and explain how they make you a good candidate for the position for which you are applying.

Follow the steps in the tabs to learn how to build an effective resume and cover letter.

Step 1 – Research

Tailor your resume to the requirements of each job to demonstrate that you can perform the essential duties of the role. Use the following resources to research and understand the typical job requirements in your occupation:

• Job postings you are interested in applying to. Examine the qualifications/duties listed and match then with your skills, knowledge and experience.
• Labour Market Information resources such as the Job Bank – Explore Careers website. - opens in a new window Review career and occupational profiles and understand the required duties and responsibilities. Explore the module on Career and Program Choice for more guidance in exploring the labour market.

Step 2 - Identify Skills

A resume is both a marketing tool and summary of your qualifications. Identifying your main skills and strengths is an essential first step in building an effective resume.

Technical or Industry Specific Skills

These skills are specific for your industry and the type of jobs to which you are applying.

Example: Administrative Assistants need to have skills such as the following:

• How to use Microsoft Office software to prepare and format business documents.
• How to manage physical and electronic records.
• How to record day-to-day business transactions.
• How to use Microsoft Excel to create and manage basic spreadsheets.

To identify your Industry-Specific Skills, review the Learning Outcomes section on your program website as well as your course descriptions.

Essential Employability or Transferrable Skills

Transferable Skills are more general and are essential to succeed in any job. You develop and use these skills in a variety of experiences and everyday tasks.

Here are some examples:

• verbal and written communication
• interpersonal skills
• problem solving
• time management

To identify these skills, think of what skills helped you to perform effectively in your job or educational experiences.

The resources below provide examples of essential skills sought by employers:

• CAREER READINESS for the New College Graduate—The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) - opens in a new window
• Essential Skills - opens in a new window and Work Habits for Work, Learning and Life - opens in a new window —Ontario Skills Passport
• Essential Employability Skills—Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development - opens in a new window
• Employability Skills—The Conference Board of Canada - opens in a new window

Step 3 – Build your Resume

Use your list of skills and the job requirements that you researched in Step 2 to build your resume. You can format your own resume from scratch, or use the resume template .

Watch the video or read the information below to find out how to create an effective resume. You can also download the How to Build Your Resume video transcript .

Elements of the Resume:

Customize your resume for each job. The following are key sections to include in your resume:

• Your contact information: name, address (optional), email, and phone number.
• Qualifications/skills: relevant skills, knowledge, certifications, etc. that you obtained through your experience. This will make it easy for the employer to find and match your qualifications to their requirements.
• Education: Any diplomas, degrees, or certificates you have earned or are completing. Include your GPA if it is high (3.0/4.0 or higher).
• Relevant experience: Your relevant work experience, academic projects, work placements, co-op, and volunteer experience. Describe your experience using accomplishment statements (Step 4). When describing your job duties, start with the responsibilities and accomplishments most relevant to the job requirements.
• Other work experience: work experience that is not related to the job.
• Volunteer/community involvement: Volunteering positions you have held, with an emphasis on skills or responsibilities that are relevant to the job.
• Optional additional sections: awards/certifications/extracurricular activities/interests.

Format and Style

A two-page resume is the standard at this stage, and the format should be consistent, simple, and professional. Use the following format guidelines:

You can use a resume template if you need a starting point. Follow these guidelines to make sure your resume is consistent and easy to read:

• Use white space between sections and headings.
• Make sure your bullets points use the same style and are aligned to the same place.
• Dates should be aligned and in a consistent format.
• Use industry language and keywords to show that you understand the occupation and industry for which you are applying.

You can use the resume checklist (PDF) - opens in a new window when creating your resume to help you remember what to include, what to leave out, and how to structure the document.

Step 4 - Identify Accomplishments

Add ‘accomplishment statements’ to your job descriptions. Accomplishment statements explain how your actions accomplished or contributed something.

Read the steps below or watch the video to learn how to write accomplishment statements. You can also read the How to Write Accomplishment Statements video transcript .

Steps to writing accomplishment statements

• Brainstorm: Think about the tasks and activities you performed exceptionally well in your past or current experiences. When thinking about each experience, ask yourself the following questions:
• How was my performance measured in this position?
• What value did I bring to this workplace or organization?
• Use the STAR technique: Make the connection between your actions and a positive result—Describe the Situation or Task, the Action you took, and the Result of your action
• Write statements: Use this information to write statements that explain what you have accomplished. e.g. “Created the department’s first operations manual [action], which increased the effectiveness of the new employee training, and significantly reduced the expenditure of time and resources. [result]”
• Update your resume: Add these accomplishment statements to your job descriptions.

Tip: To make the most impact, accomplishment statements should:

• Incorporate metrics such as numbers, figures, statistics, percentages when it is possible. E.g. ‘increased sales by 15%’.
• Describe your actions using strong action verbs, such as completed, raised, achieved, delivered, etc.
• Be relevant to the employer and the position, and make a connection with the job requirements.

Below are examples of how transferable skills can be phrased as accomplishment statements.

Written Communication

• Skill: Skilled at communicating information in a written format with clarity, accuracy and with a proper use of references.
• Duty: Produce research reports using variety of reliable sources, qualitative and quantitative data.
• Achievement Statement : Prepared over ten accurate, well-researched, concisely written, and properly cited reports,10+ pages long on average, in a two-month period.

Professionalism/Work Ethic :

• Skill: Competent in assembling and allocating physical, human, and financial resources, to deliver projects on time.
• Duty: Coordinated schedules and assigned tasks to the team.
• Achievement Statement: Led a team of five to deliver a final research project one week ahead of the deadline through careful coordination of tasks and effective resource and time allocation.

Customer Service/Interpersonal Skills

• Skill: Able to engage others in friendly manner, develop rapport with coworkers and customers, and resolve conflicts
• Duty: Welcomed customers to the store and engaged them in conversation to understand their product needs and interests.
• Achievement Statement: Consistently achieved daily sales targets by demonstrating interest in customer needs and actively interacting with them in a friendly, non-invasive manner throughout their visit.

Step 5 – Proofread

Grammar and spelling mistakes can cost you an interview. Employers may interpret errors as lack of interest in their job and not review your resume further. Here are a few strategies to help you avoid embarrassing errors:

• Proofread your resume (on screen and a print version). Do not rely solely on spell check. Some words can be spelled correctly, but are out of context, which won’t be caught by spell check.
• Have a second person proofread your resume. A second set of eyes may see what you have missed.
• Visit the Employment Support Centre . Attend a Resume Drop-In session or make an appointment.

Use these documents to get started:

• Resume Template You can use this template as a starting point for your resume.
• Resume Sample An example of a resume for a customer service position.

Cover letters must be customized for each employer because they are intended to show why you are a good fit for that specific job. Research the company to which you are applying, and examine their products, services and culture. There are several places you can look to find relevant information:

• their website (the About Us page, etc.)
• their publications
• their social media channels
• any other media sources

As part of your research, try to find the name of the hiring manager. Do not be afraid to call the reception or front desk to ask the name of the hiring manager.

Tip: Researching a potential employer is also good preparation for common interview questions, such as “What do you know about our company/organization and why do you want to work for us?”

Step 2 – Begin Writing

Use the information from your research and from your resume to write your cover letter. It should be one page, and the font style and size should match your resume. You can use the cover letter template or start from scratch.

Watch the video or read the information below to find out how to write your cover letter. You can also download the How to Write a Cover Letter video transcript .

At the beginning of the cover letter, you should include the following information:

• Your name and contact information. Use the same format as on your resume.
• The date of submission
• The company contact information (the employer name and title, and the company name and address.)
• The job title and reference number (if applicable)
• The recipient of the letter. Address the letter to the hiring manager or contact person. If you don’t know their name, write ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’

Introduce yourself to the employer using the 4 W’s:

• Who: Introduce yourself.
• Why: Explain why you are applying and are interested in the company.
• What: Include the job title or the type of job that interest you.
• Where: Include where you heard about the job.

Step 3 – Describe Qualifications

In the body of the cover letter, describe your skills, knowledge and experience that match the key requirements of the job, or that will allow you to add value to the job and the company. Relate your skills and knowledge to specific academic, volunteer, or work experience. This is your opportunity to elaborate on the experience that you included on your resume.

Emphasize how you contributed by phrasing your experience as ‘accomplishment statements’ to demonstrate how you contributed to your workplace or project. Read Step 4 in the Building Your Resume tab to learn how to write Accomplishment Statements. This adds credibility and makes a stronger impression on employers.

Your cover letter is also a place to explain gaps in your resume or highlight asset points, such as willingness to relocate, etc.

Step 4 - Target the Company

Describe why you want to work for the company. The information you discovered in your earlier research will come in handy at this stage. Provide a few reasons as to why you are passionate about your occupation/industry and what interests you about working for this specific company.

Employers may interpret errors as lack of interest in their job and use it as a reason not to read your resume. Here are a few strategies to help you avoid embarrassing errors:

• Proofread your cover letter (on screen and a print version). Do not rely solely on spell check. Some words can be spelled correctly, but are out of context, which won’t be caught by spell check.
• Have a second person proofread your cover letter. A second set of eyes may see what you have missed.
• Visit the Employment Support Centre . Attend a Resume and Cover Letter Drop-In session or make an appointment.
• Cover Letter Template You can use this template as a starting point for your cover letter.
• Cover Letter Sample An example of a cover letter for a customer service position.

Resume - What to include

• Your qualifications/skills: relevant skills, knowledge, certifications, etc. that you obtain through your experience. This should show that you would be able to do the job for which you are applying.
• Your education: Any diplomas, degrees, or certificates you have earned or are completing. Include your GPA if it is high (3.0/4.0 or higher).
• Your experience: Your work experience, along with relevant academic projects work placements.
• Awards / Certifications / Extracurricular Activities / Interests.

Cover Letter - What to include

• Your contact information: Your name, address (optional), email, and phone number in the same format as your resume.
• The date of submission.
• The company contact information: the employer name and title, and the company name and address.
• The job title and reference number (if applicable).
• The recipient of the letter: Address the letter to the hiring manager or contact person. If you don’t know their name, write ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’
• Who: Introduce yourself
• Why: Explain why you are applying for this job.
• Your qualifications and accomplishments: Expand on the knowledge and experience in your resume. Make sure to use Accomplishment Statements.
• Why you want to work for the company: Target that employer and show that you know something about them.

Format and Proofreading

• White space: Add space between sections and headings to make the resume clear and easy to read.
• Consistent bullet points: All Bullets use the same style and are aligned to the same place.
• Consistent dates: Dates appear in a consistent format (e.g. all written out or all included as numbers)

Cover Letter

• 1 page, concise and well-written.
• Limited number of sentences starting with “I”.
• No run-on sentences.
• Plain paper; no graphics if applying electronically.
• Web-friendly font (such as Arial or Times New Roman, size 11 or 12).
• A simple and professional format. No graphics to highlight information.
• Action words and accomplishment statements: Use strong action words such as ‘increased’ when describing your experience and include accomplishment statements.
• Checklist- Resume and Cover Letter

Avoiding Plagiarism in Your Resume and Cover Letter

Even in resumes and cover letters, it's important to use your own words. Complete the activity and watch the video below to learn about how to avoid plagiarism in your resume and cover letters.

Activity: Avoiding Plagiarism in Your Resume and Cover Letter

Find out about plagiarism and how it relates to your professional integrity and success. (opens in new window)

Employer Perspective

• Algonquin College
• Bruyere Continuing Care
• Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group

Watch this video to hear the employer perspective of Helen Huang, Human Resources Officer at Algonquin College. You can also download the Algonquin College Employer Perspective video transcript.

Watch this video to hear the employer perspective of Hélène Thibault, the Manager of Recruitment and Selection at Bruyère Continuing Care. You can also download the Bruyère Continuing Care Employer Perspective video transcript.

Watch this video to hear the employer perspective of Torie Billings, HR Manager, and Adam Laderoute, HR Coordinator at Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. You can also download the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group Employer Perspective video transcript.

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• Last Updated: Apr 25, 2024 1:06 PM
• URL: https://algonquincollege.libguides.com/career-platform

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Intro to Resumes and Cover Letters

20 questions

Introducing new   Paper mode

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• 1. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What type of information should you include on a resume? Your social security number Your family information Your job skills and history Your family tree
• 2. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What topics of information should you  not include on your resume?  Skills Love Life Education Employment History
• 3. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt You include your email on your resume so that employers can contact you.  Which email is the best to use? [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
• 4. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt You do not have a job, however you are applying for your first job.  What should you enter under employment? oh just make something up, it will be ok You cut grass for your aunt once, I will use that. I volunteered for three months at the Rocking Horse Ranch helping children, I can use that. I volunteered before but that is not really employment.
• 5. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt The purpose of a resume is to… Establish a candidate’s qualifications for a position in order to secure an interview. Establish a candidate’s qualifications for a position in order to secure employment. Establish a candidate’s qualifications for a position in order to eliminate the competition.
• 6. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Ideally, the length of a resume should be… One page, no longer. Two pages, no longer. Whatever number of pages is necessary to qualify the candidat
• 7. Multiple Choice Edit 20 seconds 1 pt If you do not have work experience, what should you include in your resume? Nothing else.  Make up some experience. List related accomplishments. Use your friend's work experience.
• 10. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which of the following is NOT illegal to ask on an application or in a job interview How old are you? Have you ever been arrested? Are you at least 18 years of age? How much do you weigh?
• 11. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Do I need to use correct grammar? Yes No If I can Probably
• 12. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt When you have finished the letter what should you do? Read and check it Read and check it twice Put it in an envelope Forget about it
• 14. Multiple Choice Edit 1 minute 1 pt What must be included in a cover letter? Recipient information Return address Date All of the above
• 20. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt A cover letter serves to __________________ Create a favourable first impression. Demonstrate your professionalism. Illustrate your communication skills. All of them

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