Resume Basics
Cover Letter Basics
Do's and Don'ts
Skills & Experience
Interview Prep Tie-In
100

This is the first section of a resume that lists your name and contact information.

contact information or header

100

This should always be at the top of your cover letter and include your name, address, and contact info.

Heading


100

Always check your cover letter and resume for these errors before submitting.

spelling and grammar errors


100

These types of skills include communication, teamwork, and problem solving.

Soft skills


100

A strong resume and cover letter are meant to help you get to this step in the hiring process.

Job Interview

200

A resume should usually be limited to this many pages.

1 page

200

You should always address your cover letter to this person if possible.

hiring manager

200

You should never include this number unless specifically asked by the employer.

Social Security Number

200

These types of skills include typing speed, coding, or operating machinery.

Hard Skills


200

You should always bring this many copies of your resume to an interview.

Two Copies

300

This section lists your previous jobs, titles, and responsibilities.

work experience

300

The first paragraph of a cover letter should explain this.

Why you are applying/ interest in the position

300

This generic greeting should be avoided when addressing your cover letter.

To Whom it may concern


300

On a resume, experience should be listed in this order, starting with your most recent job.

reverse chronological order

300

When asked about your resume in an interview, you should highlight these instead of just reading your work history.

Key Skills and accomplishments

400

A skill like “public speaking” or “Microsoft Excel” should be listed here.

skills

400

The closing paragraph should always include this type of statement, showing enthusiasm for the position.

Closing or Thank You statement

400

You should always tailor your resume and cover letter to match this.

Job Description

400

These short phrases under each job in your resume describe your duties and accomplishments.

Bullet points

400

Employers may ask about this section of your resume to confirm your training and qualifications.

Education

500

This type of resume highlights skills instead of focusing only on work history.

functional

500

A cover letter should never be longer than this number of pages.

One page


500

This common mistake is when applicants use the exact same resume and cover letter for every job.

Generic or One size fits all application

500

Instead of saying “responsible for filing,” you should use this type of word to start each bullet point.

Action verbs

500

When asked, “Tell me about yourself,” you should connect your answer back to this document.

resume and cover letter and job application