The goal of this exercise is to help you focus on several specific points that challenge many students when writing their résumés and job application letters.

Note: The Revision Checklist for Résumés and the Revision Checklist for Job Application letters can be downloaded and/or printed for use with this exercise.

The Exercise

In this exercise, you will examine the résumé and job application letter prepared by Heather Bertolet, which are at the bottom of this page.

First, review the Key Points section of this exercise, taken from Chapter 2. Notice how Heather followed these points in her application letter and résumé. Also evaluate her letter and résumé in light of other points in Chapter 2 that seem particularly important to you.

Second, begin drafting an application letter and résumé for yourself, following the same guidelines.

While working on this exercise, you may download the Revision Checklist for Résumés and the Revision Checklist for Job Applications Letters.

Key Points for Exercise

This sample application letter and résumé illustrate several points from Chapter 2.

The Application Letter:

• makes it clear why the author is applying for the position (she can presumably help her audience in their research efforts)
• states how the author heard of the position (a magazine)
• makes a connection between the author's qualifications and the goals/needs of the audience
• shows how the writer's education/experiences qualify her for the position

The Résumé:

• includes a professional objective
• includes specific information about the applicant's skills
• uses parallel sentence construction under "Work Experience"
• uses short, informative headings

The Application Letter

May 3, 2005

Paul G. Ritten
President's Office
American Institute of Biological Studies
University of Florida
Orlando, Florida 679XX

Dear Mr. Ritten:

In a recent issue of BioScience magazine I learned of your institute's interest in hiring marine scientists to conduct research on your oceanic vessels. Since I will soon be completing my Master's degree in Marine Biology at Boston University, I am most interested in joining your facility to continue in the research pathways which you have started.

In my research, I have been focusing on the species diversity of cetaceans. I understand that your organization, as well, recognizes the immense value of our world's biodiversity. Your interdisciplinary studies reflect your recognition of the interconnected nature of ecosystems. From my varied coursework in Coastal Geology, Meteorology of the Oceans, and Marine Biology I have learned that the forces of nature work together to produce the Earth we see around us. I feel that I can learn from your organization how to manage these forces to benefit human welfare and then, in turn, use this knowledge to further the projects you fund.

My position as an assistant in an evolutionary botany lab at Boston University taught me how to handle, monitor, and care for specimens, as well as how to apply statistical analysis to obtained data. In addition, my work as a supervisor at a clothing store has taught me to accept responsibility for overseeing the work of others. I believe these skills would be useful for a research position with your institute.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss further with your the particulars of my résumé. Please don't hesitate to contact me at (814) 862-6370 at your convenience. Thank you for your time.

Cordially,

Heather Bertolet

The Résumé

Heather Bertolet
1774 Talmage Road
Toledo, Ohio 436XX
(419) 555-3371

OBJECTIVE

To become a marine biologist studying biodiversity with a recognized research organization.

EDUCATION

• Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts. M.S. in Marine Biology, expected May 2005.
• Defiance College, Defiance, Ohio. B.S. in Biology, minor in Marine Sciences, December 2003.

Overall GPA: 3.1.
Dean's List 3 semesters.

RELEVANT COURSEWORK

Tropical Field Ecology, Population Genetics, Comparative Plant Morphology, Vertebrae Zoology.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Lab Assistant, Evolutionary Botany Lab, Boston University (2003-present)

• Analyzed chemical and morphological features of plant specimens
• Used Dichotomous Key and catalogued on computer

Supervisor, Bestfoods Supermarket, State College, PA (2002-03)

• Opened and closed store weekdays " Deposited nightly cash drawer at local bank
• Trained new employees

Clerk, Sharp Clothing Store, State College, PA (2002)

• Served and waited on customers
• Performed monthly inventory checks of merchandise valued at over $60,000

ACTIVITIES

Penn State Biology Club Penn State Marine Sciences Society

REFERENCES

Available upon request