Write a Resume & Cover Letter

RESUMES

A resume is a physical representation of your skills and accomplishments. It needs to be both impressive in content and flawless in presentation or many employers may be immediately turned off. You generally have less than 30 seconds to grab an employer’s attention enough to want to know more about you.

Resume Approval in Handshake
In order to apply to positions with Mercy’s partner employers in Handshake, your resume must meet certain guidelines. Review the Handshake Resume Approval Guidelines before uploading your resume to Handshake. Resumes that don’t meet the “Must Have” items may not be approved.

Tailor Your Resume
Every job is unique and each will target different skills and experiences you may have. Do not rely on one catch-all resume for every job. Instead, tailor each resume to the specific characteristics of the job to which you are applying.

2020 Business and Accounting Resume and CL_2020 Human Services, Government, Law and Education Resume and CL       2020 MEDIA, COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY Resume and CL

2020 Healthcare and Wellness Resume and CL     2020 CAREER EXPLORER Resume and Cover Letter Guide

Make it Easy to Read

  • Write your resume as simply as possible for the reader to briefly scan it and understand your key strengths
  • Divide your resume into four sections:
    • Education
    • Experience (Internships and Work Experience)
    • Activities/Community Service (Leadership)
    • Skills (Computer Experience, Language Fluency, etc.)
  • Your grades, experience, leadership activities and skills truly matter

Follow Proper Formatting

  • Fit your resume onto one page
  • Begin each bullet point with an action verb in the correct tense (view our list of action verbs)
  • Reread it, spell check, reread it again and have others read it (for example, a PACT mentor, Career and Professional Development, professors)
  • Use proper grammar, punctuation and spelling
  • Be consistent with formatting
  • Be honest and accurate

Resume Guidance: Freshman

  • Focus on classes and get good grades; explore and learn
  • Join a club or a community service activity to meet people
  • You may list your high school/activities on your resume during your freshman year only
  • If you work, think about what you are learning beyond the tasks
  • Start or update your resume

Resume Guidance: Sophomore

  • Stay focused on classes and get good grades
  • Explore upcoming leadership roles in your club or activities
  • Begin looking for an internship during your second semester and/or over the summer. An internship is a great opportunity to explore what you may be interested in career wise
  • Update your resume

Resume Guidance: Junior

  • Stay focused on grades
  • This is a great time to experience and embrace leadership
  • Apply for a relevant internship in your major area of study, either for academic credit and/or over the summer
  • Update your resume

Resume Guidance: Senior

  • Finish your academic career on a high note
  • Build your professional network
  • Update your resume, write cover letters, apply for jobs or graduate school

Resume Writing Part 1: Heading/Education

Resume Writing Part 2: Experience

Resume Writing Part 3: Leadership and Activities

The Cover Letter: Your Sales Pitch

Resume Writing: The Importance of Honesty

Sidebar

FEATURED VIDEOS

HOW TO WORK A CAREER FAIR

Internship Spotlight: Ashley Carrasquillo

Published on May 16, 2023

By Alexsander Souza

Student Name: Ashley Carrasquillo

Year: Junior

Major: Legal Studies/Paralegal

Career aspirations: Paralegal

Internship Company & Location (city/state): Evan Guthrie Law Firm in Charleston, SC (Remote)

Internship Department: N/A

Internship Semester: Spring 2023

How did you find this …

By Alexsander Souza
Alexsander Souza
Send Email
Read more »

What’s in Your Cover Letter?

Published on July 2, 2020

  With New York’s phased re-openings underway, many of you may be starting to think about applying to jobs. With those applications however, employers may ask that you write a cover letter. This is a great time for you to showcase …

By Joi Sampson
Joi Sampson Associate Director of Career and Professional Development
Send Email
Read more »

What could you do on a gloomy February day? Apply for summer internships!

Published on February 18, 2020

The good news is summer will eventually be here – and you are much better off getting a summer internship than staying home or working the same part time job you’ve had since high school… This is your time to experience …

By Mariana Ayerbe
Mariana Ayerbe Career in Curriculum Manager, Manhattan Campus
Send Email
Read more »

Eye tracking study shows recruiters look at resumes for 7 seconds

Published on November 8, 2019

Career Coaches often stress the importance of having a well organized and targeted resume prepared for your job search.

The reasons include the fact that the resume is your marketing piece and your opportunity to showcase your skills, professional experiences …

By Shannon Hargrove
Shannon Hargrove Director, Career Education & Operations
Send Email
Read more »

A Hiring Manager Talks About the Best Resume he has seen in 20 years

Published on July 29, 2019

Writing a resume can be a tricky task for many students. A Google search will yield several different templates. Here in the Career Professional Development office, our suggested format was developed using feedback that we received from both employers and …

By Allen Rossetti
Allen Rossetti Senior Career Coach
Send Email
Read more »
View More

Career Team Hours – In Person and Virtual Appointments

Day of the week
 Regular Hours
Monday 9:00am - 5:00pm -
Tuesday 9:00am - 5:00pm -
Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm -
Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm -
Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm -