Professional Practices: Cover Letter, Resume, and Resignation Letter Guide, Slides of Software Engineering

Download Professional Practices: Cover Letter, Resume, and Resignation Letter Guide and more Slides Software Engineering in PDF only on Docsity! PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES Contents • Cover Letter • Resume • Resignation Letter What to Include in a Resume • Education. List your most recent educational experiences first. Include your qualifications, institutions you studied at, graduation dates and other specializations. Mention any special awards and other educational achievements. • Work Experience. List your most recent jobs including the title of your position, name and location of organization, and dates of employment. In point form under each job, give a brief overview of your role, responsibilities and achievements, weaving in the skills required. Internships and volunteer work can also be mentioned here. What to Include in a Resume • Additional Information. You may like to create headings such as ‘Skills’, ‘Strengths’ or ‘Interests’ and list information that would be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Information that illustrates your proficiency in languages, computer programs or medical knowledge should be included here. • References. It’s always a good idea to include two to three references at the bottom of your resume. A referee can be a former manager or tutor at university – just make sure you ask their permission before listing their name, position, company and contact details. Otherwise, you may wish to write “References available on request”. Length and Format of a Resume • Length of a resume: Keep your resume short and concise to make a good impression in a quick glance. Consider one to two pages if you have under 10 years of professional experience. Senior executives or academics may like to have resumes that are three pages or more. • Format and style: The design and layout of your resume or CV should be neat and easy to read. Use only one or two easy to read fonts and include headers, bullet points and paragraphs. Make sure you write your resume consistently in first person, and have perfect spelling and grammar. Cover Letter • The letter provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. • Don’t simply repeat what’s on your resume -- rather, include specific information on why you’re a strong match for the employer’s job requirements. • Employers use cover letters as a way to screen applicants for available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like to interview. • If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be listed in the job posting. Even if the company doesn’t ask for one, you may want to include one anyway. Types of a Cover Letter • There are three general types of cover letters. – The application letter which responds to a known job opening. – The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions. – The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search. • When you are applying for a job that has been posted by a company that’s hiring, you will be using the “application letter” style. What to Include in a Cover Letter • A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Its purpose is to add a personal touch to your application for employment. • Here's an outline of the items that should be included in every cover letter. • Header: A cover letter should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature. What to Include in a Cover Letter • Body: – In a paragraph or two, explain why you are interested in the job and why you make an excellent candidate for the position. – Mention specific qualifications listed in the job posting, and explain how you meet those qualifications. – Do not simply restate your resume, but provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities. What to Include in a Cover Letter • Closing – In the closing section of your cover letter, restate how your skills make you a strong fit for the company and/or position. – State that you would like the opportunity to interview or discuss employment opportunities. – Thank the employer for his/her consideration. • Signature – Use a complimentary close, and then end your cover letter with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. – If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information, after the complimentary close. Resignation Letter • What is a resignation? – A resignation is the act of leaving your job. A resignation letter expresses your intention to leave the company you currently work for. • Should you write a resignation letter? – You should write a resignation letter because it's the professional thing to do, whether you work at a hospital or a coffee shop. – A resignation letter officially gives notice to your boss that you're leaving the job and someone else will need to be hired to replace you and take on your responsibilities.