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Writing & Communication : Résumé Writing & Careers
Résumé Writing & Career Preparation (Module 3 of 4)
This module covers key steps in career preparation, including understanding your skills and values, creating effective résumés and cover letters, and developing strong interview skills to help you succeed at every stage of the job search. By building self-awareness and learning how to present yourself professionally, you'll be better prepared to pursue opportunities with confidence.
Tips
- Know your strengths. Take time to reflect on your skills, values, and experiences. You’ll use these to guide your career choices and applications.
- Take small steps toward giant leaps.Start with short term goals, like academic upgrading, to tackle long term goals, like the further education you need to land your dream job.
- Tailor your resume. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job you're applying for, and make sure your resume is clear and easy to read.
- Write focused cover letters. Use your cover letter to show how your background aligns with the role and why you’re interested in the position.
- Practice your interview answers. Prepare for common interview questions and be ready to give examples that show your strengths in action.
- Plan for every stage. Research the company, follow up after the interview, and reflect on how each experience can help you improve for next time.
Additional Resources
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Values Scale - opens in a new windowFigure out what you want in a workplace.
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My Skills - PDF - opens in a new windowIdentify the skills you want to use in the workplace.
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My Non-Negotiables - PDF - opens in a new windowIdentify the things you absolutely can’t tolerate in a workplace.
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Creating a Career-Focused Education Plan - PDF - opens in a new windowSee how your self-assessment results match up with different careers, and figure out your next steps.
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Resume Template - Word - Downloads in a new windowYou can use this template as a starting point for your resume.
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Resume Sample - Word - Downloads in a new windowAn example of a resume for a customer service position.
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Cover Letter Template - Word - Downloads in a new windowYou can use this template as a starting point for your cover letter.
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Cover Letter Sample - Word - Downloads in a new windowAn example of a cover letter for a customer service position.