Creating an outstanding resume and cover letter is a key strategy for setting yourself apart from other job applicants. Below you will find useful information provided by AMA members on how to create a successful resume and cover letter.
Sections of a Resume
Name and Contact Information
Phone number and personal email (avoid using school email).
RSO's and More
Include the organization's name, position title if applicable, and general activities.
Achievements and Accomplishments
Can be past projects, certificates, honors, and rewards.
Education
Include what school you are currently attending, along with projected graduation month and year.
Past and Current Employment
Include the job title, duration of employment, and activities of the job.
Skills
Can include anything from languages to Python, and can be skills you developed in a class or RSO.
General Resume Tips
1 page in length
Have little to no white space
Margins are between 0.5” and 1”
List your experience in reverse chronological order
Contact information at the top (name, email, #, location)
Stay consistent in style/formatting (not too fancy unless you're a design-related major)
Common Resume Mistakes
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Not grammatically perfect
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Use online resources like Grammarly and ChatGPT to check grammar
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Not enough specificity in your experience
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Employers need to know more than the obvious
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Highlighting duties instead of accomplishments
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Example: “Recorded and organized group meeting minutes” vs. “Reorganized 10 years worth of files, making them easily accessible”
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Don’t leave off small jobs
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These jobs have given you soft skills such as work ethic, time management, organizational skills, etc.
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Resume Templates
On the right, is a basic outline of a resume. Feel free to make a copy and personalize to your liking.
On the right, is a resume from an alumni of UIUC! Use this to get inspired when creating or updating your resume!
Creating a Cover Letter
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Must be grammatically PERFECT
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Use online resources like Grammarly and ChatGPT to check grammar
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Should not be too “resume-like” - you put everything you’ve done on your resume but in a cover letter, focus and discuss the things that specifically relate to the job
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Use the skills you have that relate to the job as a base for what to discuss
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Example Skill: “Project Management”
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“During my time as a Project Director in AMA, I improved my project management skills by…”
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Always mention your ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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“I worked at my firm doing product design” vs. “I designed three successfully-launched products at my firm”
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