Your resume/CV is a concise, tailored summary of your skills and experiences, while your cover letter answers the question of why you’re the right fit for the position.
When should I have my materials prepared?
To best set yourself up for success in the job and internship search, it’s important to understand when peak recruiting occurs across industries. Hiring takes place on a rolling basis, but we’ve identified patterns in Friedman students’ recruitment process. Explore the Introduction to Recruiting resource to learn more.
Your Resume or CV
Think of your resume as a marketing tool showing that your product (you!) meets the needs of your potential customer (the employer). It should highlight your education, experiences, activities, and skills that relate to your career objectives and next move. Whether this is a new job in your field, an internship, a promotion, a transition to a different area of work, or re-entry into the marketplace, it’s critical to have a strong resume. View our Guide to Building a Strategic Resume (PDF) to get started.
VMock — Resume Review Tool
To give students and alumni more options to have their resumes reviewed and updated 24/7, the Block Career Center has partnered with the virtual resume platform, VMock. VMock provides instant, personalized feedback on your resume based on criteria gathered from employers and the Block Career Center resume standards. Learn More and Access VMock here.
Your Cover Letter
If your resume is the feature film, your cover letter is the trailer that piques the audience’s interest. Done well, your letter has the power to excite the reader and make the prospective employer even more interested in your candidacy.
Put simply, a cover letter explains why you are sending in your resume. While resumes offer a big picture of your background and accomplishments, your cover letter includes only certain selling points, i.e., the ones that will resonate most with a specific employer. The most effective cover letters answer the question: How do I meet the employer’s requirements for this position? View our guide for Writing a Compelling Cover Letter.
Bottom Line
Your resume/CV and cover letter alone will not get you hired, but they should give employers a solid understanding of your background that makes them want to meet you to discuss your qualifications further.
In addition to showcasing your skills and experience, resumes, CVs, cover letters, and other self-marketing materials are samples of your writing skills and attention to detail. The grammar, punctuation, consistency, and formatting must be flawless. We encourage you to have your documents reviewed by a Career Advisor before sending them to potential employers.
