Buffalo & Erie County Public Library: Computer Training Programs

Name, address, and telephone number
Employment objective. State the type of work or specific job you are seeking.
Education, including school name and address, dates of attendance, curriculum and highest grade completed or degree awarded.
Experience, paid or volunteer. Include the following for each job: Job title, name and address of employer and dates of employment. Describe your job duties.
Special skills, knowledge of machinery, proficiency in foreign languages, honors received, awards, or memberships in organizations.
Note on your resume that "references are available upon request."

Cover letters
A cover letter should be sent with the resume as a way to introduce yourself to employers. It should capture the employer's attention, follow a business letter format, and should generally include the following information:

The name and address of the specific person to whom the letter is addressed
The reason for your interest in the company or position
Your main qualifications for the position (in brief)
A request for an interview
Your phone number

Look at sample resumes and cover letters, either online or in books. The library has many books on the topic. Before sending your resume out, ask someone to read it and make suggestions for improvement.
Material adapted from: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 1996-97 edition.

Online Resume Posting
Many sites offer to let you post your resume online for free. While posting your resume is possible, consider the drawbacks.

It may not be the most fruitful method of reaching employers. Remember, employers begin with people they know.
It is limited to the ASCII format which is not very attractive.
You lose confidentially with your name, address and phone number available to anyone on the Internet. Your current employer may find out you are job hunting.
Read the documentation carefully and check for costs before posting.

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