Résumés & Cover Letters

Think of your résumé and cover letter as your personal marketing materials. They highlight how your strengths and skills fit the job and needs of the organization. The resources below can help you build skills to write effective résumés and cover letters.

Step One: Your Skills and Experiences

Résumés tell your professional story in a way that demonstrates to employers how you are a good fit for the position and company. Begin by brainstorming the skills and experiences you develop while in college. Career advisors provide these resources to help you get started.

Résumé Brainstorming Guide (presentation)
Résumé Brainstorm Template (handout)

Step Two: The College Résumé

The résumé for college students and recent graduates highlights your experiences on and off campus. It includes what you have done in the classroom and how you explored your academic and career interests. You can describe these experiences by writing about your accomplishments. Career advisors provide these resources to help you write your résumé.

The College Résumé Annotated Sample (handout)
The College Résumé Rubric (handout) - Use this to evaluate how you can improve your résumé.

Résumé Writing Guide (presentation)
Accomplishment Statement Template (handout)
Résumé Samples (handout)

Step Three: The Customized Résumé

Now that you have written a general résumé, use these resources to customize it to each position you seek.

Customize your Résumé Guide (presentation)
Customize your Résumé Workbook (handout)

Step Four: The Cover Letter

Now that you have reviewed the position you seek and have customized your résumé, you are ready to write the cover letter. Career advisors provide these resources to help you start your draft.

Cover Letter Guide (handout)
Cover Letter Samples (handout)

Additional Support

Résumé Builder

The Career Center provides an online résumé-building software called SkillsFirst. You can find a variety of résumé templates and samples for various job titles and experience levels. For help getting started watch this video on How to Use the SkillsFirst Résumé Builder.

Career Advising

Career advisors and coordinators can help with self and career exploration, career planning, internships, career networking, résumé and interview skills, and employment searches. We offer group and individual appointments.

Connect with Career Advisors

Career Workshops

We offer workshops each semester to help you build your skills in professional résumé and cover letter writing.

View: Career Center Calendar

Employer Events

Employers host events where you can learn more about how to successfully apply.

View on Cal State LA Handshake