Resumes and Cover Letters

Telling your story is an essential component in working toward a fulfilling career path. Your story will be conveyed in many ways, both written and verbal, and is a great way to form a positive first impression to potential recruiters, graduate schools and other connections. Once you have utilized VMock, we encourage you to visit your Career Consultant to have your documents reviewed.

Resumes

Your resume is one of the best marketing tools you can use in finding a career, and often one of the first things asked of you in the job or internship search process. This is your chance to convey your communication abilities, fit, skills, and strengths for the position you’re targeting. See the resources below to create a well-crafted resume.

Resume Quick Tips [pdf]

Resume Action Verbs [pdf]

Writing your Curriculum Vitae Quick Tips [pdf]

Sample Resumes by College (PDF Format)

Cover Letters

Cover letters are another essential piece to telling your story through professional, written communication. Since your resume will describe your experience in detail, your cover letter will tell the reader exactly why you want the position and provide in-depth examples to back up your experiences.

Cover Letter Quick Tips [pdf]

General Cover Letter Sample with Bullets [pdf]

Sample Cover Letters by College (PDF Format)

Online Portfolios

Online portfolios are a wonderful supplement to a standard resume, often showcasing the visual side of your story. They can be in many forms, including links to your work, visual representations, and videos.

Portfolio Quick Tips [pdf]

Professional Communications

Aside from your resume and cover letter, there are other forms of communication that can enhance your story. Here are examples of letters and emails that may help you throughout your career.

Reference Letters & Lists Quick Tips [pdf]

Declining an Offer Letter [pdf]

Follow-Up Email [pdf]

Job Acceptance Letter [pdf]

Request for Extension of Time [pdf]

Response to Rejection Letter [pdf]

Thank You Email [pdf]

FIRST AND SECOND YEAR
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Want a Quick Online Resume Review?
Email your resume to cmu-cpm@andrew.cmu.edu to receive feedback from a Career Peer Mentor. We will do our best to get back to you within a week.

In a Hurry?
Stop by in person during CPDC Drop-In Hours or make an appointment through Handshake.