Writing a Resume and Cover Letter

When preparing your resume for IPS, please consider the following suggestions:

• Create content based on experience. If this means the resume is a single page, that is OK; if that means the resume is three pages, that is OK also. Provide all content relevant to your potential new employer.
• Be concise in descriptions of your experience. Provide useful information that can be scanned by someone reviewing multiple resumes.
• The objective of your resume should provide a statement of value to the position you are applying to as well as your goals – it should not focus on your goals only.
• Include specific details of past contributions when appropriate. For instance, rather than writing “grew sales territory,” provide the dollar value of growth and/or the amount of new customers, etc.
• Make sure your resume is easy to read and to the point.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Once you have proofed your resume twice, read it back to front to check for spelling and grammatical errors. (NOTE: reading back to front will remove the assumptions you know to be true from writing the content).

When crafting a cover letter, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Do not just re-state your resume. The cover letter should speak to the position you would like to discuss with IPS.
• Include some information about why you would like to work with IPS.
• Be concise and to the point. Most HR professionals will review multiple resumes for every position and will appreciate direct letters.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Same as with the resume!