University of the PACIFIC

Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

Resumes

Your resume is your chance to make a positive first impression on future employers and graduate school admissions committees. Whether you are applying for a full-time, part-time, on-campus or internship position, or if you are applying to a graduate school program, it is critical that your resume catches the reader's attention and showcases your skills effectively.  Check out the  Resume Writing Handbook to learn more about creating a resume.

If you are a first year student and have never written a resume, you may want to start with the First Year Student Resume Template.

Cover Letters

A cover letter is a professional letter that allows you the opportunity to introduce yourself to an employer and express your interest in a position or an organization.  You should always send a cover letter when applying for a position, even if the employer does not request one in the job description.  Some employers will not review your resume if you do not include a cover letter.  The cover letter handbook below includes more specific guidelines about what to include in a cover letter as well as some samples for you to reference.

• Cover Letter Handbook

Resume and Cover Letter Reviews

The Career Resource Center offers individual appointments for students and alumni for resume and cover letter reviews.  This is a chance to receive feedback on the content and format of your resume and cover letter from a professional who knows what employers look for when recruiting.  Before applying for a position using  Tiger Jobs, your resume must be reviewed and approved by the Career Resource Center.