Division of Human Resources

Career Coaching at Penn:
Resume Development

Help with cover letters and resumes is available during one-on-one consultations with the Career Coach. You are encouraged to bring drafts for feedback.

Cover letters

  • Your cover letter targets your skills and potential contributions for the employer.
  • Make the connection between your skills and abilities and the job requirements.
  • Write well and proofread!

Resumes

  • Highlight your skills and accomplishments in a "profile" at the top of your resume.
  • A bullet format makes for easy reading.
  • Write clearly and proofread!
  • Good resumes include:
        - Education
        - Key skills and abilities
        - Work experience
        - Achievements, quantified where possible
        - Contact information
  • Don't include your Social Security Number
  • Only list personal interests if they are relevant to the job.
  • Family information does not belong on a resume.

There are many resources available for resume development. Several good websites that include samples are:

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