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When applying for a job with an American employer, it
is customary to submit a one-page resumé
of your experience with a cover
letter introducing yourself to the employer. The purpose
of the package is not only to show employers what experience you have
but also to show them that you are professional and keen. Employers
will get a sense of you through the way in which you write your resumé
and cover letter, so it is important that you approach them both with
care. The following points should help you in creating your resumé and cover letter
in an American-style.
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Never submit a hand-written resumé |
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Keep your resumé to one page. Be brief, clear and
succinct. Indicate relevant points by listing them rather than write
long sentences or paragraphs |
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Make sure that your resumé is completely free of
mistakes when you send it in. Have a friend proof read it. American
employers do not like to see any mistakes in the resumé and cover
letter -- grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and organizational
inconsistencies are unprofessional and make it look as if you don't
really care |
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Include your full name and contact details but
leave out items such as your birth date, marital status and driving
license record |
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List your most recent job first and work back in
reverse chronological order. Indicate any appropriate work you have
done even if it has been unpaid |
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You should list your secondary and higher
education in reverse chronological order. American employers will
not generally understand the education system in your home country,
so include major areas studied but not grades. You should include
any honors or awards earned |
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Never use the word "I" or directly refer to
yourself in any way. For example, instead of saying "I was
responsible for external communications" say "Responsible for
external communications" |
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Click here to view a sample
resume. |
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Address your letter to a real person, and be sure
to spell his or her name correctly. Ideally, you should always try
to contact the specific person responsible for hiring you, if
known |
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Keep the letter to one page and be brief, clear
and direct. Use a word processor and making certain that the
document is completely free of mistakes |
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Begin your letter with an introductory paragraph,
briefly explaining who you are and your reason for writing. This
should be followed by one or two paragraphs highlighting the
relevant aspects of your educational and/or employment background or
elaborating on points in your resumé |
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You should also include a brief explanation of
your eligibility to work under the provisions of the Work &
Travel USA or Internship USA Program |
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It is appropriate to follow up your with
telephone call after approximately one week |
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Click here to see a sample cover
letter. |
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