Urgent: Resume help

Parent Cafe
1

<p>I’m trying to get an internship at a local literary agency this summer, and though I seem to have a good chance of getting it I still have to send in my resume. The problem is that I have no idea what to put on it. I’ve never had a job apart from babysitting, and my only related EC would be writing for the school paper.</p>

<p>I know I’m perfect for the internship personalitywise and interestwise, but I’m not sure how to get that across since I have no real accomplishments. What should I write?</p>

2

<p>I looked up some sample resumes on google, and came up with the following.</p>

<hr>

<p>Full name & contact information:</p>

<p>Anya My Last Name</p>

<h1>, My Street</h1>

<p>Washington, DC, My Zip Code</p>

<p>(xxx) xxx xxxx - home
(xxx) xxx xxxx - cell</p>

<p><a href="mailto:x@mac.com">x@mac.com</a></p>

<p>Education:</p>

<p>My High School, Washington, DC
Expected graduation date: June 2007
Grade point average: 6.3 (7-point scale)</p>

<p>Work experience:</p>

<p>Summer 2004-present: Babysat children ages 6 to 10</p>

<p>Activities:</p>

<p>Staff writer for *My School Newspaper<a href=“school%20newspaper”>/i</a>
Courses in black and white photography
Horseback riding</p>

<p>Awards/recognition:</p>

<p>Academic awards for excellence in English and French (2004)</p>

<hr>

<p>It looks pretty bleak, but is it passable? (And is there anywhere I could fit in “near-perfect command of English spelling and grammar” or “fluency in three languages”?)</p>

<p><em>headdesk</em></p>

3

<p>What you have looks good. If you have good SAT/PSAT scores put them on. If you like to read, include that under the hobby section. </p>

<p>Have a skills section that includes your word processing and computer skills as well as what languages you’re fluent in.</p>

<p>Also, if you’re taking AP courses, list them. That’s impressive.</p>

<p>Also do a cover letter that starts off by stating what you’re applying for and what you have to offer. Be creative, but not eccentric with your lead paragraph. Do not start with something boring like: “My name is…”</p>

<p>Start with something like, " Reading and languages are my passion, and I’d like to bring my skills in this area to XXXX agency as a summer intern. I am an avid reader, and honors student and last yeaer, I won awards at XXX high school for excellence in English and French, and I am nearly fluent in X, X, X. I also have written for the (award-winning if this is true) xxx high school newspaper XXXX.</p>

<p>I am interested in working for XXX agency because my longtime career goal is (something related to that work).(of course, only say that if this is true).</p>

<p>Mention your computer skills and also give the names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of references such as your newspaper advisor or English or French teachers. Anything related to publishing and journalism is a who you know field. Of course ask for permission before listing your references. </p>

<p>Your letter will be even better if you demonstrate some knowledge of their agency. Do a Google search to find out what authors they’ve worked with, etc. </p>

<p>Close with your interest in working there, and also say you’ll call to follow-up. Then call in about one week. Don’t worry about being pushy. It’s appropriate to be assertive about such opportunities. That shows you’re interested. When you call, ask if they have further questions and offer to come in for an internship.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>Add another heading for skills. Throw in fluency in languages, excellent writing and communication skills, and things like any computer/typing/word processing skills you have.</p>

5

<p>Northstarmom and ariesathena: Thanks for all the great advice. I added some parts to the resume, including a short ‘cover letter’. I have already been in touch with the person in charge of the agency, expressing interest, though so far communications have been pretty informal.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>I’m still waiting for confirmation from my references, and I don’t have their phone numbers yet. Other than that, does this look all right?</p>

6

<p>I would change “Babysat children ages 6-10” to “Provided childcare for school-aged children.”</p>

7

<p>Hi Anya, </p>

<p>I think that NSM gave you a great opening. You want to show what you are able to do and how your education and skills are aligned with the requirements for the internship.</p>

<p>I would recommend the following little tweaks:</p>

<p>I am a rising junior at Your High School pursuing an International Baccalaureate Diploma. This program includes courses in ( anything pertaining to writing or literature that demonstrates you are still pursuing your passion). </p>

<p>*I have received academic awards for excellence in English and French <a href=“based%20on?%20%20If%20possible%20elaborate%20a%20little%20more”>/i</a></p>

<p>*staff writer for My School’s award-winning (Columbia University Scholastic Press Association gold medalist) newspaper, the Newspaper Title.<a href=“could%20you%20elaborate%20a%20little%20more%20on%20your%20duties,%20or%20How%20what%20you%20have%20learned%20as%20a%20staff%20writer%20will%20make%20you%20a%20good%20fit%20for%20this%20job”>/i</a></p>

<p>I have experience working with the following software applications: MS Word (using both Mac and PC formats) Microsoft Excel, and some coding languages (name them) add anyprograms such as quark or graphics programs that you have experience using…</p>

<p>Closing:
I am interested in a career in publishing and I beleive that this internship is the perfect oportunity to help me gain a better understanding __________. I beleive that given the oportunity I can meet and exceed your expectations.</p>

<p>Attached, is my resume describing my educational background and skills for your consideration. I look forward to an opportunity to discuss my qualifications in a personal interview at a time mutually convenient. </p>

<p>Thank you for consideration. If you require any additional information please call me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or (xxx) xxx-xxxx.</p>

<p>Sincerely, </p>

<p>All the best</p>

8

<p>Put info in your cover letter like your verbal SAT score and its percentile. Also include your gpa in the cover letter.</p>

<p>People are busy, and will probably give only a quick skim to the info that you send. That’s why it’s vital to highlight your strengths in your cover letter. Even though your resume includes some of this info, your resume and cover letter may become separated, so include highlights in your cover letter, too.</p>

<p>Fields like publishing value assertiveness so end your letter by saying that you’ll follow up with a call in a week. Don’t be passive. Your much more likely to lose out on an opportunity like this by being too passive than by being assertive.</p>

<p>I also do suggest including your reference info in the letter and on the resume. I know that journalism is a rare field that is so who-you-know that references are always included on resumes. I assume the same may be true of publishing. </p>

<p>Remember, too, to do research on the company and demonstrate that research by mentioning in your cover letter some of what you’ve learned about the company. It’s especially important to state how your skills fit the company’s needs.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>