“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.”  ~ William Arthur Ward

Level Five: Write a Resume and Cover Letter.

Every job-seeker needs an outstanding resume - it is one of the most important items in your job search.  Your resume will often be all an employer sees of you before they decide whether or not you are a quality candidate worthy of an interview.  You will need a resume to apply for part-time jobs, internships, and co-ops as well as full-time positions and graduate school.

Don't wait until the last minute to write your resume.  Start working on yours today.  The following resources are available to help you get started on your resume.  The Career Center reference library also contains several books on resume and cover letter writing.

Resume Power Point

Here's a draft of what goes into a resume.

Optimal Resume

This online resume-builder is free to USF students and recent graduates.  Optimal Resume makes writing a high-quality resume quick and easy with samples and suggestions for wording and formatting.  Style guides help you format your resume for a professional look.  When you're finished, Optimal Resume will provide a Word document, a plain text document and an interactive online resume.  Get started today!

Resume Proofreading

Want a second opinion on your resume?  Stuck on how to say what you mean?  E-mail a draft of your resume to Career Services at career@sar.usf.edu and we'll be glad to look it over for you.  We'll get back to you quickly with simple tips and suggestions to make your resume shine!

Resume Verbs

A list of powerful verbs perfect for making your resume stand out from the crowd.

Resume and Cover Letter Websites

There are a variety of online resources to help with specific resume and cover letter questions.  Check out these resources for information and sample resumes and cover letters.

What Goes in a Cover Letter?

Not sure how to get started on your cover letter?  Click here for a sample cover letter with instructions

Once you've got your resume written, don't forget to post it on College Central Network, our job search website.  Posting your resume allows employers to find you!

The Strategic Career Plan

Choose a Career or Major

Connect Majors to Careers

Explore Career Information

Build an electronic portfolio

Write a resume & cover letter

Conduct an effective job search

Prepare for an interview

Network with professionals

Decide on graduate school

Career Resources Library