Resumes & Cover Letters

Resumes are a crucial tool in the search for internships, jobs, and graduate school admissions process. They help job seekers present their qualifications effectively and enable employers and graduate school programs to make informed decisions about which candidates to interview and potentially hire. A well-crafted resume can significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview and advancing in your career.

Career Development & Vocation has all the Resources you Need to Create a Well-Crafted Resume

Resume Writing Resources

  • Resume Review Checklist
    This checklist helps you review your resume to include all the necessary components of a great resume.
  • Sample First Year Resume
    This can be used as a first resume for incoming students seeking on-campus or part-time jobs.
  • Sample Resume with Coursework
    This can be used for students who want to demonstrate how the courses they have taken connect with the position for which they are applying.
  • Action Word Phrases using Action Words
    Action word phrases give substance to your resume by showing rather than telling.  Learn how to write effective action word phrases.
  • Curriculum Vitae Guide
    A curriculum vitae (also referred to as a CV) is a type of resume that tends to have a more academic focus. It is often required for candidates applying to positions in medical, academic, and research fields.
  • Applicant Tracking Systems
    Applicant Tracking Systems are Artificial Intelligence (AI) based software programs that scan your application documents looking for keywords that the organization highlights before a human looks at them.  Visit SkillsFirst to see how your resume would align with an ATS.
  • The PAR Method
    The PAR Method is an easy to use formula for creating bulleted action word phrases.

Cover Letter Writing Resources

  • Cover Letters
    Effective cover letters convey a sense of purpose, project enthusiasm for the position or program, and demonstrate your knowledge of the employer or graduate program’s goals and needs.

Resume & Cover Letter Review Options

  • Resume Reviews via SkillsFirst
    Our new AI Resume Builder, SkillsFirst, allows students to build a resume and then submit it for “Human Review.”  Learn more here.
  • Resume Drop-ins
    Monday through Friday: 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (while classes are in session)
    This helpful 10-15 minute meeting with a Career Mentor is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop-in topics include: Resume & Cover Letter Review, Resume & Cover Letter Writing, Viking Score Overview, LinkedIn Headshot Photo, or Career Resources Overview.
  • Resume Appointments
    Whether you need guidance on how to create a resume using our new AI Resume Builder- SkillsFirst or you already have one and want it reviewed for improvement.  Schedule an appointment with a Career Mentor today.

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Brew Drop-In Hours

Need help with

We will have Career Mentors in the brew to assist with any of these things! Feel free to stop by for a quick question or sit down for a 10-15 minute appointment.

The Career Mentors will be …

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Meet with Sumita In The You Belong Here Lounge

Have questions about internships, graduate school, resumes, or anything career-related?!? 

Sumita will be in the You Belong Here Lounge on certain Tuesdays from 1 pm -2 pm throughout the Spring Semester to answer any and all of your questions!

Come …

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Why Business Cards Still Matter (And How to Get Yours)

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How to Write a Strong LinkedIn Headline & Profile Summary

Instead of just your job title, craft a headline that highlights your skills, interests, or what you’re currently seeking.

Tips for Writing a Strong LinkedIn Headline:

Highlight your role: Use your major or current title (e.g., intern, volunteer) to establish …

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Career Resources

How to Write a Strong LinkedIn Headline & Profile Summary

Instead of just your job title, craft a headline that highlights your skills, interests, or what you’re currently seeking.

Tips …

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Employment Tips for International Students

In addition to the tailored resources and advice below, international students should also refer to …

Resume Writing: Robots vs. Humans

When it  comes to resume writing, there are some key differences between a person and ChatGPT. While a person can provide …

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Explore occupations by career categories and pathways and use real time labor market data to power your decision making.

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Contact & Location

Phone
309-794-7339
Address

Olin Center
639 38th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201

Career Service Hours

Day of the week
Office is Open Drop-Ins (When Classes Are In Session)
Monday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Drop-in topics include:

  • Resume & Cover Letter Review
  • Resume & Cover Letter Writing
  • Viking Score Overview
  • LinkedIn Headshot Photo
  • Career Resources Overview