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.
  • 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: 2:00 p.m.-4:00 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.

Featured Articles

Resume Writing Do’s and Don’ts

Looking for a job? Here are the do’s and don’ts to writing a great resume!

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Federal Job Search

Where do I go to apply for federal positions?

All federal jobs can be found on usajobs.gov

You may look on different departmental websites for specific positions, but will eventually be redirected to usajobs.gov for the application. Remember to use …

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Coming Out On Your Resume / Cover Letter / In an Interview

The Career Development and Vocation Office stand with those within the LGBTQIA+ community. We have created this resource to help students from this community better navigate their personal and professional life.

Human Rights Campaign – Advice and assistance for all …

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Schedule an Appointment

Career coaching is a student-centered partnership between student and career coach designed to assist the student in developing career management skills while meeting the student’s career and vocational goals.

Individual career coaching appointments are available to students and recent graduates …

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7 Skills to Set You Apart in the Remote Work Environment

The joys of working remotely — especially if you're lucky enough to work from home. Your commute from the bedroom to the living room, dining room, or wherever you've set up your home office takes seconds and you're ready to go.

By Firsthand
We help applicants, students, job-seekers and professionals like you find the right career path using the power of firsthand experiences.
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Sidebar

Career Resources

As a person with a disability, you may hesitate to look for work. You can be unsure whether or not …

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 …

Labor Market InsightsIn partnership withLightcast logo

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
Monday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Drop-in topics include:

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