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.
  • 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.
  • The PAR Method
    The PAR Method is an easy to use formula for creating bulleted action word phrases.

Resume 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.

J-term meetings are by appointment only. Please schedule through Handshake.

  • 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

Meet the Mentor Monday

Each week we will be highlighting a different Career Mentor!

This week: Brian Thomas

Brian is an English major here at Augustana, with a focus on pre-law. His favorite thing about Augie is the Thomas Tredway Library. A fun fact …

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
Read more

So What Is Viking Score?!?!

Click to see what each step of Viking Score consists of and what activities are associated with each stage!

Make an appointment with a Career Mentor OR Career Coach to get your Viking Score journey started!!

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
Read more

Meet the Mentor Monday

Each week we will be highlighting each of our Career Mentors!

First up is Paige Rodge!!

Paige is a Psychology & SOAN major here at Augustana. Her favorite thing about Augie is when the trees turn beautiful colors in the …

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
Read more

International Student Resources

Employment Tips for International Students

In addition to the tailored resources and advice below, international students should also refer to the “Make It Happen Checklist” designed for all students.

Read more

Career Development & Vocation: Drop-in Hours

Beginning Monday, September 25 students can drop-in to Career Development & Vocation, Olin Center 110 for a 10-15 minute meeting with a Career Mentor.

By Laura Kestner-Ricketts
Laura Kestner-Ricketts Executive Director, Career and Professional Development
Read more

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 …

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

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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