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

5 RESUME MISTAKES TO AVOID

⚠️ Avoiding these common resume mistakes helps you make a strong impression on potential employers.

📍 Listing job duties instead of accomplishments
No, employers don’t need to know about what your previous job consists of. They need to know more than that. …

By Minh Nguyen
Minh Nguyen
Read more

CHECKLIST FOR A KILLER COVER LETTER

Did you know that writing a cover letter and having it reviewed by a career coach or a career mentor is equal to 4pts for the Viking Score? Take your cover letter and schedule an appointment with our coaches now!

By Minh Nguyen
Minh Nguyen
Read more

So You’re Looking For An Internship…

It is never too early to start your internship search! Check this out to see what your next steps are

Need help?!? Make an appointment with one of our Career Coaches TODAY!

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
Read more

Register Your Summer Internship!!

Do you have a Summer Internship coming up?!? Register it by JUNE 5th to get credit for your transcript AND to be eligible for Augie Choice!! Make an appointment to register it TODAY!!! #internship #reigisternow #augiechoice #june5

For more information …

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
Read more

LinkedIn PhotoBooth

Looking to get a professional headshot done?? Good news, you can come to CORE and get one for FREE!! Just make an appointment on Handshake and then come to your appointment with professional attire from the waist up!! It is …

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
Read more

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Employment Tips for International Students

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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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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