Resumes and Cover Letters

Resumes and cover letters are typically the first impression an employer will perceive of you. It’s best to market yourself in a position that clearly articulates your abilities and experiences in a professional and well-written manner.  

Resumes

The purpose of a resume is to help land you an interview (not land you straight into a job) – so use vibrant action verbs, numbers, and elaborate on accomplishments to motivate an employer to contact you! View our step-by-step resume writing guide and constructing bullet points handout.

Sample resumes

La Salle Resume-Erika Explorer (PDF)

La Salle Resume – Erika Explorer (Word Document)

Sample Resumes by Major:

Undergraduate

Graduate

Alumni

Resume writing tips

  • Resumes should always be one page in length.
  • Use exciting action verbs that catch the reader’s attention.
  • Objective statements are outdated and not needed on a resume.
  • Summaries are not necessary on a resume as an undergraduate student.
  • Name your saved resume file an appropriate name such as, “Last Name_First Name Resume”.
  • Use numbers and percentages when possible.

Cover Letters

Elaborate on your resume and skills by writing a cover letter that highlights two to three specific reasons you are a great fit for the role. Cover letters are always personalized and tailored to the role or employer to which you are applying. View our cover letter writing guide.

Cover letter writing tips

  • Write a new, unique cover letter for each position that you apply to.
  • Always address your cover letter to a specific person. To find out the hiring manager, call the organization, search LinkedIn, or ask a connection in your network  if they know of a name (the Career Center, faculty member, or someone else may be able to assist).
  • Write about what YOU have to offer the company – what do YOU bring to the table?
  • Research the company. Write about how you connect to the company’s mission, vision, values, community outreach, etc.
  • Add some personality while also keeping it professional.
  • Always write a cover letter with a specific job description in front of you.