Get one step closer to your dream job by crafting a resume and cover letter that not only showcase your personality, but also tell the hiring manager why you'd be a great fit for the job. In this presentation, we offer step-by-step guidance on how to stand out by telling your story and offer examples of resumes and cover letters from successful job seekers.

1. HOW
TO
WRITE
A
WINNING
RESUME
AND
COVER
LETTER
STAND
OUT
B Y
T E L L ING
YOUR
S T O R Y
PRESENTED
BY:
ASHLEY
PUTNAM
FOR
IDEALIST
CAREERS
@IDEALISTCAREERS
|
IDEALISTCAREERS.ORG

2. ASHLEY
PUTNAM
Fellowship
Director,
The
Work
First
FoundaKon
Contributor,
Idealist
Careers
@stwcareers
@AshleyAPutnam
Ø Ashley
has
worked
for
5+
years
recruiKng
staff
for
domesKc
and
internaKonal
organizaKons
aimed
at
finding
effecKve
soluKons
to
poverty.
She
currently
serves
as
Fellowship
Director
for
The
Work
First
FoundaKon,
where
she
manages
a
program
that
connects
young
professionals
with
work
in
urban
poverty
and
public
policy.
Ashley
began
her
work
in
career
counseling
at
America
Works,
where
she
counseled
low-­‐income
clients
on
resume
wriKng
and
job
search
in
New
York.
She
later
worked
as
Community
Engagement
Manager
for
Mercado
Global
in
Guatemala,
where
she
organized
internship
programs
and
oversaw
private
fundraising.
Ashley
graduated
from
Barnard
College
in
2006
with
a
B.A.
in
Anthropology.
Read
more
of
Ashley’s
career
Kps
and
advice
at
savetheworld-­‐careers.tumblr.com
or
follow
her
on
twi]er
@stwcareers

3. HOW
CAN
I
STAND
OUT?
Ø Recruiters
see
hundreds
of
candidates
for
each
posiKon
they
post
online.
Ø Your
resume
and
cover
le]er
should
tell
a
clear,
persuasive
story
about
why
you
are
the
best
candidate.

4. Analyze
the
job
descripKon
ObjecKves
Review
the
mission
statement
Map
out
your
story
Resume
Tips
Review,
edit
and
repeat
Cover
le]er
Kps

5. MAP
OUT
YOUR
STORY
Experience
Specific
skills
CapabiliCes
Career
path
Your
Career
Ideal
Candidate

6. BEFORE
YOU
APPLY

7. ANALYZE
THE
JOB
DESCRIPTION
Job
DescripCon
Mission/Overview
DuKes
QualificaKons

8. ANALYZE
THE
JOB
DESCRIPTION
Job
DescripCon
AcKon
verbs/DuKes
• What
would
you
actually
DO
at
this
job?
What
are
the
tasks
involved?
ParKcular
skills/knowledge
• Do
you
need
any
specific
hard
skills?
Language
fluency?
Computer
socware?
CapabiliKes
• What
do
they
expect
you
to
be
capable
of
learning?
What
soc
skills
can
you
infer
that
they
want?

9. REVIEW
THE
ORGANIZATION’S
MISSION
STATEMENT
Mission
Statement
Mission
and
vision
Current
projects
PrioriKes
and
needs

10. MAP
OUT
YOUR
STORY
Experience
Can
you
do
the
duKes
required?
Skills
Do
you
have
key
language,
computer
socware,
or
technical
skills?
CapabiliCes
Is
this
person
capable
of
learning
the
job?
Career
path
Why
do
you
want
this
job
and
why
should
I
want
you?
Your
Career
Ideal
Candidate
Map
Out
Your
Story

11. RESUME

12. USE
ACTION
VERBS
Good
Responsible
People
person
Experienced
EffecKve
Be]er
Supervised
product
distribuKon
Handled
high-­‐level
clients
and
managed
donor
relaKonships
Generated
weekly
reports
using
quanKtaKve
analysis
Examined
areas
of
weakness
and
proposed
soluKons
Resume
Tips

13. USE
NUMBERS
Good
I
recruited
volunteers
I
assisted
in
fundraising
events
I
managed
a
team
I
conducted
an
impact
assessment
Be]er
Recruited
over
150
volunteers
across
five
locaKons
Executed
two
major
fundraising
events
which
raised
over
$200,000
collecKvely
Managed
a
staff
of
four
people
and
two
part-­‐
Kme
assistants
Measured
program
impact
across
23
counKes
in
the
state
over
a
period
of
9
months
Resume
Tips

14. HIGHLIGHT
AREAS
YOU
WANT
TO
DRAW
ATTENTION
TO
Resume
Tips
Worked
in
the
field
previously
but
not
currently
working
there?
Ø Make
that
previous
posiKon
on
your
resume
longer
and
add
addiKonal
details
that
staff
will
appreciate.
Want
to
highlight
a
course
you
took
on
the
subject?
Ø Make
a
subsecKon
of
educaKon
called
“Relevant
Coursework”
or
“Previous
Research”
if
your
wrote
a
project
on
the
subject.
Does
the
job
require
internaConal
work
or
language
fluency?
Ø Add
a
secKon
on
“InternaKonal
Experience”
or
“Language
Skills”
that
describes
the
Kme
you
spent
abroad
or
language
experience.

15. Resume
Tips
KEEP
IT
CLEAN
FormaWng
maXers!
Ø Make
sure
everything
is
in
line
including
dates,
sub
headers,
and
Ktles.
Ø Be
consistent.
If
you
bold
a
company
name,
bold
every
company
name.
If
you
use
italics
on
a
job
descripKon,
use
italics
for
every
descripKon.
Ø The
visual
appeal
of
your
resume
keeps
you
looking
professional.

16. COVER
LETTER

17. Cover
LeXer
MAKE
AN
OUTLINE
Tips
I. IntroducKon
a. Summary
sentence
“I
have
the
experience,
skills
and
passion
necessary
to
be
an
ideal
candidate
for
this
posiKon.”
II. SupporKng
paragraph
one
a. Experience
b. Hard
skills
III. SupporKng
paragraph
two
a. CapabiliKes
b. Passion
IV. Conclusion

18. Cover
LeXer
GIVE
CONCRETE
EXAMPLES
Tips
People
skills
“I
developed
strong
interpersonal
skills
and
the
ability
to
work
with
teams
of
different
backgrounds
while
serving
as
a
Peace
Corps
member
in
Maldova.”
MulK-­‐tasking
“While
at
COMPANY
NAME,
I
juggled
administraKve
and
planning
tasks
on
and
learned
how
to
prioriKze
the
items
that
were
needed
immediately.”
Problem-­‐solving
“During
my
summer
internship
at
the
Department
of
EducaKon,
I
measured
the
impact
of
free
lunches
on
low-­‐income
children
and
proposed
ways
to
make
the
program
more
effecKve.”

19. WHY
DO
I
NEED
YOU?
Skills
• Needs
• Technical
Experience
• Prior
work
• Familiarity
with
industry
Passion
• Why
do
you
want
this?
Cover
LeXer
Tips
Skills
Experience
Passion

20. DRAW
YOUR
PATH
Experience
Can
you
do
the
duKes
required?
Skills
Do
you
have
key
language,
computer
socware,
or
technical
skills?
CapabiliCes
Is
this
person
capable
of
learning
the
job?
Career
path
Why
do
you
want
this
job
and
why
should
I
want
you?
Your
Career
Ideal
Candidate
Cover
leXer
Cps

21. TIE
Cover
LeXer
YOUR
STORY
TO
MISSION
Tips
My mission
=
your mission

22. Cover
LeXer
AVOID
Tips
GrammaKcal
errors
Run-­‐on
sentences
Gimmicks
Veering
off
topic
✗
✗
✗
✗

23. Cover
LeXer
A
GOOD
STORY
Tips
• Clear
• Persuasive
• Relevant
• Concise

24. Analyze
the
job
descripKon
ObjecKves
Review
the
mission
statement
Map
out
your
story
Resume
Tips
Review,
edit
and
repeat
Cover
le]er
Kps

25. MAP
OUT
YOUR
STORY
Experience
Can
you
do
the
duKes
required?
Skills
Do
you
have
key
language,
computer
socware,
or
technical
skills?
CapabiliCes
Is
this
person
capable
of
learning
the
job?
Career
path
Why
do
you
want
this
job
and
why
should
I
want
you?
Your
Career
Ideal
Candidate
Map
Out
Your
Story

26. KEEP
IN
TOUCH
Ø Job
openings
Ø Resume
and
cover
le]er
consulKng
Ø More
advice
online
Ashley
Putnam
Fellowship
Director
The
Work
First
FoundaKon
savetheworldcareers@gmail.com
@stwcareers
@AshleyAPutnam

27. This
is
a
real
job
ad.
The
resume
and
cover
letter
that
follow
were
written
for
this
job.
Corporate
Representative
America
Works
of
New
York
is
a
social
service
agency
with
location
through
the
country.
Working
with
‘hard-­‐to-­‐serve’
clients
we
have
successfully
matched
candidates
with
ideal
positions
since
1984.
Job
Description:
The
Corporate
Representative
is
responsible
for
assisting
in
the
development
and
implementation
of
participant
programs,
including
coordination
of
routine
functions
for
skills
training
and
evaluation
services.
This
includes
administering
and
scoring
tests,
job
coaching,
documentation
and
report
writing.
The
Corporate
Representative
reports
to
the
Director
of
Operations.
Duties
include,
but
are
not
limited
to:
• Actively
participate
in
the
development
and
implementation
of
evaluation
and
work
adjustment
program
plans,
including
administration
of
curriculum
and
scoring
of
testing.
• Complete
all
necessary
documentation
and
paperwork
and
assist
in
report
writing,
including
timely
feedback
to
Pre-­‐Employment
Specialists,
Corp
Representatives
and
Employers.
• Assist
in
the
development
and
implementation
of
appropriate
modifications.
• Provide
vocational
and
skills
training
to
participants.
• Establish
and
maintain
a
good
working
relationship
between
Vendors
and
referral
sources,
employers
and
community
training
sites,
providing
appropriate
feedback
and
recommendations
to
participants
and
referral
sources.
• Serve
as
a
significant
role
model
for
effective
and
appropriate
work
behaviors,
procedures
and
practices.
Act
as
a
liaison
and
advocate
for
participants.
• Conduct
job
analysis,
task
analysis,
and
time
studies
as
needed.
Requirements:
• Degree
in
Human
Services
or
related
fields
such
as
Psychology,
Sociology,
Education
required.
Master's
degree
in
these
disciplines
preferred.
• Require
a
minimum
of
two
years
direct
service
experience
working
with
people
with
conducting
employment
and
training
programs.
• Ability
to
relate
to
participants,
referral
sources,
and
employers
in
a
manner
that
is
respectful
and
professional.
• Must
have
good
problem
solving
skills
and
a
creative
approach
to
training.
• Travel
may
be
required
within
the
5
Boroughs.
• Knowledge
of
Salesforce,
Efforts
to
Outcomes
(ETO)
and
NYCWAY
systems.
• Bilingual
(Spanish,
Mandarin,
Russian)
a
plus.

28. Justin A. Jones
* This is an example of a resume and cover letter that are
tailored to the previous job description.
Education NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service New York, NY
Master of Public Administration, May 2012
Specialization: International Public Policy and Non-Profit Management
Coursework: Managing Public Service Organizations, Program Analysis & Evaluation, Financial
Management, Policy Formation
BOSTON UNIVERSITY, College of Communication Boston, MA
Bachelor of Arts, Communications and Sociology, May 2003 (Summa Cum Laude)
Experience
9/2011–6/2012
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
President of the Student Government and Council
New York, NY
Advocated on behalf of approximately 960 students and 23 student groups as their primary
representative to the faculty and administration
Managed a staff overseeing all aspects of student engagement and the $18,000 budget allocation
Supervised the planning / execution of several large-scale events, with upwards of 300 participants
Developed a Volunteer Corps focused on community service, via clothing and book drives,
volunteerism at a local homeless shelter, and activism/awareness campaigns for Earth Day 2012
Spearheaded the Wagner Climate Coalition--twelve different student groups examining climate
change through various prisms--sponsoring over a dozen events with upwards of 150 participants
Led a graduate-student inclusive philanthropy campaign, garnering a 73% response rate from the
graduating class—the highest in the school’s history
8/2011–12/2011 Teaching Colleague to Charles Brecher, Professor of Public and Health Administration
Handpicked to assist in all aspects of instruction in a core course on public policy analysis: lesson
planning / presentation, classroom management, online course content, and student evaluation
6/2011–8/2011 Research Assistant to Paul Light, Professor of Public Service and Management
Worked on a project designed to assist the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development in Abu Dhabi,
a $135,000~ initiative promoting social and sustainable entrepreneurship in Arab-majority countries
Researched methodologies for measuring social-return-on-investments (SROI), integrating them
into a framework for assessing effectiveness of specific SROI measures
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
9/2007–12/2009 Capabilities Project Manager, Combat Development Command Quantico, VA
Regularly advised top-level decision makers on communication capabilities and future needs
Led research and development teams in authoring several high-level documents under deadline
6/2007–9/2007 Executive Officer, Service Company, 7th Communication Battalion Okinawa, Japan
Selected as Chief of Staff over peers and higher ranking officers, planning and supervising the
training and logistics for approximately 200 Marines while managing over $100 million in equipment
5/2006–6/2007 Action Officer, Multi-National Force Iraq Communication Information Systems Iraq
Implemented a $600,000 project to provide the Government of Iraq’s national operations
with state-of-the-art audio, visual and communications capabilities
Handpicked to lead a six-member team installing systems to improve convoy communications and
reduce emergency medevac response time throughout the country, achieving mission success
without casualties or loss of equipment
Successfully planned and conducted more than 15 major communications projects, which included
supervising the installation of the video-teleconferencing apparatus for the Saddam Hussein trial
11/2005–4/2006 Marine Liaison, American Embassy Manila, Philippines
Coordinated communications and threat-assessments with the embassy’s Political-Military section
during a state emergency, and assisted with relief efforts during the Southern Leyte natural disaster
12/2004–11/2005
05/2003–12/2009
Platoon Commander, 7th Communication Battalion Japan/South Korea/Thailand/Australia
Led a 40-Marine team that provided voice, video, and data communications support for upwards of
three-dozen disparate units and 4,000 end-users in multiple exercises throughout Southeast Asia
On short-notice reassignment, supervised personnel logistics, facilitated ground support operations,
and assisted with threat-assessments for approximately 12,600 personnel during a large-scale
disaster relief mission (Operation Unified Assistance for the Indian Ocean Tsunami)
Numerous awards include: The Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Operation Iraqi Freedom
Medal, the Humanitarian Assistance Medal (twice), and the Korean National Defense Medal
Skills STATA, SPSS, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Earth, SharePoint. Level II (Secret) Security Clearance

29. Justin A. Jones
23 Oct 2012
America Works of New York, Inc.
228 East 45th Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am writing in response to the Corporate Representative job-posting for America Works, a position
brought to my attention by Leah Vinton, a former classmate at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School
of Public Service. As a Master of Public Administration graduate with extensive experience in project
management, program evaluation, strategic and interpersonal communications, and organizational
teambuilding and leadership, I am ideally qualified to advance your organization’s important work. And
as a highly skilled yet unemployed veteran myself, I am uniquely suited to empathize and work with your
target clientele.
In this prolonged economic recession, America Works is performing (and excelling) in the critically
important mission to put some of our country’s most vulnerable populations back to work. Finding
private-sector jobs for a steadily growing segment of the American populace is undoubtedly fraught with
challenge. I am no stranger to working proactively and effectively in fast-paced and high-pressure work-environments.
As a former Marine officer with multiple deployments in combat and disaster-relief
operations in Asia and the Middle East, I planned and managed over two dozen operations to ensure
mission success under deadline, served as the Chief of Staff for approximately 200 Marines, and
coordinated efforts with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Often tasked as the spokesperson for higher-ranking
officers, I am well acquainted with conference planning and oral presentation—communicating
to, coordinating with, and conveying updates for high-profile individuals—whether in written
correspondence or public speaking. The frenetic and often chaotic exercises and deployments I
operated in taught me to cultivate a meticulous attention to detail, and my frequent leadership roles
provided ample opportunity to mentor promising Marines under my charge.
As the President of my graduate school’s student association, I strengthened these skills, working with
23 other student groups to identify advocacy goals, discover shared opportunities, resolve conflicts, and
oversee various student programs’ implementation. Likewise, I enrolled in classes that gave me new
strengths in program analysis—from inceptions to outcomes—financial management, and data based
tracking and evaluation.
America Works is spearheading a promising model of personalized service and public-private
collaboration—a model that other social enterprises would do well to emulate. With my strong
managerial experience, proven mentoring and interpersonal skills, communications aptitude, and
academic distinction, I would be an invaluable asset to your team. I have enclosed my resume for your
review, and I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my background and relevant qualifications in
person.
Sincerely,
Justin Jones

30. This resume emphasizes international experience by including an “international experience”
section and including more information about her work at Mercado Global.
A S H L E Y P U T N A M
1 4 2 5 P S TREET NW | WASHINGTON, DC | 2 0 0 0 5
WORK EXPERIENCE
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development June –August 2014
Research Utilization | Washington, D.C.
§ published research articles regarding housing and community development for the department’s online
publication: The Edge Magazine
The Work First Foundation Jan 2013 – June 2014
Fellowship Director | New York, NY
§ managed public policy fellowship program which focuses on issues of urban poverty and public policy
through direct service and research; recruited and supervised eight fellows across five locations
§ oversaw eight research projects relevant to the mission of the foundation; responsible for proposal, survey
tools, quantitative or qualitative method of study, data analysis, and presentation of findings
Mercado Global Aug 2011 - Dec 2012
Community Engagement Manager | Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala
§ oversaw relationships with private investors to provide income, business development and market access to
indigenous women in rural areas of Guatemala
§ supervised annual social impact survey; assessed artisan income, financial literacy, food security, health care
access and overall success of organization goals
§ connected with retail partners and development organizations to promote Mercado’s model of building
rural women entrepreneurs and leveraging the fashion industry to have a sustainable impact
§ partnered with Dining for Women, Echoing Green, the Guatemalan Department of Economic
Development., and the Clinton Global Imitative; procured a $70,000 grant for HIV/AIDS training
§ recruited and directed summer internship program; managed relationships with partner institutions to seek
summer interns; oversaw volunteer experience for 8 week program in Guatemala
Berlitz Language School Oct 2007 - Sept 2008
Instructional Supervisor | Santa Barbara, CA
§ hired and trained teachers for Berlitz Kids, Immerse and Converse, and semi-private instruction
§ managed over 30 instructors and 50 language programs, including Spanish, Portugese and Indonesian;
coordinated classes and schedules, including all after-school programs
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Buenos Aires, Argentina January 2014
§ studied the intersection of social work and public policy in the context of Buenos Aires
Istanbul, Turkey July 2011
§ attended the International Association of Conflict Management annual conference
Valledupar, Colombia May 2010
§ participated in exchange program at la Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina
Seville, Spain Aug 2006-July 2007
§ conducted ethnographic research on North African migrant laborers and urban space for migrants
Dhrangandra, Gujarat, India July-August 2004
§ conducted field study on the separation of gender in Swaminarayan temples in northern Gujarati villages
EDUCATION
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service | New York, NY Sept 2013- May 2015
Master’s in Public Administration: International Non-Profit Management
Barnard College of Columbia University | New York, NY Aug 2002 - May 2006
B.A. Anthropology and Psychology, Magna Cum Laude
SKILLS
Technical: Microsoft Office; Adobe Photoshop; Donor Perfect; Raiser’s Edge; Salesforce; Constant Contact
Language: Read, write and speak fluent Spanish

31. This resume emphasizes education and research experience by including a “research” section and
placing education credentials at the top.
A S H L E Y P U T N A M
1 4 2 5 P S TREET NW | WASHINGTON, DC | 2 0 0 0 5
EDUCATION
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service | New York, NY Sept 2013- May 2015
Master’s in Public Administration: International Non-Profit Management
Barnard College of Columbia University | New York, NY Aug 2002 - May 2006
B.A. Anthropology and Psychology, Magna Cum Laude
RESEARCH
From Political Commitments to Collective Action: Strategy recommendations to improve migrant worker rights in Qatar
surrounding the 2022 World Cup. (May 2014)
Budget and amendments to the Supplementary Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP): Memorandum to the U.S.
House and Senate Agricultural Committee. (November 2013)
WORK EXPERIENCE
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development June –August 2014
Research Utilization | Washington, D.C.
§ Analyzed research regarding housing and community development for HUD User’s biweekly publication:
The Edge Magazine Online
§ Translated policy initiatives for various stakeholders in housing provision and community building; covered
topics including Moving to Opportunities, Promise Zones, measurements of teacher evaluation, bulk
purchasing for solar energy, and other areas of urban policy research
The Work First Foundation Jan 2013 – June 2014
Fellowship Director | New York, NY
§ managed public policy fellowship program which focuses on issues of urban poverty and public policy
through direct service and research
§ oversaw eight research projects relevant to the mission of the foundation; responsible for proposal, survey
tools, quantitative or qualitative method of study, data analysis, and presentation of findings
§ coordinated time sheets, pay roll, paid leave, and weekly responsibilities for eight fellows across five offices.
Established professional development goals and provided feedback.
§ researched issues including housing programs for individuals leaving the shelter system, employment trends
for ex-offenders and employment-focused literacy for adults without a high school equivalency.
Mercado Global Aug 2011 - Dec 2012
Community Engagement Manager | Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala
§ supervised annual social impact survey; assessed artisan income, financial literacy, food security, health care
access and overall success of organization goals
§ oversaw marketing of impact study; researched policies regarding women and social entrepreneurship in the
developing world; present findings in proposal for United Nations and Clinton Global Initiative
America Works, Inc. May 2009 - July 2011
Corporate Representative | New York, NY
§ coordinated with city agencies, such as New York City Housing Authority and Department of Sanitation, to
help individuals who were living below the poverty level become self-sufficient through employment
§ built and managed a program of over 900 public housing residents through partnerships with Resident
Employment Services and outreach conducted in Brooklyn, Bronx, and Manhattan housing sites
§ guided clients in resume writing, interview etiquette, and job search; developed individualized employability
plans; provided referrals for emergency housing, interview attire, childcare, and legal counsel
§ met with executive-level staff from housing authority and the Human Resources Administration to provide
quarterly updates on NYCHA program; proposed improvements for outreach and increased participation
SKILLS
Technical: Microsoft Office; Adobe Photoshop; Donor Perfect; Raiser’s Edge; Salesforce; Constant Contact
Language: Read, write and speak fluent Spanish

32. This is an example of a poorly formatted resume.
James Smith
12 Main Street · New York, NY · (212) 555-555 · jamessmith@aol.com
EDUCATION
New York State University, New York NY
Bachelor of Arts: May 2012
Major: English, Minor: Math
Computer Proficiencies: Microsoft Office Suite, Micro Case, SPSS
Strengths: Organized and able to work independently or as a team player
Reliable, hard working, adaptable
Experience working in both hands-on and office environments.
EXPERIENCE
Organizer, DOWNTOWN DISTRIBUTION, Brooklyn, NY 7/2014-Present
* Organize work load on a daily basis to enable timely completion of assigned tasks
* Ensure that invoices and paperwork are complete and accurate
* Installment and setup of promotional materials
* Delivery of products
Hostess, ANGELA’s DINER, New Haven, CT 8/2012-1/2014
Intern, INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DC, WASHINGTON, DC Summer 2013
* Worked directly with clients to assist them in finding employment and housing
* Created informational packets to familiarize clients with American society and culture
* Involved in designing a billboard to advertise the Institutes services
* Developed a cultural sensitivity training program for employees
* Assisted case workers with relaying information to clients regarding legal proceedings
Intern, Smith Manufacturing Firm, Westchester, NY Sept 2010- Jan 2012
* Worked directly with operations management
* Collected productivity data on almost thirty employees
* Assisted in projects to improve the safety and efficiency of production cells by creating floor layouts and
collecting suggestions from employees.
* Assisted in resolving a discrepancies between specifications and procedures
Assistant Operator, WESTFORD CORPORATION, Westford, CT 5/2004-8/2004
* Responsible for people operations, including initial setup following customer specifications
* Provided quality control to ensure consistency of product
* Mastered operations of multiple areas required different techniques for successful operations
SKILLS
Great at working with people, team player, good with hands
SPSS programming software, Mail Chimp, Social Media

33. This
is
an
example
of
a
cover
letter
written
by
someone
trying
to
break
into
a
field
where
they
have
little
experience.
August 13, 2014
Dear Sir or Madam:
I have over seven years of experience drafting and negotiating contracts in entertainment, licensing and
luxury brands. However, I have not been practicing law for three years, as your advertisement on
entertainmentcareers.net specified. I understand that I am not adhering to the letter of your request, but I
urge you not to stop reading.
I am extremely passionate about entertainment law; I have served as a paralegal with an entertainment
law firm, worked in film production, been a personal assistant to a film producer, worked in product
placement, and hold a B.F.A in Screenwriting. My work experience in entertainment was my impetus to
attend law school; a position with an entertainment law firm has been my goal ever since.
Moreover, I am a contracts nerd; after working with the entertainment law firm as a paralegal, I served as
the Senior Contracts Coordinator for a global brand licensing agency. I have since worked with
intellectual property contracts, employment contracts, settlement agreements, and non-disclosure
agreements, among others. I also served as a Teaching Assistant for the first year Contracts class during
my third year of law school. I can furnish multiple references attesting to my drafting skills and borderline
obsession with contract preparation and review.
Aside from my passion and my experience, I can offer other skills that cannot be taught. I have worked in
entertainment for several years and have a thorough understanding of the sensitivity and tact required to
successfully interact with clients in this industry. Currently, I am working with a boutique immigration
firm, handling visa and greencard matters for entertainment clients. Each interaction requires a delicate
balance of managing expectations, appropriate firm representation, and sound legal counsel. I am
entrusted with daily contact with our clients and handle communication with grace and professionalism.
Professional traits aside, I am a well-rounded individual with a sense of humor, rare attributes to be found
in the legal industry. I will also work three times as hard as any third year attorney who may apply for this
position. I would love to be part of your team.
Attached, please find my resume detailing my work experience. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Jen Mecum