Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are your first impression. Learn how to highlight your skills and stand out.
A strong resume and cover letter are essential for graduates entering today's job market. They showcase your qualifications and show your professionalism and attention to detail.
Resume basics
- Include only essential personal information: name, phone, professional email, city and province, and your LinkedIn link.
- List education and work experience in reverse order, starting with the most recent. Focus on roles relevant to your field, such as administrative or healthcare work.
- Use bullet points to clearly show skills and achievements that match the job posting.
Cover letter essentials
- Structure: an introduction (why you are a strong fit), a body (2 to 3 key skills or experiences) and a closing (thank them and show enthusiasm).
- Personalize: mention the company name and role, connect your skills to their needs, and show you have done your research.
- Keep it short: aim for one page, professional but personable. Address it to a specific person if you can.
Smart tips
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for every application. Use keywords from the job posting.
- Proofread for grammar and consistency, and ask a friend or advisor to review it.
- Use AI tools to polish your language, but always stay truthful.
- Practise explaining your resume in mock interviews.
Resume and Cover Letter Guide ↗
Need help? Book an appointment with Career Services for personal feedback on your resume, cover letter and job search. You can also explore Alberta's Employment and Training Services Directory for free resources.