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Charles Duquette
How can you bring your resume to the top of the pile? How can you present yourself to prospective employers using the language they already speak inside their organization? This course will give you answers to those questions. You will learn how to convert a boring resume into a dynamic asset statement that conveys your talents in the language that an employer understands.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Identify the real purpose of a resume.
2. Identify relevant competencies for a position.
Read more
How can you bring your resume to the top of the pile? How can you present yourself to prospective employers using the language they already speak inside their organization? This course will give you answers to those questions. You will learn how to convert a boring resume into a dynamic asset statement that conveys your talents in the language that an employer understands.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Identify the real purpose of a resume.
2. Identify relevant competencies for a position.
Read more
How can you bring your resume to the top of the pile? How can you present yourself to prospective employers using the language they already speak inside their organization? This course will give you answers to those questions. You will learn how to convert a boring resume into a dynamic asset statement that conveys your talents in the language that an employer understands.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Identify the real purpose of a resume.
2. Identify relevant competencies for a position.
3. Adapt your resumes to Applicant Tracking Systems (resume screening software).
4. Write powerful and convincing accomplishment statements using your accomplishments inventory to strategically assemble the most relevant evidence of competency for a specific position.
5. Use the resume skills tier method to strengthen your resume.
6. Write summary sections and objective statements aligned to a job position.
7. Take advantage of web resources to find power language for your resume.
8. Produce a strong resume in a format that is suitable both to your background and the position you're interested in.
9. Produce strong cover letters that use A.I.D.A. to help you achieve your career goals.
10. Produce effective follow-up letters that help you stand out from the competition.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/3efuj6/writing
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What's inside
Syllabus
Preparing to Write
In this module, you'll learn to how position your resume to a specific marketing purpose, how to align your resume with the specific needs of the hiring organization, and how to ensure your resume ranks high on the relevancy scales used by top-notch organizations today.
Read more
Syllabus
Preparing to Write
In this module, you'll learn to how position your resume to a specific marketing purpose, how to align your resume with the specific needs of the hiring organization, and how to ensure your resume ranks high on the relevancy scales used by top-notch organizations today.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches modern resume writing skills, which are core skills for career development
Taught by Charles Duquette, who is recognized for their work in career development
Examines resume writing strategies, which are critical in today's job market
Develops hands-on skills through accomplishment statements, a standard in resume writing
Covers advanced resume skills, such as choosing a format, which are useful for career advancement
Explores resume writing for OCR engines, which is important for electronic job applications
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Reviews summary
Practical guide to resumes and cover letters
According to learners, this course offers highly practical and actionable guidance for creating effective job application materials. Students particularly praise the step-by-step approach to writing powerful accomplishment statements and the detailed insights on tailoring resumes to specific job descriptions and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The section on crafting compelling cover and follow-up letters is also frequently highlighted as beneficial. While some found the course most valuable for beginners or those needing a comprehensive refresh, many reported gaining specific techniques to significantly improve their existing documents. Overall, it's seen as providing a solid and modern foundation for enhancing job search success.
Especially helpful for those starting out.
"As a beginner in the job search, this course built a solid foundation for me."
"If you haven't written many resumes before, this course is perfect."
"Experienced job seekers might find some parts basic, but it's a good refresher."
Provides structure for effective letters.
"The A.I.D.A. framework for cover letters was easy to understand and apply."
"My cover letters feel much more strategic and persuasive now."
"Appreciated the guidance on not just cover letters but also follow-up communication."
Strong guidance on writing impact-focused points.
"The module on accomplishment statements was a game-changer for me."
"Learning to quantify my achievements really helped make my resume stronger."
"I finally understand how to showcase my results instead of just listing duties."
Helps adapt documents for modern hiring.
"Understanding how to tailor my resume for ATS was invaluable in today's job market."
"The tips on using keywords and formatting for screening software were very useful."
"I feel more confident my application will get noticed by recruiters and machines."
Provides concrete steps for improving documents.
"I got immediate, practical steps that I could implement right away on my resume."
"This course isn't just theory; it gives you actionable strategies to use."
"Learning the specific techniques made a huge difference in how I approached my applications."
Applying concepts takes time and dedication.
"Be ready to put in the work; you need to rewrite your own documents extensively."
"The course gives you the tools, but applying them effectively requires effort on your part."
"It's not a passive course; you actively have to use the lessons to see results."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters with these
activities:
Collect Resume Writing Resources
Show steps
Gather a collection of helpful resources, such as resume templates, online tools, and professional resume writing services.
Browse courses on
Online Tools
Show steps
-
Search for reputable resume writing websites and download free resources like templates and guides.
-
Explore online tools like resume builders and keyword optimizers.
-
Research professional resume writing services and consider their offerings.
Review Job Posting and Responsibilities
Show steps
Begin by reviewing specific job postings and industry standards for roles you are targeting. This will better inform your understanding of employer expectations and the language they use.
Browse courses on
Resume Writing
Show steps
-
Read and analyze 5-7 job postings that align with your career goals.
-
Identify and note common keywords, skills, and requirements listed in the job postings.
-
Research industry trends and best practices for resume writing in your field.
Creating Accomplishment Statements
Show steps
Practice writing concise and impactful accomplishment statements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will help you effectively showcase your skills and quantify your achievements.
Show steps
-
Gather and organize your relevant experiences and accomplishments.
-
Use the STAR method to develop a draft of 5-7 accomplishment statements for your resume.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Personalized Resume Development
Show steps
Utilize the skills and knowledge gained in this course to create a strong, tailored resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and career goals.
Browse courses on
Job Application
Show steps
-
Select an appropriate resume template or use a professional resume writing service.
-
Craft a compelling resume summary and objective statement.
-
Create 7-10 impactful accomplishment statements using the STAR method.
-
Proofread and edit your resume carefully for errors and inconsistencies.
-
Tailor your resume to each specific job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Cover Letter and Follow-Up Email
Show steps
Create a professional cover letter and a follow-up email that complements your resume and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position.
Browse courses on
Cover Letter
Show steps
-
Review the job posting and identify the key requirements and responsibilities.
-
Craft a cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience, using specific examples to demonstrate your fit for the role.
-
Compose a follow-up email expressing your continued interest in the position and inquiring about the status of your application.
Networking and Informational Interviews
Show steps
Connect with professionals in your field and schedule informational interviews for networking and knowledge gathering.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Identify potential contacts through LinkedIn, industry events, and professional organizations.
-
Prepare questions to ask during informational interviews.
-
Reach out to contacts via email or LinkedIn to schedule informational interviews.
Submit and Track Job Applications
Show steps
Actively apply for job openings that align with your career goals and track your progress to stay organized and motivated.
Browse courses on
Job Application
Show steps
-
Create a spreadsheet or use a job tracking tool to keep a record of the positions you apply for.
-
Monitor your job applications regularly and follow up with potential employers as appropriate.
-
Use the STAR method to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job application.
Refine Resume with Professional Feedback
Show steps
Seek feedback on your resume from professionals in your field, career counselors, or online platforms to enhance its effectiveness.
Browse courses on
Professional Development
Show steps
-
Submit your resume for review to career counselors at your university or online platforms.
-
Attend resume review workshops or webinars hosted by industry professionals.
-
Join online communities or forums to connect with professionals and ask for feedback.
Collect Resume Writing Resources
Show steps
Gather a collection of helpful resources, such as resume templates, online tools, and professional resume writing services.
Browse courses on
Online Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable resume writing websites and download free resources like templates and guides.
- Explore online tools like resume builders and keyword optimizers.
- Research professional resume writing services and consider their offerings.
Review Job Posting and Responsibilities
Show steps
Begin by reviewing specific job postings and industry standards for roles you are targeting. This will better inform your understanding of employer expectations and the language they use.
Browse courses on
Resume Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and analyze 5-7 job postings that align with your career goals.
- Identify and note common keywords, skills, and requirements listed in the job postings.
- Research industry trends and best practices for resume writing in your field.
Creating Accomplishment Statements
Show steps
Practice writing concise and impactful accomplishment statements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will help you effectively showcase your skills and quantify your achievements.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather and organize your relevant experiences and accomplishments.
- Use the STAR method to develop a draft of 5-7 accomplishment statements for your resume.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Personalized Resume Development
Show steps
Utilize the skills and knowledge gained in this course to create a strong, tailored resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and career goals.
Browse courses on
Job Application
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select an appropriate resume template or use a professional resume writing service.
- Craft a compelling resume summary and objective statement.
- Create 7-10 impactful accomplishment statements using the STAR method.
- Proofread and edit your resume carefully for errors and inconsistencies.
- Tailor your resume to each specific job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Cover Letter and Follow-Up Email
Show steps
Create a professional cover letter and a follow-up email that complements your resume and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position.
Browse courses on
Cover Letter
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the job posting and identify the key requirements and responsibilities.
- Craft a cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience, using specific examples to demonstrate your fit for the role.
- Compose a follow-up email expressing your continued interest in the position and inquiring about the status of your application.
Networking and Informational Interviews
Show steps
Connect with professionals in your field and schedule informational interviews for networking and knowledge gathering.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential contacts through LinkedIn, industry events, and professional organizations.
- Prepare questions to ask during informational interviews.
- Reach out to contacts via email or LinkedIn to schedule informational interviews.
Submit and Track Job Applications
Show steps
Actively apply for job openings that align with your career goals and track your progress to stay organized and motivated.
Browse courses on
Job Application
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a spreadsheet or use a job tracking tool to keep a record of the positions you apply for.
- Monitor your job applications regularly and follow up with potential employers as appropriate.
- Use the STAR method to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job application.
Refine Resume with Professional Feedback
Show steps
Seek feedback on your resume from professionals in your field, career counselors, or online platforms to enhance its effectiveness.
Browse courses on
Professional Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Submit your resume for review to career counselors at your university or online platforms.
- Attend resume review workshops or webinars hosted by industry professionals.
- Join online communities or forums to connect with professionals and ask for feedback.
Career center
Learners who complete Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Resume Reviewer
Resume Reviewer
Resume Reviewers evaluate resumes and cover letters to determine a candidate's qualifications for a job opening. This course can provide you with the skills needed to write effective resumes and cover letters, and can give you insights into what employers are looking for in candidates.
Job Search Consultant
Job Search Consultant
Job Search Consultants provide guidance and support to individuals seeking employment. This course can help you develop the skills needed to write effective resumes and cover letters, and can provide you with insights into the job market.
Recruiter
Recruiter
Recruiters source, screen, and interview candidates for job openings. This course can help you develop the skills needed to write effective job postings, screen resumes, and conduct interviews.
Career Services Counselor
Career Services Counselor
Career Services Counselors provide career guidance and support to students and alumni. This course can help you develop the skills needed to write effective resumes and cover letters, and can provide you with insights into the job market.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Talent Acquisition Specialists are responsible for identifying and attracting top talent to a company. This course can teach you how to write a compelling resume and cover letter, and provide you with insights into what employers are looking for in candidates
Career Counselor
Career Counselor
As a Career Counselor, you help clients research careers, write resumes and cover letters, and develop job search strategies. This course can help you stay up-to-date on the latest resume and cover letter writing trends, and provide you with the skills to effectively guide your clients.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
As a Human Resources Manager, you are in charge of talent acquisition and retention, including resume screening and reviewing. This course can provide you with an in-depth understanding of how to write effective resumes and cover letters, which is essential for attracting top talent to your organization.
Outplacement Consultant
Outplacement Consultant
Outplacement Consultants provide career transition services to individuals who have been laid off or are seeking a new job. This course can help you develop the skills needed to help your clients write effective resumes and cover letters, and can provide you with insights into the job market.
Employment Specialist
Employment Specialist
Employment Specialists provide job search assistance to individuals with disabilities. This course can teach you how to write a resume and cover letter that highlights a client's skills and abilities, and how to effectively advocate for them in the job market
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. This course will help you develop the skills needed to assist clients in writing effective resumes and cover letters.
Career Coach
Career Coach
As a Career Coach, you guide and advise clients through career planning, resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation. This course may be useful for demonstrating how to help clients write winning resumes and cover letters.
Job Developer
Job Developer
Job Developers work with individuals with disabilities to help them find and keep jobs. This course can teach you how to write a resume and cover letter that highlights your clients' skills and abilities, and how to effectively advocate for them in the job market.
Placement Officer
Placement Officer
Placement Officers assist students and alumni with finding jobs and internships. This course can help you stay up-to-date on the latest resume and cover letter writing trends, and provide you with the skills to effectively guide your clients.
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisors provide guidance and support to students on academic and career planning. This course can help you develop the skills needed to assist students in writing effective resumes and cover letters, and can provide you with insights into the job market.
Resume Writer
Resume Writer
In a Resume Writer role, you will help prepare and edit resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles for clients seeking employment. This course may be useful for showing you how to write an effective resume and cover letter, which you can use to advise your clients.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3efuj6/writing
Reading list
We've selected 19 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters.
Offers guidance on writing cover letters that stand out from the crowd and help you get noticed by potential employers. It provides tips on how to craft a compelling cover letter that highlights your skills and experience, and how to tailor your cover letter to specific job openings.
Save
Takes a comprehensive approach to resume writing, covering everything from formatting and layout to content and language. It provides detailed instructions on how to write a resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light, and how to tailor your resume to specific job openings.
Save
Comprehensive guide to resume writing for all job seekers. It includes tips on how to write a strong resume that will get you noticed by potential employers.
Provides a comprehensive guide to resume writing for all job seekers. It includes tips on how to write a strong resume that will get you noticed by potential employers.
Comprehensive guide to resume writing for all job seekers. It includes tips on how to write a strong resume that will get you noticed by potential employers.
Provides practical advice on how to write a resume and cover letter that will get you noticed by potential employers. It includes tips on how to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for.
Provides a comprehensive guide to job hunting. It includes tips on how to write a resume, cover letter, and prepare for an interview.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing resumes and cover letters in a stylish and professional manner. It covers everything from choosing the right font to using white space effectively, and includes tips on how to create documents that will stand out from the crowd.
Provides a comprehensive guide to job hunting and career planning. It includes tips on how to identify your strengths, develop your skills, and find a job that good fit for you.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing resumes and cover letters for dummies. It covers everything from choosing the right format to writing compelling content, and includes tips on how to tailor your resume to specific job openings.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to career planning for college students. It includes tips on how to choose a major, find internships, and prepare for a career after graduation.
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to career planning. It includes tips on how to assess your interests, skills, and values, and find a career that good fit for you.
Save
Provides a personality test to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. It also includes tips on how to find a career that good fit for your personality.
Provides a strengths assessment to help you identify your top five strengths. It also includes tips on how to use your strengths to find a career that good fit for you.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing resumes for the complete idiot. It covers everything from choosing the right format to writing compelling content, and includes tips on how to tailor your resume to specific job openings.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing resumes and cover letters. It covers everything from choosing the right format to writing compelling content, and includes tips on how to tailor your resume to specific job openings.
Provides a framework for personal and professional success. It includes tips on how to be more productive, effective, and fulfilled.
Save
Provides a new perspective on success. It argues that success is not about talent, but about mindset. People with a growth mindset believe that they can improve their abilities through hard work and dedication.
Save
Provides practical advice on writing cover letters that get results. It covers everything from choosing the right format to writing compelling content, and includes tips on how to tailor your cover letter to specific job openings.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3efuj6/writing
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 1-3 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Maryland, College Park
Instructor
Charles Duquette
Language
English
Transcripts
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آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Interviewing and Resume Writing in English. It's comprised of five courses:
- Advanced Interviewing Techniques
- Interview Research and Preparation
- Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters (viewing)
- Successful Interviewing
- How To Land the Job You Want (Capstone Project)
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