The purpose of the cover letter is to initiate communication with the employer, and in combination with the resume, to get an interview.

Transcription

1 The Cover letter You should always include a cover letter when you mail, fax, or hand deliver your resume to potential employers since it is the first thing the employee sees and reads. The purpose of the cover letter is to initiate communication with the employer, and in combination with the resume, to get an interview. The cover letter should be brief. In order to get the reader s attention, address the letter to a specific person such as the human resource director, or laboratory manager. Take time to research the company. Be sure to get the correct spelling and title of the person you are addressing the letter to. Content Your cover letter and resume are usually all a prospective employer has to decide whether you will reach the next phase in the application process. Once the employer decides you are a potential applicant, you will be called for an initial telephone interview or be called for an interview. The content of your cover letter should draw the reader s attention. In the first paragraph, you should state the job title that you are applying. If you have any personal contacts with the company, you may mention them there. Make sure the contacts are in good standing with the company. The body of your letter should consist of one to two short paragraphs that expand upon your qualifications for the position. Discuss how your background and experience qualify you for the position. Conclude your letter by requesting an interview (or some other response, if appropriate). State where you can be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview to supply further information. Close by thanking the reader for his or her time and consideration. Be sure to print the resume and cover letter on the same type of paper. Please refer to the enclosed guide sheets for samples of cover letters, power words, and an action verb list to help define your résumé and cover letter. 3

2 Sample Cover Letter Sally A. Student, R.T.(R) (ARRT) 3350 East Grant Road Tucson, Arizona June 10, 2009 Mr. Jay Edger, Clinical Manager Radiology Department Arizona Healthcare Zion Avenue, Suite 1505 Tucson, Arizona Dear Mr. Edger: Enclosed is my resume and application for the advertised position of Radiologic Technologist in the Arizona Standard Times on May 30, With over ten years of career progression and a proven record of success, I am exploring new opportunities in the radiology field. I am a loyal employee, with a long history of steady employment. I have extensive experience in customer service, as well as an attractive record of punctuality, and attendance. One of my strengths is my ability to create a positive and professional rapport with staff, as well as patients. As a recent graduate of Pima Medical Institute, I was recognized for academic honors, and perfect attendance during the academic and clinical phases of my education. I believe I would be an exceptional candidate for the posted position, and would like to be considered for an interview. I may be reached at or feel free to at pmistudent11@pmi.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to speaking with you. Sincerely, Sally A. Student, R.T (R) (ARRT) Sally A. Student Enclosure 4

3 Sample Cover Letter Two Patrick I. Midical, R.T. (ARRT) 3350 East Grant Tucson, Arizona June 18, 2010 Mrs. Janie Siely Human Resource Director Radiology Department 1800 East Speedway Tucson, Arizona Dear Mrs. Siely: As you can see from my résumé, I am pursuing a career in the medical field as a Radiologic Technologist. As a recent graduate of Pima Medical Institute, I have developed a number of professional skills and ethics that would benefit your company. I am currently interested in a position that would allow me to combine the talents I have developed as both a student and my previous experience. I look forward to working as a Radiologic Technologist, and feel that I can make an immediate contribution to your team and department. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review. I would very much to meet with you to discuss your open positions in your laboratory. If you wish to arrange an interview, please contact me at Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, P. Midical Patrick I. Midical R.T (ARRT) Enclosure 5

4 Resumes Anatomy of a resume a. The anatomy of a resume consists of various subjects all pertaining to your career objective. You should always include your legal name, home/cell phone numbers, address, and home address, to ensure the potential employer has a way of contacting you. b. The body of your resume will greatly depend on the type of resume you utilize. It does not matter the format or type of resume you use, make sure you have someone to proofread the resume for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Types of Resumes There are three common types of resumes utilized: Chronological, functional, and a combination of both. Each résumé style has its own benefits and setbacks. You must outweigh the benefits of all three to see which one would compliment your career. Benefits of a chronological résumé Chronological resumes list employment and education, beginning with the most recent and working backwards. The Chronological résumé links dates, underscoring continuity within your field. The Chronological résumé positions you for the next upward career step. Weaknesses of a chronological resume The chronological resume may indicate a lack of experience and/or inconsequential jobs. The chronological resume may highlight unemployment and/or brief job tenure. The chronological resume may reveal your age. Benefits of a functional résumé A functional resume directs readers to what you want noticed. The functional résumé states that you have the skill set necessary to perform the job. The functional résumé utilizes your externship and non paid experience to showcase your skills. Weaknesses of a functional resume The functional resume may highlight lack of job experience. The functional resume may display short term job employment The functional resume may raise suspicion that you may be trying to hide inadequate experience and/or educational deficits. 6

5 Combination résumé A combination resume will showcase your marketable skills and impressive accomplishments. The combination résumé highlight your employment and summarize your qualifications. Weaknesses of a combination resume The combination résumé does contain information that may be thought of as flowery, making it tricky for more conservative employers who are seeking candidates with long-term work history, and long-term experience within a career field. See sample resumes for example General Information for your professional resume Professional resumes are tailored to a specific job within a specific industry. Here are some tips to help you create a professional resume. Have your resume type written. Make sure that your resume can answer the following questions: a. Who are you? b. What do you do well? c. What is your career focus? d. How can they contact you? Utilize action and power words (list is included in packet) Be truthful, neat, and accurate. Write clear, consisted, well-organized sentences, phrases, and job descriptions. Do not list personal information such as children, hobbies, political or religious beliefs unless it is relevant to your career. Alumni Website Pima Medical Institute has created a website just for you. The website is designed for you to: Request transcripts, Update your current information such as address, addresses, or telephone numbers, Connect with classmates, Get up-to-date job information on the exclusive PMI Job Board, Refer a friend or relative to Pima Medical Institute and get a gift, Read alumni success stories, Request lifetime job placement assistance. Please visit and set up your online profile. 7

6 Sample Combination Resume Summary of Qualifications Pima Medical Student R.T(R) (ARRT) 1525 Jackson Street Tucson, AZ Results-oriented, high-energy, hands-on professional, with a successful record of accomplishments in the medical field. Experience in many phases of advanced Radiologic Technologist including a variety of specialty rotations such as trauma and emergency. Certifications/ Licenses Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners Certificate CRT # American Registry of Radiologic Technologist ARRT # Professional Skills Advance Imaging procedures Patient Care Procedures Hospital procedures Radiographic Positioning Procedures Image Development Procedures Advance Radiology and Special Procedures Medical Terminology Surgical and Mobile radiology Procedures Education: Pima Medical Institute Associate of Occupational Science Radiologic Technologist Tucson, AZ 06/2009 Pima Community College Associated of Science Liberal Arts Tucson, AZ 05/2007 Professional Experience: Casa Grande Regional Medical Center Trauma and Pedatric Benson, AZ 03/2009 St. Mary s Hospital Emergency Department Tucson, Arizona 01/2009 Veterans Hospital of Southern Arizona General Rotation Tucson, Arizona 12/2008 Additional Work Experience Town and Country Corporation, Brady, Texas 06/ /2007 Manager and Assistant Manager: Duties included - recruiting for hiring and training of new employees, employee scheduling, educated employees on alcohol and tobacco laws and safety procedures, Bookkeeping, Cash Depositing.. Town and Country Corporation, Brady, Texas 08/ /1995 Customer Service Representative: Duties Include- customer service, drawer balancing, point-of-sales, stocking, and computer technology. Professional References Available upon Request 8

7 Sample Chronological Resume Pima Medical Institute Student R.T.(R)(ARRT) 3350 E. Grant Road Tucson, Arizona (home) (cell) Professional Mission Statement: Seeking a Radiologic Technologist position in a team-oriented environment that will utilize my experiences and acquired skills to benefit my employer as well as my career. Highlights: Dedicated professional, with a reliable and solid work ethics. Excellent communication and customer service skills. A quick learner; flexible and adaptable to change. Seasoned team leader. Innovative problem solver with a documented track record of success. Certifications Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners Certificate CRT # American Registry of Radiologic Technologist ARRT # Professional Experience University Medical Center Radiology Rotation 800 hours 09/ /2006 Kindred Hospital R Radiology Rotation 550 hours 05/ /2007 Northwest Medical Center Radiology Rotation 750 hours 10/ /2007 Education Pima Medical Institute Associate of Occupational Science Radiologic Technologist Tucson, AZ 08/ /2009 Pima Community College Major: Liberal Arts Tucson, AZ 09/05-05/07 Additional Work Experience Montblanc Key Holder- Sales 04/ / 2005 Opened new specialty boutique Placed orders to restock merchandise and handled receiving of products Managed payroll, scheduling, reports, , inventory, and maintained clientele book and records Integrated new register functions Extensive work with visual standards and merchandising high-ticket items Macy s Sales Associate - Collectors and Couture Departments 06/ /2001 Merchandised designer women's wear Set-up trunk shows and attended clinics for new incoming fashion lines Worked with tailors and seamstresses for fittings Scheduled private shopping appointments with high-end customers Professional References Available upon Request 9

8 Sample Functional Resume Pima Medical Student R.T.(R) (ARRT) Home: (123) Paradise Way Cell: (123) Smooth Sailing, AZ OBJECTIVE Seeking a position as a Radiologic Technologist that will utilize my education, skills and education to advance my career. SKILLS Responsibility included: performed and assisted with the daily operations of the floor; communicating professionally with doctors, nurses and patients both within and outside of the hospital; proper placement of confidential medical information within the chart at each patient s room while attaining the highest levels of accuracy. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Completed over 2000 hours of radiology duties in both hospital, clinical, and specialization rotations. Duties Included; Fluro experience, radiology techniques, positioning patients, produce radiology images, patient care. Departments: Emergency, Surgery, Vas/Cath Lab, neo-natal, pediatric; Additional experience with DEXAand MRI machinery. Tucson Advanced Imaging Radiology Technologist Internship Tucson, AZ 04/09-06/09 Carondelet Imaging Center Radiology Technologist Internship Tucson, AZ 10/08-02/09 University Physicians Hospital Radiology Technologist Internship Tucson, AZ 06/08-08/08 Certifications Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners Certificate CRT # American Registry of Radiologic Technologist ARRT # EDUCATION Pima Medical Institute, Associate of Occupational Science Radiologic Technologist, 2009, Graduated with Honors. South Virginia Community College, Associate in Secretarial Science, 1955, Cum Laude. ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT SKILLS During extensive cutbacks and start of closure of bank's marketing department, reconfigured department for optimal operations. Helped create market research projects, restructured duties in department to accommodate each project. EMPLOYMENT 1995-Present - Bilksteal Bankshares, Administrative Aide Pack Advertising, Market Researcher Quick Markets, Payroll Director References Available Upon Request 10