PSY201: The Psychology Major Module 6: Assignment 6a: Résumés and Cover Letters

Transcription

1 PSY201: The Psychology Major Module 6: Assignment 6a: Résumés and Cover Letters Directions: Important You may have written many cover letters and resumes before, but do not submit an old cover letter and resume that you have used in the past! Instead, pretend you are applying for one of the internships listed below as part of your undergraduate degree in psychology and that you have acquired the necessary skills, experiences, awards, etc. needed to do so. (i) First, from the three listings below, choose an internship that interests you the most. (ii) Then think about the accomplishments and skills that you should have developed as a psychology major that are relevant to that internship (hint: look at that qualifications section of the internship listings). (iii) View the Constructing a Résumé tutorial and Sample Cover Letter and Résumé in Module 6. (iv) Then, tailor both a cover letter and résumé to the specific internship as if you have achieved those accomplishments and skills. Include any relevant psychology classes, any relevant internship, and any additional, relevant skills, awards, etc. Do not include irrelevant work experience (e.g. sales clerk, waitress, manager of restaurant, front desk clerk, etc). Instead, list important experiences and skills that you should have developed as a psychology major. Feel free to construct a chronological or functional resume. You must include the following elements: Contact information (Name, , phone number, local and permanent addresses) Education (College) Qualifications (List any specific skills that you possess) Previous relevant employment (List positions and dates of employment) Volunteer experience (List relevant positions and dates that you volunteered) Extracurricular activities (College and High School) Awards received/hobbies and interests *When completed, submit your cover letter and resume to the designated Assignment box no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT. Page 1 of 6

2 What is a Résumé and Cover Letter? A résumé is a tool frequently used in professional occupations that allows prospective employers or institutions of higher education to quickly peruse your relevant areas of expertise and qualifications to a given occupation, job, or area of study. A good solid résumé takes thoughtful and careful reflection over a long period of time. For different jobs or different occupations, your résumé will need to be altered or completely amended. In most cases, the sole duty of a résumé is to gain the individual a personal interview. Résumés are challenging to write, mainly because we have to identify those aspects of ourselves that we believe are most important, and we must strongly convey who we are and where we are heading all in a two-dimensional medium. A great résumé does not just inform others about personal experiences it conveys to others the specific, direct benefits that will be gained if you are hired for this job or allowed to enter that educational program. A cover letter accompanies your résumé and introduces the potential employer to your résumé and allows you to tailor your résumé to a specific job position. The cover letter should (1) state reasons for writing (e.g. to apply to the research assistant position at the. ), (2) highlight important aspects of your background that are relevant to the position, (3) and provide contact information, thank the reader, and reiterate interest in the position. ************************************************************************************ Disclaimer: The companies / organizations in the following internship listings are real (they actually exist, so you can research them), but the internship descriptions and company addresses may have been slightly altered for the purposes of these assignments. **************************************************************************** Page 2 of 6

3 Assignment 6a: Cover Letter and Résumé Rubric Poor Excellent Cover Letter: States reason for writing Highlights important aspects of background that are relevant to the position Provides contact information Thanks reader and reiterates interest in the position Business formatting Correct grammar/punctuation/spelling Components of Résumé: Contact Information Relevant Education Relevant Qualifications/Skills Relevant Employment Experience Relevant Volunteer/Other Experience Extracurricular Activities Awards / Hobbies / Interests Formatting and Style of Résumé: Concise / Direct / Communicates purpose Uses spicy action words in active voice Visual balance - not cramped nor excessive spacing Boldface for emphases/simple font (10-14pt) Correct grammar/punctuation/ spelling Total: Page 3 of 6

4 Internship Listing # 1: Company or Organization: Imation Business Field: Marketing Researcher Company Description: Imation is the only company in the world solely focused on the development, manufacture and supply of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage. In addition to the Imation brand, Imation s global brand portfolio includes the Memorex and TDK Brand Recording Media Brands. Job Description: This internship involves creating and researching the best ways to market our data storage products (including print, on-line, and television platforms). We need someone to help us pioneer fresh, new ways to understand, reach, and sell to consumers. Responsibilities: Work with a marketing team to develop new, creative ways to sell our products. Participate in preparing questionnaires for online / phone surveys. Conduct and interpret statistical analyses on field / interview data. Write-up the results of the research to be presented to management. Create and present multimedia (PowerPoint) presentations of research findings. Design and manage databases using Excel. Qualifications: Minimum of working towards a Bachelors degree in Statistics, Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Sociology or related field. Experience with research methods and analysis. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and SPSS. Strong numeric, problem solving skills, and critical thinking skills. Strong attention to detail and strategic insight. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Summary The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent speaking and writing skills, contribute in group discussions and work as a part of a team. Candidate must have a pioneer s mentality, a positive, entrepreneurial outlook on consumer insights and marketing, recognizing that this is a new position in an organization which has little understanding of its role or benefits. Candidate must be curious, creative and clever with the ability to roll with the punches and be strong enough to speak his/her mind. Please send Cover Letter and Résumé to: Mrs. Jane Doe Director of Personnel at Imation 555 Street Address City, State, Page 4 of 6

5 Internship Listing # 2: Social Services: Case Manager Company or Organization: Ireland Home Based Services Company Description: Ireland Home Based Services provides comprehensive home based and community based services to families and children. We not only assess how the home environment is affecting the family but the neighborhood, school, community, and other systems involved. By assessing the factors at play in a family environment we can assign a worker or workers to address both setting and personal effects. Job Description: Internship in a case-management position to provide supervised visitation, parent training, and mentoring and counseling of youth. Services are provided in the client s homes. Qualifications (Minimum requirements include): Working towards a Bachelors degree in social work, psychology or related field preferred. Must be ASSERTIVE, OUTGOING, & RESPONSIBLE. Must have good interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral). Must have mature judgment, self-motivation, and be dedicated to helping others. Ability to work well with other colleagues in a team-based work environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Additional, beneficial assets include: o Some counseling experience (e.g. internship in a counseling setting) o Knowledge of developmental psychology and mental health issues Please send Cover Letter and Résumé to: Mrs. Jane Doe Director of Personnel at Ireland Home Based Services 555 Street Address City, State, Page 5 of 6

6 Internship Listing # 3: Social Services: Counselor Company or Organization: Community Education Centers (CEC) Company Description: Community Education Centers (CEC) is a leading provider of residential and outpatient community corrections programs. Working in over 100 locations across the U.S., we provide a foundation of support to change addictive and criminal behaviors and effectively prepare our residents for community reintegration. With programming that encompass assessment, drug and alcohol education, and education services for juvenile and adult populations. We are redefining effective means to reduce recidivism. Job Description: Internship as a counselor for the modified therapeutic community program for adults. Main responsibilities include helping individuals understand the psychological roots of their addiction and develop alternative, healthy ways to cope in order to reduce chances of relapse. Qualifications (Minimum requirements include): Working towards a BA degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or human services preferred. Must be assertive, outgoing, & responsible. Must have good interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral). Additional, beneficial assets include: o Some experience working in a substance abuse counseling setting is preferred (e.g. internship in a substance abuse counseling center). o Knowledge of mental health issues. Please send Cover Letter and Résumé to: Mrs. Jane Doe Director of Personnel at Community Education Centers 555 Street Address City, State, Page 6 of 6