Writing a Cover Letter and Résumé

Before you set about the task of composing a résumé and cover letter, take a moment to brainstorm information about yourself that you may want to highlight. You can list your credentials in a table or chart, or you can create a graphic organizer like the one shown below. In your notes, you should include any of the following applicable credentials:

• Education
  • Grade point average
  • SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores
  • Advanced courses
• Leadership activities
  • Sports team captain
  • Club president or officer
• Honors and awards
• Skills
  • Communication
  • Musical instruments
  • Technology
• Extracurriculars
  • Athletics
  • Clubs
  • Volunteer work
  • Employment
• Other

Be sure to keep your notes handy so that you can refer to them easily when it is time to compose your own cover letter and résumé.

Brainstorming Graphic Organizer