Resume and Cover Letter Assistance

We’re proud to announce the return of Resume and Cover Letter Assistance in the Job & Career Education Center.  A qualified volunteer will be available on Wednesday nights from 6 – 8 pm.  Please call the JCEC at 412-622-3133 to schedule an appointment.

Obviously, nothing compares to one-on-one time with another human being.  But if you need help immediately, or you just can’t get to Oakland, we have other options.  I’ve already blogged about the library’s online resume software  – Resume Maker (when the next page pops up, just enter your library card number to gain access).  The JCEC also collects the most current resume and cover letter guides we can find, and you can request them to be sent to any library in Allegheny County.

And of course, if you have questions about any of these resources, or about your job search in general, don’t hesitate to give us a call, send an email, or stop by.

-Denise

Resume Maker

The JCEC has many fine databases, but my current favorite is Resume Maker.

If your resume is already digitized, you can import it into Resume Maker and start editing.  Or, you can start a new file and enter your personal information by hand.  There are sample resumes and cover letters that you can browse for inspiration.  There’s also a helpful “Examples and Advice” button, which appears at key decision-making points.

Everything is customizable.  Want a heading for “Campus Involvement?”  Click “Add sections,” and find it in the list.  Don’t want an “objective?”  Delete that section.  List things chronologically, or try your hand at a functional resume.  Then you can style it further by choosing a layout from a drop-down menu, or tinkering with the settings yourself.   Your resume is truly a living document, always ready to be changed, printed, or emailed.

Resume Maker also has a section for general job hunting and career advice.  Their tab for interview preparation is impressive, and includes videos, sample questions, and even salary advice.

To try Resume Maker, visit the list of JCEC databases, and scroll down.  If you’re not in a library, click “remote access.”  You’ll need to enter a valid library card number.  Feel free to call or visit if you have questions about Resume Maker, or any of our services.

-Denise