Resume & Cover Letter Guide - ATS Friendly Writing Tips

Sep 11, 2026

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Guide designed to help students and recent graduates create interview-focused resumes and cover letters. Covers resume purpose, ATS compatibility, recommended structure, and practical guidance for writing each section including profile statements, education, experience, projects, leadership, academic activities, and professional development. Provides formatting and grammar rules, keyword-driven content strategy, and do/don’t recommendations to improve first-impression impact and recruiter readability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResumes

FormatPDF

Pages33

Reading Time12 min

AccessFree to download

Resume Basics

Content Sections

Tips & Advice

ATS Friendly Resume

Formatting & Appearance

Content & Grammar

Sample Bullet Points

Resume & Cover Letter Guide Wood Support Service, 2nd Floor 860-465-4559 [www.easternct.edu/career/](www.easternct.edu/career/) Resume Basics Content Sections Tips & Advice Sample Bullet Points Action Verbs Sample Resumes Resume Basics Your resume is your most valuable marketing tool and its singular goal is to get you an interview. As a current student or recent graduate, your resume should typically be one page in length and highlight your educational background, experiences, skills and accomplishments. Employers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to prescreen resumes received electronically. To ensure your resume finds its way successfully through an ATS, keep your resume simple. No need for distracting fonts or graphics. Make it key word driven. Emphasize your skills and competencies—especially the ones recruiters are looking for. Use this guide and the tips within it to help you write a strong resume. Invest the time to customize your resume for its intended purpose. Show why you are a top candidate for the job. You only have one chance to make a first impression! Content Sections Required Recommended if applicable Optional Ellie Eastern 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 [ellie.eastern@my.easternct.edu](ellie.eastern@my.easternct.edu) 860-465-1111 [www.linkedin.com/in/ellie.eastern](www.linkedin.com/in/ellie.eastern) • Recommend using when experience is not extensive or when experience does not match the purpose of resume. Use your statement to demonstrate your value to an employer. Profile Statement Enterprising Economics junior at Eastern Connecticut State University with experience in project management looking for a summer internship in which to apply knowledge of economic principles in a business setting. Offers well-developed problem resolution and analytical skills. Education • List in reverse chronological order starting with highest degree at the top • May also include: areas of concentration, minor(s), Cumulative GPA (3 .0+), honors, awards, study abroad programs , activities, relevant coursework B.A., Economics, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT May 2020 Minor: Business Administration GPA: 3.38 Honors: Deans List Activities: People Helping People, 2014 to present; Economics Club, 2014 to present Relevant Coursework: Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Econometrics, History of Economic Thinking, Corporate Finance, Real Estate, Interpersonal Communication. • List relevant skills, qualifications or certifications • Include computer skills, specialized knowledge and industry related skills Computer: SAS, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint Laboratory: Spectrophotometry, Gel Electrophoresis, Microscopy (compound and dissecting) Languages: Proficient in English and Spanish, Conversational in Portuguese Certifications: AED/CPR exp. 08/2020, Lifeguard exp. 08/2020 Experience • List experiences you have had, including paid positions, internships, practicums, clinical experiences, significant volunteer activity • List in reverse chronological order based on your start date • See sample resumes for content • Activities to consider placing in this section would include: LEAP* , SGA,* CAB* • Leadership roles within Clubs and Organizations • Athletic leadership: SSAC Rep, Team Captain • See sample resumes for content *You should spell out these groups when listing on your resume Leadership Academic Projects • List one or two projects where you demonstrated practical application of skills employers seek • May include research, lab work, senior thesis or capstone projects • See sample resumes for examples • Observational and shadowing hours/experiences • Conferences or professional events you have attended to expand your knowledge base • Professional Memberships • Educational Certifications Professional Development • List any published works you hav

FAQs

What is the primary goal of a resume according to this guide?

A resume’s singular goal is to get an interview. It should showcase education, experiences, skills, and accomplishments clearly for the intended role.

How can a resume be made ATS friendly?

Use a simple, keyword-driven resume and avoid distracting fonts, graphics, templates, textboxes or tables, and placing information in headers/footers.

What formatting and content rules should be followed?

Use professional fonts, keep formatting consistent, stay within 10–12 pt body text, and use proper grammar and punctuation. Customize wording with job-posting keywords and avoid unnecessary personal information or pronouns.

Sep 11, 2026

Upload by Gelato