Resume, interview, networking, and application resources

Resume and cover letter writing

When preparing to apply for a job or internship, there is a process you should go through each time.

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

1. Evaluate the position description

Determine whether or not you are at least minimally qualified.

Position Description worksheet (pdf)

2. Identify your transferable skills

Make sure you are “selling” yourself as strongly as possible and responding to all the qualities the employer seeks.

How to identify your transferable skills (pdf)

3. Write an effective resume

The resume samples below are for non-government agency opportunities.  Looking for government samples? Click here!

Write an effective resume that utilizes strong power verbs that showcase your transferrable skills.

How to write an effective resume (pdf)

Power verb examples (pdf)

View Graduate Resume Samples or Undergraduate Resume Samples to help you get started.

Graduate Resume Samples (pdf)

Undergraduate Resume Samples (pdf)

Resumes for Federal, State and Local Government Jobs

4. Write an effective cover letter or professional email

Write an Effective Cover Letter or Professional Email to accompany the resume. View these Cover Letter Samples to get ideas.

How to write an effective cover letter (pdf)

Cover letter samples (pdf)

Letters of Qualification – LoQs are often required by State of Wisconsin agencies. An LoQ is not the same as a cover letter.  The Blue Box link provides general guidance from Wisc.jobs. The links below go into more depth.  The Template doc can be super helpful.

How to write a professional email (pdf)

Other useful resources

Professional Summaries

NACE Top Career Competencies 2024 (the order of these change minimally from year to year, but the main qualities always stay the same)

How to Put Together a Reference List

How to Request a Letter of Reference

Create a good LinkedIn Profile

Interviewing

Job and salary negotiation

Salary Negotiation Webinar

Idealist Resources for Nonprofit Salary Negotiation

Evaluating a Job Offer (pdf) (guidance for all stages of the process)

Job Offers FAQ and Salary Resources (FAQ + resources for salary evaluation and cost of living)

Job Offer Evaluation Matrix (Excel Spreadsheet for your use)

CityData – By collecting and analyzing data from a variety of government and private sources, they create detailed, informative profiles for every city in the United States. From crime rates to weather patterns, you’ll find the data you’re looking for on City-Data.com

Salary Calculators

Cost of Living/Relocation Calculators

General etiquette: dress codes and dining etiquette