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  1. Home
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Resumes, Cover Letters, and References

Resumes often serve as your initial contact with employers and are the most critical item in determining whether or not you will obtain an interview. The document is a brief "advertisement" of your skills, education, and relevant experience. You may need to have several versions of your resume, especially if you are seeking various positions. It should be specific to each type of job you are seeking; a general or generic resume gets far fewer interviews.

The primary purpose of a cover letter is to acquaint the prospective employer with your unique talents, experiences, and skills, and to request an interview to discuss employment possibilities. The cover letter should highlight your resume by identifying how you are qualified for the position and the reasons why it will be to the employer's advantage to hire you. It is valuable to state the reasons for your interest in that particular employer and the position.

How to Get Your Resume Past Resume Screening Software

Over 93% of employers use software to screen resumes. 76% end up being deleted. Here is how to get your resume past the bots.

Credit: Zip Job
The Top 8 Resume Fonts for 2019

There are the Top 8 Fonts to use on a Resume Today.

Credit: Zip Job

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Career Services Office

205 Slep Student Center
814-949-5058
Fax: 814-949-5620

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Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Housing
    • Athletics
    • Career Services
    • The Help Tool
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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Penn State University
3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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