Need assistance with a resume, cover letter, or have quick questions? Stop by during our drop-in hours!

Seniors: Employers do their heaviest recruiting from October to May!  Start updating your resume today so you can be the top candidate!

Juniors and sophomores: Update your resume and cover letter with all of your accomplishments for internships, research, and part time positions.

Freshman: Welcome to UMBC! A college resume is quite different from a high school resume! Come drop in at the Career Center for some tips and advice.

Even if you don’t think that you have anything to include on your resume, come in anyway.  We can help you put together a resume based on your life experience and transferable skills.

Hours:

We offer 15-minute drop-in appointments Monday-Friday from 2-4 PM for quick resume critiques, on-the-spot job search advice, and an overview of services.

Please bring a hard copy of your resume or cover letter for review, upload the document to UMBCworks or have it accessible using the Internet so you can print the document in our reception area. Drop-in appointments are taken in our main office, Math/Psych 212, on a first-come, first-served basis with the last drop-in taken at 3:45PM.

We also offer assistance with resumes, cover letters, and quick questions in The Writing Center on the first floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6-8 PM.

If you are not available during these hours, you can schedule an appointment: online using UMBCworks, call our office (410-455-2216), or stop by our office (Math/Psyc 212).

The Resume: Your 15-Second Chance to an Interview

If you are applying for internships or jobs, you will need a well crafted resume. Carefully crafted resumes are your key to obtaining invitations to interviews. 

Resumes should be tailored to the positions for which you are applying. Employers use resumes to judge qualifications and skills as they relate to the available position. 

A resume can be considered a brief commercial. The goal of a resume is to convince the reader to invest in what you have to offer.

Parts of a Resume: Contact Information, Education, Course Projects, Work Experience, Special Skills and Training, Professional Memberships, Publications, Presentations, Activities, Military History, Honors/Awards, Travel/Study Abroad Interests

For samples and more information: View Pages 10-23 of the Career Development Guideand http://www.careers.umbc.edu/skills/resume/.  Additional samples can also be found on our Career Paths website                                

Cover Letter

A cover letter is required whenever you are not present to personally introduce your resume, unless the employer specifically states that they do not want cover letters.

Employers want to see how you are able to communicate through the written word and this is your first opportunity to show them your abilities and to make the best first impression possible.

The cover letter provides you with the opportunity to introduce yourself, express your interest in a position, offer extra details, and show your personality.

Parts of a Cover Letter: Why You’re Writing, Why Hire Me, Next Step.

For samples and more information: View pages 25-26  of the Career Development Guide

If you need help with getting ready for your job search, don’t hesitate. Stop by Career Services today. We’d love to see you there.