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Resumes & Cover LettersResumes & Cover Letters<div class="ExternalClass070D0120DAD84BF6B51C19EBA68C150E"><div>​Your resume and cover letter are tools that help you tell your story and show why you're the right person for a specific job. A resume highlights your skills and experience, while a cover letter explains your interest in the position and what makes you a strong candidate.</div><div><br></div><div>Below, you'll find free online tools that guide you step-by-step through creating your resume or cover letter. You can use templates, add pre-written phrases, personalize your documents, and save your work - all for free!<br></div><div><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span><br></div></div>

 

 

 

 

PHX Works - Resume PagePHX Works - Resume Pagehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/PHXWorks/Resume Page.png1423

 

 

 

 

Build a Resumehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=174Build a Resume174<div class="ExternalClass82E25A4F0FAF4A1EAE402BD0AFD6A39F"><div>Writing a good resume helps a hiring manager understand your background and skills quickly, and often is the first hurdle when looking for work. We recommend that you include your strengths which can include work experience, education, and accomplishments. </div><div><br></div><div>It's important that your resume is clean, well-organized, and easy to read so your qualifications stand out.<br><br>A poorly-m​​​ade resume, or one with the wrong information, can lead to you being overlooked for the position – even if you really do meet all the qualifications. <br></div><div><br></div><div>First step: Gather your information<br></div><div>Make a list of all your past positions and current job, volunteer work, skills, education and any accomplishments.<br></div><div><br></div><div>If you need help with any of these programs, please ask your library staff member.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Types of Resumes:</strong><br></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div class="ExternalClass82E25A4F0FAF4A1EAE402BD0AFD6A39F"><div>​Chronological: Most widely used format with a focus on your work experience. List your work history starting from your most recent/current employer and going back up to ten years.​<br></div><div>Functional: Focus on specific skills and experiences you have to highlight your abilities. Still list some <span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span>or all of your employment history, but less information is focused by job. ​<br></div><div><br></div></div></blockquote><div><strong>Formatting Tips:</strong><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>​-One Page, front and back<br></div><div>-Basic, readable font: size 10-12; Font like Arial or Calibri<br></div><div>-Be consistent with you formatting<br></div><div>-Use bullet point lists<br></div><div>-Keep an editable Word Document but save and send as a PDF<br></div></blockquote><div><br></div><div><strong>Parts of a Resume:</strong><br></div><div>You will include all or some of these sections.<br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>​-<strong>Contact Section: </strong>Name, phone number, email - keep it professional. City, State but not address.<br></div><div>-<strong>Professional Summary:</strong> Your skills, experiences, achievements in 3-5 sentences or bullet points that <span style="text-decoration:underline;">match the job you are applying for</span> - this part of your resume is easiest to customize without rewriting everything. <br></div><div>-<strong>Skills Profile</strong>: A list of your hard and soft skills that are relevant to target position.<br></div><div>-<strong>Skills Summary</strong>: Detailed listing of your skills and accomplishments, grouped by theme.<br></div><div>-<strong>Professional Experience</strong>: Detailed listing of your recent work experience. Include company name, location, job title, dates of employment (month and year). Duties and accomplishments listed by bullet point.<br></div><div>-<strong>Other Experience</strong>: Includes relevant older work experience and/or volunteer work.<br></div><div>-<strong>Education</strong>: Most recent education level attained. Include certifications, licenses, relevant professional development. <br></div><div>-<strong>Awards & Honors, Professional Associations, Publications, etc.</strong><br></div></blockquote><div>​​To learn more please come to a resume class. You can ​find available classes under <strong style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/calendar/acacia?cid=-1&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=-1&ct=55201&inc=0" style="text-decoration:underline;">workshops</a>.<a href="https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/calendar/acacia?cid=-1&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=-1&ct=55201&inc=0"></a></strong><strong style="text-decoration:underline;"></strong><br style="text-decoration:underline;"></div>
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)...https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=255What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)...255<div class="ExternalClassB0948892F02D4B9980A0813956315EAC"><strong>and Why You Should Think About it When Preparing Your Resume.</strong><br></div><div class="ExternalClassB0948892F02D4B9980A0813956315EAC"><br></div><div class="ExternalClassB0948892F02D4B9980A0813956315EAC">An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software employers use to organize, track, and manage job applications. Instead of reviewing each resume manually, hiring teams can quickly filter applications based on keywords, skills, and qualifications. Not all companies use ATS but there are many companies that do, it's important to format<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span> your resume in a way that the system can read correctly.<br></div><div class="ExternalClassB0948892F02D4B9980A0813956315EAC"><br></div><div class="ExternalClassB0948892F02D4B9980A0813956315EAC"><strong>How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly:</strong><br></div><div class="ExternalClassB0948892F02D4B9980A0813956315EAC"><ul><li><strong>Use a simple structure:</strong> Stick to a clean, single-column layout with standard headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills.<br></li><li><strong>Match keywords carefully:</strong> Pull important words and phrases from the job description post and naturally weave them into your resume - especially in your skills and experience sections.<br></li><li><strong>Save in standard formats:</strong> Save your resume in a Word document (.docx) or as a simple PDF. Avoid heavy designs, tables, graphics, or placing key information in the header or footer.<br></li></ul><div>If you would like to check to see if your resume is ATS-friendly we recommend using <span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;line-height:16.1px;font-family:"segoe ui", sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.jobscan.co/applicant-tracking-systems" style="color:rgb(150, 96, 125);text-decoration:underline;"><strong style="font-size:14px;">Jobscan</strong></a>.</span><br></div></div>
Resume Resourceshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=253Resume Resources253<div class="ExternalClass669B0C5D9D074F7CB24F685BD57F0015"><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><div><a href="https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/hr/careers/how-to-apply-for-a-city-job.html" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>City of Phoenix - How to Apply Page</strong></a> – Offers helpful guidelines and examples of resumes to support you in creating the strongest resume possible.<br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://des.az.gov/services/employment" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Arizona Department of Economic Security</strong></a> – ​Has articles walking you through tips and tricks for <a href="https://des.az.gov/featured-story/ders-career-series-how-create-effective-resume" style="text-decoration:underline;">resume</a><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">​</span> and interviewing skills. <br></div><div><br></div><div><strong style="color:rgb(0, 105, 132);text-decoration-line:underline;"><a href="https://catalog.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Search/misc/esources.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.35&Target=830">Peterson’s Test & Career Prep</a></strong> – Use your Phoenix Public Library card to create a free account to access Peterson’s Resume Builder. The tool automatically generates a template where you can add your information and even import details from job sites like LinkedIn. You can adjust and edit your resume directly in your browser. When you're finished, you can share a link to your resume or download it as a PDF or Word Document for uploading to online job applications. </div><div> </div><div><strong style="color:rgb(0, 105, 132);text-decoration-line:underline;">​<a href="https://www.mycareeradvisor.com/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=phoenix-libraries&username=phoenix-libraries%20%5bmycareeradvisor.com%5d">Goodwill’s My Career Advisor</a></strong> – This powerful resume-building tool provides personalized suggestions and unique features to help you create a strong resume. R​egister for a free account you will gain access to Goodwill's resume and cover letter builder, explore your career options, search for jobs, and much more – including the opportunity to receive a professional review of your resume.  </div><div> <br></div><div><strong style="color:rgb(0, 105, 132);text-decoration-line:underline;"><a href="https://www.azjobconnection.gov/">Arizona Job Connection</a></strong> – Register for free to access this local organization’s wealth of resources. Job Seekers can upload existing resumes, or create them from scratch using Arizona Job Connection’s built-in resume wizard. Once you have your resume completed, they offer job searching and online applications, all right from their site. <br></div><div><br></div><p><a href="https://sites.google.com/view/arizonaatworksoar/resume-resources" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Arizona@Work</strong></a><strong>​ </strong>– Has resume resources provided on their website through an online workshop. They will give step by step instructions. Arizona@Work also provides many different <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/arizonaatworksoar/workshops">online workshops</a>​ to help you with your job searching.<br></p><p><a href="https://phoenix.universalclass.com/register.htm"><strong style="color:rgb(78, 31, 91);"></strong></a><strong style="color:rgb(78, 31, 91);text-decoration-line:underline;"><a href="https://phoenix.universalclass.com/register.htm">Universal Class</a>​</strong> – This online "Resume Writing 101" class, offered for free through Phoenix Public Library’s Universal Class, walks you through the basics of what a resume should look like and what it should highlight. It provides guidance on what to include, what to avoid, and how to tailor your resume to a specific job.​<br></p><p><a href="https://link.gale.com/apps/udemy/auth?p=UDEMY&u=phoenixpl&targetPath=" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Udemy</strong></a> – This resource is available for free through your Phoenix Public Library card. It offers thousands of on-demand video courses at your fingertips. It has courses for you to learn how to craft amazing resumes and more.​<br></p><p><a href="https://www.onetonline.org/" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>O*NET OnLine</strong></a> – Is a useful resource to help write out work history details or determine your fit for new positions or careers. You can search by job title and view related tasks, skills, knowledge and abilities associated to each position. <span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span><br></p></div>
Build a Cover Letterhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=254Build a Cover Letter254<div class="ExternalClass9E987957161B4A489B2FC2155F2687C6">A great cover letter can set you apart before an employer even opens your resume. It's your chance to make a person connection, highlight what makes you a strong fit, and show genuine interest in the role. Here's how to craft a clear, confident, and compelling cover letter that gets noticed.<br><div><br></div><div><strong>Customize for Every Job</strong><br></div><div>Taking a few minutes to tailor your letter makes a huge difference.<br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>-Do your research on the company and role - enthusiasm reads well.<br></div><div>-Adjust your message so it speaks directly to what the employer needs.<br></div><div>-You can absolutely start with a template; <strong>ONLY use the template programs we suggest</strong>, just make sure each version feels personal and relevant.<br></div></blockquote><div>​​<br></div><div><strong>Open Strong</strong>​<br></div><div>Your opening sets the tone, so make it count.<br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>-Address the letter to a specific person when possible.<br></div><div>-If not, use "Hiring Manager" or "Search Committee" rather than "To Whom It May Concern."<br></div><div>-Skip the "My name is..." line and open with confidence: "I am excited to apply for [position] at [company]."<br></div><div>-Add a brief note about what you admire about the company before transitioning into your story.<br></div></blockquote><div><br></div><div><strong>​Go Beyond Your Resume</strong>​<br></div><div>Your cover letter isn't a repeat of your resume - it's the space to add depth.<br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>​-Share details that don't fit neatly into bullet points.<br></div><div>-Highlight achievements, approaches to work, and perspectives you bring.<br></div><div>-Ask yourself: What drives my success? What makes me a uniquely strong match for this role?<br></div></blockquote><div><br></div><div><strong>Sell Yourself</strong><br></div><div>This is your moment to show what you can offer.<br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>-Focus on how you can contribute to the employer's goals.<br></div><div>-Highlight relevant skills and experience; skip anything off-topic.<br></div><div>-Unless you're early-career or it directly relates to the job, don't lead with education.<br></div><div>-Don't apologize for experience you don't have - emphasize what you <strong><em>do </em></strong>bring. <br></div><div>-Wrap up this section by expressing your excitement for the future and for growing within the role.<br></div></blockquote><div>​<br></div><div><strong>Recruit a Reviewer</strong><br></div><div>Fresh eyes are invaluable.<br></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div class="ExternalClass9E987957161B4A489B2FC2155F2687C6"><div>​-Have someon review your letter for grammar, clarity, and tone.<br></div><div>-A reviewer can also spot what's missing or what could be trimmed.<br></div></div></blockquote><div>​<br></div><div><strong>Deliver it Professionally</strong><br></div><div>Presentation matters as much as the content.<br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>​-Save and send your letter as a PDF to preserve your formatting.<br></div><div>-If applying by email, paste the cover letter into the body of the message and attach the PDF version as well for easy sharing.<br></div><div><br></div></blockquote><p>To learn more please come to a resume and cover letter class or come to an Ocotillo Library Drop-In Employment Assistance workshop. <span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>You can ​find available classes<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span> under <a href="https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/calendar/acacia?cid=-1&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=-1&ct=55201&inc=0" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong style="">workshops</strong></a>.​<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></p>
Cover Letter Resourceshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=177Cover Letter Resources177<div class="ExternalClass48C6DA55D8D04EBF8448667680290AD6"><p>​A Cover Letter acts as an introduction and overview of your resume and is an easy way to quickly grab a prospective employer’s attention and to highlight the narrative of your work experience.<br></p><p><a href="https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/hr/careers/how-to-apply-for-a-city-job.html" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>City of Phoenix - How to Apply Page</strong></a> – Offers helpful guidelines and examples of cover letters to support you in creating the strongest cover letter possible.<br></p><div><strong style="color:#006984;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="https://www.mycareeradvisor.com/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=phoenix-libraries&username=phoenix-libraries%20%5bmycareeradvisor.com%5d">Goodwill’s My Career Advisor​</a></strong> – Goodwill’s powerful resume building tools are just a click away. Register for a free account to gain access to their resume/cover letter builder, explore your career options, hunt for jobs, and much more – including a professional review of your resume. <br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://link.gale.com/apps/udemy/auth?p=UDEMY&u=phoenixpl&targetPath=" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Udemy</strong></a> – Is a free program through your Phoenix Public Library card. It offers thousands of on-demand video courses at your fingertips. It has courses for you to learn how to put together cover letters and more.<br></div></div>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona Department of Economic Securityhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Links/DispForm.aspx?ID=1770https://des.az.gov/services/employmentArizona Department of Economic SecuritySame Window0x0100B7E011FE46583C4E8C35CBD368DCEE8D0079739691E7ACA5418776612748C8B5B7<div class="ExternalClass031503ED6B4A489CA107805784AAA971"><p>​The Arizona Department of Economic Security is a great resource if you need employment assistance. They have connections to wonderful resources throughout Arizona and articles about resumes, interviews and more.<br></p></div>
Arizona Job Connectionhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Links/DispForm.aspx?ID=155https://www.azjobconnection.gov/Arizona Job ConnectionNew Window0x0100B7E011FE46583C4E8C35CBD368DCEE8D0079739691E7ACA5418776612748C8B5B7<div class="ExternalClass35383AF606EA42F1B8693C830C1953A8"><p>Create and post your resume online for employers to view and set up a Virtual Recruiter search agent to automatically review job postings and notify you of jobs that match your skills and criteria​.<br></p></div>
City of Phoenix Workforce Guide and Tipshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Links/DispForm.aspx?ID=1765https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/hr/careers/how-to-apply-for-a-city-job.htmlCity of Phoenix Workforce Guide and TipsSame Window0x0100B7E011FE46583C4E8C35CBD368DCEE8D0079739691E7ACA5418776612748C8B5B7<div class="ExternalClassFAD85B3DDFAE49D68B5140F5B86045FF"><p>​​​The City of Phoenix's "How to Apply for a City Job" page walks you through the whole process, from finding openings to submitting your application. It also gives helpful tips on preparing for interviews, including what to expect and how to present yourself confidently. Overall, it's a simple, supportive guide to help you with applying to city jobs but any job you apply for.   ​​<br><br></p></div>
Create a Winning Resume Workshop Materialshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Links/DispForm.aspx?ID=1383https://sites.google.com/view/arizonaatworksoar/workshopsCreate a Winning Resume Workshop MaterialsNew Window0x0100B7E011FE46583C4E8C35CBD368DCEE8D0079739691E7ACA5418776612748C8B5B7<div class="ExternalClass7B70E977689B46ECA95B9632EE40A0E4"><p>​View and download ARIZONATWORK workshop materials, resume template of different types, cover letter and letter of explanation templates, and resources to help you get your job search documents in excellent form.<br></p></div>
Goodwill My Career Advisorhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Links/DispForm.aspx?ID=237https://www.mycareeradvisor.com/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=phoenix-libraries&username=phoenix-libraries [mycareeradvisor.com]Goodwill My Career AdvisorNew Window0x0100B7E011FE46583C4E8C35CBD368DCEE8D0079739691E7ACA5418776612748C8B5B7<div class="ExternalClass708838254DB048D583C9BD8F7B34FA27"><p></p></div>A unique platform with live chat, designed to help with career services including Resume & Cover Letter Builders, Resume Feedback, Training Modules, and Employment Opportunities.​<br>
Jobscanhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Links/DispForm.aspx?ID=1784https://www.jobscan.co/applicant-tracking-systemsJobscanSame Window0x0100B7E011FE46583C4E8C35CBD368DCEE8D0079739691E7ACA5418776612748C8B5B7<div class="ExternalClassB24C8AEC0E4E4A529682E3691366C00A">Everything ​you need to know about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).​​ Learn how ATS works, how it can ​impact your job search ​and how to ​create a ATS-friendly resume.​<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span><br></div>
LinkedInhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Links/DispForm.aspx?ID=775https://www.linkedin.com/LinkedInSame Window0x0100B7E011FE46583C4E8C35CBD368DCEE8D0079739691E7ACA5418776612748C8B5B7<div class="ExternalClass4DBE6075CE0E4E74AD41B62DB44E70DC"><div>The premier professional social networking site - LinkedIn allows you to connect to colleagues, past jobs, professional rganizations, and future employers. Recruiters may reach out or you can apply for new jobs directly on LinkedIn.<br></div></div>
Puma Empowerment Centerhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Links/DispForm.aspx?ID=1771https://www.paradisevalley.edu/puma-empowerment-centerPuma Empowerment CenterSame Window0x0100B7E011FE46583C4E8C35CBD368DCEE8D0079739691E7ACA5418776612748C8B5B7<div class="ExternalClassDF4712A9DCFB47118937E42682F1F46B"><p>​This center​ serves woman and men to provide resume, cover letter and interview assistance. They also provide work-appropriate outfits for everyone for free.<br></p></div>

 

 

 

 

Peterson's Test and Career PrepPeterson's Test and Career Prep<div class="ExternalClass2A9AB0EDDFA3436C801FD3625CFE3C13"><p>​Digital exam and career prep resources can help students and users be better prepared down the road for both college and their career. Discover comprehensive test prep and career solutions from Peterson's, a world-leading educational provider.<br></p></div>https://catalog.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Search/misc/esources.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.35&Target=830https://assets.cengage.com/gale/docs/training/PTCP_Resource_Guide.pdfhttps://my.nicheacademy.com/phoenixpubliclibrary/course/452<i class="fa-solid fa-desktop"></i>sts4s://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/attachmentUrl=https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Resources/Attachments/113/830ptcp.png
UdemyUdemy<div class="ExternalClass9C9B0E47C8BD4DFC9B48D213B0E8C843"><p>​Thousands of high-quality, on-demand video courses taught by world-class instructors across 75 categories.<br>​<br></p></div>https://catalog.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Search/misc/esources.aspx?Target=852https://assets.cengage.com/gale/docs/training/Udemy%20Tip%20Sheet.pdfhttps://my.nicheacademy.com/phoenixpubliclibrary/course/66665https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/elibrary/getting-started/udemyEverywherests4s://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/attachmentUrl=https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Resources/Attachments/121/852udemy.png
Universal Class - Online ClassesUniversal Class - Online Classes<div class="ExternalClass7F3B791AEB984171AB807C265044969D">Learn something new today - choose from nearly 500 online classes facilitated by instructors.<br><br><br></div>https://catalog.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Search/misc/esources.aspx?target=164https://my.nicheacademy.com/phoenixpubliclibrary/course/1857https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/elibrary/getting-started/universal-classEverywhere<i class="fad fa-lightbulb-on"></i>sts4s://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/attachmentUrl=https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/Resources/Attachments/24/universal class240x70.png