Résumé Writing Guidelines
Your education and work experience are important when applying for a new job. Follow the tips below to create your résumé for the City of San Antonio.
Objective Statement
Provide a brief statement that includes the specific job title.
Education
Add your education history by listing your degree, field of study, and school. If you are still in school, provide the number of credit hours earned. Also include your projected graduation date.
Experience
Describe your work history from at least the last five years. Start with your current or most recent job.
Be sure to include:
- All employment history relevant to the position, even if it is more than five years ago
- Job titles
- Names of the organizations you worked for
- Duties and tasks
- Number of employees you supervised (if applicable)
- Relevant information requested in the job announcement
- Last salary (or estimates) for each position
Additional Skills and Training
Add all part-time or volunteer experience and training that is relevant to the position.
Create a Cover Letter
This document is your first impression and initial marketing tool. It is your chance to "speak" to the reader or hiring manger. Sell them on how well your specific skills and attributes match the organization’s needs.
Focus on your skills and achievements to give your letter a competitive edge. You should be concise and capture the attention of the reader. This motivates them to view your résumé and application in-depth.
An effective cover letter has 3 main components:
- Identify the specific job and how you learned about it.
- Match your skills, experience, training, and education with the job requirements. Use your specific knowledge of the City department.
- Emphasize your enthusiasm and interest in the job.
Cover Letter Guidelines
- Use standard business letter format.
- Use paper that matches your résumé. Plain white paper is preferred.
- Proofread carefully, or get a trusted person to proofread.
- Sell yourself. Be formal, polite, honest, and assertive.
- Sign and send the original, keep a copy.
- Do your homework on the organization and department.
- Keep the length between 1 –1 ½ pages, depending on your experience and the level of the position.
- Address the cover letter to "(name of the position) Selection Committee."