Industrial Technology Resumes & Cover Letters

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RÉSUMÉS The résumé is your primary marketing tool to get you in the door. Résumé writing is not an exact science; however, a résumé tailored to show an employer how you can meet their specific needs is more successful. RÉSUMÉ LAYOUT Write your résumé toward a specific job, job type, or industry A specific job description will provide the framework. Build a résumé that focuses your skills and experience towards the type of work you seek. Keep in mind that you may need to revise it when you see an actual job description. Always include as many keywords from the job description as possible. Résumé Sections • Name, Phone Number, Email Address, City, State • Career Summary (professional experience, skills, and academic background relevant to job posting; keywords) • Skills Section (skills relevant to job posting; keywords) • Education (GPAs 3.50+), Certifications, Credentials • Relevant Coursework (related to job you are seeking) • Professional Experience o Include position title, organization/employer name, employment dates, responsibilities, skills, achievements. o You can break professional experience into 2 sections – “Related Experience” and “Additional Experience.” o Within sections, list positions in reverse chronological order, with most recent first. • Military Experience (if applicable) • Languages and Technical Skills (optional) DOS DON’TS • Have a Career Coach review your résumé. • Add personal information (marital status, age, • Give your résumé to each of your references. religious and political affiliations, pictures, etc.). • Take copies of your résumé to your interview. • Edit keywords to fit the job description. • Include a personal photograph. • Emphasize positive points; omit any negatives. • Include anything that is untrue. • Leave white space; keep it brief and to the point. • Refer to high school achievements if you’re in college, • Shine the best light on yourself, but don’t lie. unless impressive or related to the job you seek. • Cram too much information on 1-page. APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS & ONLINE APPLICATIONS When applying for jobs online, your résumé will likely go through applicant tracking systems (ATS). An ATS is a human resources software that scans your résumé against a job description (JD) by looking for keywords found in the JD. ATSs are designed to make recruiters’ lives easier by automating the review process. You earn a higher score on ATSs by incorporating as many keywords from the JD as possible. p: 406-243-2022 e: elcs@umontana.edu w: umt.edu/elcs

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Tailor Your Résumé Integrate specific keywords from the job posting throughout your résumé in key places, e.g., career summary, skills section, accomplishment bullets, and job titles. Write with Recruiter's Needs in Mind Highlight your return on investment (ROI) by making your résumé sales-focused, relevant, visually appealing, quality- oriented, and succinct. Write Tight in F-shape Pattern Write in first-person implied personal pronouns (“I”) with limited articles (a, an, the) and prepositions (of, by). Top- and left-load the most important information. Include periods at end of phrases. Include Career Summary Omit the objective statement and replace with a 3–5-line keyword-rich career summary that highlights your unique value, academic and professional background, certifications, experience, and skills. Emphasize Achievements, not Tasks Write bullets in results-action format to highlight your accomplishments. Use action verbs to begin bullet point phrases. Quantify and lead with results when possible. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) – Online Applications Follow application instructions. Avoid using templates – start from a blank word document. Upload in Word, not PDF. Avoid textboxes, columns, and tables. Do not put anything in a header or footer. Use an ATS-friendly font e.g., Calibri, Arial, Garamond, Tahoma, Helvetica. Spell out dates (e.g., September 2021). Focused and Clear A clear, crisp résumé will make it easy to see who you are and what skills you possess. Use skill-based keywords found in the job description to describe your skills in your résumé. Accurate Proofread, proofread, proofread! Errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, dates, phone numbers, addresses, and content reflect poorly on you and can quickly eliminate you from the applicant pool. Delete comments in margins if your résumé was reviewed. Résumés can Exceed 1-Page. Many employers indicate that they would rather have a complete picture of an applicant’s qualifications than try to read between the lines. If you have strongly related experience, your résumé can be 2-pages. The second page should be at least ½ page, ideally ¾ page. DESIGN & FORMATTING • Add color to your letterhead and/or section headers to attract the recruiter's eye. • Use .5 margins on all sides and use consistent paragraph spacing to create white space. • Use 1 phone number with periods or dashes—e.g., 406.123.4567. Omit your street address and hyperlinks • Use a larger font size for your name and section headings; use 11–12-point font for all other information. • Use design elements (bullets, bolding, lines, borders, shading) to guide the readers' eyes through your résumé and highlight key content. p: 406-243-2022 e: elcs@umontana.edu w: umt.edu/elcs

RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE DEBBIE GALLAGHER 406.123.4567 | debbie.gallagher@gmail.com | Missoula, MT 59803 CAREER TARGET: WELDER Skilled Welder proficient in MIG welding, computer-aided drafting (CAD), steel manufacturing, and forklift operations. Creative problem solver with experience in reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings, and diagrams. Collaborative professional skilled in piping, grinding, torching, and clamping. Knowledgeable about American Welding Society standards (AWS) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules. Customer Service Skills and experience in: Assembly Lines Welding Layout Techniques Metal Properties Blueprint Reading & Layout OSHA Rules & Compliance EDUCATION Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Welding Technology UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA—MISSOULA COLLEGE, Missoula, MT, expected May 2022 WELDING COURSEWORK Blueprint Reading & Welding Symbols | Fabrication Basics | Welding Layout Techniques | Applied Metallurgy Metal Fabrication Design & Construction | OSHA Safety Training | Automation in Welding Certified Welder, American Welding Society, expected July 2022 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Representative & Product Stocker December 2020–Present Ace Hardware Missoula, MT • Created positive customer experience by greeting customers entering and throughout store, answering questions, and projecting friendly, outgoing demeanor. • Cleared customer checkout lines quickly and efficiently and answered all calls and pages promptly, courteously and effectively. • Ensured customer satisfaction and efficient store operations by communicating problems and issues that require management assistance. • Built product knowledge by assisting in pricing, stocking, marking, and bagging merchandise and assisting customers with store layout and product location. General Laborer, Seasonal June 2021–August 2021 Bitterroot Construction LLC Hamilton, MT • Supported residential property excavation by shooting grade, digging trenches for water and sewer lines, and constructing water and sewer line pipes. • Operated heavy equipment to perform excavation work—dirt loaders, haul trucks, forklifts, compacters, and trucks and trailers. • Assisted sewer and septic crew in laying sewer lines by shooting grade, monitoring excavation, and assisting in setting septic tanks. p: 406-243-2022 e: elcs@umontana.edu w: umt.edu/elcs

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY COVER LETTERS Letters are important contacts with employers. Here’s how to make a good impression: COVER LETTER OVERVIEW & TIPS This 1-page letter is the initial contact between you and the employer. Its purpose is to briefly market your skills, experience, and education to a specific job. • Send it in response to an advertised job (internship/apprenticeship). • Personalize it by marketing your experience, education, personal qualities, and goals toward the specific position for which you’re applying. • Your résumé and cover letter should work together to strongly present your value to a prospective employer. • It should draw attention to and expand on the most important information from your résumé. DOS DON’TS • Match format, font, and letterhead to your résumé. • Ramble or include redundant content from your résumé. • Include personal information (marital status, age, • Keep it clear and concise (1-page). religious and political affiliations, etc.). • Include keywords to fit the job description. • Be “me” focused by overusing “I” and “My.” • Follow the job/internship posting directions. • Address your letter “To Whom It May Concern:” • Address it to a specific person or “Hiring Manager.” • Exceed 1-page. • Write employer-focused by tailoring your skills and background to the job description. • Submit a general cover letter. • Have a Career Coach review it and provide feedback. • Include anything untrue (shine the best light on yourself, but don’t exaggerate). ADDITIONAL NOTE Networking Letter Sometimes, people will send a cover letter to inquire about current or potential vacancies and establish communication with organizations about future employment. Personalize each letter based on your research of the organization. • Use the full name and job title of the reader when possible. • Mention your interest in applying should a position exist or open up in the near future. • Highlight your experience and/or academic accomplishments related to the position. • Enclose a résumé and offer to provide additional information. • State your interest in the organization and why you want to work (intern/apprentice) there. p: 406-243-2022 e: elcs@umontana.edu w: umt.edu/elcs

COVER LETTER SAMPLE ↓Use the same letterhead as on your résumé DEBBIE GALLAGHER 406.123.4567 | hannah.cortland@gmail.com | Missoula, MT 59803 August 18, 2022 ← Spell-out date. Add 3 blank lines. Use full block style and the same margins and font as your résumé Mr. John Smith Hiring Manager ← Address Block - spell-out words like Street, Road, Northwest, Suite TruNorth Steel 5405 Momont Road Missoula, MT 59808 Re: Welder ← (Optional) Reference Line with a colon Dear Mr. Smith: ← Salutation (Mr. Ms.) use a colon and 1 blank line above and below ↓ Intro Paragraph – Grab Attention! with colon As a welder-in-training, I have an educational background and hands-on experience in welding symbols, equipment utilization and maintenance, and general welding operations. My instructors and supervisors have applauded me for exercising dependability, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. With strong attention to detail, I produce high-quality, accurate, and thorough work. As I read the job requirements for TruNorth Steel’s Welder position, I recognize my experience and skills are a perfect match. ↓ Body, a sales pitch, sell skills with keywords With professional experience as a general laborer and hardware store representative, I gained experience reading blueprints and following specific oral and written directions to achieve assignment, job site, and organizational goals. My work with Bitterroot Construction required me to follow safety protocols, ensuring effective teamwork, communication, and project completion. As you will see on my résumé, I have welding training necessary to support team assignments at TruNorth, including performing flat and horizontal welds, spot welds, and imperial and metric measurements. If TruNorth seeks a safety-conscious welder with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training and construction experience to assist the Game Changer team in manufacturing quality steel products for customers, I would welcome an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ← Complimentary Close ↑ Close, sell yourself once more, ask for an interview, and thank the reader Debbie Gallagher Debbie Gallagher Enclosures: résumé and application p: 406-243-2022 e: elcs@umontana.edu w: umt.edu/elcs

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY KEYWORDS Welding Loaders Siding Loading & Unloading Site Work Assembly Line Managing Crews Smart Buildings Automated Welding Systems Mathematics Stairs Blueprint Reading & Layout Occupational Safety & Health Surveying Caliper Piping Sustainable Construction Clamping Plows & Street Sweepers Sustainable Materials Computational Skills Preventive Maintenance Technical Design Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Safety Regulations & Procedures Water Efficiency Fabrication Scrapers Windows Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) Service & Maintenance Woodworking Forklift Experience Surveying Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Trucking CDL Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Grinding Precision Machine Technology Class A Driver Hand Tools Commercial Driver's License Heating & Cooling Cycles Blueprint Reading & Interpretation Commercial Driving Jig & Fixture Design CNC Lathes Department of Transportation, DOT Machining Processes & Automation CNC Mills DOT Logs Measuring Tools Dimensioning Techniques Driving Safety Metal Design & Construction Hand Tools Electronic Logging Device, ELD Metal Fabrication Equipment Industrial Machines Flatbed Metal Properties Machine Quality Control Forklift Experience Metallurgy Manual Engine Lathes Hauling MIG / TIG Welding Manual Mills Hazmat OSHA Rules & Compliance Manufacturing Materials & Processes Loading & Unloading Oxyacetylene Welding (OAW) Material Removal Processes Long Hauling Pipe Welding Precision Measurements Over the Road Experience Schematics Project Process Planning Owner Operator Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Quality Control Qualcomm / Omnitracs Steel Manufacturing Safety Regulations & Procedures Semi-Truck Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) Service & Maintenance Solo Truck Driving Technical Mathematics Steels, Metals, Plastics Tanker Truck Driver Torching Surface Processing Operations Team Truck Driving Welding Layout Techniques Tractor Trailer Welding Power Sources Sustainable Construction Trapping & Strapping Wide Load Experience Heavy Equipment Operation Blueprint Reading Building Diesel Technology Backhoe Building Information Modeling Construction Carpentry ASE Certification Construction Safety Constructing Automotive Brakes & Tires Crane Operating Cost Estimation & Control Cummins Dozer Energy Efficiency Diesel Equipment Dump Trucks Finishing Diesel Mechanic Earth Moving Framing Diesel Technician Equipment Operation Green Buildings Electricity Excavation Indoor Air Quality Emission Control Forklift Experience Insulation Fleet Maintenance Front-End Loaders Joining Hand Tools Grader Life Cycle Assessment Hydraulics Hauling Mapping Motorizing Heavy Equipment Planing Preventive Maintenance Hydraulics Roofing Refrigeration Inspection Sanding Schematics Shell Trucking p: 406-243-2022 e: elcs@umontana.edu w: umt.edu/elcs

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