Career Services - Penn State Altoona - Penn State University

Career Services 

RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS 

126 Slep Student Center 

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (M - F) 

814-949-5058 

www.altoona.psu.edu/career

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CREATING YOUR RESUMÉS...................................................................1 

Tips for Preparing Your Resumé 

TYPES OF RESUMÉS...................................................................................3 

Chronological 

Functional 

TOP RESUMÉ QUESTIONS ANSWERED.............................................3 

SAMPLE RESUMÉS.....................................................................................5 

Suggested Content 

Chronological Samples 

Functional Sample 

Electronic Sample 

CREATING YOUR COVER LETTER.....................................................12 

Guidelines for Preparing Your Cover Letter 

Suggested Content 

Sample 

Sample E-mail Cover Letter 

CREATING OTHER CORRESPONDENCE.........................................16 

Thank You Letter 

Letter of Acceptance 

Declining an Offer 

Professional References 

This publication is available in alternative media on request. 

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. U.Ed. AAO 12-38 srg21 

Table of Contents

CREATING YOUR RESUMÉS 

Resumés 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 resumé, especially if you are seeking various positions. It should be specific to each 

type of job you are seeking; a general or generic resumé gets far fewer interviews. 

Tips for Preparing Your Resumé 

• There is no one way to organize a resumé, but it should be neat and appealing to the eye. There should not be any 

spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Be sure to avoid using text messaging language. 

• Use quality bond paper (24#). Do not fold or staple your resumé. Cream, gray, and beige are all conservative 

colors of paper that are acceptable. 

• The layout should be simple, well organized, and consistent. Good spacing, margins, and headings contribute to 

appearance and readability. Use creativity in layout, white space, and margins for optimal graphic appeal. Font 

size should be at least 11 point. 

• Verb phrases should include skills gained through experience instead of listing general duties such as filing, 

photocopying, and answering phone. Avoid using personal pronouns. 

• A one-page resumé is preferred, but a two-page resumé is acceptable in certain situations. If two pages are 

needed, the second page should list significant and relevant material on at least ¾ of the page. Be sure to include 

your name and page two at the top of the second page. 

• It is recommended that the resumé be printed on a laser printer or high quality ink jet printer. Since the resumé 

will most likely be copied by an employer, the original must be flawless and of high quality. 

• The resumé should be tailored to each job description. Look at a number of sample resumés to get ideas about 

style, layout, and content. Then you can create your own style. Avoid using resumé programs or templates because 

they are redundant in style for readers. 

• Keywords should be used for electronic resumés. Keywords are nouns and phrases that highlight technical and 

professional areas of expertise, industry-related jargon, projects, achievements, special task forces, and other 

distinctive features about a prospect’s work history. Try to identify all possible keywords appropriate to your 

skills and accomplishments that support the kinds of jobs you are seeking. 

• Avoid personal information that has no impact upon your ability to do the job. (Age, marital status, sexual 

orientation, religion, political party affiliation, etc.) 

• If you attach your resumé in an e-mail message do so in the format requested by the employer. If a specific format 

is not required, send as a PDF or RTF document. 

1 • Resumes and Cover Letters

• Use action verbs to show professional accomplishments. Sample action verbs include: 

• Your resumé will continue to be a work in progress showing your skills and qualifications to future employers. 

Update your resumé on a regular basis. 


TYPES OF RESUMÉS 

This packet includes copies of a few sample resumés to help you create your resumé with its own unique format. 

Chronological and functional resumés are two formats to consider. 

Chronological 

This format is used by traditional students who are transitioning from college into the workforce. Present education 

is listed first, followed by present and previous work experience. Most recent jobs are listed first and then previous 

job experiences are listed (reverse chronological order). Under each entry, use verb phrases to show skills gained 

through experience. This is an appropriate format if you have experience directly related to your career goal. 

Functional 

This format is used by career changers and students with many years of professional experience to explain their 

experience using major skill headings, while job titles, employers, and dates are listed separately. This type of 

resumé is especially useful when your work experiences are not directly related to your career objective but shows 

that you have obtained transferable skills. 

TOP RESUMÉ QUESTIONS ANSWERED 

Is it better to use a pre-formatted template or blank Microsoft Word document when writing my resumé 

Using a blank Microsoft Word document is preferred over the use of a pre-formatted template for several reasons. 

Blank Word documents offer greater flexibility and more effective space usage when formatting pages, whereas 

templates can be more restrictive and limiting. Also, a Word document resumé provides individualized stylistic 

formatting options. Pre-formatted templates are easy to spot and they allow little room for uniqueness. 

Where do I include my study abroad experience 

Study abroad experiences are best included within the Education section of your resumé. Such information should 

be formatted in a manner that is consistent with the other items found within that section (see sample on page 8 for 

format). However, if you completed an internship or other related experience while studying abroad, you may choose 

to further elaborate on that opportunity as part of the Experience section of your resumé. 

How important is it for me to list my GPA 

Many organizations and graduate schools use GPA as a criterion for identifying viable candidates to continue 

through the application process. If your cumulative or major GPA is a 3.0 or above, it is beneficial to list it. 

Are summer work experiences important in a professional resumé 

Summer and/or part-time work experiences can serve to demonstrate a variety of important skill sets that you have 

developed, which adds breadth to your resumé. Transferable skill sets that employers seek include leadership, 

teamwork, diversity appreciation, interpersonal savvy, organization, problem-solving, communication, strong work 

ethic, analytical, initiative, technological, adaptability, detail-oriented, self-confidence, tactfulness, creativity, 

strategic planning, and entrepreneurial. 


Do I need to use bulleted points to describe my experiences 

Elaborating on experiences using bulleted points is strongly recommended when building a resumé. Each bullet 

should be no more than 1-2 lines long, and you may use up to 3-4 bullets to describe each listed experience. 

Do I need a skills section If so, what types of skills are appropriate for inclusion in a professional resumé 

A skills section is not required, but it can be an opportunity to effectively display additional skills that could set you 

apart from the applicant pool. Technology-based or computer skills, foreign language knowledge, and other fieldspecific 

skill sets and certifications are appropriate to include. Remember—you could be tested on that knowledge in 

an interview! 


Suggested Content for a Reverse Chronological Resumé 

Your Name 

E-mail 

Current Address: 

Street Address 

City, State Zip 

Telephone Number 

Permanent Address: 



Telephone Number 

OBJECTIVE 

One concise, easy-to-read statement focusing on the type of position you are seeking, the skills you want to utilize, or the 

tasks in which you want to become involved. Here are some examples: 

• Seeking an administrative position in a non-profit organization where I can use my fund-raising, public relations, and 

management skills. 

• To obtain a summer internship in marketing research with an emphasis in consumer products. 

EDUCATION 

• List degrees in reverse chronological order– most recent first. Keep the information easy to scan. 

• You can list study abroad experience here as well. 

• If your GPA (either overall or In Major) is above 3.00, include it here. 

COURSE PROJECTS 

• Include bulleted statement, beginning with action verbs, to describe relevant course projects. 

• Examples are on pages 6 -9. 

EXPERIENCE 

• List the most recent position first (reverse chronological order). If you have a mixture of experiences, you can break 

it down into different categories, such as Internship Experience, Work Experience, or Volunteer Experience. 

• Use action verbs (page two) to show details of your accomplishments and responsibilities rather than just listing 

duties. If appropriate, use numbers to enhance credibility, show volume, percentages, dollar amounts, etc. For 

example: Increased sales of x product by five percent in eight months. 

• Include information and skills that relate to the position you are seeking. 

• Consolidate information when possible; avoid repetition and excessive details when describing experiences, be 

concise. 

ACTIVITIES 

• List the most relevant activities and offices held first. Include college, community, and professional. 

• If relevant, add brief details of the position and your accomplishments using verb phrases. 

SKILLS 

You may want to consider a specific skills section to highlight skills you have on specific computer hardware or software or 

foreign languages. 

HONORS AND AWARDS 

Optional; include only if you have several honors. 


Sample Reverse Chronological Resumé 

JOHN C. DOE 

jcd000@psu.edu 

Current Address: 

Permanent Address: 

123 A Street 14541 Hunter Drive 

City, PA 166XX 

Pittsburgh, PA 166XX 

814-123-4567 412-777-7777 

OBJECTIVE 

To apply work and academic experience in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology with interests that include process and 

product engineering 

EDUCATION 

Penn State Altoona 

Bachelor of Science, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, May 20XX 

AutoCAD Certificate, December 20XX 

GPA: 3.25 

COMPUTER SKILLS 

AutoCAD, Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, Mastercam, G-Code, Robot Programming, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, RSLinx, RSView, MATLAB, 

Simulink, LabVIEW, C++, Visual Basic, QBasic, PSpice, Electronics Workbench, Microsoft Office, Microsft Project, FrontPage, 

Rhinoceros 


• Utilized ladder logic to design a traffic signal at two intersecting roadways with a left turn sensor using Allen-Bradley SLC 

500 Programmable Logic Controllers 

• Analyzed the design of a can opener, created solid models of each of the parts making up the assembly, designed the 

process for assembly of the part, and wrote a cost analysis for production 

• Utilized digital logic gates to implement an eight bit binary calculator to add and subtract numbers 

WORK EXPERIENCE 

McNeil Consumer Products Co. 

Altoona, PA 

Manufacturing Process Intern 

May 20xx—August 20xx 

• Implemented Statistical Process Control into manufacturing process 

• Maintained quality control in the processing and packaging of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals 

• Wrote standard operating procedures for the production floor that were approved by the Food and Drug Administration 

• Combined efforts with Quality Assurance, Research and Development, and Engineering to implement new processes 

• Installed, inspected, and validated system upgrades to process control and equipment 

Shop ‘n Save 

Pittsburgh, PA 

Assistant Manager 

September 20xx—May 20xx 

• Supervised front line staff and was responsible for operations in manager’s absence 

• Interviewed, hired, and trained employees and provided them with feedback on their performance 

• Developed system for monitoring specialty item inventory which decreased inventory by 50 percent 

Vice President, American Society of Mechanical Engineers 

Sigma Pi Fraternity International 

Intramural Sports: softball, football, hockey, soccer 

ACTIVITIES 



IMA STUDENT 

123 Ivy Lane 

Altoona, PA 16601 

814-686-0000 

ias123@psu.edu 

OBJECTIVE 

To obtain the caseworker position with Home Nursing Agency where I can utilize my interest in gerontology 

EDUCATION 

The Pennsylvania State University 

Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Studies, May 20xx 

Associate of Arts, Letters, Arts, and Sciences, May 20xx 

GPA: 3.40 

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE 

Blair County Human Services 


Editor and Victim Advocate 

May 20xx – July 20xx 

• Interviewed elderly victims of abuse and wrote a humanistic article for the Altoona Mirror 

• Organized a Take Back the Night event that involved 20 volunteers and 200 participants to create community awareness of 

domestic abuse 

• Coordinated field trips for elderly residents to community events 


• Wrote a research paper on elderly victims of abuse 

• Initiated a support group for faculty and staff at the college to discuss aging parents as part of an independent study 


Community Nursing Service 


Home Health Aide 

April 20xx – September 20xx 

• Assisted elderly with activities of daily living 

• Observed and documented client’s mental and physical condition 

COLLEGE ACTIVITY 

Human Development and Family Studies Student Association 

• Spoke to returning adult students at the college’s open house events 

• Acted as a mentor to other returning adults coming back to the college 

• Volunteered weekly at the Presbyterian Home to assist with activities for the residents 

SKILLS 

Language: 

• Fluent in Spanish 

Computer: 

• Microsoft Office 


HIGHLIGHT OF QUALIFICATIONS 

• Six months of human resources internship experience 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop 

• Fluent in Spanish 


MELISSA GOODCHOICE 

987 Nittany Drive 


814-686-0000 

mgoodchoice@psu.edu 

EDUCATION 

The Pennsylvania State University 

Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Business option, December 20xx 

GPA: 3.45, Dean’s List: three out of eight semesters 

Universidad de Barcelona, Seville, Spain, January 200xx-May20xx 

Completed courses in Legal Environments of Business and Human Resource Management 

HUMAN RESOURCES EXPERIENCE 

Office of Human Resources, Penn State University, University Park, PA May 20xx-June 20xx 

Intern 

• Interacted with employment and compensation specialists, hiring managers, human resource development 

associates, and employee benefits staff, as well as support staff 

• Assisted with layout and written content for the Human Resource Development Center’s professional development 

opportunities catalog which is distributed to every faculty and staff member at Penn State 

• Completed various administrative tasks in support of the entire unit such as entering and tracking of employee data 

and benefits changes, preparation of travel reimbursements, and other projects 

Human Resources, H.J. Heinz Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA September 20xx—December 20xx 

Intern 

• Gained broad exposure to a variety of departments within the human resources function at Heinz World 

Headquarters, a Fortune 500 company including Benefits, Executive Personnel, and Personnel/Recruiting 

ACTIVITIES 

Intramural volleyball and softball 

Special Olympics volunteer 

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Blair County 



PAUL LIONS 

2000 Nittany Avenue 814-943-xxxx 


pslions@hotmail.com 

EDUCATION 


Bachelor of Arts, Communications, May 20xx 

Video and Audio Production Concentration 

GPA: 3.98 with High Distinction 

MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCE 

Altoona Public Access Channel 


Production Assistant 

August 20xx – Present 

• Assist in television studio off site production that consists of directing, crew supervision, editing, A/V set up, camera operations, 

graphic design, animation design, audio engineering, lighting, set design, gripping, and teleprompter operation 

• Generate revenue for the Public Access Channel by creating and selling DVD tapes of events 

The Marauders 


Bass Player / Booking 

October 20xx– Present 

• Perform live for audiences over 4,000 people 

• Conduct booking, promoting, gripping, and sound engineering for live performances 

Penn State Altoona, Communications Program 


Teaching Assistant 

August 20xx – May 20xx 

• Coordinated class preparation, student critique sessions, and set up and operation of A/V equipment 

• Assisted students with computer program and production training 

LiveWire Online Magazine 


Co-Manager Editor / Audio Page Editor 

September 20xx – May 20xx 

• Acted as a team player to develop LiveWire On-line Radio 

• Created and uploaded materials for LiveWire On-line Magazine and Radio LiveWire 

FYE 


Assistant Manager 

November 20xx – August 20xx 

• Supervised a staff of eight and managed operations of a media retail outlet 

• Performed store maintenance, inventory control, and book keeping 

• Coordinated interviewing and the hiring of new personnel 

• Recognized with high performance reviews for seven years and received awards for sales contests 

FREELANCE PROJECTS 

• Wrote, directed, filmed, and edited a short film and a music video for The Marauders 

• Sold “The Lords Of The Highway” DVD by Rock’n’Roll Purgatory Records internationally 

• Designed a video presentation for the Blair County Arts Foundation’s 20xx Arts Hall of Fame ceremony 

• Assisted in the development of Penn State Altoona’s Virtual Tour 


• Adobe After Effects, Dreamweaver, Flash, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere, and Soundbooth 

• Microsoft Excel, FrontPage, PowerPoint, and Word 

• Bryce, DVD Studio Pro, Final Cut Pro, Finale, Maya, Motion, Mudbox, Pro Tools, Soundtrack Pro, and Velocity 

• All iLife programs 


Sample Functional Resumé 

JANINE SMITHMYER 

126 Haymaker Lane 


(814) 944-XXXX 

smithmyer@psu.edu 

EDUCATION 


Bachelor of Arts, Letters, Arts, and Sciences, May 20xx 

Entrepreneurship Minor 

GPA: 3.87 Dean’s List: Fall 20xx 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

Supervision 

• Trained and supervised four staff members at cosmetics counter 

• Developed staff schedules and performed opening and closing procedures in retail environment 

Sales 

• Exceeded sales goals by 34 percent last year 

• Designed creative merchandise displays to promote new products and gifts with purchase 

• Maintained inventory and handled monthly sales reports 

Communication 

• Publicized events for student organization via newsletters and flyers 

• Advised customers on best products for their needs 


Clinique Counter Manager, Kaufmann’s Department Store 

Assistant Manager, Hallmark 

Human Resources Assistant, SKF, Inc. 

September 20xx – Present 

March 20xx – August 20xx 

May 20xx – February 20xx 

ACTIVITIES 

ENACTUS, member 

Society of Business Students member 


Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, FrontPage 


Sample Electronic/Scannable Resumé 

JOHN BRUN 


Oak Hall 


814-949-4131 

johnbrun@psu.edu 

HIGHLIGHTOF QUALIFICATIONS 

*Four months of marketing internship experience 

*Nine months of experience as a clerical assistant working in higher education 

*Proficient in Microsoft Office, Visual Basic, and Quark 

EDUCATION 


Bachelor of Science, Business, May 20xx 

Management and Marketing Concentration 

GPA: 3.0 

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE 

Partnership Marketing and Event Planning, Altoona, PA 

Intern 

May 20xx to August 20xx 

* Designed new company logo for letterhead and external marketing events 

* Planned and organized a company picnic for over 300 Nabisco employees 

* Created and conducted an employee satisfaction survey for Kraft Inc. 

* Assisted with a marketing research project 



Clerical Assistant, Student Affairs 

August 20xx to May 20xx 

* Assisted with planning and organizing a career fair for 200 students and 50 employers 

* Created professional correspondence 

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES 

Treasurer, Society of Business Students 

* Managed accounts payable and accounts receivable using $1,000 budget 

* Publicized club events to increase membership attendance 

* Raised $500 for Relay for Life 

* Participated in Intramural soccer, basketball, and baseball 


CREATING YOUR COVER LETTER 

The primary purpose of the 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 resumé 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. 

The cover letter should be as concise and targeted as possible and should usually be limited to one page. If possible, the 

letter should not be directed to sir, madam, or director of personnel. Find out who is responsible for hiring and direct the 

letter to that individual. A description of the important elements to be included in the cover letter follows, along with 

several examples of cover letters. 

Guidelines for Preparing Your Cover Letter: 

• Never mail a resumé without a cover letter. 

• Address by name and title of the individual with the power to hire you, if at all possible. 

• Adapt the letter carefully to specific details of the job opportunity. 

• Highlight and draw attention to the points in your resumé that uniquely qualify you for the position. 

• Close your letter with a request for an interview. 

• Use quality bond paper (24#) and have the letter typed in a professional format. 

• Special attention should be given to grammar, spelling, and neatness. The cover letter should represent your very 

best efforts. It may be beneficial to have a member of the Career Services staff review your letter prior to sending it 

to an employer. 

• If you are e-mailing your cover letter and resumé, be sure to maintain the same degree of formality and 

professionalism you would use in a hard copy letter. 

• Never use slang, text messaging language, or abbreviations when corresponding with employers. 


Suggested Content for a Cover Letter 

Your Present Address 


Date of Letter 

Individual’s Name 

Title 

Company/Organization 



Dear __________: 

First Paragraph: Indicate the reason for writing, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and the way 

in which you learned about the position opening or the company. 

Second Paragraph: Explain why you are interested in the particular position, the company or organization, and the products/ 

services of the organization. Above all, indicate what you can do for the company—tell them how you can benefit their 

company and what you can do for them. If you have recently graduated, explain how your academic background makes you 

a qualified candidate for this position. If you have had some practical work experience, point out special achievements or 

qualifications that relate to the advertised position. 

Third Paragraph: Indicate your desire for a personal interview at their convenience. Indicate the best time to contact you 

and include your phone number. 

Sincerely, 

Wanda B. Employed 

Wanda B. Employed 

Enclosure 


Sample Cover Letter 

1500 Walnut Avenue 


October 25, 20xx 

Mr. James Smith 

Director 

Drug Prevention Agency 

5240 Pacific Drive 

Atlanta, GA 42111 

Dear Mr. Smith: 

While attending the Penn State Altoona Career Fair, I learned about a Drug Prevention Officer position with your agency. 

During this fair, I spoke with (recruitment representative) and I realized that my education and experiences would be a good 

fit. It is with great pleasure that I submit my resumé for the position and I would certainly appreciate your consideration. 

As you can see by my enclosed resumé, I will earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Penn State Altoona 

in May 20xx. Through course projects, I have gained transferable skills that make me an excellent candidate for this position. 

For example, I wrote and presented a research paper on “Teen Drug Abuse,” which explored the various drugs of choice 

by teens as well as treatment options with the highest success rates. As president of the Criminal Justice Organization, I 

led a group of ten students in planning and coordinating a fundraiser for victims of domestic violence, in which we raised 

over $5,000. In addition, I have gained professional experience as a part-time employee and student intern at two drug and 

alcohol treatment facilities. All of these experiences have provided me with strong knowledge of drug and alcohol prevention 

and thus I would be able to make positive contributions for the Drug Prevention Agency. 

I am extremely passionate and excited to pursue a career in this field. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my 

qualifications with you further in an interview. I can be reached at 814-949-xxxx. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Barry Nittany 

Barry Nittany 

Enclosure 


Sample E-mail Cover Letter with Resumé Attached 

Subject Line of Email Message: Communications Assistant Position 

Dear Ms. Smith: 

Your recent job posting for a communication assistant listed on FindAJob.net was not only exciting, but would be a great 

match with my skills. I would very much appreciate being considered for this position and believe my communications 

experience is very relevant to what you are seeking. 

In my position as Communications Coordinator for XYZ student organization, I developed the text for the group’s Web site, 

managed guest author submissions, and wrote and sent a weekly e-mail newsletter to group members. In addition, during 

my internship with Representative John Doe, I responded to constituent correspondence, researched and prepared drafts for 

press releases, and was responsible for correspondence with office staff. I also have extensive experience writing articles 

and stories on a freelance basis, which, I believe, would be an ideal match for the position. 

If I can provide you with any additional writing samples or further information on my background and qualifications, please 

let me know. I look forward to speaking with you in person and describing my background and qualifications and how they 

will be of benefit to your company and this position. I can be reached between 3pm-5pm at 814-949-5058. 

Sincerely, 

Anita Job 

Anita Job 

Address 

E-mail 


CREATING OTHER CORRESPONDENCE 

The following represent other types of correspondence that you might find appropriate at various stages in your job search. 

In each instance, these letters should be individually typed and addressed and should conform to the applicable standards 

previously discussed for the preparation of cover letters. Use business letter format with your address and the date in the 

upper left, and the person’s name and address on the left above the body of the letter. 

Thank You Letter 

After you have had an interview or visit, a thank you letter is a simple matter of professionalism and courtesy. 

• Within 24–48 hours after the interview or visit, a letter should be sent to express your appreciation for the 

opportunity to present yourself. 

• Use the letter to express your continued interest in the position and company. Some details of things that impressed 

you are a nice way to personalize your letter and convey your interest. 

• Supply any additional information that was requested at the time of the visit or interview. 

• It is acceptable to email your thank-you letter. Be sure it retains the degree of professionalism you would have on a 

hard copy letter. 

Example 

I appreciated the opportunity to talk with you last Tuesday afternoon regarding employment as a manager trainee. 

As I indicated during the interview, I believe my achievements at Penn State as well as my work experience make me 

a strong candidate. If I can provide you with any additional information to help you in your decision making process, 

please contact me at 814-949-5000. 

Letter of Acceptance for Second Interview or Job Offer 

Be businesslike but also tailor your letter to the specific employer, so you appear sincere and genuinely interested in the 

company and job. Never simply copy example letters. 

• Write to the person who wrote and/or interviewed you. 

• Thank the person and/or show your enthusiasm for the offer. 

• State what you are accepting. 

• Concisely, yet descriptively, give some details about what has impressed you about the company and/or interview. 

Example 

I am quite pleased to accept your offer of a job as a (title) starting (date). The details of the position sound 

challenging, especially (details) and (details). I understand that your offer involves a start date of June 6, 20xx and 

that the salary offered is $40,000 plus benefits discussed at my most recent interview. I look forward to joining the 

staff and will be calling in several weeks as you requested to arrange travel and moving details. 

Declining an Offer 

It is courteous to turn down a site visit or job offer graciously and in a timely manner. 

Example 

Thank you for your invitation of a site visit on (date). Although I was quite interested in (company name), I have 

accepted a position with another company, so I will not be accepting your invitation. I appreciated the opportunity 

to interview with (recruiter’s name) and was impressed with your training program. 



Always prepare 3-5 professional (not personal) references on a separate sheet of paper. Good references to include are 

previous employers, professors you have worked with closely, advisors of activities in which you have participated, former 

internship supervisors, and volunteer supervisors. Always ask the person you would like to use as a reference for permission 

to use them prior to including them on your reference sheet. Also be sure to provide your references with a copy of your 

resumé. 

Sample Format for Preparing Your Professional References 

JOHN M. STUDENT 

3 Good Lane 


814-949-5000 


Dr. Brian O’Hare, Professor 

Department of Natural Sciences 


3000 Ivyside Park 


814-949-0000 

E-mail address 

Reference #2 

Company 

Address 


Phone 


Reference #3 

Company 

Address 


Phone

Career Services - Penn State Altoona - Penn State University

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?