Resumes, Cover Letters and Other Correspondence

Essential Documents for Your Professional Life

A strong resume and other professional documents, such as cover letters, are essential throughout your career journey. Whether you are applying for internships, jobs, graduate programs, volunteer roles or study abroad experiences, a clear and well-formatted resume provides a strong foundation as you build your skills and experience. Use the tools and samples below to create professional, effective career documents that support your goals.

Resume, CV and Cover Letter Examples

Strong application materials clearly communicate your skills, experiences and goals. Use the samples below to guide formatting, organization and content development as you prepare your resume, CV or cover letter. If you are unsure which format best fits your situation, schedule an appointment with the Career Center for personalized guidance.

Undergraduate Resume Examples

These samples can guide you if you’re building experience or applying for internships and entry-level positions.

Graduate and Professional School Application Resumes

Refer to these samples if you’re applying to advanced academic or professional programs.

Professional and Advanced Degree Resumes

Use these examples if you’re completing a professional doctoral program or you’re an professional advancing in your career.

Specialized Resume Formats

Some roles require specific formatting conventions.

Federal Resume (MS Word)

CVs are typically used for academic, research or teaching-focused positions and may include publications, presentations and detailed scholarly experience.

Professional Correspondence and Supporting Document Examples

Professional communication is an essential part of the job and internship search process. The examples below demonstrate appropriate tone, structure and etiquette for common career-related correspondence. Adapt these samples to reflect your voice and specific situation.

Dear Mr. Jones,

I am writing to inquire about possible Human Resources positions at ConAgra Foods. I will be graduating from Creighton University in May, and I am looking for opportunities to utilize my psychology degree with an emphasis in organizational behavior.

The attached resume outlines my experience. I am currently interning the Human Resources Department at First National Bank. In this position I have been responsible for registering, organizing materials, and representing First National Bank at Career Fairs. I have also conducted initial phone interviews and reference checks for potential employees and updated online job postings. Prior to this position, I completed an internship at Mutual of Omaha where I assisted with special projects in Human Resources. These projects included: researching information for their on-site Day Care Center, conducting an employee survey regarding flex-time, and organizing the annual summer picnic. I receive 'excellent' ratings from both internship supervisors regarding my attention to detail, organizational skill and ability to work with others.

I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you in person regarding positions with ConAgra Foods. Please contact with me at 402-444-8188 or sallybluejay@creighton.edu with a time that works best for you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sally Bluejay

Dear Ms. Wu,

I am writing in regard to the laboratory technician position which was advertised on Jobs4Jays. My professors, Dr. Bill Jones and Dr. Rita Singh suggested that I contact you directly. They both have enjoyed working with you at the Annual Biological Sciences Conference and thought that my experience and career aspirations may be of interest to you.

Streck's research, which I learned about during a recent campus presentation and from reviewing your website, truly is intriguing. Chemistry, biology and hematology especially are of interest, and my studies have focused on these areas. The specific focus on new technologies and hematological coagulants within test tubes will truly transform both clinical and basic science research, and I look forward to the opportunity to take part in the research process. I have had extensive laboratory experience and am a quick learner and can adapt to new findings and training.

I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you in person and would like to work with you to set up a time to meet that fits your schedule. I can be reached email tsmith@creighton.edu or call 402.111.1111 to talk further and set up a time that works best to meet. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, 

TJ Smith

Dear Mr. Edwards:

My name is Bill Smith, and I received your name from a family friend of mine, Tracy Michaels, who suggested I contact you. 

I will be graduating in May from Creighton University and would like to learn more about the insurance field. Would you be willing to meet with me for an informational interview to discuss your job as well as National Indemnity Company and Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies? A thirty-minute appointment, at a time that would be convenient for you, would be very helpful.

Thank you for considering my request. I believe an informational interview will help me better understand the field within and the work you do at National Indemnity Company and Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies. I will contact you the week of October 22nd to confirm receipt of this letter and to schedule a time for us to meet. If you would like to contact me, I can be reached at 402-111-1111 or bsmith@creighton.edu.

Sincerely,

Bill Smith

Dear Ms. Smith:

Thank you for interviewing me for the IT intern position. I enjoyed meeting you and the other members of your staff, as well as learning more about Union Pacific. My experience as an analyst intern at TD Ameritrade provided an excellent foundation, and I am eager to apply what I have learned to the position at Union Pacific. I am especially interested in assisting with the development of the digital design system that we discussed. Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Abbie M. Jones

May 20, 2015

Ms. Annette Brown 
Human Resource Director 
Specific Company 
8501 West Center Road 
Omaha, Nebraska 68114

Dear Ms. Brown:

I would like to thank you, and express my sincere appreciation, for the Advertising Coordinator offer with your company. After much deliberation, I regret to inform you that I have decided to accept an offer from another company.

I appreciate the time you spent with me discussing your company and the Advertising position. This was a difficult decision for me, but I am confident you will find a well-qualified candidate for the position.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Michale Anderson

May 10, 2015

Mr. Andrew Rogers
Human Resource Director
Gallup 
111 Gallup Drive
Omaha, Nebraska  68111

Dear Mr. Rogers:

I want to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the marketing position. Although I am disappointed that I was not selected for the position, I remain interested in working for your company. Should another opportunity become available please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be very interested in discussing how my skills and experience could benefit other departments within Gallup.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Tracey Nguyen

Contact Information

John P. Fahey Career Center
Creighton University
Harper Center, Suite 1088
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, Nebraska 68178

Phone: 402.280.2722
Fax: 402.280.3450
careercenter@creighton.edu

Hours of Operation

Office Hours (CST)
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Drop-in Hours (CST)*
Mon-Fri: 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Virtual: Call 402.280.2722
In-Person: Visit Harper 1088

*When classes are in session, meetings are intended to be 10-15 minutes.

Career Advising

Career Center advisors can support you at every stage of your career journey. Schedule an appointment through Handshake or call us at 402.280.2722. Bring any necessary documents to your appointment or email them to your advisor beforehand.