Resume writing

Turn your experience into results 

Every experience tells a story — make yours stand out. A strong resume does more than list where you've worked or volunteered. It tells employers how you've made a difference. Whether you've held a part-time job, completed an internship, volunteered in your community or participated in student organizations, you've developed valuable skills that employers are looking for.

The key is knowing how to communicate those experiences in a way that highlights your accomplishments, demonstrates your impact and shows the value you'll bring to an organization. Our team can help you transform everyday responsibilities into powerful resume statements that showcase leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and measurable results. You can also use Quinncia, our AI-powered career platform, to build and strengthen your resume with personalized, on-demand feedback. Pair Quinncia with one-on-one guidance from a career coach to refine your content, showcase your strengths and create a resume that captures employers' attention.  

No matter where you are in your career journey, the Office of Career and Personal Development is here to help you create a resume that reflects your strengths and prepares you for future opportunities. Explore additional resume examples, writing tips, templates and career resources, or schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career coach for personalized feedback. 

Ready to strengthen your resume? Connect with your career coach today

Turn responsibilities into accomplishments

Instead of simply listing what you did, show employers how you made an impact by using strong action verbs, measurable results and specific achievements.

Food service 

  • Before: Took customer orders and prepared food. 
  • After: Delivered fast, accurate customer service during high-volume shifts, maintained food safety standards and collaborated with team members to serve more than 150 customers daily. 

Student organization 

  • Before: Member of the Business Club. 
  • After: Planned and promoted campus events that increased student participation, collaborated with executive board members and helped organize professional networking opportunities with local employers. 

Internship 

  • Before: Helped with social media. 
  • After: Created and scheduled social media content that increased audience engagement, supported marketing campaigns and contributed to the organization's online presence. 

Campus job 

  • Before: Worked at the campus library. 
  • After: Assisted students and faculty with research resources, managed circulation services and resolved questions while providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment. 

Athletics 

  • Before: Played on the volleyball team. 
  • After: Balanced the demands of collegiate athletics and academics while demonstrating leadership, time management, teamwork and a commitment to achieving team goals. 

Class project 

  • Before: Worked on a group project. 
  • After: Collaborated with a team to develop and present a business solution, conducted research, analyzed data and delivered recommendations that addressed real-world challenges.  

Personal brand

Build a professional brand that opens doors

Make a strong first impression — before you even walk into an interview. Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the world, both online and in person. From your LinkedIn profile to your social media presence, employers are paying attention long before they schedule an interview. In fact, many recruiters use LinkedIn and other online platforms to learn more about candidates, evaluate their professionalism and identify potential talent. 

The good news? You have the power to shape that first impression. Whether you're just starting college or preparing to graduate, building a professional brand can help you showcase your strengths, grow your network, and uncover internships, job opportunities and valuable career connections. Our team is here to help you develop a professional presence that reflects who you are today — and where you want to go tomorrow. 

Why your professional brand matters 

Your professional brand tells your story. It highlights your experiences, communicates your strengths and helps employers understand what makes you unique. A thoughtful, authentic brand can:  

  • Increase your visibility with recruiters and hiring managers
  • Expand your professional network 
  • Showcase your skills, accomplishments and career interests 
  • Build credibility and confidence
  • Help you stand out in a competitive job market

10 ways to strengthen your professional brand 

  1. Complete your LinkedIn profile: Include a professional headshot, a compelling headline, an engaging summary, and detailed information about your education, experiences and skills. 
  2. Showcase your experiences: Highlight internships, campus employment, volunteer work, research projects, student organizations and leadership roles. Every experience helps tell your story. 
  3. Focus on accomplishments: Go beyond listing responsibilities. Use action verbs and measurable results to demonstrate the impact you've made. 
  4. Grow your professional network: Connect with classmates, faculty, alumni, employers and industry professionals. Networking often leads to valuable advice, mentorship and career opportunities. 
  5. Stay active online: Share articles, celebrate achievements, comment on industry trends and engage with professional organizations to demonstrate your interests and expertise.
  1. Customize your LinkedIn URL: A personalized LinkedIn URL looks more professional and is easier to include on your resume, business cards and email signature. 
  2. Review your digital footprint: Search your name online and make sure your public profiles reflect the image you want employers to see. Remove or adjust content that doesn't align with your professional goals. 
  3. Request recommendations: Ask professors, supervisors, internship mentors or employers to write recommendations that highlight your strengths and work ethic.
  4. Build relationships through networking: Attend career fairs, employer information sessions, networking events and alumni panels. Follow up with new connections to continue building meaningful professional relationships.
  5. Partner with your career coach: Meet with a career coach for personalized feedback on your LinkedIn profile, networking strategy, personal brand and online presence.

Write a cover letter

Show your value. Make a lasting first impression. 

Your resume tells employers what you've done. Your cover letter explains why you're the right person for the job. A well-written cover letter gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself, highlight your enthusiasm for the position and connect your experience to the employer's needs. It's your chance to go beyond a list of qualifications and show the personality, motivation and communication skills that make you stand out. 

Whether you're applying for an internship, part-time job or full-time career opportunity, a thoughtful cover letter can help you make a memorable first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview. 

The Office of Career and Personal Development is here to help you create personalized, professional cover letters that showcase your strengths and give employers a reason to keep reading.  

Why cover letters matter

Many employers receive dozens — even hundreds — of applications for a single position. A customized cover letter demonstrates that you've taken the time to learn about the organization and understand what they're looking for. A strong cover letter helps you: 

  • Introduce yourself beyond your resume
  • Explain why you're interested in the organization and position
  • Showcase your communication skills
  • Connect your experience to the employer's needs
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism and initiative
  • Differentiate yourself from other applicants

Five tips for writing an effective cover letter

  1. Personalize every letter: Avoid sending the same cover letter with every application. Tailor each letter to the specific employer and position by referencing the job description, company values and the skills they're seeking.
  2. Show genuine interest: Tell employers why you're interested in working for their organization. Whether it's the company's mission, culture or opportunities for growth, explain what drew you to the position and why you're excited to apply.
  3. Connect your experience to the role: Don't simply repeat your resume. Highlight two or three experiences that best demonstrate the skills the employer is looking for. Use specific examples to show how you've solved problems, collaborated with others or achieved meaningful results.
  4. Tell your story: Your cover letter should sound like you. Share what motivates you, what you've learned from your experiences and how those experiences have prepared you to contribute to the organization. Authenticity helps employers understand who you are beyond your credentials.
  5. Finish strong: Close your letter with confidence. Thank the employer for considering your application, express your interest in discussing the opportunity further and end with a professional closing that leaves a positive final impression.  

Common mistakes to avoid 

Even strong candidates can weaken their applications with avoidable mistakes. Before submitting your cover letter, make sure you:

  • Address the correct company and position
  • Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors
  • Keep your letter concise — typically one page
  • Focus on how you can contribute to the employer, not just what you hope to gain
  • Use a professional tone while letting your personality shine through

Career tip: Even if a cover letter is optional, it's often worth submitting one. A personalized cover letter demonstrates initiative, professionalism and genuine interest in the opportunity. It can also provide context for your experiences and help employers remember you after reviewing your resume.  

Develop a job search strategy that works

Search with purpose. Apply with confidence. Find the opportunity that's right for you.  

Landing an internship or job isn't just about submitting as many applications as possible — it's about having a strategy. A thoughtful job search helps you focus your time on opportunities that align with your skills, interests and career goals while increasing your chances of standing out to employers. 

Whether you're searching for your first internship, searching for a part-time job, or preparing to launch your career after graduation, our team can help you create a personalized plan, strengthen your application materials and connect with employers looking for talented Davenport students.  

Why a job search strategy matters 

An organized job search saves time, reduces stress and helps you stay focused throughout the process. Instead of applying to every position you find, you'll learn how to identify opportunities that are the best fit for your goals and how to present yourself as a strong candidate. A strategic approach can help you: 

  • Discover opportunities that align with your interests and career goals
  • Stay organized throughout your job search
  • Submit stronger, more targeted applications
  • Build meaningful relationships with employers and professionals
  • Feel more confident throughout the hiring process

Five strategies for job search success

  1. Create a job search plan: Treat your job search like an important project. Set weekly goals for researching employers, submitting applications, networking and following up. Use a spreadsheet, planner or digital tool to track: 
    • Positions you've applied for 
    • Application deadlines 
    • Interview dates 
    • Follow-up reminders 
    • Employer contact information 

Staying organized helps ensure you never miss an opportunity.

  1. Customize every application: Employers can quickly tell when an application is generic. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each position by highlighting the skills, experiences and accomplishments that best match the job description. Taking the extra time to personalize your application demonstrates genuine interest and shows employers why you're a strong fit.
  2. Look beyond online job boards: Many opportunities are found through networking, referrals and employer connections before they're widely advertised. Expand your search by: 
    • Attending career fairs and employer networking events 
    • Connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn
    • Using Handshake to find internships and jobs
    • Talking with professors, alumni and classmates
    • Joining professional organizations related to your field

The more connections you make, the more opportunities you'll discover. 

  1. Follow up professionally: A thoughtful follow-up can reinforce your interest and leave a positive impression. After submitting an application or completing an interview: 
    • Send a professional thank-you email within 24 hours of an interview 
    • Follow up appropriately if you haven't heard back after the employer's stated timeline 
    • Continue building relationships with recruiters and hiring managers

Professional communication demonstrates initiative, enthusiasm and attention to detail.

  1. Stay persistent and keep learning: Finding the right opportunity takes time, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. Every application, interview and networking conversation helps you build experience and confidence. Continue refining your resume, practicing interview skills and expanding your network. Consistency and persistence often lead to the best opportunities.

Career tip: Many internships and jobs are filled through networking and personal connections — not just online applications. Building relationships with employers, alumni, faculty and industry professionals can open doors to opportunities you might not find anywhere else.

Connect with your career coach today