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Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

Your resumes, cover letters, and CV’s will change over time while you are at Northeastern. Whether you are preparing for your first co-op or a job after graduation, you can visit the Writing Center for help with your writing. Beyond the Writing Center, you can also contact Career Development and your co-op coordinator for help with job applications.

Career Development

The Career Development Center at Northeastern has excellent resources for professional documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV’s)
• Cover Letters
• Interviewing

In addition, they have resources for applying to graduate school and continuing in academia:

• Applying to graduate school
• Services for Graduate Students

Other Resources

• Optimizing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems  (Career Education, Columbia University)
• What it Really Means to Tailor Your Resume  ( The Muse )

Graduate Career Center

The dedicated career experts of the Graduate Career Center will help you achieve your most ambitious goals—whether you're a graduate student or alum looking to power your job search or an employer partner who wants to connect with top emerging talent.

Customize your cover letter

A cover letter can be considered just as important as a resume, detailing an applicant's accomplishments, qualifications and skills, based on a position's known responsibilities. By creating a custom cover letter for each job ( watch the Career Clip on How to Write a Thank You Note ), hiring managers will better understand an applicant's professional experience. While developing your cover letter, be sure to differentiate yourself from other applicants  by describing your skills and experience in the best manner possible .

Cover Letter Structure

• Basic information such as your name and contact information. Be sure to address the correct recruiter recipient.
• State your purpose. Indicate why you're applying to the position, where you found it, and what makes you a strong candidate.
• Include work experience that qualifies you as the perfect candidate for their specific needs.
• Thank the reader for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.
• Close with your signature.

Cover Letter Tips

• Personalize your own qualifications to match the job role . By clearly conveying how you will be an asset to the team, the hiring manager will likely have an easier time viewing you in the position.
• Research the company to learn specific information that can be used in the cover letter to display your knowledge and understanding of the position.
• Use key words from the job description to enhance your qualifications with their needs in mind.
• Focus on the employer needs, then match your appropriate qualifications.
• Proofread and ensure the letter is free of any spelling or grammatical errors.

Based on feedback from our employer partners, an extensive range of cover letter samples can be found below.

• Cover Letter Samples

 For Students

For students, looking for an on-campus job.

NU Student Temps helps connect students with professional experience with on-campus positions that match their skillsets and interests.

Our Hiring Process

①　screening.

Once you submit your application, we will review your resume. We may reach out to you to schedule a meeting to get to know you better.

②　Matching Positions

We will notify you if/when we have a hiring request that matches your skills and interests.

③　Providing Opportunities

If you are a good match for an open position, we will short-list your profile for the hiring manager’s review. The hiring manager may interview you.

④　Pre-Hire Paperwork

If you are selected for a position, we will send you an offer letter and assist you in completing your pre-hire paperwork and other onbaording processes. 

① Application Screening

• Screen your application form and resume

② Position Matching

• Match your profile with suitable opening positions

③ Providing Opportunities

• Contact you via email or Teams whenever we find a position that may suitable for you

④ Pre-Hire Paperwork

• Assist you with getting pre-hire paperwork and onboarding tasks completed

How NU Student Temps Work

Talent Review

I landed my first on-campus position as an Instructional Assistant, an experience that truly opened my eyes. It not only significantly bolstered my confidence but also my motivation. I’m grateful to NU Temps for this incredible opportunity. – Pooja Kannan, Instructional Assistant

Extending a heartfelt thank you to NU Student temp for their invaluable support in securing my first on-campus job as an Instructional Assistant Leader. Their guidance made the entire process seamless – from facilitating communication with my supervisor to handling paperwork easily. This opportunity to lead a team, manage resources, and align my past experiences with my course of study was truly transformative. It enhanced my skills and provided a meaningful platform for building connections and expanding my professional network. I extend my sincere thanks to NU Student Temp for making this journey both memorable and impactful.

Special gratitude to April Hoyte and Mercy Sulochana for providing me with this fantastic opportunity – your efforts have truly shaped this experience to not only be an enjoyable one but also incredibly rewarding.

I’d also like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Robin, for their invaluable guidance throughout. Their mentorship has been a beacon, steering me through the intricacies of leadership and professional development. – Surabhi Bhatt, Lead Instructional Assistant

I highly recommend NU Temps services to all students seeking on-campus employment and professional development. Their hiring process is quite transparent and quick. I had a great meeting with April about what my skills and experience are and how that would align with my on-campus job as an Instructional Assistant. – Vasu Rameshbhai Kalariya, Instructional Assistant

I’m deeply grateful to NU Student Temps for helping me land my first on-campus role as an Instructional Assistant. Amidst job search challenges, their expertise in matching my skills to the position made the transition seamless. Huge appreciation to April Hoyt and the entire team for their dedication in finding the ideal fit and ensuring a seamless onboarding process. A heartfelt thank you to Robin Mayo for his unwavering support and guidance throughout the job. – Rishika Gurram, Instructional Assistant

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity provided by NU Student Temp as an Instructional Assistant. Completing my role was a fulfilling experience, allowing me to contribute to a positive learning environment. The support and encouragement from the team fostered both personal and professional growth. I thrived in a collaborative atmosphere, honing my skills in assisting and enhancing the educational journey. This position has been invaluable, and I appreciate the trust placed in me. NU Student Temp not only offered a job but also an enriching experience that has undoubtedly shaped my career path. Thank you for the meaningful opportunity. – Aditya Kaspate, Instructional Assistant

The support from NU Student Temps, particularly the guidance provided by April Hyott in the online workshop, gave me valuable insights into the available opportunities. The overall experience was user-friendly and contributed to a smooth transition into on-campus employment. I appreciate the efficiency and assistance provided by NU Student Temps throughout the entire process. – Nabila Nabila, Instructional Assistant

I am thrilled to share my testimonial as a Lead Instructional Assistant. In just four weeks into this role, the learning experience has been phenomenal. Being in a leadership position has allowed me to gain valuable insights into leadership and managerial practices. My manager has played a crucial role in making this journey incredibly smooth, being both cool and informative, providing the necessary support to foster growth.

One aspect I particularly appreciate is the opportunity to connect with various professionals within ITS. This has not only expanded my network but also provided a broader understanding of the diverse roles available. The exposure to different job types has been eye-opening and has added substantial depth to my perspective.

In addition, my role as a Lead IA has not only enriched my technical knowledge but also honed my leadership skills. The collaborative and supportive environment has made the overall experience truly rewarding. I highly recommend this position for anyone seeking a combination of personal and professional growth.

Thank you to the entire team for making my journey as a Lead IA so enriching and impactful! – Rohit Soni, Lead Instructional Assistant

The process of NU Student Temps is very clear and easy to understand. We have to fill out the application form and submit our resume and if anything roles align with our experience they would contact us and schedule an in person interview to discuss further. The team is very helpful and communication is very clear. They helped me find my on campus in short span of time. Thanks to April Hoyt for helping me out. – Shree Tejani, Event Assistant

As a Northeastern student temp, the on-campus experience has been invaluable. The supportive community, diverse opportunities, and collaborative atmosphere foster personal and professional growth. I appreciate the university’s commitment to student success and the chance to contribute to a vibrant campus environment through meaningful work. – Piyush Kunjilwar, Instructional Assistant

I was fortunate to secure a position as a dashboard creator at NuTemps. This role, which I obtained on campus, aligns perfectly with my Master’s degree and promises to be highly beneficial for my future endeavors.

I have gained invaluable experience and learned extensively from this opportunity. It is poised to significantly enhance my prospects in my future career. Working with a great team throughout this process was a remarkable experience. They were not only instrumental in completing the project but also in broadening my perspective on my work.

Once again, thank you for this opportunity. – Kailash Senthilkumar, Dashboard Creator

Updates to the Student Employment Contact Procedure

Student Employment has made some important changes to our e-mail communications. Our office has implemented the new, user-friendly  Student Financial Services Inquiry Form, and is now available in the self-service portal.  Read more about this transition and what it means for you.

We’re Here Whenever You Need Us

Frequently asked questions, how can i enhance my resume, can i meet with nu student temps.

Due to overwhelming demand, NU Student Temps staff cannot meet with every applicant, and we cannot meet students on a drop-in basis. Appointments are by invitation only.

What kinds of jobs does NU Student Temps recruit for?

We often provide staff for administrative/office/front desk, accounting, finance, data analysis, graphic design, web design, and event support jobs.

How do you match students to jobs?

Every job has its own set of requirements. We review applicants to find the most suitable profiles for each position. We then short-list candidates for the hiring manager’s review. The hiring manager typically interviews candidates as well and then selects the candidate(s) they would like to hire.

What are the requirements to become part of NU Student Temps?

Any student is welcome to apply to become part of NU Student Temps.

We have found that hiring managers are looking for independent, professional candidates who need very little on-the-job training. Because of this, many roles also require years of professional experience. Some jobs may also require a specific technical skillset. All jobs require strong communication and time management skills.

Can NU Student Temps create more on-campus jobs?

Unfortunately, we cannot create jobs for students, but we do encourage hiring managers to consider NU Student Temps for all of their hiring needs.

Can I volunteer through NU Student Temps?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer unpaid, volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in unpaid experiences to build your resume, check out Forage through the Career Design Center.

Other resources for students

The International Tutoring Center:  https://international.northeastern.edu/gss/tutoring/ The Graduate Student Government: https://www.northeastern.edu/gsg/ The graduate student organizations: https://www.northeastern.edu/gsg/graduate-student-groups/

[email protected]

@nustudenttemps

company/nu-student-temps

Career Resources

Turn your academic focus into a successful career.

The time is now

It is never too early to start planning your career. Here you’ll find the tools you need to explore and research, build stronger resumés, write more persuasive cover letters, and develop better interview skills. Whether you’re just starting out, making a change, or advancing in your profession, our team of coaches and our tailored programs will help you meet your goals. Start today! 

We're Here Every Step of the Way

Our programs fit every student’s needs and aspirations. Let us help you get to where you want to go.  

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Resume & Cover Letter Guides

by Caitlin | May 19, 2021 | General , General Resource , Gov/PI Resource , Judicial Resource , LLM Resources , Private Sector Resource

For everything from formatting tips to suggested language to how to introduce yourself to an employer who is not familiar with the co-op program to sample letters and resumes, please check out the Resume and Cover Letter Guides.

Cover Letter Guide 2022 FINAL

Resume Guide Jan. 2022 FINAL

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Resume & Cover Letter Workshop

Thursday, March 19, 2020 6pm to 8pm

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About this Event

1175 Tremont Street, Roxbury 02120

Join us for a resume, CV, LinkedIn and cover letter writing workshop by Kyle Oddis. The first half of this session will be a presentation answering common formatting and content questions with examples. Additionally, we will cover tone, word choice, and cohesion. For the second half of this workshop, come prepared to work on your own resumes or cover letters from any point in the writing process. Participants are also invited to bring samples of desired job ads/descriptions. This event is free and open to the public.

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The co-op process, from start to finish

Getting started on co-op may seem daunting, but you’ll have plenty of guidance along the way. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it all works. 

Inside co- op > The co-op process, from start to finish

1. Meet your co-op coordinator

A co-op coordinator will be assigned to you as soon as you arrive at Northeastern. They will encourage you to connect with co-op peers and to meet mentors at welcome events, orientations, and co-op info sessions throughout your first year.  

If your resume needs work, your coordinator will help you identify some experiences, like clubs, research, and summer internships, to build it out.   

2. Enroll in your co-op prep course   

This one-time course, taught by a co-op coordinator, meets weekly throughout one semester of your second year. As an undergrad, you’ll explore career paths, have your resume and cover letter reviewed, do practice interviews, learn job search strategies, and more.  If you’re a grad student, you can use this course to hone your resume and refresh interviewing skills.   

3. Get 1:1 advice    

We’ll help you define—and redefine—your career aspirations and connect you to resources.  Not sure what the difference is between a video game designer and a game developer? Can’t decide between a small life sciences startup or a global pharmaceutical company? We’ll help you sort it out. For graduate students, we’ll help you zero in on the best options to pivot into a career change and navigate visa requirements for international students.  

4. Search and apply    

You’ll apply for your first co-op during your second year (the same goes for graduate students doing just one co-op) using our online job search platform, NUWorks. Co-op cycles begin in either January or July.   

Attend our employer recruitment events and career workshops for an overview of opportunities.      

Once you’ve applied to a co-op, respond to interview requests promptly and professionally. (You can prep and practice interviewing with your coordinator). You can apply for any co-op, regardless of major or college, as long as you meet the job qualifications. Cast a wide net, explore, and keep your options open! 

5. Accepting an offer   

You should acknowledge all offers within 48 hours.  Work closely with your co-op coordinator to navigate offers and details, because once you accept a position, you’re committed. Connect with your employer to confirm start and end dates, and work schedule.    

If you’re moving to a different city or country for your co-op, work with Northeastern to arrange logistics around transportation and housing. If you’re an international student, you’ll need to check for any visa requirements, too.       

6. During your co-op  

As you begin your co-op, continue working with your co-op coordinator to establish learning goals and objectives. Review those objectives with your work supervisor.   

During your co-op, you’ll have regular meetings with your supervisors and mentors on the job, and a mid-point check-in with your coordinator.  You’ll also complete three reflective writing prompts at regular intervals. 

7. Final performance assessment  

Your grade will be based on assessments and reflections: You will complete a self-assessment after your co-op, and your employer will submit a final assessment of your performance. Review the assessments with your coordinator against the goals and objectives you set at the start.  

Note: If you are an undergrad who will be doing more than one co-op, you’ll skip steps 1 and 2, next time, going straight to 1:1 advising and finishing with assessments.  

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Application Readiness Program

Applicants can start preparing for their application cycle by joining the PreMed and PreHealth Advising Application Readiness Program during their application year.

This entails completing a Self-Assessment survey and an Application Readiness Meeting (ARM) with your PreHealth Advisor. 

The Application Readiness Program  is an included and required part of the Letter Packet process. However, participation in the Application Readiness Program also grants access to optional supplementary application support services geared towards enhancing your application readiness.

APPLICATION READINESS Program TIMELINE

• February 1 : First-time applicant priority deadline to complete the Self-Assessment (early access to book your Application Readiness Meeting).
• March 1 : First-time applicant final deadline to complete the Self-Assessment.
• April 1 : Re-applicant* deadline to complete the Self-Assessment.
• June 1 : Deadline to complete required Application Readiness Meeting with your individual PreMed/PreHealth Advisor.

*Re-applicant refers to Northeastern University students and alumni who have already completed the PreMed/PreHealth Letter Process for a previous cycle and are requesting a Letter Packet to re-apply to their programs.

The Northeastern PreMed and PreHealth Advising Program’s Self-Assessment, available in the Medical Applicant Portal , enables applicants to assess their readiness to apply to health professional schools by identifying and addressing key components of a competitive application.

Completing the Self-Assessment by the applicable deadline below   will enable you to participate in the Northeastern University PreMed and PreHealth Advising Program’s Application Readiness Program and, if appliable, Letter Packet process. . ​

Please be aware that the Self-Assessment includes several required components and cannot be completed in one sitting . We recommend setting aside multiple 2–3-hour sessions to ensure you can complete it thoroughly. Respondents can exit the survey and re-enter to finish it later from the same computer.  ​

Within the Self-Assessment you will be asked to reflect on academic and experiential preparation for their designated health profession program through the development of a Mock Application. The more time and effort you invest in your self-assessment, the better prepared you’ll be for your Application Readiness Meeting! The Self-Assessment Workshop will offer a comprehensive review of all components of the Self-Assessment to help you ensure a timely and well-crafted submission. ​

Additionally, some elements of the Self-Assessment, including templates for the Mock Application, will be introduced and reviewed at our upcoming Personal Statement and Work & Activities Workshops. ​

Committing to the Self-Assessment process will allow you to receive valuable feedback, helping to strengthen and enhance your application! ​

After applicants complete their Self-Assessment, they will be invited to schedule an Application Readiness Meeting (ARM) with their individual PreHealth Advisor.

This 45-minute one-on-one appointment is designed to review and provide feedback on the Self-Assessment, guiding applicants toward developing a competitive application.

This will also be a great time to ask questions about the centralized application for your health graduate program, your entrance exam, and other elements of the application process.

What is a CV?

A curriculum vitae, or CV, is a document used to apply for academic teaching or research positions, grants or fellowships, or additional academic training. In countries outside the U.S., it is common to hear the term CV, applied to the document Americans would call a resume. Each country has different expectations for what is required in a CV, so it is important to research the country and learn about their expectations. See GoinGlobal for country-specific guidelines and examples.

Like a resume, your CV will summarize your education, experiences, and accomplishments as they relate to a specific job posting. Academic CVs differ from resumes in the additional material they include and their focus on the “three pillars of the academy: research, teaching, and service.”

Writing a CV

Every CV should begin with your contact information, education, and dissertation topic. The order that follows depends on your strengths, the nature of the job you are targeting, and the conventions of your field. One of the best ways to understand discipline-specific practices is to ask for examples from advisors, mentors, and colleagues.

CV formats vary, but your document should have 1-inch margins on all sides. It should use a common font like Times or Times New Roman in size 11-12 point. To create a clean and professional style, use bolded ALL CAPS for headings, bold for subheadings, and avoid underlining. Italics should be used in bibliographic references as necessary according to the documentation style of your discipline.

CV Categories

The basic areas you need to cover include your contact information, education, research experience, teaching experience, publications, presentations, honors and awards, and the contact information of your references. All information within these categories should be listed in reverse chronological order.

You may wish to include other categories such as grants and fellowships, service to the profession, invited talks, non-academic work, professional memberships/affiliations, languages, community involvement/outreach, etc. Be strategic in your organization to make sure the most important information is listed on the first page.

Online Resources

• Academic CV
• GoinGlobal – Find guidelines and examples for International CVs at GoinGlobal available through NUworks . The link is in the career design menu on the left side of the screen under “resources.”

Target Your CV

Target your CV to each specific job by placing what is most relevant to the job you are applying for at the top. For example, recent graduates seeking a position at a teaching-focused college or university might choose to list their teaching experience after their educational information.