Thursday, April 12, 2012

How would I list relevant classes in a cover letter?

A reader writes:
" How would I list relevant classes in a cover letter?"
I assume that this was in response to Should I list classes on my resume?, or maybe Can I list classes I haven't taken yet on my resume? Anyhow, there are two ways you can include relevant classes in a cover letter:

Your first option is to work the classes into the cover letter by relating them to the position or requirements. This might sounds something like this: "I am very excited to get my feet wet in design project management through your interior design internship. I've taken project management and an advanced design practicum, which complement my previous design experience and the grounding in design fundamentals you are looking for in an intern."

Your other options is to explain how the classes are relevant to set off a bulleted list. This one might look something like this: "I am very excited to get my feet wet in design project management through your interior design internship. I've taken several classes that will complement my previous design experience and the grounding in design fundamentals you are looking for in an intern:
  • Project Management
  • Advanced Design Practicum" 

Regardless of which option you choose, remember that you only want to incorporate classes into your cover letter when they are truly relevant to the position for which you are applying. Think about it from the perspective of the reader.

Ask yourself "Will he or she value the classes?" If the answer is "yes" then include it. On the other hand, if the answer is "maybe," "I'm not sure," or a resounding "no," you should not be including classes in your cover letter (or resume).

Happy cover letter writing!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Monday, March 19, 2012

5 Myths About Student Debt

Student debt is a growing concern for many first generation and low income college students. And, sadly, there is a lot of misinformation floating around out there.

Instead of buying the hype, please check out 5 Myths About Student Debt from our friends over at HuffPost Education.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Listing continuing education classes on your resume

A reader writes:
"I know you have answered questions about putting specific classes & classes you will be taking in the future on your resume, but my question is slightly different... I am taking a gap year between high school and college and I don't have much education on my resume other than HS and an academic summer program. Although I'm not a "student" right now, I am taking two classes right now (continuing education courses) that are relevant to the places I am applying for internships/entry level jobs. If I list the classes at all, I'd do it upon completion. Should I do this at all? If so, how would that look? I am taking them at two different schools..."
You are a student if you are currently enrolled in continuing education classes and those classes are relevant to the things you are applying to. It is totally appropriate to list both "in progress" schools on your resume under Education. It might look something like this:

Education
ABC Community College & City College of XYZ
Event Planning Continuing Education
Spring 05/2012
  • Relevant Coursework: Venue Contract Negotiations, Hospitality Management

Alternately, if you didn't want to list them on your resume, you can talk about the classes you are currently taking in your cover letter and how its relevant to the position, similar to this example.

Good luck making the most out of your gap year!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.