RESUME & COVER LETTER GUIDE

Geography Majors

Steps for Using this Guide Cartographer

1. Choose Your Position and Begin Tailoring As a specialist in cartographic science, you will work on
Review these three job postings and select the one small, focused teams with other specialists and software
engineers, focusing on utilizing and extending Esri’s
of most interest to you. Begin adjusting your existing cartographic toolsets. Much of the work involves
resume and cover letter drafts by evaluating the the development of map templates and symbols, data
organization’s needs and wants from their management and processing procedures, writing
documentation, and performing software testing and
job posting. Successful job seekers tailor their work low automation.
documents to highlight the quali ications and
experiences sought by the organization. Must have the willingness to continually learn new skills,
growing professionally and technically in response to the
2. Draft Your Resume and Cover Letter evolution of geovisualization. Develop specialized product
Review the cover letter and resume samples to templates for cartographic production and web maps
within a cloud‐based environment. Support the
begin drafting yours. development of user interfaces in response to customer
work low methodologies as they relate to their business
 Get Feedback
requirements. Assist in the design of geodatabases based
Have your documents reviewed by a CDC staff on client speci ications and industry standards for feature
member, receiving feedback in‐person, during classes, attributes, and raster datasets. Assist with
Quick‐Question/Walk‐In Hours Mon‐Fri 2‐4pm. implementation and editing of work lows, cartographic
work lows, and quality control procedures based on
geodatabase design methodologies. Identify user needs by
collecting their ideas through technical support, client
interaction, marketing events, and analysis of competitors’
capabilities as well as from internal team members.

GIS Mapping GIS Technician

Primary responsibilities include creating site analysis and Responsible for performing entry to mid‐level professional
tenant competition maps, updating data and geodatabases, GIS duties while assisting engineers, surveyors, and
assisting commercial agents with map requests as well as environmental scientists with their daily activities. The
aiding with the creation of online interactive mapping candidate will be involved in all aspects of GIS. Essential
systems. The specialist will provide a variety of full scale duties will include collect, manage, create and edit spatial
maps and interactive mapping capability to our agents for data for incorporation into analyses, graphics, maps and
tours, new site selections and a wide range of demographic projects. Must have: Exceptional cartography skills. Be
studies for use in listing and tenant rep presentations. willing to work within a team environment and ability to
stay current on GIS technologies
Experience with fundamental GIS concepts including Desired Quali ications:
geodatabases, georeferencing, projections, geocoding, • Experience with water resources or environmental relat‐
vector data. Feature labeling and feature queries using SQl. ed projects
Familiarity with census demographics. Detail oriented with • Previous experience working in a consulting irm
a good eye for creative map layout and design. Strong • Experience with raster GIS or ESRI’s spatial analysis
project management skills, ability to complete tasks on extension
tight deadlines and ability to multi‐task on multiple high • Experience with python scripting or model builder for
priority projects. Costumer service focused. ArcGIS Desktop

113 Stra on Administra on Center • careerhelp@[Link] • 610‐683‐4067

[Link]/careercenter • Offie Hours: M‐F 8‐4:30 (Quick Ques on/Walk‐In Hours: 2‐4)
 Giovanni Geography
123 Employment Avenue, Kutztown, PA 19530
ggeog000@[Link], 555‐555‐5555

OBJECTIVE
Full‐time position in the ield of geography with a focus in community planning.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
Field Equipment: Garmin GPS, Abrams Stereoscope, Ability to work independently and in a team setting
Bruton Compass, Radimoter, Laser Level, YSI Strong research and critical thinking skills
Relevant Software : ArcGIS, MapWindow GIS, Excellent oral and written communication skills
SPSS, uDig, TerraView Experience working with diverse populations

EDUCATION
B.A. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA
Major: Geography, Track: Geographical Planning May 20xx
Minor: Public Administration
GPA: 3.73
Dean’s List Fall 20xx‐Spring 20xx

Related Courses: Introduction to GIS, Advanced GIS, Urban Geography, Environmental Planning, Cartography,
Land Use Planning, Planning & Decision Making, Public Policy Making, Public Budgeting & Fiscal Management

INTERNSHIP & EXTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Maxatawny Township Kutztown, PA
Township Planning Intern Fall 20xx‐Present
Produce maps using ArcGIS and TerraView
Geocode addresses and query data
Utilize GPS to locate sewage drains
Research and gather geographical data for grant applications
Extern Sept 20xx
Observed daily functions of Urban Planner including development of policies affecting zoning and housing
Attended public forum focused on current issues in local land use and community planning

FIELD EXPERIENCE
Costal Water Quality Analysis, Surface and Sub‐surface Mapping of Wallops Island Wallops Island, VA
Dr. Geography, Independent Study in Geography Summer 20xx
Assisted professorial advisor with GPR surveys and shore sampling
Collected and analyzed water quality sample utilizing YSI meter
Created geologic maps highlighting structural features including faults and folds

CAMPUS LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT
President, Geographical Society at Kutztown University Fall 20xx‐Present
Organize and facilitate bi‐weekly club meetings
Coordinate professional speaker events focusing on geographical research and careers
Promote greater understanding of geography in everyday life via on‐campus information sessions
Member, Geographical Society at Kutztown University Fall 20xx‐Present
Member, Gamma Theta Upsilon, International Geographical Honor Society Spring 20xx‐Present
Volunteer, Kutztown University Earth Day Celebration April 20xx‐20xx
Recipient, Career Success Certi icate, Kutztown University Career Development Center Spring 20xx
Recipient, Career Exploration Certi icate, Kutztown University Career Development Center Fall 20xx

WORK EXPERIENCE
Clothing Inc. Kutztown, PA
Sales Associate Aug 20xx‐Present
Resolve customer issues and answer patron inquiries
Process cash and credit transactions
  Resume Sample
   
Forma ng  Tips: 
Anita Jobb
123 Main Street                                                                                                          610  123‐1234   Emphasize your name  
Coopersburg, PA 18036                                                                      ajobbXXX@[Link]   Set margins to 1/2”‐1” 
   Use 12 –14 point font for 
 Objec ve
  An internship in the field of human services; special interest in working with at‐risk teens  headings  
   Use 10‐12 point font for 
 Qualifica ons body text  
         Fluent Spanish                                                             Experience working with diverse popula ons  
    Well organized and dependable                              Excellent  interpersonal skills                       
 
Educa on Use 4‐6 strengths that 
    B.S.  Kutztown University of Pennsylvania                                                                                    Kutztown, PA       are RELEVANT to your 
Major: Criminal Jus ce May 20xx 
objec ve and to your 
Minor: Psychology
GPA: 3.40  poten al employer.  
Honors
  President’s Scholarship, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA                                          20xx‐20xx 
  Girl Scouts Gold Award, Troop 123, Coopersburg, PA                                                                     20xx 
 
Related Experience
  Volunteer, KUBok Neighborhood Watch, Kutztown, PA                        November 20xx‐Present 
In conjunc on with Kutztown Borough residents and police, monitor streets 
       of Kutztown during peak social hours to keep students and residents safe. 
  Indent body text under the 
  Extern, Coopersburg Police Department, Coopersburg, PA                                              July 20xx 
       Observed daily du es of police officers during a ride‐along experience.  sec on headings.  All body text 
  should align to one point of 
 Work Experience
  Desk Recep onist, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA                                        January 20xx Present  indent.  Do not create mul ple 
       Greet guests and residents, enforce visita on policy and check guest iden fica on.  points of indent as you would 
       Answer ques ons, perform administra ve and clerical tasks. 
in an outline.    
 
  Head Life Guard, Hillcrest Swim Club, Center Valley, PA                                                       Summer 20xx 
  Life Guard                                                                                                                Summers 20xx and 20xx 
      Insured safety of patrons, enforced all rules and regula ons, coordinated 
      emergency procedures, provided first aid in emergency situa ons, maintained  
      posi ve rela onships and rapport with patrons, and performed general maintenance. 
 
Campus Involvement
  Criminal Jus ce Club                                                                                                        January 20xx‐Present 
  Career Explora on Cer ficate, Career Development Center                                                        Spring 20xx 
  Berks Hall Council                                                                                                             October 20xx‐Present 
  Women’s Lacrosse Club                                                                                      September 20xx‐Present 
  Align non‐substan ve info such 
as dates, ci es, and states on 
the right margin.   
Use ac on verbs  (past tense for past ex‐
Indent body text under the 
perience and present tense for current 
sec on heading, all body text 
experience) to describe your experience.  
should align to one point of 
FOCUS on those tasks that relate to your 
indent.  
career objec ve.   

               Do NOT include the names and contact informa on of your references on your resume.   

 
 Cover Le er Sample
 
Forma ng Tips:  
  In the opening paragraph, catch the  
January 20, 20xx  reader’s a en on with a strong first  
BEFORE YOU START wri ng, review the internship/
(4 blank lines) sentence.  Be sure to include: 
job pos ng to determine the needs and requirements
   of the posi on or program for which you are  The posi on or program for which you 
Ms. Laura Mellner   applying. In your le er, make every effort to show are applying. 
Execu ve Director   the connec ons between your qualifica ons and
Northeast Youth Programs  their requirements/needs.  How you heard about the posi on. 
01010 Norway Drive  
Philadelphia, PA 19114   Why are you interested in this   
posi on, program or organiza on. 
(1 blank line)
Dear Ms. Mellner: 
(1 blank line)
As a senior English/professional wri ng major gradua ng this May from Kutztown University, I was very excited to find your      
Marke ng, PR and Community Outreach Specialist pos ng on KU Career Network. I grew up in Philadelphia and am familiar with 
Northeast Youth Programs and the extraordinary service it provides to youth and families in Delaware County.    
(1 blank line)
In the second paragraph
You will note on my enclosed resume, I have experience in various areas of public rela ons and marke ng.   (and possibly the third), 
My public rela ons internship with the American Red Cross of Delaware County provided me with the 
explain: 
opportunity to work closely with a Board of Directors in a non‐profit se ng.  I also worked daily with the 
director to plan, market, and execute the agency’s largest fundraiser of the year: a benefit dance which   How your skill, 
raised over $30,000.  My du es included wri ng press releases and ar cles for the monthly newsle er,  knowledge, and/or 
upda ng content on the agency website, solici ng dona ons from area businesses, maintaining a guest  experience relate to the 
and donor list in Microso  Access, and communica ng with vendors.  Planning an event of this magnitude  posi on requirements or 
requires the ability to mul task, as well as excellent communica on skills, close a en on to detail, and the  qualifica ons. 
ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  In addi on to this internship, I had the privilege 
to serve as my sorority’s Community Outreach Chair where I communicated and worked with both campus   What you can contribute 
and community residents to organize volunteer ac vi es for my chapter.  I coordinated a small team of  to the organiza on and 
volunteers who organized a fundraising project ne ng over $5,000 for a charity; the experience of        how you can help them 
crea ng both on‐line and in‐print campaigns further strengthened my public rela on skills.   meet their goals or 
support their mission. 
(1 blank line) 
 
I am very excited about the possibility of working at Northeast Youth Programs and  would appreciate the 
opportunity to meet with you to discuss my creden als. Please let me know if you need addi onal         
informa on or wri ng samples. I am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your   Focus on keywords from 
me and considera on. 
the job pos ng in the 
(1 blank line)   second paragraph, (ex: 
Sincerely,   communica on, website. 
Marke ng materials, 
  In the closing paragraph, reiterate your interest 
in the posi on or organiza on.    press releases,  
 (4 blank lines for signature)
          fundraising, outreach).  
 Anita Jobb   Make a request for an interview. 
123 Main Street 
Coopersburg, PA 18036   Thank the reader for his/her considera on. 
610‐123‐1234 
ajobb***@[Link] 
(2 blank lines)  
Enclosure 
Include your contact informa on with the 
  
closing under your name.   
Type the word in Enclosure to indicate 
you have included your resume.