Brandon Cortes- News Writer
In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume and cover letter can be the key to securing your dream job.
Recognizing the importance of these documents, Mark Zampino, an MBA recruiter from the school of business with years of experience, recently conducted a Professional Enrichment Platform talk, or a PEP Talk, aimed at guiding students in building effective resumes and cover letters.
“Your resume and cover letter are your first impression to potential employers,” Zampino said. “They are your opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences and qualifications in a concise and compelling manner.”
Held in the spacious Room 122 at the School of Business, Zampino’s seminar drew a diverse crowd of more than 30 undergraduates and professionals looking to advance their careers. Zampino began the seminar by emphasizing the critical role that resumes and cover letters play in the job application process.
Throughout the seminar, Zampino shared valuable insights and practical tips for creating standout resumes and cover letters. He stressed the importance of tailoring each document to the specific job and company, highlighting relevant experiences and skills that align with the position.
“Employers receive countless resumes for each job opening. Don’t be the bad apple of resumes. Make sure yours stands out. Make it unique. Make it shine,” Zampino said. “Focus on quantifiable achievements and results to demonstrate your value to prospective employers.”
As the seminar progressed, Zampino delved into the essential components of a well-written resume. He discussed the importance of a clear and professional format, including sections such as contact information, summary or objective statement, work experience, education and skills.
Zampino also provided guidance on organizing and formatting each section for maximum impact.
“Your resume should be easy to read and navigate,” Zampino said. “Use bullet points to highlight key accomplishments, and tailor your language to match the job description.”
In addition to resume writing, Zampino dedicated a portion of the seminar to cover letter essentials. He emphasized the cover letter’s role in introducing yourself to potential employers and elaborating on specific experiences or achievements mentioned in the resume.
“Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and passion for the position,” Zampino said. “Customize each cover letter to the company and position, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible.”
Throughout the seminar, attendees eagerly took notes and asked questions, seeking clarification on various topics ranging from resume formatting to cover letter etiquette. Zampino patiently addressed each query, providing practical advice and real-world examples to illustrate his points.
As the seminar drew to a close, attendees expressed their gratitude to Zampino for sharing his expertise and insights.
Many left feeling inspired and motivated to revamp their resumes and cover letters with newfound confidence.
“Mark Zampino’s seminar was incredibly informative and empowering,” business administration major Alex Kuryla, a junior, said. “I feel much more confident in my ability to craft a compelling resume and cover letter that will catch the attention of potential employers.”
