reference materialResume and Cover Letter
Definitions
resume A concise list of pertinent experience used to positively influence applications of any kind, most usually employment, in which it will normally include work experience, related professional experience, technical knowledge and education.
cover letter A letter of introduction and an expression of interest of a particular kind which is normally accompanied by a resume. The letter will explain the reason for communicating, highlight and enhance information given on the resume and to be persuasive by providing more specific information that invites further consideration from the reader.
Focus In most cases, your resume and cover letter are your first and sometimes only contact with the addressee. Therefore, the impact of each is important. Ask yourself the following questions before updating your resume or writing a cover letter:
1.		Why am I sending THIS person or company my resume? Be clear what your intentions are, this will help to focus your cover letter.
2.		What response do I want to elicit from this correspondence? Think of your cover letter as a very succinct persuasive essay. What will it take to impress the receiver of the letter to be moved to take positive action on your request? Frame your cover letter and resume to address those characteristics or qualities or achievements.
3.		Can I gain more information about the addressee to make my correspondence more effective? I don't mean his or her favorite color. The more you know about the addressee, company, gallery owner, network, etc. increases how much you can tailor your cover letter and resume to fit into their schema. For example, if you know what software a company uses, you can point out your extensive knowledge of it in the cover letter, making you seem unquestionably perfect for the job.
4.		What is special about my qualifications? Include this information in your cover letter.
5.		What is special about the company I am addressing? How is what you do relevant to this aspect?
6.		Would all the information contained in the resume be clear to the person reading the correspondence? Have someone not in your area of expertise read your resume to see whether the information is clear.
Checklist
1.		Is all the information easy to read?
2.		Does the information provide all the necessary facts and include all the requested materials?
3.		Is the cover letter addressed to the appropriate person, and is her or his name spelled correctly with the appropriate title?
4.		Is it appropriate to follow-up this letter with a phone-call, or other correspondence? Did you indicate a time or date? Will you be responsible to do/arrange the follow-up?
5.		Do you need to include a return mailer and postage for your portfolio materials?
6.		Have someone with a good, critical eye proof your letter and resume.
7.		Pretend you are the recipient of the materials, from opening the package to reading the materials and providing you with a response. Is the experience comfortable, pleasing or antagonistic?
Examples and Tips - Resumes
1.		Parallel Construction means consistency and clarity Check verb tense, sentence/phrase structure
2.		Clusters of readable information means clarity and efficiency
3.		Simplicity also means clarity and efficiency. Many different fonts may be disruptive.
4.		You decide about the following what's good/bad? why? what do the following convey about the creator?