Rosa
I'm thinking of applying for an internship, but some of the requirements are confusing me. Help!
The Cleveland Clinic is offering an internship in my area. The application requires a couple documents that I am unfamiliar with, so I'm having trouble getting them together. The documents are:
-A Cover Letter
-A Resumé (or Résumé?)
I'm homeschooled so these are entirely new to me! Can someone give me an idea of what they are/what should be included on them? Or a template or an outline or something? I would be most appreciative! #medicine #internships #college-admissions #students
2 answers
Paul Gullatte
Paul’s Answer
Don't get frustrated! Just take a deep breath. The documents that the clinic are asking for are standard for any job you apply for. Since I don't know your background, looking online at templates is a great idea. You'll see some ideas of how to set them up and what to include. Just remember that a resume is basically a job history of not only what you have done but also what you accomplished. Simply listing the job descriptions of where you've worked isn't enough. You need to show the results of your hard work. The cover letter is just a short introduction of who you are, what you've accomplished and why you are interested in the position you're applying for.
I'm sorry - I'm still confused! So, basically, the resume is a "formal" or "business-like" (for lack of better word) list of where I've "worked" and what has come out of said work. Resumes can be similar for some students because it's a list of things anyone is able to do. Conversely, the cover letter is a personal document relating only to who I am as a person and why I want that position? Cover letters are unique to each person because they list our accomplishments, and thoughts about this position. Is this correct? I apologize - I am completely new to this!
Rosa
Yes, the resume is a formal document. Ideally, the resume is not the same for every student because you want to differentiate yourself from the competition. Employers receive hundreds of resume's for one position so you have to make yourself stand out from the crowd. The cover letter is also a formal document. Don't think of it as a personal letter to a long time friend but more as a "Hello, Mr./Mrs. Smith. My name is X and this is why I think you should hire me" type of letter. The letter will not go as far back into your background like the resume but will instead keep it high level and focused on your current position and the amount of experience you have. The goal of the cover letter is to get them excited and anxious to read your resume.
Paul Gullatte
Ahh... makes sense. Thank you very much, Mr. Gullatte!
Rosa
Michael Stephens
Michael’s Answer
Congratulations on setting an ambitious goal! You have already taken the first step in meeting your objective. If this is the first resume and cover letter you have created you might consider checking out the resume/cover letter templates included in Microsoft Word. If you don't have Microsoft Word on your computer you can use it at the nearest public library. You might also want to check out http://careersolutionsworkshop.org/. This organization is located in my part of the country but there are podcasts and resources on there that may help you out. The most important thing is to just get started and you've already done that by setting a goal and asking for help. Now take that inertia and use it to propel you into your internship. You can do it!
I will definitely try that! Thank you for your help and encouragement! I appreciate it.
Rosa
Absolutely! By the way, homeschool is a great experience. I think many employers are looking for diversity and homeschoolers are definitely in the minority. Go Rosa!
Michael Stephens
Haha thank you! Hopefully that will set me apart - I can use all the help I can get! Have a good one, Mr. Stephens.
Rosa