VMock: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters
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VMock Instructions & Resume Writing Tips
The VMock platform will analyze your resume from EVERY possible angle and help you arrive at a perfect version of yourself!
VMock is a 24/7 online resume-review tool that leverages data science, machine learning, and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback on your resume based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices. VMock is designed to work with resumes from many different fields across various industries.
How Does VMock Work?
Sign up on using your ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Portal username and password, upload (PDF only), or create a resume, and VMock will:
- Provide you with resume guidelines based on your school template to ensure that you do not miss the fine details and establish a great first impression.
- Assess how well you have marketed your core competencies and showcase the right skills reflected in your academics, experience, achievements, etc.
- Give you line-by-line suggestions to improve your resume content in view of your course and level of experience.
- Give you an aggregate resume score (strive for 70%, which may require multiple re-scores) to assess the strength of your resume compared to that of your peers.
Once you receive detailed feedback, use the built-in SMART Editor to convert your resume into a university complaint template and continue improving your bullet points.
You can also send a feedback request to your counselor via the Network Feedback module from within the platform.
Please visit the following links for assistance navigating VMock: , , and Customized Student Guide.
Contact careercenter@una.edu or support@vmock.com if you have questions.
- There is no absolute right or wrong way to write a résumé; however, some ways are more aesthetically pleasing than others.
- We work with employers on a daily basis to ensure that we are giving you the best advice when it comes to writing a résumé.
- Please remember that templates are not your friend. Many online employment systems cannot read templates due to the use of text boxes. Use a blank document, such as Word, to create your résumé.
- Make sure your résumé says the most about you in the fewest number of words. If your résumé is two pages long, add “name” and “page 2” at the top of the second page.
- Make your résumé look professional. When submitting/presenting a hard copy, use white or off -white, 8 1/2" x 11" bond paper.
- Choose a conservative, easy to read font that is between 11 and 12 pt.
- Be consistent with your format. Margins, bolding, capitalization, spacing, and style must be consistent.
- Both the résumé and cover letter should be examples of your best work. Maintain a positive tone by excluding negative aspects of your experience.
- Omit all personal pronouns (I, we, they, you, etc.). Begin sentences with an action verb in list form (no paragraphs).
- Do not include salary requirements, supervisor’s names, reasons for leaving jobs, personal opinions and personal information such as height, weight, age, marital status, etc.
- In general, don’t list any high school information. (Exceptions: freshmen and sophomores applying for part-time jobs, Education majors applying to a hometown school district)
- Proofread for typing, spelling and grammar accuracy.
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address - be sure your email address is professional (not partygirl@xyz.com)
- Education – In addition to the name of your school, list your degree, major, and graduation date. Including your GPA is optional but should not be included if it is below a 3.0.
- Experience (Work and/or Activitiess)– Positions should be listed in reverse chronological order. Be specific with dates, job titles, employers, and accomplishments. Be descriptive without being too long. Always be completely accurate and truthful. Be consistent in your format.
- Honors, Awards, or Honor Societies
- Leadership Experience
- Computer Skills, Relevant Skills, Technical Expertise
- Language Skills (Foreign or Computer)
- Publications or Presentations
- Professional Affiliations
- Military Experience
- Relevant Coursework
- Objective
- Personal statistics (height, weight, marital status, health information, social security number, or other personal information unless the job specifically asks for it. Example: Law Enforcement may have to provide health related information.)
- Photos of any type
- References (or “References Available Upon Request”)—Include a separate page for references.
- Political or religious information (unless it is relevant to the job)
- Anything related to high school (exceptions: freshmen, sophomores and Education majors)
- GPA, if below a 3.0 (unless specifically requested by an employer)
Each job duty on a résumé needs to begin with an action verb. Use past tense action verbs for previous jobs and present tense action verbs for current positions.
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