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Resumes and Cover Leers
For Social Workers
Rev 06/19
Also consult our guide Job Search, Networking, and Interviewing Tips for Social Workers.
Geng Started on Your Resume
Choosing a Format and Headings
Describing Your Experience
Secons of the Resume
Your Resume’s Format
The Cover Leer
Sample Two-page Resume
Sample Cover Leer
Sample One-page Resume
Smith College Lazarus Center for Career Development
www.smith.edu/lazaruscenter
413-585-2582
[email protected]
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A resume and cover leer work together to interest an employer in interviewing you. This important markeng
team should always be geared to your specic audience and describe the relevant skills, experience, and accomplish-
ments that qualify you for the posion for which you’re applying.
Geng Started on Your Resume
Ask yourself what populaons and sengs interest you. This will help you decide what to include in your resume,
what to emphasize, and the appropriate terminology to use.
Research the organizaons where you’ll be sending your resume. Browse their websites, check out their social me-
dia presence, and connect on LinkedInwith Smith alums and others who work there. Learn about an organizaon’s
mission, programs, populaon served, and theory base to nd key terms and skills to emphasize in your resume.
Make a master list. Include educaon, cercaons, and licensing; clinical internships; projects (ex: Community
Pracce Experience, an-racism work); jobs, non-clinical internships, and volunteer posions; trainings aended and
presentaons given; research and professional acvies (memberships, commiee work, conferences); language and
computer skills; interests, acvies, travel. With all this recorded, you can more easily tailor your resume.
Choosing a Format and Headings
List informaon in reverse chronological order, from present to past. Employers are most familiar with this format.
Choose headings to emphasize relevant skills and experience. Clinically-focused resumes typically begin with Edu-
caon followed by Social Work Experience or Clinical Experience. Other background might be called Addional Expe-
rience or something more specic such as Teaching, Research, or Internaonal Experience.
For macro-level posions other headings may be appropriate such as Human Services Experience, Program Devel-
opment Experience, Community Outreach Experience, Management Experience, and so forth. To further emphasize
the breadth of your skills and experience, you might begin your resume with a prole or skills summary.
Avoid using a template or tables. Template resumes oen look alike and are hard to customize. Commonly used
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may not be able to scan documents with tables.
Describing Your Experience
Use acon verb phrases, not sentences (see the acon verb list on page 9). Omit personal pronouns and “a,” “an,”
and “the” to achieve a concise style that will be easier—and faster—for employers to read.
Use keywords and details appropriate to your audience. For clinical posions include client details such as diagno-
ses or presenng issues; age, ethnicity, and socio-economic status unless certain your reader knows this; number of
clients seen individually/in groups, and length and mode of treatment. Using key words (ex: EMR, CBT/DBT, Spanish,
bilingual) helps Applicant Tracking Systems to get your resume to employers.
For macro-level posions stress supervising others, program planning/development, community organizing, fund-
raising, teamwork, grant wring, and budget management. Include the number of supervisees or amount of money
raised. Emphasize transferable skills instead of detailed, clinical language for non-clinical posions.
Stress accomplishments and sequence phrases according to the skills most relevant to your reader. List less rele-
vant informaon later in your descripons, condense it, or omit it.
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Secons of the Resume
Your contact informaon. Put your name at the top with your local address (oponal), phone number, and email
address below. Include a permanent address if relevant to your search. Your Smith email will expire, so use one
that won’t. You may also include your LinkedIn URL in your header.
A job objecve is an oponal, brief statement stang the type of posion you’re seeking. An objecve can limit
the use of the resume, so we suggest specifying it in the cover leer.
A skills summary or prole may be used at the opening of the resume, but is oponal and should be customized.
Educaon comes rst for most students and recent graduates. Start with your School for Social Work degree,
followed by your previous degree(s). You may include relevant courses, and commiee work.
Foreign language prociency, computer skills, and progress toward licensure may be included under Educaon.
Experience categories should be chosen according to the type of posion for which you’re applying. State that
your clinical internships have been full-me, especially for clinical resumes. Volunteer roles may be included. Your
Community Pracce Experience and an-racism work may also appear in an experience secon.
Personal informaon such as age, family status, religion, disability, polical aliaon, ethnicity, sexual orienta-
on, or gender identy is not typically on a resume. Include personal informaon only if it makes you a stronger
candidate for a parcular job.
Interests are oponal unless relevant or important to you and may provide a connecon to your interviewer. For
example, if you hope to combine your clinical skills with outdoor educaon, your outdoor skills and cercaons
are key. Remember: People hire people, and your interests can help an interviewer get to know you.
Professional acvies (relevant memberships, awards, trainings/conferences, presentaons) may be included.
References typically appear on a separate page, “References for Your Name.” Include the name, tle, address,
phone, and email for each reference, and their relaon to you. Get permission from your references to list them,
and tell them they may be contacted—by whom, and for what posion. Send references only when requested.
Your Resume’s Presentaon
Your resume’s presentaon depends on your audience and experience. If you can t your resume onto one page
without crowding, do so. Resumes for clinical posions may be two pages if you have signicant previous experi-
ence, but make sure it is at least one-and-a-half pages in length. A C.V. (Curriculum Vitae), required for academic,
research, and post-doc posions, may be several pages long. Employers who ask for a C.V. may mean a resume.
Your resume must be easy to read and visually aracve. Use margins, headings, caps, bullets, italics, bold, and
underlining to direct your reader’s aenon to important content. Good font choices include Arial, Times Roman,
Helveca, Calibri and Garamond (11 point is typical). For hard copy, use resume paper and a fresh printer cartridge.
Your resume is a reecon of you! Proofread it with care, and make sure informaon is presented consistently
and accurately. If emailing your resume and leer, send them as PDFs labeled with your rst and last name (ex:
Jane Doe resume.PDF). Send them to yourself rst to double-check the format.
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The Cover Leer
A cover leer introduces your resume to an employer. It states why you’re wring, may say how you learned
of the job (ex: from a contact), and highlights your most relevant skills and experience. The cover leer does not
repeat the resume. Instead, it shows where the t is between you, the posion, and the organizaon and ex-
plains why you would be excited to have this role at this organizaon. Include a cover leer even if not required.
Research the organizaon and posion before wring your leer. Fully explore its website and speak with
Smith alums and others familiar with it. If you’ve been referred by a contact, menon their name (with permis-
sion) in the rst paragraph unless that individual le the organizaon under negave circumstances.
When responding to a posion with lile descripon, you may email or phone for more informaon. Be pre-
pared—you could end up speaking with the person doing the hiring.
Address your leer to a person by name, preferably the person with hiring authority. Phone for this infor-
maon if necessary. If you can’t get a name and tle, address the leer as indicated in the ad or something like:
“Dear Director,” “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Clinical Director,” or “To the Search Commiee.”
Use business leer format with your name, address, phone number, and email blocked le, right, or as a head-
er. If postal mailing, use the same paper as for your resume and a matching business-size envelope.
Write in an acve, conversaonal style. Instead of “My clinical internship at xxx agency aorded me the oppor-
tunity to do xxx,” or “I would be honored to work at your agency,” say, “During my clinical internship at xxx agen-
cy I providing individual psychotherapy to adolescent substance abuse paents I learned xxx,” or, “I would bring
strong clinical and Spanish language skills to your agency.” Be specic.
Keep your leer to one page unless applying for academic, research, or fellowship posions. There’s no set
number of paragraphs for a cover leer, but make each one concise. Avoid long, dense blocks of text.
Pave the way for an interview by ending your leer with a next step. You might say, “I’ll contact you next week
to see if we can nd a convenient me to meet,” If you prefer, oer the best way of contacng you and say that
you look forward to hearing from the employer. Summer break may be a good me to meet.
When emailing your resume as an aachment, include your leer as a second aachment. In the body of the
email be brief: “Dear Ms. Alon: I am wring to apply for the clinician posion adversed on your website. I will
be receiving my MSW from the Smith College School for Social Work this August and would bring strong clinical
skills and experience with at-risk youth to the posion. My cover leer and resume are aached. Please contact
me if you have diculty opening the aachments. I look forward to meeng you. Sincerely, Philip Lakey.” In the
subject line put “Resume and cover leer for clinician posion (include job # if given) ” Label your docs with your
name whether using Word or PDFs (suggested). Email your docs to yourself and friends to check their format.
Follow up two to three weeks aer sending your applicaon. You may email or call unless “No calls, please,” is
stated. Ask if your applicaon has been received, if you can provide further informaon, or arrange an interview.
Keep track of your applicaons and contacts with a spreadsheet, app, or other method so you can take mely
and appropriate follow-up steps. Your goal is to keep your applicaon in the employer’s mind.
We’re happy to assist you in person, by phone/videochat, or email. To set up an appointment, stop by or call
during oce hours, or self-schedule via Handshake.
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PHILIP LAKEY
35 Elmwood Drive, Stoughton, MA 02130 (617) 555-0000 philip.lakey@gmail.com
www.linkedin/com/in/plakey
EDUCATION
Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA
Master of Social Work expected August 2019
Relevant Courses: Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Child Development from Infancy to
Adolescence, Racism in the United States: Implications for Social Work Practice
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Biology, May 2013
Licensure: LCSW Certification expected Fall 2019
Language Proficiency: Fluent Spanish
Computer Skills: Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Final Cut Pro, iMovie
Other: White Water Instructor Certification, CPR, First Aid (all current)
SOCIAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Social Work Intern, CalWORKs Counseling & Pre-Vocational Services, San Francisco, CA, 9/18-5/19
Provided culturally competent behavioral health services including individual therapy, case
management, intakes, and comprehensive initial risk assessments to diverse client population of
families with dependent children (full-time position through RAMS, Inc.)
Co-facilitated psycho-education and process groups on stress reduction and relationship management
to promote soft skills building and facilitate client’s employability and success
Implemented mindfulness and meditation into psycho-educational and process groups
Participated in client outreach activities to further support intensive engagement and retention in
CalWORKs program services
Collaborated in roundtable sessions with multi-disciplinary treatment team members, Human Services
Agency staff, and other care/community providers to plan individual’s treatment and care goal
development and progress; included vocational assessment and rehabilitation, case conferencing,
participant progress and improvement reporting, discharge planning, and other services
Social Work Intern, San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco, CA, 9/17-6/18
Provided individual therapy to culturally and socio-economically diverse children and adolescents at
elementary and middle school levels (full-time position)
Taught socio-emotional curriculum (Second Step and Tribes) to 4
th
and 5
th
graders
Co-facilitated student support groups on social skills, conflict resolution, and academic success
Co-coordinated Mentoring for Success program at school sites: recruited mentors, coordinated monthly
activities, and provided program support as needed
Co-planned and co-led school-wide activities and incentive programs to further support positive school
climate and family engagement
Provided milieu support for drop-in students in school wellness center and in class
RELATED EXPERIENCE WITH YOUTH
Group Facilitator, San Mateo High School, San Mateo, CA, 10/18-5/19
Initiated and facilitated weekly after-school group for GLBTQ Students of Color grades 9-12
Helped students explore issues of racism and gender identity through writing and video projects
(continued)
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P. Lakey, p. 2
Program and Dorm Supervisor, Academy at Swift River, Charlemont, MA, 8/15-5/17
Supervised five resident counselors in private college preparatory therapeutic boarding school;
oversaw training, counseling, treatment, and parent relations
Initiated outdoor leadership program: implemented individualized student development plans
emphasizing trust and bonding activities that resulted improved self-esteem, academic performance,
and camaraderie within the dorm
Supervised dorm floor of 15 boys ages 14 -18; led evening study halls and social activities
Mental Health Worker, Brattleboro Retreat, Brattleboro, VT, 9/14-7/15
Performed nursing care responsibilities with supervision on adult, co-ed residential substance
abuse unit; ensured safe and consistent quality care
Documented patients’ behavior and treatment; initiated supportive interactions around treatment
issues; intervened in crisis situations
Co-led psycho-education group for adult substance abusers in collaboration with social worker
Provided patient transportation to medical appointments
Assistant Director, Horizons for Youth, Denver, CO, 10/13-6/14
Co-led after-school program for low-income, at-risk youth; developed and implemented
recreational and career-related programs including legal field shadowing program
Advocated for, received, and administered $3000 activities and field trip budget
Met with youths’ family members to discuss behavioral goals and objectives
Group Leader, Grant's White River Rafting Company, Boulder, CO, 5-8/13
Led rafting tours in adventure program for inner city adolescents to help participants build
self-esteem and self-reliance
Trained three junior co-leaders: developed team-building and leadership activities included in
program’s first staff training manual
TRAININGS AND CONFERENCES
Sand Tray Therapy for Teens, Center for Psychological Services, Boston, MA, 2018
The Boston TEE (Total Environmental Education) Party Conference, Boston, MA, 2015
EnvironMentors Training, National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, 2014
AFFILIATIONS
National Association of Social Workers
North American Association for Environmental Educators
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation
INTERESTS
Hiking, white water kayaking, and rock climbing. Have climbed five of the highest peaks in the U.S.
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PHILIP LAKEY
35 Elmwood Drive, Stoughton, MA 02130 (617) 555-0000 philip.lakey@gmail.com
www.linkedin/com/in/plakey
June 30, 2019
Ms. Josephine Alon, Director
White Mountain Academy
162 Mountain Street
White Brook, NH 03577
Dear Ms. Alon:
I am writing to apply for the clinician position posted on the White Mountain Academy website. I
will be earning my MSW this August from the Smith College School for Social Work and would
bring to this opportunity strong clinical skills working with at-risk youth in therapeutic schools and
experience in environmental education and leadership training.
During my clinical internship at the San Francisco Unified School District, I provided individual
and group therapy to culturally-diverse students similar to the client population at WMA. What
interests me most about working with adolescents is how their self-esteem and growth are
affected by their success in school, activities, and relationships as they attempt to find their place
in the world. My work at SFUSD drew on my flexibility, imagination, and ability to establish and
maintain rapport, skills I would be excited to bring to WMA.
I’m particularly attracted to White Mountain’s structured, safe, and nurturing residential
environment and comprehensive approach to the therapeutic, academic, social, and physical
needs of each student. I’ve found that the small community size stressed by WMA fosters more
meaningful relationships, helping students lead lives of curiosity, courage, compassion, and
develop friendships that may last a lifetime.
WMA’s unique outdoor offerings and leadership training further appeal to me. My experience at
the Academy at Swift River initiating an outdoor leadership program for at-risk teens would
support my clinical work with your students and contribute to your leadership programming. I’ve
seen firsthand the value of such programs in developing students’ self-esteem, academic
performance, and long-term commitment to their physical and emotional wellbeing.
I look forward to discussing my interest in this position, perhaps during my July 8-12 summer
break. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Philip Lakey
SUSAN G. EVANS
5 Wood Street, Amherst, MA 01002 413-000-1234 [email protected]m www.linkedin.com/in/susangevans
EDUCATION
Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA M.S.W. (expected 8/2019)
Relevant Coursework: Child Development from Infancy to Adolescence
Licensure: LCSW Cercaon expected Fall 2019
George Jones University, Newton, OR B.S. in Social Work and B.A. in Wring/Literature (5/2016)
Skills: Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Children and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS)
CLINICAL AND RELATED EXPERIENCE
McClendon Center, Washington, DC
Social Work Intern (30 hours/week, 9/2018-4/2019)
▪ Provided individual, couples, and group psychotherapy services to socio-culturally diverse populaon of adults with
chronic mental illness including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, and PTSD
▪ Completed diagnosc assessments and psychosocial evaluaons of clients; delivered crisis intervenon as needed
▪ Served as therapy consultant to rehabilitaon and home health case managers; consulted with psychiatrists
▪ Wrote clinical summaries and discharged clients from agency medical record system; entered session notes into
system within documentaon melines
Alameda County Center for Healthy Schools and Communies, Berkeley, CA
Social Work Intern (30 hours/week, 9/2017-4/2018)
▪ Provided individual psychotherapy to culturally diverse children ages 11-18 and their families impacted by poverty,
violence, and loss of loved ones at REALM Charter Middle and High Schools
▪ Formulated treatment plans and ulized Children and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) tool to
reduce impact of trauma and social inequies
▪ Conducted intakes, assessments, and tracking of outcomes on Alameda County Gateway in compliance with HIPPA
▪ Collaborated with clinicians, teachers, and caregivers to develop case plans and meet clients’ individual needs
Youth Guidance Associaon, Portland, OR
School Liaison and Residenal Counselor (6/2015-5/2016)
▪ Supervised at-risk youth in residenal treatment home and public school sengs struggling with school adjustment
▪ Provided case management; maintained relaonships between faculty and treatment home sta
▪ Organized and led aer-school study groups and weekly therapy sessions on anger management and stress reducon
▪ Responded to students’ educaon and career goals: aended IEP meengs, helped them apply for jobs and college
George Jones University, Department of Social Sciences, Newton, OR
Research Assistant (6/2014-5/2015)
▪ Researched adolescent substance abusers’ school retenon; used Excel to enter data from transcribed interviews
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Preschool Teacher, Salvaon Army Lile People Daycare, Seale, WA (12/2016-5/2017)
▪ Created and taught curriculum once weekly to 18 low-income children ages 3-5
▪ Supervised class during play and recess acvies; led music and art projects
Summer Job Coach, Idaho Independent Living Services, Boise, ID (6-8/2012 and 2013)
▪ Assisted two young adults with developmental disabilies search for summer job; supervised acvies and oungs
Outreach Volunteer, Youth with a Mission Summer of Service Program, Amsterdam, Netherlands (6-8/2011)
▪ Built relaonships with homeless youth, served food, and assisted with needle exchange program
Summer Sta/Camp Counselor, Quaker Hill Summer Camp, McCall, ID (6-8/2010)
▪ Led eld trips, ropes courses, cras, and music for campers ages 10-17, many away from home for the rst me
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Acon Verb List
The verbs listed below are only a few of the many you can use in describing your experience and accom-
plishments. Make sure you have an acon verb for each entry in your resume's “Experience” secon.