So I'm filling out all my application stuff for an internship I'm applying for at the Minnesota Zoo. I've never really had to do a resume or anything like that, so I have a few questions to you fine gentlemen (and women). The things that need to be sent in are: Resume Application form Letter of recommendation Cover letter transcript Now I've heard that it is unprofessional to staple your cover letter and resume together, but my question is about my transcript. My transcript is like 3 pages, should I staple those all together or just let them be? Lastly, should these papers be in any certain order when you first open up the envelope? Silly question maybe, but I've never done it so I don't know what looks best, or what looks worst?
Staple each individual item together (staple transcript together). If your resume is more than one page, staple it but not the cover letter. Order everything like this in a flat envelope (DO NOT FOLD IT): 1. Cover Letter 2. Application form 3. Resume 4. Transcript 5. Letter of Recs Use the best quality paper (Crane is good) for your resume and cover letter. Use a good printer (preferably high resolution laser printer). Use gold staples if you can find them. Print the mailing label, do not hand-write it.
Also good advice for the future: Make your Resume one page. They are going to be looking at many, if not hundreds maybe thousands, so they don't want to read more than necessary.
Highlight the strengths of your resume within your cover letter. Do some research on them and then within your cover letter compliment/talk about an aspect you learned about them. It shows a true desire rather than just sending out a generic packet of docs to perspective employers and playing the odds.