Walden University’s Career Planning and Development site provides comprehensive guidance for students preparing to enter or advance in the workforce. The Career Planner Guide outlines essential professional documents and strategies that reflect your qualifications, values, and career goals. These include a cover letter, resume, professional philosophy statement, and other resources such as reference lists, thank-you letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
🧩 1. Cover Letter
Purpose:
A cover letter introduces you to potential employers and highlights your suitability for a specific role.
Structure:
Header: Your contact information and the employer’s details.
Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible.
Opening Paragraph: State the position you’re applying for and express enthusiasm.
Body Paragraphs: Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements.
Closing Paragraph: Reaffirm interest, thank the reader, and include a call to action.
Tips:
Tailor each letter to the job description.
Use keywords from the posting.
Keep it concise (1 page max).
Source: Walden University – How to Write a Great Cover Letter
🧩 2. Resume
Purpose:
A resume summarizes your education, experience, skills, and accomplishments.
Key Sections:
Contact Information
Professional Summary
Education
Licensure/Certifications
Work Experience
Skills
Professional Affiliations
Volunteer Work (optional)
Formatting:
Use bullet points for clarity.
Keep it to 1–2 pages.
Use reverse chronological order.
Tips:
Quantify achievements (e.g., “Reduced patient wait time by 30%”).
Use action verbs (e.g., “Led,” “Implemented,” “Facilitated”).
Source: Walden Career Services Blog – Resume Tips
🧩 3. Philosophy Statement
Purpose:
A professional philosophy statement articulates your values, beliefs, and approach to your field.
Structure:
Introduction: Define your role and purpose.
Core Beliefs: Share guiding principles (e.g., patient-centered care, lifelong learning).
Application: Describe how your philosophy influences practice.
Conclusion: Reflect on growth and future goals.
Tips:
Be authentic and reflective.
Align with professional standards (e.g., nursing ethics, educational frameworks).
Keep it between 300–500 words.
🧩 4. Reference List
Purpose:
Provides contact details of professionals who can vouch for your qualifications.
Format:
Full name
Title and organization
Relationship to you
Email and phone number
Tips:
Ask permission before listing someone.
Include 3–5 references.
Keep the list separate from your resume.
🧩 5. Thank-You Letter
Purpose:
Express appreciation after an interview or networking event.
Structure:
Greeting
Thank the recipient for their time
Reaffirm interest in the position
Mention a specific topic discussed
Close professionally
Tips:
Send within 24–48 hours.
Use email or handwritten format depending on context.
🧩 6. LinkedIn Profile
Purpose:
Showcase your professional brand online.
Key Elements:
Professional photo
Headline and summary
Experience and education
Skills and endorsements
Recommendations
Tips:
Keep your profile updated.
Engage with relevant content.
Use keywords for visibility.
🧩 7. Career Planner Guide Integration
Walden’s Career Planner Guide (NRNP 6675) encourages students to compile these resources into a cohesive portfolio. This portfolio supports job applications, networking, and professional development.
Checklist Includes:
Cover letter tailored to a specific role
Resume with current credentials
Philosophy statement aligned with your discipline
Reference list
Thank-you letter template
LinkedIn profile screenshot or link
Source: NRNP 6675 Career Planner Guide – Studocu
🧾 Summary
Developing professional resources is essential for career success. Walden University’s Career Planner Guide offers a structured approach to creating impactful documents that reflect your qualifications and values. By crafting a tailored cover letter, resume, philosophy statement, and supporting materials, you position yourself for meaningful opportunities and long-term growth.
📝 Quiz: Career Planner Guide – Professional Resources (15 Questions)
Each question has one correct answer. Answers and explanations are provided below each question.
1. What is the main purpose of a cover letter?
A) To list job history
B) To introduce yourself and highlight your fit for a role
C) To summarize your philosophy
D) To provide references Answer: B Explanation: A cover letter introduces you and connects your experience to the job.
2. Which section is NOT typically found in a resume?
A) Professional Summary
B) Philosophy Statement
C) Education
D) Skills Answer: B Explanation: Philosophy statements are separate documents.
3. What is the ideal length of a cover letter?
A) 2 pages
B) 1 paragraph
C) 1 page
D) 3 pages Answer: C Explanation: Cover letters should be concise and focused.
4. What should you include in a philosophy statement?
A) Salary expectations
B) Personal beliefs and professional values
C) References
D) Job history Answer: B Explanation: Philosophy statements reflect your guiding principles.
5. What is the recommended number of references?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3–5
D) 10 Answer: C Explanation: A reference list typically includes 3–5 contacts.
6. When should you send a thank-you letter?
A) Before the interview
B) 1 week later
C) Within 24–48 hours
D) Never Answer: C Explanation: Prompt follow-up shows professionalism.
7. What is one benefit of a LinkedIn profile?
A) It replaces your resume
B) It showcases your professional brand
C) It stores your references
D) It tracks your salary Answer: B Explanation: LinkedIn helps build visibility and credibility.
8. What should a resume use to describe achievements?
A) Passive voice
B) Action verbs and metrics
C) Personal stories
D) Long paragraphs Answer: B Explanation: Action verbs and numbers make accomplishments clear.
9. What is the first section of a resume?
A) References
B) Education
C) Contact Information
D) Philosophy Answer: C Explanation: Contact details appear at the top.
10. What should you do before listing someone as a reference?
A) Assume they’ll say yes
B) Ask for permission
C) Include their salary
D) List them anonymously Answer: B Explanation: Always confirm with your references.
11. What is the goal of the Career Planner Guide?
A) To prepare for exams
B) To create a professional portfolio
C) To write research papers
D) To apply for scholarships Answer: B Explanation: The guide helps build career-ready documents.
12. What should a LinkedIn headline reflect?
A) Your hobbies
B) Your favorite quote
C) Your professional identity
D) Your GPA Answer: C Explanation: Headlines should be career-focused.
13. What is one tip for writing a cover letter?
A) Use generic language
B) Tailor it to the job
C) Avoid keywords
D) Include jokes Answer: B Explanation: Customization shows genuine interest.
14. What should you avoid in a resume?
A) Bullet points
B) Action verbs
C) Typos and errors
D) Quantified results Answer: C Explanation: Mistakes reduce credibility.
15. What is a philosophy statement used for?
A) To apply for loans
B) To express your professional values
C) To list your references
D) To describe your hobbies Answer: B Explanation: It reflects your beliefs and approach to practice.