|
Why is a cover letter necessary?
A resume should always be accompanied by a cover letter. Consider it as an
introduction to a potential employer. Always write it directly to the company to
which you are applying and addressed to a specific person whenever possible.
Your cover letter should be designed to catch the reader's attention
and entice
them to go on to the resume. Many potential employers want you to submit a
cover letter to get a feel for your writing style. It also gives them a look into
who you are.
What should a cover letter include?
Cover letters should always address how your skill set matches the skills required
for the position. Even if you prepare a generalized cover letter, it must include at
least one or two paragraphs dedicated to the specific job for which you are
applying and outline how you qualify for that position. Be sure to focus on the
significant and relevant aspects of your experience. Don't use the cover letter to
tell the prospective employer what you did in your past jobs - use it to outline
what you accomplished. For example, don't say that you did outside and inside
sales. Tell them that you increased sales by 20% by streamlining your territory
to increase the number of calls completed each week. Increased output, decreased
production costs, improved product quality, increased revenues, etc. whatever it
may be that you have accomplished.
Also use the cover letter to explain any significant gaps in employment.
What should a cover letter exclude?
Never include any negative information regarding a past or present employer,
problems with co-workers or managers, etc. Also be sure to spell and grammar-
check your cover letter and resume, you don't want a prospective employer to fail
to read your resume because you cannot construct a proper sentence or make
too many typos. Proofread before you send it!
Do not use attention getting tactics or gimmicks to draw attention to your cover
letter. Be sure to use a good grade of paper (a soft-colored paper is ok to use if
you want your resume to stand out). Only include salary history if the prospective
employer requests it.
Be Proactive - Take Action!
Let the reader know exactly when you are available to interview. Tell them when
you will call to follow up on your resume. And then do it! Be sure to call when you
tell them that you will call.
Readability
It is important that your resume is easy to read and comprehend at a very quick
glance. If it is too long or too detailed, you will lose the interest of the reader
who is pouring through tens or maybe hundreds of resumes. Use bullet points
indicating each accomplishment and being certain that these accomplishments
will fulfill the requirements of the position for which you are applying. Give facts,
figures and results. Make a powerful introductory section that is short and
convincing.
Always try to keep your resume to two pages, but definitely no more than three.
Content
Objective - There are two schools of thought on objective. Some feel that if
you put an objective on your resume, it puts you into a box and you will not be
considered for other possible positions. It can be useful, however, when you
are applying for a very specific position. If you feel that it might block you from
consideration for other positions, use this section as a summary and be sure
that it outlines skills and abilities that are relevant to the position for which you
are applying.
In a Combination resume, you will begin with a Summary section and then move
on to a chronological section starting with your most recent job and moving
backwards. Briefly state your responsibilities and highlight your accomplishments.
For ease of reading, use bullet points. Highlight accomplishments and important
contributions.
Be sure to use the vocabulary of your industry in your resume. Use strong action
verbs such as planned, managed, led, increased, initiated, and improved. Always
stay away from using "fluff" in your resume. Avoid words such as self-motivated,
hands-on or other words that are too general and don't tell the prospective
employer how you are different from other applicants. Remember - your resume
is an advertisement about you to a prospective employer!
Resume Templates
You can go to your local library or on-line to find resume templates. There are
many websites on resume writing that can be visited. A simple search for resume
writing or resume template will provide you with examples of resumes.
Follow-Up
Keep a log of the date and to whom each resume was sent along with a copy
of the job advertisement or job description. Follow up about two to three days
after sending the resume to be sure that the resume was received. Many times
this brings your resume to the top of the list for review! Ask when you should
follow up again and when you make that follow up call, tell them that you were
told to check back.
Internet vs. Paper
It doesn't matter whether you send your cover letter and resume via e-mail or
good old fashioned snail mail, the same information applies to both. Be absolutely
certain that your e-mailed cover letter and resume are the same quality and not
written cryptically as many e-mails seem to be these days. Follow up an e-mailed
resume with a hard copy and include the cover letter, but be sure to add that you
e-mailed your resume on whatever date and that you are following up with this
hard copy.
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR JOB SEARCH!
Call us if we can help you in any way.
|
ABOUT
US