Resume Writing - Things to Consider
If you're like me, you may be looking for a new job and have already taken a few classes in your field with the goal of changing careers. If that's the case, you will most likely need to update your resume in order to do so. However, what if I told you there was one thing that many people don't know about putting together a resume?
Well, if I told you there was an easy way to create a spectacular cover letter that would make recruiters poop their pants, would it change anything? Maybe not.
That is why I will today teach you the difference between a resume and cover letter. What do they look like? How do you create one? I'll give you the secrets to both and then you can use one or the other (or both) to market yourself as a professional in hopes of landing an interview.
The Resume Is About You And Your Career
Of course, anyone looking for a job should have an idea of the type of job they are looking for and what industry they would like to go into. As a result, you should have a couple of different resumes for each job that you're looking for. The basic outline for your resume is as follows:
Name, address, and contact information (cell phone number and email)
Education (past and present)
Experience (past jobs and internships) – Include duties, achievements, projects/assignments/specialties. Also include dates worked as well as your personal supervisor's name. If you don't have personal experience in the field you're looking to go into (i.e.- a sales associate looking to go into marketing), include internships that you've had relevant to the job you are applying to.
Job objective (what you hope to do in the new position)
Skills, qualifications, and accomplishments (3-5 things you have done that are relevant to the job you are applying for, but not essential. List them in order of importance.)
References, if required.
Be sure to list your skills at the top of your resume as they will usually be seen first. The only thing at the top of your resume that's not your name is a title; this should be a job title and nothing else. This is because companies want to know what you can do for them before they make a commitment. The list of skills you provide should be practical and relevant, but not too detailed.
The cover letter is about tactfully asking for a job.
Make sure to get a resume design that's custom to you. No one else needs to see it either; keep it between you and the hiring manager. Rather than sending out your resume through the traditional means- snail mail or email- create your own custom designed letter that is sent directly to the hiring manager rather than an email address provided on your resume's page. This will ensure that even though your resume was submitted by multiple people, only you will receive an email saying he/she has received it and is interested in seeing what else you have written about you or her company.
The Cover Letter Is About Tactfully Asking For A Job
When you are applying for a job, the letter is what will get you past the coveted human resource screeners and into the hands of the hiring manager. This letter should be a personal piece that highlights your accomplishments, strengths, and experience that is suited to both you and the company. In addition to proving your qualifications, it should also show that you have done your research. When a prospective employer sees that you are familiar with her company's products or services as well as her location (even if she is a Fortune 500 Company), she will be inclined to see what else you can do for her as an employee.
The letter should be a little longer than a resume because you will have to work in a cover letter and an interview request. If you have letters of recommendation, consider including them with your application- this will show the hiring manager that you are willing to take extra steps in order to be picked for the job. Make sure you include all of your contact information (make it easy for them to get back in touch with you!) and don't forget to mention that the position is open! If a company is advertising for a new employee but won't hire anyone ,chances are they're not willing or able to bring anyone on board at the moment.
How to Create a Great Letter
The first piece of advice I would give for creating snail mail cover letters is to write the letter in the first person. Some companies like this, but others find it off-putting. I personally find it difficult writing to strangers using my name and asking them to consider me for an open position. Spilling your life's story on someone you don't know (especially if they're a stranger), doesn't seem like the best way to go about things in general. The best thing you can do is write a short paragraph about yourself and include your resume with it for the manager to review.
When writing about yourself, stay away from bragging. No one likes a bragger, and if you tell them all the things you've done that make you so great, they won't believe a word of it. Instead, focus on what you have accomplished as well as how these accomplishments have benefited the company's bottom line in some way. If your resume doesn't indicate this (most resumes aren't written in this way) then consider including some information about yourself in your cover letter.
Use Proofreaders!
The last thing you want to do is send out a letter and not have it proofread. As I've said, this is your one shot to let the manager know that you are the best person for the job. It's also your only chance to make sure that you're saying the right things, and nothing comes across as weird or awkward. Hiring managers get application letters all day long, but they don't all sound amazing. Make yours stand out by having someone read it through before submitting it.
If you don't have a friend who can help you with this, I highly recommend the services of a professional resume writer. Many of them will work with you in person, they'll make sure your letter is to its best ability, and they'll make sure you're on the right track. They can also be very helpful in guiding people who might not know exactly what to do when applying for a job. There are plenty of places online where you can find one, so just pick one and send it off! A good resume writer is worth his weight in gold as far as submitting a good cover letter goes.
Conclusion
Let's face it, trying to land a job is hard enough without having to worry about whether or not your cover letter or resume is conveying the right message. By keeping these tips in mind, you will make it just a little bit easier on yourself to get that job that you've been looking for. Good luck!
Photo credit: bgrins via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
About the Author:
Heidi Aronow is a Resume & Cover Letter Writer at Resume Companion and Resume Genius. She loves helping people with their resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and interviewing skills so they can land the best jobs possible.