"Letter to a Friend" Part II

This is the second part of my series on career search tips. This entry covers resumes, cover letters, and job applications.


The sixth chapter was dedicated to resumes. I know you’re well aware that a resume is a very important document that you must always be revising, updating, and perfecting. Make sure you tailor your resume to each position you apply for. That is, don’t just send out the same resume to everyone. Tweak it to match each prospective employer in the best way possible. Start your resume with your specific objective for the job, and then follow up underneath that with your qualifications. It is effective to include your qualifications near the top of your resume because it becomes the focal point for employers. It emphasizes your specific skills and capabilities and shows why you are the best candidate for the position.

Always use strong, powerful key words in your resume. This is helpful because sometimes an employer will process your resume through a program that highlights key words related to the industry. For example, if you are applying for a public relations position, some strong words to fit into that resume might include “Media”, “Communicate”, “Press”, “Organize”, “Plan”, “Revise”, “Events”, “Relations”, and “Write.” It’s a good idea to incorporate such words even if they don’t use an electronic device to scan your resume. The reader will appreciate your use of specific industry key words.

A piece on “Job Applications and Cover Letters” provided several things to keep in mind when applying to jobs. First, ALWAYS make sure that you fill out the application correctly. That may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how many people fail to follow directions. If you can’t follow directions, the company certainly isn’t interested in hiring you. When sending an application, cover letter, or resume to a prospective employer, be sure to send it to the correct person. The heading of your letter should be like this:

Name
Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip

You should begin your cover letter with an introductory paragraph. This should include an introduction of yourself as well as how you know of the employer. Mention the position you are seeking and how you heard of it. Explain your interest in their organization.

Next, include your objective statement and achievements. These two can go together. An objective statement clearly and concisely explains what it is you hope to achieve. Your past achievements provide the setting for that objective. You should include 2-4 relevant stories of accomplishments.

Lastly, you must close the letter. Do not be presumptuous- do not ask for a job. Rather, ask for an interview and give them a time frame of when you will follow up. State that your resume is attached to the cover letter and graciously show your appreciation and thanks for their time. Time is the most important thing any potential employer can give you.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: DO NOT DUPLICATE INFORMATION FROM YOUR RESUME VERBATIM. If the employer actually takes the time to look at both your resume and cover letter, they will be disappointed to find they’re the same thing.

Additionally, ALWAYS proofread your documents several times before sending them.