Cover Letter Tips for Job Seekers
- Be sure to always include a cover letter that states interest in the position and summarizes the qualifications necessary to fill the position. Remember to thoroughly proofread, check spelling, grammar and format the margins of your cover letter.
- Give the recruiter a positive impression instantly by conveying that you possess more skills than what is listed on your resume.
- Do not list unrelated skills or qualifications. Instead, smoothly guide the recruiter to the relevant areas of your job history.
- Bring a list of references with the correct titles and contact information. This demonstrates preparation, confidence and sincere interest.
Resume Tips for Job Seekers
The resume is an essential tool when applying for a job. A résumé's fundamental purpose is to sell a candidate without taking into consideration professionalism and personality.
- Always include an objective, it is important for employers to get a sense of your ambitions.
- Although the resume is "relevant history", it should also focus on the needs of the employer. When drafting your resume give thought to the employer reading it.
- What role will your position play in the company? Demonstrate through writing what a valuable asset you could be to the company.
- Though it may be difficult to identify a company's immediate concerns prior to an interview; organizations recruit candidates primarily for the following reasons: to replace an unproductive employee, a new position has been created or a top performer was promoted or left. If these key areas are targeted it will immediately tap into the organization's desires.
Additional Resume Tips:
- Keep it concise, relevant and short. On occasion it is impossible to create a short resume. Including a second page may be necessary. If an additional page is required, be sure to list the most relevant information, qualifications, accomplishments etc… at the beginning on the first page to highlight significance.
- Proofread your resume at least 3 times before distributing it. Remember, despite qualifications, a careless presentation can instantly reduce the chances of securing an interview.
- Determine your major selling points. In addition to stating previous employment attract attention to capability and knowledge in past employment.
- Begin your sentences with action verbs for emphasis and to express a sense of accomplishment. For Example: improved, resolved, developed, instituted, streamlined, increased, constructed, engineered, overhauled, diagnosed, created, expressed, formulated, solved, spearheaded.
- When appropriate use specifics such as numbers, percentages, figures and facts. What kind of problems were solved during employment? How did the company benefit from specific contribution? Did the company make a profit or conserve money? Numbers not only clearly identify the results produced but also, positive contribution.
