Job Search Tool Kit - Resumes and Cover Letters

Ten Tips for Excellent Cover Letters That Will Get You Noticed

Writing a cover letter is not that difficult but getting one started can make you feel like a novelist experiencing writers block. You may find yourself asking, “what is my opening line or where do I start?” A cover letter is not just an introduction of yourself to a prospective employer; it also brings some serious consideration to your resume because it highlights your abilities and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role. An effective, powerful cover letter will create interest in your resume and allow the reader to discover your skills and demonstrate your potential ability in the role.

Cover letters create an interest between the reader and your resume. Hiring managers and recruiters review resumes and cover letters in under a minute. A well-written cover letter will give your application a closer look and a better chance at receiving a call for an interview. A well-written cover letter could make the difference between yourself and your competitor for the role because of your demonstrated good writing skills. These skills show the reader your attention to detail, good communication ability, and professionalism.

Cover Letter Tips

 Always use good quality paper that matches your resume if you are submitting your cover letter in person or by mail. Avoid bright colors and opt for neutral shades that will look professional.

 If you are submitting your cover letter by email, copy and paste your cover letter into the body of the email and attach it with your resume as well. This format allows the receiver of your cover letter to print it as a letter along with the resume. This allows the hiring manager to submit your information in a complete package that looks professional.

 Where possible, always address your letter to the appropriate hiring manager along with the complete company address. If you cannot find this information, perform a Google search or utilize LinkedIn to obtain it. If all else fails, call the company and speak to reception. Ask for the name of your intended recipient. Make sure you verify the spelling of the name as well.

 Proof read your cover letter carefully. If possible, have someone proof read it for you as well.

 Use an easily readable font when creating your cover letter. Avoid colourful inks and fancy fonts. This is a business letter that is representing you and your career.

Cover Letter Content Tips

 The first paragraph of your cover letter should introduce yourself to the reader and let them know how you found the position. If this is a “cold call” cover letter and you are prospecting for an opportunity, let the reader know how you found their organization. Tell the reader why you are interested in a position with them.

 Your second paragraph reveals your skills to the reader. If you are responding to a job posting, choose words and skills of your own that match what your reader will be looking for and have used in their job posting. Using words and skills that match the company will resonate with your reader and create more interest in your resume.

 Cover letters allow you to explain your skills and what you can offer an organization but there is a fine line between discussing your skills, achievements, or abilities and sounding too bold. Avoid “I” statements or statements that may be considered too bold such as how you are the perfect candidate for the role.

 Your final paragraph should ask for an interview. A simple statement such as “My resume is enclosed for your review, I look forward to meeting you to discuss my qualifications in further detail” is a great way to end your letter and let the reader see your enthusiasm for the opportunity one more time.

 If you are making an interview request due to a scheduled day off or if you require a specific day to interview, it is fine to mention that. “I will be available to speak with you on Thursday May 5, 2011. I may be reached between 1 pm and 4 pm at this number 555-1234”.

Resume Styles

A resume is the summary of your work experience and career. Combined with a cover letter, this is your marketing tool that introduces you to the job market and prospective employers. In order to be competitive with other resumes that employers receive you must make your document stand out and display your skills. There are several styles of resumes in uses today but we will discuss the three most commonly used.

Chronological

This resume style lists career experience in order of date worked and summarizes skills under each employer. Education, certifications, and memberships follow the employment history summary. This is the most common style used today. This style makes it easy for employers to understand what you have been doing and what skills you possess very quickly.

Functional

The functional resume is a very good choice for people who have a diverse skill set. It is also a good choice for workers considering a career change and wish to demonstrate their skills to an employer before they show work history. The top of the resume lists skills in brief statements or point form. Career history is presented after this usually with company names and dates. After this section, education, memberships, and associations are noted.

Combination Functional/Chronological

This resume combines both features to create a unique document that displays transferable skills, unique skills and work history in one document. It allows employers to see what you are able to do quickly and then summarizes work history with duties underneath. Education, associations or memberships follows this.

Tips for Effective Resumes

 Remember to begin your resume with your objective. This statement tells the reader your employment intentions. Your resume is the tool that helps you get the interview. Once you are at the interview, you can speak to your skills and get the job.

 Use bulleted sentences that contain action words.

 Avoid using pronouns like “I” or “Me.” The document is about you so this would make your statements redundant.

 Match your skills and wording to the employer job ad as best as possible. These known key words.

 Use effective job titles when constructing your resume. Make sure you are highlighting your job titles to match today’s job market. Secretary been replaced by Administrative Assistant in today’s terminology.

 Make sure you use professional, easy to read font. Avoid colourful graphics or unusual fonts or brightly coloured paper. Our creative idea we may like or think is professional can appear less so for a potential employer.

 Use achievements to display your skills. Let the reader know that you have been productive in your career and progressing.

 Keep your resume confined to one or two pages. Anything longer than this may cause the reader to lose interest.

 Remove any older work experiences. 10 years of work history is standard on a resume and it prevents “ageism” when applying for jobs.

 You will need to spend some time to customize your resume for each employer. Key words will need to match for each unique job application.

 Have someone proofread your resume once you have finished it.