No one likes to spend time on resumes and cover letters, and that can work to your advantage. In fact, an amazing percentage of job applicants so dislike this task that they invest the bare minimum in terms of time and effort, sending in resumes and cover letters that are unfocused and filled with sloppy syntax. The best way to differentiate yourself from everyone else, therefore, is to make your resume package persuasive and competent. This article will teach you how to accomplish both tasks.
Let's start by defining some terms. The "resume package" can include a job application, a resume and a cover letter, but it really depends on how the employer defines the term. In almost all cases employers will request a resume. An application may or may not be part of the required package. As a rule of thumb, public sector employers more often require a completed application than do private sector businesses. But check anyway. Help-wanted ads may ask for a "letter of application," a "letter of interest" or a "cover letter." They are all names for the same thing: a letter introducing you and spelling out what you have to offer.
If you are applying for a mid-level or higher position, you probably will be asked to complete an application only after a first interview or, in some cases, after you have been offered the position. Since every employer handles applications differently, prepare a master and take it with you at all times on your job search. It will serve as a guide to help you fill out an application on the spot, reducing the chances of omitted or forgotten information, inconsistent or incorrect data, or messiness (i.e., since you're just copying info, not writing off the top of your head, you'll cut down on erasures and cross-outs). This is an important detail to remember because the application is often used as a screening device, and if it's completed haphazardly or sloppily, the potential employer may immediately form negative thoughts about your abilities.
On the other hand, if the application and cover letter are well done and persuasive, and if the resume is tailored to the job description and exhibits the required experience and skills, you will be asked in for an interview. While employers will never admit they are judging you substantially on the way your package is wrapped, they are. After all, they really have nothing else on which to base their impressions. I cannot stress too strongly how unscientific and emotion-laden the process of personnel selection really is. But until the process undergoes a dramatic overhaul, it's all we've got.
The Cover Letter
The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce yourself to a prospective employer. While you're at it, highlight your past achievements and what you can specifically do for this company.
If you are targeting several different industries or applying for different occupations, you will most likely need to construct several different resumes. If, however, you are targeting one specific field and believe your new resume represents you well, use the same basic cover letter for all resume requests. The cover letter gives you an opportunity to stress some relevant Features-Advantages-Benefits to specific employers. For example, you hear about a job that involves public speaking. In your resume you already state you're a member of Toast-masters International and enjoy public speaking - but it's buried among a lot of other activities. For this particular employer, you need it upfront and highlighted. Rather than rewriting your resume to punch up this information, highlight it in your cover letter thusly: "In addition to my speech writing skills, I have been an active member of Toastmasters International for the past six years. I know my public-speaking abilities and stand-up presentation skills would enhance XYZ's image in the marketplace."
If the employer is advertising the position through a P.O. Box, send a cover letter with a resume. If the employer asks you to bring the resume to the place of business, include a cover letter anyway. Although cover letters are time-consuming to write, they are well worth it.
Basically, the cover letter should comprise three parts: Part One defines why you are writing and how you learned about the position. Keep this brief (one or two sentences). Part Two tells why you believe you have the necessary qualifications to do the job well. This is the bulk of the letter-the sales portion. Here you will translate your prior work or volunteer experience, education and/or training into tangible benefits for the employer. Part Three requests an interview and thanks the employer for his/her consideration. Again, make this short and sweet.
