Cover
Letters / Résumés
A Writing
Center Workshop
Writing a Résumé / Cover Letter
A résumé or cover letter lets a company know why you are suited to work there. We are all well aware of how difficult it is to land a job right now, so you must work hard at proving yourself as a worthy candidate.
a. Tailor your cover letter to the job.
Read
the job description thoroughly and ensure you letter covers the qualifications and requirements. Do not send out generic
cover letters and résumés in an email-blast fashion. You’re not a spammer,
you’re a job applicant. This process is time-consuming but necessary if you
want to be considered for the job.
b. Proofread, revise and edit your résumé/letter.
Companies
do not want to hire employees who do not possess at least basic writing skills.
In addition, letters which are full of mistakes will often not be seen by the
person doing the actual hiring. A screener (perhaps someone in HR) will simply
disqualify an applicant who submits a cover letter and/or résumé that is full
of mistakes. Again, take the time to proofread, revise, and edit before
submitting an application!
c. Do your research.
What
do you know about the company for which you will potentially work? How many
people will you be working with? To whom will you report? What are the job
expectations? What is the work environment like? What are the company’s goals?
Can you find any newspaper articles about the company, and what do they say?
Knowing as much as you can about the company will help you not only when
applying, but also when you are interviewed. Those reviewing your cover
letter/résumé are likely to be impressed and flattered if you are familiar with
the company’s intricacies.
d. Focus on your accomplishments.
The
company to which you are applying wants to know that you will help them to be
successful. What have you accomplished in previous jobs, internships, or
volunteer organizations that would increase productivity at your potential job?
What kind of software does the company use, and how familiar are you with it?
Did you reorganize your former office’s supply closet, thereby mainstreaming
the ordering process and decreasing over-ordering? This would be an appropriate
accomplishment to mention if you’re applying for a professional organizer or
administrative assistant position.
