Cover Letter and Resume
Submitting your cover letter and resume may be the first and only opportunity you will have to introduce yourself to a potential employer. Invest some time in preparing these documents; you'll be that much more likely to be considered for the job.Cover Letter
Prepare a specific cover letter every time you apply for a position. Be sure to highlight and communicate the skills you have that make you the best fit for the job.
- Whenever possible address the letter to a specific individual rather than simply "to whom it may concern."
- Make sure you have the correct address and contact information.
- Briefly outline your past experience including duties that are relevant to the current opportunity.
- Conclude by thanking the reader for their time and include your contact information.
- Proofread your letter, or better yet have someone else proofread your letter to catch any grammatical or spelling errors.
Helpful Links
Riley GuideThis guide is an excellent source for advice on building resumes and cover letters, and offers links to various sites.
The Resume Writing Advisor
This online resource provides you with helpful tips on writing a resume complete with worksheets, standard formats and layouts.
Your resume should highlight all of your skills, work experience, education and achievements. Every time you acquire a new skill or certification, obtain training or volunteer your time, be sure to update your resume.
- Mention first any applicable skills and experience to the position for which you are applying
- Use action verbs to describe your previous successes
- Consider using bullets to make your resume reader friendly
- Include as much contact information as possible
- List your experience in reverse chronological order
- Consider a section such as "Summary of Qualifications" or "Profile" to help sharpen your focus
- Try to quantify your accomplishment whenever possible
- Refer to the job description to help target your resume effectively
