Practical writing tips for creating a powerful resume and cover letter are an essential first step in your job hunt. Personalizing your resume and cover letter toward each job posting is vital in determining your success.
Avoid Generic Cover Letters
Avoid generic cover letters. A personalized message works much better to provide an outstanding first impression. “To whom it may concern” is not a catchy way to open a marketing letter about your qualifications.
It would be equivalent to marketing attempts in your mail, addressed “to the current resident.” You know this is not an effective form of marketing, as it doesn’t connect you with the advertised service. However, when you receive mail with your name, it’s more appealing from a marketing standpoint.
The same holds with your cover letter. You want to have a more appealing marketing strategy. Personalize it, and you’ll market your skills and qualifications more effectively.
Create Balance for Your Resume
The image you will create with your resume must match the level of responsibility and skill you aim for. Don’t under-represent your skill level or responsibilities, but don’t make yourself seem overqualified. It’s all about finding the right balance for that specific position.
This goes back to the goal of targeting your resume for each position you apply for, mainly if you target more than one professional area or industry. You may want to highlight that one job will not benefit you when applying for another.
Analyze the position summary and responsibilities, and target your resume accordingly. Highlight skills related to the desired position. Remember that potential employers want to see what you can do for them, so your resume and cover letter must clearly illustrate this objective.
Use the Job Posting to Your Advantage
Gather helpful information to incorporate into your career documents directly from job postings. Before creating or updating your resume and cover letter, search available job openings for a list of responsibilities and critical skills. Don’t look at just one position, but many, so you can get an overall impression of the desired skills and expertise that companies are looking for in a new hire.
Identify the essential skills, keywords, profile, and overall presentation their desired candidate should have from these ads. This knowledge is vital to create a resume that stands out from the competition. Incorporate as much relevant information as possible. Companies will be looking specifically for these skills and qualities.
Visit the Company Website
To supplement this information, visit the company’s website to find out more desired qualities and skills. Read their mission, objective, and areas of concentration to help you highlight your skills and experience directly related to their vision.
Your career documents are meant to show how you can perform for the company and improve its overall organization. Finding out essential information about them can help you communicate the value you can bring to their company.
Need additional help? Reach out to Candace for assistance!