So, you're on the home stretch of graduation and are ready to apply for a job! Or, you just aren't ready for college yet. That's okay! Although they may seem to be redundant, don't let them be. Learn how to write a cover letter and resume by following the simple steps below.
Cover Letter
The cover letter is important in letting the employer know how great you are and the skills that you have in order to succeed at the job that you are applying for. It can make, or break, you getting the job you want! Here are some tips to follow when writing your cover letter:
And that is it! It sounds easy, but really all you have to do is sit down and write it. If you follow these six simple rules, you will be fine. If you are still unsure, Google examples of cover letters to see what they have (do not copy word for word what someone else has written--that is cheating!).
- Step One: Don't repeat your resume!
- Step Two: Keep it short
- Step Three: Address Nobody
- Step Four: Send it as a PDF
- Step Five: Never ever, ever use the following phrase
- Step Six: Close strong
And that is it! It sounds easy, but really all you have to do is sit down and write it. If you follow these six simple rules, you will be fine. If you are still unsure, Google examples of cover letters to see what they have (do not copy word for word what someone else has written--that is cheating!).
Resume
Resume writing has always been one of the worst parts of applying for a job, next to writing the cover letter (in my opinion). In order to make your resume pop, follow these few steps:
Leave a resume to one page. Don't make it five. Make it simple, make it sweet.
If you are still unsure, feel free to speak with a counselor or home instructor for advice on how to complete these two very important pieces of information. They are sure to have the knowledge to make your cover letter and resume sound well written and experienced.
- Step One: Include your name as a title. Make it bold and stand out. Below your name, include your address, phone number, and email in a smaller font.
- Step Two: Objective.
- Step Three: Experience! Work experience, the date you started and finished, what was the specific area in which you worked, the synopsis of that position, where was that job located. The more information on this, the better especially if it has similar attributes to the job you are applying for.
- Step Four: Education. Include the name of the school, the dates in which you attended, and some of the classes you have taken (if high school, don't include classes).
- Step Five: Skills/Volunteer Opportunities. This is the place where you include single words that describe yourself (i.e. volunteer at church, snowboarding, waterski show director for the local ski team, etc.)
Leave a resume to one page. Don't make it five. Make it simple, make it sweet.
If you are still unsure, feel free to speak with a counselor or home instructor for advice on how to complete these two very important pieces of information. They are sure to have the knowledge to make your cover letter and resume sound well written and experienced.