Unless you're one of the lucky few who find no problems talking yourself up, lying a little, and being super charming around strangers...job hunting sucks. I should know, I've been doing it for years! To be a successful job-hunter, you have to know how to apply. While I might not be the authority on interviews, I can churn out resumes and cover letters like nobody's business. Here I have given you a few templates and listed the better advice I've received from the internet, from my former career adviser, and from friends who have landed kick-ass jobs.
Part 1: The Resume
If you've ever written a resume before, you probably know the standard format. While some companies might enjoy a bit of artistic expression in the resume, the most important aspect is that anyone can quickly and easily find the most important details.
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Name of School Dates of Attendance/Date degree earned
Degree earned Location of school
Name of Company Dates worked
Title of position City, State
Action word and explanation.
Name of Company Dates worked
Title of position City, State
Action word and explanation.
Name of Company Dates worked
Title of position City, State
Action word and explanation.
Skills and Awards
Here you will include other languages you speak and/or read, technical proficiencies (Microsoft Office package, HTML coding, etc.), artistic pursuits (have you played piano for 10 years? this may not help you get the job, but it will prove that you are dedicated and maybe will make you stick out in the employer's mind). Also include any awards you have received professionally, including scholarships or stipends in college.
Projects
Here you will list any non-professional accomplishments. Have you served on a committee? Were you a DJ at your college radio station? Have you studied abroad or had summer training? Have you performed a professional skill in the private sector? This is where you want to mention those things.
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Quick Tips:
Do make your resume attractive and clean, surround most important aspects with white space.
Don't make your resume more than 2 pages (1 page front and back if you are sending a physical copy.)
Do write more for your most recent job than your first job - you want to imply that you have been given more responsibility with each job you take.
Don't type paragraphs to explain work duties, instead use quick sentences that start with action words.
Do allow time (30 minutes to an hour) for formatting and printing.
Part 2: The Cover Letter
Below is a basic form for you to copy and paste and fill in the blanks. This is just to get you started, read the tips below the letter for more on content!
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Your name
Address
City, State Zip
Company name
Address
City, State Zip
Thank you for taking the time to review my application for [complete title of position]. My experience in [----] and my education in [----] make me an ideal candidate for this position.
More about why you're perfect for this job.
I look forward to hearing from you / I am excited for this opportunity.
Thank you,
Your full name
email address
phone number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick Tips:
Do write a separate letter for every application.
Don't copy and paste the job posting, but do use similar action words to explain what distinguishes you from other candidates.
Do be concise.
Don't just re-write your resume.
Do use SHORT anecdotes or metaphors (2-3 sentences) to explain all pertinent aspects of your personality/work ethic/experience.
Do name drop - if you know someone in the company, were referred to this position by a friend, or have worked at the company in any capacity before, now is the time to mention it!
Part 3: References
Requesting and providing references can be one of the trickier aspects of the application process. Most companies require three professional references. They may ask for a letter from the reference, or simply for their contact information. If a letter is required, be sure to notify your reference about one month in advance.
Quick Tips:
Do chose someone who likes you and can attest to certain aspects of your work ethic and ability. This does not have to be a supervisor, but it could be a teacher or co-worker. If you are applying for a supervisory position, try to get a reference from someone who has worked for you.
Don't give out personal emails or phone numbers, instead use professional contact information.
Do let your references know they may be contacted. Most often, a potential employer will not contact your references until after they schedule an interview, so you might want to wait until you are sure you are a candidate for the job.
Do give details of the job you are applying to and what aspects of your work you would like them to highlight. They are probably very busy, so you want to make it as easy as possible for them to talk you up.
Do send thank you cards/emails to anyone who provided you with a good reference.
Got questions? I've got answers!
Part 1: The Resume
If you've ever written a resume before, you probably know the standard format. While some companies might enjoy a bit of artistic expression in the resume, the most important aspect is that anyone can quickly and easily find the most important details.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Full Name
Mailing Address - Email Address - Phone Number
Education
Name of School Dates of Attendance/Date degree earned
Degree earned Location of school
Degree earned Location of school
Experience
Name of Company Dates worked
Title of position City, State
Action word and explanation.
Name of Company Dates worked
Title of position City, State
Action word and explanation.
Name of Company Dates worked
Title of position City, State
Action word and explanation.
Name of Company Dates worked
Title of position City, State
Action word and explanation.
Skills and Awards
Here you will include other languages you speak and/or read, technical proficiencies (Microsoft Office package, HTML coding, etc.), artistic pursuits (have you played piano for 10 years? this may not help you get the job, but it will prove that you are dedicated and maybe will make you stick out in the employer's mind). Also include any awards you have received professionally, including scholarships or stipends in college.
Projects
Here you will list any non-professional accomplishments. Have you served on a committee? Were you a DJ at your college radio station? Have you studied abroad or had summer training? Have you performed a professional skill in the private sector? This is where you want to mention those things.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick Tips:
Do make your resume attractive and clean, surround most important aspects with white space.
Don't make your resume more than 2 pages (1 page front and back if you are sending a physical copy.)
Do write more for your most recent job than your first job - you want to imply that you have been given more responsibility with each job you take.
Don't type paragraphs to explain work duties, instead use quick sentences that start with action words.
Do allow time (30 minutes to an hour) for formatting and printing.
Part 2: The Cover Letter
Below is a basic form for you to copy and paste and fill in the blanks. This is just to get you started, read the tips below the letter for more on content!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your name
Address
City, State Zip
Company name
Address
City, State Zip
Date you will send the letter (Day, Month, Year)
Dear Mr/Mrs. Name or To Whom it May Concern:Thank you for taking the time to review my application for [complete title of position]. My experience in [----] and my education in [----] make me an ideal candidate for this position.
More about why you're perfect for this job.
I look forward to hearing from you / I am excited for this opportunity.
Thank you,
Your full name
email address
phone number
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick Tips:
Do write a separate letter for every application.
Don't copy and paste the job posting, but do use similar action words to explain what distinguishes you from other candidates.
Do be concise.
Don't just re-write your resume.
Do use SHORT anecdotes or metaphors (2-3 sentences) to explain all pertinent aspects of your personality/work ethic/experience.
Do name drop - if you know someone in the company, were referred to this position by a friend, or have worked at the company in any capacity before, now is the time to mention it!
Part 3: References
Requesting and providing references can be one of the trickier aspects of the application process. Most companies require three professional references. They may ask for a letter from the reference, or simply for their contact information. If a letter is required, be sure to notify your reference about one month in advance.
Quick Tips:
Do chose someone who likes you and can attest to certain aspects of your work ethic and ability. This does not have to be a supervisor, but it could be a teacher or co-worker. If you are applying for a supervisory position, try to get a reference from someone who has worked for you.
Don't give out personal emails or phone numbers, instead use professional contact information.
Do let your references know they may be contacted. Most often, a potential employer will not contact your references until after they schedule an interview, so you might want to wait until you are sure you are a candidate for the job.
Do give details of the job you are applying to and what aspects of your work you would like them to highlight. They are probably very busy, so you want to make it as easy as possible for them to talk you up.
Do send thank you cards/emails to anyone who provided you with a good reference.
Got questions? I've got answers!
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