Posts Tagged ‘cover letters’

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Resumes: What Makes a Good Resume?

February 16th, 2012

By Brent Ryan

A resume is your sales tool for getting a job. It may be the only contact you have with a company. Therefore, it must draw intention and interest to your background; and, ultimately, get your an interview. A good resume should also include a cover letter, which updates the employer on your current situation. There are several other key elements that make for a good resume.

Length and Format

Try to keep your resume limited to two pages if possible. This may be impossible if you have 20 or more years of experience. However, the key is to pare it down so the employer can scan it. This may entail » Read more: Resumes: What Makes a Good Resume?

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Job Search Tips: There is no excuse for not selling yourself. Two areas in which you must succeed

January 19th, 2012

By Bob McIntosh, Certified Professional Resume Writer

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I can’t sell myself. I just can’t brag.” This coming from jobseekers in my workshops, I understand their consternation yet can’t feign empathy. This would be a disservice to them, to all jobseekers.

There are two undeniable truths. First, if you don’t sell yourself, no one will. It’s like waiting for Prince Charming to arrive or waiting for a job to jump in your lap, none of which are going to happen.

Second, no one is asking you to brag, not even the employer. He’s asking you to promote your accomplishments and relate your skills to the job at hand. No one likes a braggart.

So how do you sell yourself? Selling yourself is going to involve developing a campaign that requires you to use your verbal and written communication skills. » Read more: Job Search Tips: There is no excuse for not selling yourself. Two areas in which you must succeed

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Resumes: Post-Grad Guide– Writing Your First Cover Letter

November 16th, 2011

By Caitlin Sahm

A cover letter is your first impression on a potential employer. A good cover letter will have them scanning your resume with interest, while a bad cover letter could get your application tossed in the trash before page two. Writing a cover letter can feel daunting for a new graduate because it’s a kind of writing a student has never really had to do before. When writing papers you knew what was required—the appropriate tone to take, what needed to be covered, and the basic format. A cover letter, on the other hand, is uncharted territory. Your cover letter will be pitched to a variety of people, not all of whom will share the same tastes (just look up “how to write a cover letter” and see all the conflicting advice), but I’ve outlined some tips below that, when infused with your personal experience and style, will help you to come off as professional and results-driven to any employer.

Get typing!

The first thing you’ll want to do is to create your header. Every cover letter, even those sent over e-mail, should have your full contact information at the upper-right corner (like the return address on an envelope) with the date beneath it. The name of the person you’re addressing should come just below the date. To know whose name » Read more: Resumes: Post-Grad Guide– Writing Your First Cover Letter

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