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1. Determine who would be reading your resume.
If you know who is going to read the resume you are going to submit, then you would be
able to decide on the kind of content you want to establish on it. For example, if the
resume would go through a Human Resource person, then you simply have to indicate
the necessary information, which would make you qualify for the job. However, if it is
going directly to the manager or employer, then you will have to be more specific.
2. Make your resume easy for a person to read.
You have to keep in mind that in most cases, your resume is just one of the many
resumes submitted on a daily basis to the company you want to work for. Thus, the
person reading it may simply get a quick glimpse of your resume to make a decision. If
it is not easy to read, then it may get tossed out by the person easily.
3. Include the details that the reader wants to hear from you.
It is very important that you become more familiar of the requirements of the company,
when it comes to hiring you. This is because, it can help you determine the more
important details that you can include in your resume. For example, if you are applying
for a managerial position, then you should focus on indicating related experiences,
which can help you do the job well.
4. Make your resume short and direct to the point.
Since there is a huge possibility that you are not the only applicant of the position you
want, then you should make your resume short and direct to the point. When a manager
reads your resume, it is safe to assume that he does not have all day to do that. Thus,
he may not have too much patience in looking for the information he wants from your
resume.
5. Determine the very purpose of the resume.
Although you are making the resume to get the job you want, it is actually just the first
step that you are going to take for it. Thus, the very purpose of the resume is to get your
potential employer to contact you for an interview. Once that happens, you can then
focus on your interview performance to land on the job you have been dreaming of.
6. Provide examples to back up your strengths and qualities.
Many people create resumes and list down their strengths and qualities like being
creative, problem solver, hardworking, and such. However, this actually does not prove
anything, for anyone can create a long list of it. What you can do to stand out is to
connect them with real experiences you have in your work or life in general, to illustrate
that you do have such qualities.
7. Determine your priorities.
In coming up with your resume, you have to determine what you really want, so as to
make something that is really effective. You need to determine whether you want a job
for career advancement or simply to earn money from it. By doing that, you would
eventually see the steps that you need to take in order to reach your goals.
8. Take some time.
Take your time in coming up with your resume for the job that you want to apply for.
Make up a rough draft of it, perhaps in a form of a word document, before finalizing it.
While checking your draft, you should check out not just its content, but also how you
have formatted it, since it is also important when it comes to considering the reader’s
experience in checking it out.
9. Do your research.
If it is going to be your first time to create your resume, then you should do your
research about it. There are lots of books as well as websites, which can provide you
with resume samples. By checking them out, you would be able to have something,
which you can base your resume on.
10. Double-check the information.
Before finalizing your resume, you should thoroughly check its content, so that you can
ensure that it is free from errors. You need to see to it that the dates, the numbers, and
all the other data it contains is correct. When a resume is free from errors, you are
increasing your chances of getting the job that you want.
11. Make up your mind about the job.
Prior to submitting your resume, you should properly assess first, if you really want the
job that you are applying for. Although you may qualify for it, and you are confident that
you are going to get it, it is still best if you land on a job that you really wanted in the first
place. This would ensure that you would have the necessary drive to excel on the job
and be involved with it for a long time.
12. Applying for many jobs.
Lots of people today send out resumes to almost every hiring company that they come
across with. They do it with the notion that the more resumes they submit, the more
chances they have in landing on a job. Although it is true, it may also increase your
chances of landing on a job, which you really do not like in the first place.
13. What to do in responding for job postings.
Whether you have found the job postings through the internet or locally, it is very
important that you read thoroughly to obtain the necessary details. Check out where the
company is located, the date that they would start to receive resumes, and such. If you
feel that there are some details that you need that are not indicated, then make use of
their contact information and call them.
14. Learn more about the position.
Before coming up with your resume, you should learn more about the position that you
are applying for. When you do that, you would be able to determine, whether you are
really qualified for it or not. Aside from that, you should also try to check if you do have
past experiences, which can help you in the job, should you get hired for it.
15. Know your potential employer.
Do your research about the company that you want to work for. When you gather
information about your potential employer, don’t forget to check out its mission and
vision statements, and understand them properly. Aside from that, you should also try to
learn more about the kind of working environment the company is trying to develop.
16. If you want a long term job.
If you are applying for a job position that you want to get involved with for a long period
of time, then you should carefully select your potential employer, prior to coming up with
your resume. Choose an employer that has been in business for quite some time, so
that you are assured about its stability. Aside from that, don’t forget to indicate in your
resume qualities of an employee that is committed enough for long term involvement.
17. Coming up with your main resume heading.
There are lots of options that you have when it comes to your main resume headings.
You can choose to have headings that show your qualifications, work experiences,
skills, languages, and such. Some people also start with their objective; however, this
one may be omitted, since it is quite obvious that the objective of your resume is to get
the job, or to get interviewed.
18. Seek help from a friend.
If you are having a hard time in trying to come up with a resume format that you can
start with, don’t forget that you can always ask your friend about it. Approach a friend
who has successfully landed on the job he wanted, and check out his resume. Just take
note of the format, and start from there.
19. Adding more headings.
When you have other specific headings that you want to add on your resume, you
should consider whether your potential employer is interested in it or not. For example,
if the company you are going to apply a job for is involved with computers, then adding
Computer Skills heading could be a good idea.
20. Make use of quality paper.
One of the first things that employers would notice about the resume is the quality of
paper that is used. There is no need to go with the more expensive ones. It is best to
focus on quality, and veer away from papers, which may have certain scents. Focus on
papers that are quite sturdy, so that the reader won’t have difficulties in reading it.
21. Uncover unstated needs.
In job postings, you can be assured that the company that made it has unstated needs,
and they may base hiring their employees to that. Therefore, you should try to do more
research about it, so that you can uncover their unstated needs. If you are able to do
that, then you can improve your chances in getting the job that you want.
22. Submit your resume to an online job portal.
There are lots of potential employers today, which depend on certain job portals to find
people to hire. Thus, it is best if you submit your resume to these job portals. This way,
aside from hunting for the job that you want, you can also let potential employers find
you.
23. Using keywords for your resume.
In submitting your resume to online job websites, it is best if you make use of certain
keywords, so as to increase the chances of companies in finding it. Many companies
already make use of online databases to find potential employees. By making your
resume easier to find with the right keywords, you are also improving your potentials in
getting the job you want.
24. Using the right titles.
Since people, who are tasked in selecting potential candidates for the jobs they posted,
also are pressed for time, then in most cases, they only take about a few seconds in
checking out your resume. Thus, you should focus of titles or headings, which can grab
their interest. Provide it with the right description, so that employers would become
more familiar about your background by simply checking on them.
25. Proofreading your resume.
The importance of proofreading your resume cannot be overemphasized. Just a small
error on it, can already end your chances of getting the job. Thus, it is best if you
proofread your resume at least twice before submitting it. If you have a resume that is
short and precise, then proofreading it would not take you too much time.
26. How to shorten your resume.
Since most employers do not have the time nor the patience to read through long
paragraphs, what you can do is to make use of bullet points in your resume. Using
bullet points and numbering can actually help you in summarizing all the things that you
want your potential employer to know about you. With that, it makes reading it a more
pleasant experience to your potential employer.
27. Establishing the right resume order.
When it comes to having the right order for your resume, you should come up with the
most important information first. For example, if you deem that your work experience is
the one that is most important for your employer, then you should put it at the top most
portion. This should also apply in enumerating skills that you have gained through your
experiences or trainings.
28. Determine your direction.
Indicating certain things in your resume, which can help your employer learn more
about where you are going, could also improve your chances of landing on the job. This
is because employers want to hire employees who have clear pictures of what direction
they want to take in their lives. Thus, indicating your professional goals can be a wise
decision, or at least make your resume in a way that it communicates it.
29. The Font.
Since there are lots of fonts that you can choose from in writing your resume, it is best if
you focus on certain guidelines about it. One of the most important things about writing
a resume is to make it as clear as possible, so that the reader won’t have difficulties in
reading it. Thus, when it comes to the size of your font, you should focus on 11 or 12,
while Arial and Times New Roman are good choices for the style.
30. Availability for job interview.
In submitting your resume, it is best that you tell your potential employer about your
availability for a job interview. Aside from that, you should also indicate that you can
always provide references when needed. Since you have indicated them, you should
also be prepared in receiving a call from them for an interview, as well as for your
references.
31. In listing down your skills.
Simply enumerating your skills may not get the job done, as far as landing on the job
you want is concerned. Thus, instead of simply enumerating them, you should also
state how the company can benefit from them to catch their attention. Doing that would
make your potential employers think about the things you have stated.
32. Always focus on the positive.
Avoid any kind of information, which can promote negativity, whether in your
experiences, or about yourself, when you write your resume. This is also applicable
when it comes to being interviewed. If you are asked about your previous employer, you
should not mentioned any kind of negativity about them.
33. Attaching pictures.
Gone are the days when attaching a picture in a resume is of prime importance. This is
because most employers are not interested in how you look, unless you are applying for
an acting or modeling position, which focuses more on the physical traits of individuals.
Most employers these days are more interested in your skills and experiences, and how
you present the information to them through your resume.
34. Listing responsibilities.
Although listing responsibilities under your experiences is one of the things that lots of
people are doing today, you can actually make it better, by listing achievements instead.
Most employers are already quite familiar when it comes to the functions of a certain
position. Thus, listing down the responsibilities may not attract their attention, as much
as your achievements would.
35. Tailor suit your resume.
Many people these days follow a practice where they create a generic form of a
resume, and send it out to as many potential employers as they can. Although this kind
of practice can save you time, it may bring down your chances of landing on an
interview. The best way is to tailor fit your resume to each company that you send it to,
so that you would be able to increase your potentials of getting a call for interview.
36. Use numbers.
If you are going to list down your achievements in your resume, as much as possible,
utilize numbers in illustrating them. For example, indicating a certain percentage of how
much you helped the company in terms of its revenue generated, would illustrate it
better for them. By doing that, it would give them an idea that you are indicating a fact,
and not just any kind of claim.
37. Be more specific.
When you come up with a resume, where you are going to connect your skills to your
experiences, you should become more specific about it. For example, don’t just state
that you have gone the extra mile in helping a customer. Instead, you should indicate
the steps that you took in helping him.
38. Identify the problems of your potential employer.
Identifying the problems of the company you want to work for can help you in landing on
the job you want. What you can do about this is to check out the kind of industry the
company belongs to. For example, if one of the issues the company is currently facing
is about its marketing efforts, then you would know what skills that you have, which you
can indicate in your resume.
39. Listing down your work experiences.
There is no need to list down all your past work experiences, especially if you are not
very proud about some of them. Focus more on listing down your work experiences,
which are relevant to the kind of position that you are applying for. Aside from that,
avoid those experiences you have, which only lasted for a couple of months.
40. Including your age in your resume.
In most countries around the world, age discrimination is actually considered illegal.
However, many companies still consider age as a factor in hiring their employers. In
relation to that, it is wise not to include your age in your resume. However, only indicate
it, if the company would require you to.
41. Selling yourself.
Your resume is actually all about selling yourself to your potential employer, so that he
would be convinced in giving you a shot for an interview. Thus, you should focus on this
kind of mindset in writing your resume. However, you should also avoid overdoing it,
since it can also bring down your chances of getting hired.
42. Go for it.
Even if you still do not have any kind of real working experience, you should not hesitate
in applying for the job you want, as long as you truly believe that you are qualified for it.
Just indicate your volunteer work, summer jobs, or trainings, especially if they are
relevant to the job that you want.
43. Avoid gender confusion.
There are certain names of people, which can be used for both males and females.
Thus, if you have such a gender neutral name, then you should do something to avoid
your potential employer to experience confusion regarding your gender. Include a prefix
in your name, so that your employer would know if you are a male or a female.
44. Don’t lie on your resume.
Although people are pretty much aware of the consequences of it, many still lie in their
resumes, and even on their job interviews. You have to keep in mind that employers
today, especially those who belong to the HR department, have ways of checking out
your background. Thus, if they found out about your lie, then chances are, you won’t be
able to get it. Aside from that, lying on your resume can also cost you your reputation for
good.
45. Excluding irrelevant information.
Many companies these days do not pay attention to a potential employee’s religion,
political affiliation, and such. Thus, such information can be considered as irrelevant,
since they just consume more space in your resume, without helping you landing on the
job. Therefore, it is best to skip these facts, so that you won’t be wasting your time as
well as your potential employer‘s.
46. Considerations to have.
In writing your resume, you should have a number of things you need to consider while
doing it. Aside from considering the kind of job you want, you should also consider the
kind of salary you are aiming for, as well as the job’s level of responsibility. Doing that
would help you come up with a resume that will provide an image that would match the
things you are aiming for.
47. Reading job ads.
When you check out the job advertisement that the company you want to work for has
posted, it would actually provide you with lots of helpful information. Aside from taking
note of the qualifications they want, you can also check out what kind of business they
are involved with. By knowing that, you would be able to see what they have in common
with other companies, and determine the kind of employee they are searching for.
48. Pages in your resume.
Lots of people debate about the length of their resume. Some say longer is better, while
others say to go with the shorter ones. What you should take note though is that,
employers usually do not have time for lengthy resumes and application letters. Thus, it
is best to make it as short as possible, such as just a single page or two, so that you
can get the interview you are waiting for.
49. Reviewing your resume.
It is always best to review your resume for more than just once. However, it is better to
have someone take a look at it, before you submit it to the company you want to work
for. There are times when you would not be able to see your own mistakes, which is
why an impartial friend would be able to help you out with it. Just keep in mind though
that no matter what they suggest, it is still you who will make the final decision for it.
50. Use your best printer.
If you have a number of printers in your house, then you should use the best one for it.
If you have a laser printer, then you should know that it is the best kind of printer for
resumes. Print out you resume on a plain white paper, which is made in good quality,
and avoid most fancy stuffs.
51. Designing your resume.
You resume’s design should be as simple as possible. There are actually lots of sample
of resumes you can find on the web these days, in which you can base your design on.
If you want to start on it from scratch though, you should keep in mind that you need to
avoid fonts that are too small. Aside from that, you should also become more consistent
throughout its content.
52. Coloring your resume.
When it comes to the color of the text in your resume, you should make use of black for
it. This is because using that color, combined with a plain white paper would make the
resume appear as professional as possible. Aside from that, you need to consider that
many employers will photocopy your resume, especially if they are scheduling you for
an interview.
53. Become more selective.
If you have just done a rough draft of your resume, and you found out that it is too
lengthy, being selective can actually help in cutting its length down. Being selective
means that you should only indicate information on your resume that is relevant or has
purpose. Thus, when you scan through it again, and found sentences that do not have
any purposes, then you should take them out.
54. Assumptions.
When you read your resume, you may immediately make assumptions that it is clear
and very understandable. However, you have to make sure that it is understandable not
just for you, but also to the reader. Thus, you should recheck it over and over again, and
have someone else take a look at it as well.
55. Your last resort.
If you have been trying over and over again in writing up a decent resume, and you still
end up unsatisfied of the results, then you should come up with another solution for it.
As your last resort, you can always have someone create it for you, such as your friend
or a professional writer. However, make sure to properly explain what kind of resume
you want, so that you would have a resume that you have envisioned it to be.
56. Describing your previous work experience.
When it comes to providing the details of your past work experience, you can actually
indicate the responsibilities that you had. However, it is also best that the person
reading your resume be able to understand what kind of business your previous
employer was involved with. To address that, you can actually indicate the web address
of your past employer’s website, so that your potential employer can check it out
himself.
57. Supporting your propositions.
If you have certain propositions for the company that you want to work for, it is best that
you provide it with adequate support. Aside from that, you should also be more specific
in supporting it. For example, if you aim for improvement in employee productivity, then
you should provide the steps in achieving it.
58. Some of your past jobs, may be more relevant than the others.
Some people mistakenly consume lots of space in their resumes for emphasizing on
jobs, which are not relevant to the position they are applying for. Thus, it is best that
prior to writing your past work experiences, you should jot down those that you want to
focus on more.
59. Gather your thoughts.
Before you even start writing your resume, you should gather your thoughts about the
information that you are going to provide in it. This would help you have the right
mindset in coming up with a resume that you really want. Aside from that, it would also
help in making your resume writing experience a smoother one.
60. Updating your resume.
It is always best to keep a digital copy of your resume on hand. With that, you would be
able to update it anytime you want. Updating would mean adding more relevant content
to your resume such new training experiences, academic programs, and such. By doing
that, you are ensuring that you are not missing out in mentioning important details.
61. Mentioning people you worked for.
If you have the experience in reporting or working with top executives in the industry
that you belong to, mentioning their names on your resume would not be a bad idea.
Make sure though that it is fine with them, if your potential employer would try contact
them for confirmation. Aside from mentioning them, you can also ask them to become
your character references.
62. Come up with a resume that does not provide a negative impression.
If you have been around, when it comes to the types of jobs that you have been
involved with, then you should only indicate those that are more important. Aside from
that, you should not indicate those jobs you had before, which were short termed. This
is because employers want to hire people who are decided on the kind of work they
want. Aside from that, they also long for people who want to get involved with them on a
long term basis.
63. Avoid jargons as much as possible.
If you are a technical person, you need to keep in mind that when you submit your
resume there is a big possibility that the manager that would view it is non-technical.
Thus, it is best to avoid technical jargons in your resume as much as possible. This is
because, your potential employer may not want to spend extra time on your resume, by
researching about the words that you have used in it.
64. Position the text in your resume as clear as possible.
Although it is a good idea to come up with a resume that is only a page length, you
should also make sure that you don’t cram up too much text in it. Therefore, you should
provide good spaces between the words and the lines in your resume. Doing this may
make your single paged resume to two pages, however, it would become more
presentable, and less confusing.
65. When you had years of experience in a particular company.
If you have been with a particular company for quite some time already, and have been
promoted for a number of instances, then you should list down all your positions in it.
List down your roles and positions that you have attained in the company, which may
have developed your skills further. Doing this can increase your chances in getting the
job, especially if you are able to get your employer’s attention.
66. Online sample resume templates.
When you search through the internet, you may find lots of websites, which offer free
resume samples that you can use as templates. However, you need to be careful in
making use of them, since some might be designed for specific positions, which you
may not be applying for. Aside from that, sticking with sample templates may also make
your resume look more generic.
67. Your old work experiences.
If you have been working for 10 to 15 years already, then there is a big chance that you
have already been promoted to different positions. Thus, it may no longer be necessary
to list down your past working experiences, when you were still starting out. It is best to
focus on the most current job experiences that you have, especially those that are
relevant to the position that you want.
68. Fancy designs.
There is no need to make use of fancy designs when it comes to writing your resume.
Cute little flowers may appeal to you, but it would not have the same appeal to your
potential employers. Aside from that, it could even make your document less
professional.
69. The most important parts of your resume.
Two of the most important parts of your resume would be your name and your contact
details. Thus, your name should be the first thing that would appear on it from the top, to
be followed by your contact details. Aside from that, if you have more than two pages in
your resume, they should still appear on the other pages.
70. How to showcase your accomplishments properly.
Indicating your accomplishments on your resume may not be enough to impress your
would be employer. To properly present it, you have to start with stating an issue, or a
problem that you were able to solve for them. After which, discuss the steps that you
took, which solved the problem that made everyone happy.
71. Focusing on actions.
When you write your resume, it is best to use action words or verbs. By doing that you
would sound more proactive. Although resumes are based on the past, you should also
make it in a way that it would sound like it is aimed for the future, which should impress
most employers.
72. Writing numbers.
If you want to become more specific on your achievements by stating certain numbers
to illustrate it, it is best that you write the numbers down, instead of doing it by words.
Writing numbers such as “$100,000” instead of using “one hundred thousand dollars”
would create a better impact on your readers.
73. Including education.
Your educational attainment is also a very important piece of information that you want
to include in your resume. However, stating the kind of degree that you have achieved
may not be enough. It is best if you can supplement it with something, which can
indicate that you have worked while studying, or have done other productive activities.
74. The associations you were involved in.
Some people think that including associations in the resume is not necessary. On the
contrary, it is actually one of the important items to include, especially if the kind of
company you are applying for encourages their employees to develop their people skills
or teamwork.
75. Necessary documents.
When you indicate certain educational attainments, such as a degree you earned or
more, you should be prepared in providing the necessary supporting documents for it.
Although most employers may not ask for such documents at the initial stages of the
hiring process, it is still better to get them prepared, since you might be required to
submit them before starting your work.
76. Summarizing your qualifications.
Providing a section in your resume to summarize your qualifications can offer you the
edge that you need over your competition. This is very possible, especially if you are
able to do it properly. When you write down your summary of qualifications, you should
keep in mind that some employers may just choose to read it, instead of the entire
document.
77. When to write your resume.
Writing your resume can be done with your laptop or your personal computer. However,
it is best if you do it at night time, or very early in the morning. This is because these are
the usual times when you won’t have to deal with too many disturbances. If you are
using a laptop, do it inside the room, or somewhere peaceful, so that you can really put
your mind into it.
78. Saving a copy of your resume.
Saving your resume on your desktop is a good idea, since it would make it very
convenient for you to update it. However, it is also better if you have a back up plan for
it, just incase your computers gets infected with virus or something else. What you can
actually do is to save your resume online, which you can do by simply attaching it to
your email, and sending it to yourself.
79. Turning off the internet.
If you experience having your computer running slower than usual when you start
writing down your resume, you should try turning off the internet first. Doing that can
actually improve the speed of your computer. Aside from that, you should also turn off
the other running programs, not just to improve the speed of your pc further, but also to
get rid of distractions.
80. Rearranging your resume.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your resume, there are lots of things that you
can do to remedy the situation. One of which would be to rearrange your resume. This
may not change the content of your resume, but it can improve its overall effect, as well
as its appearance.
81. Emphasizing your strengths.
When you want to emphasize on your strengths, such as indicating that you have
“strong leadership skills” or “excellent attention to details”, you need to be cautious
about it. This is because, anybody can actually do that. However, to make sure that you
make a good impression, then you should ensure that the rest of your resume would
support what you indicated.
82. Using the objective section.
For lots of people, the objective section of the resume can be the most confusing part.
What you need to take note though is that, you have two choices when it comes to it.
You can either omit it or include it in your resume. If you choose to include it, you should
consider the objective of the company, in writing your own objective.
83. Show that you are interested.
Some people think that one cannot express how interested he is of the position he is
applying for on the resume. However, you can actually do it, by simply taking note of a
few things. You simply need to become more specific; focus more on the needs of your
future employer; and, show that you have done your research and you know what you
are doing.
84. Be confident.
Although this tip is usually provided for interviews, being confident in writing down your
resume could also help you a lot. This is because when you are confident, you won’t
hesitate to include the necessary things, which can make you stand out from the rest.
Aside from that, it would also help you attain the right mindset in writing down your
resume.
85. Let your new employer recognize the effort you put into your resume.
When your future employer recognizes the effort that you have invested into your
resume, then your chances of being considered for the position would improve. To
achieve this, one of the things that you can do is to tailor fit your resume to the position
that you are applying for. Although this may take some time, it is definitely worth it,
especially if you can get the job.
86. Recalling some rules in writing.
Although these are the very basic rules in writing, many people still have the tendency
to forget them, perhaps, it is due to the fact that resumes have different formats,
compared to regular articles or letter. Some of the rules include a capital letter at the
start of the sentence; titles do not need periods at the end; a comma should be followed
by a space; and, many more.
87. Providing an email address.
Due to the fact that most companies are going digital these days, it is best if you can
provide them with a contact email address. You email address should be created in a
professional manner. Aside from that, it should contain at least your first name or your
initials, so that the people reading it can associate it to you.
89. Highlighting.
Do not use the tools to highlight certain things excessively. A person reading your
resume and sees too many words that are bolded, italicized, or underlined, can get
irritated by it. Thus, you should minimize the use of them. Use them only to highlight
very important information such as your name, address, and such.
90. Indicating your cell phone number.
Some people would advise you not to indicate your phone number in your resume. This
is because receiving a call from a potential employer can catch you off guard. However,
if you do want to include it, you need to be prepared in answering their calls anytime of
the day. This is because they could be calling you for an interview.
91. Submitting the resume with a cover letter.
If you are going to submit your resume with a cover letter, there are certain things that
you want to take note of. One of which is to properly match your resume with your cover
letter layout. In other words, they should have the same font, text size, margins, and
headings.
92. How to review your resume properly.
Proofreading your resume several times can actually help in identifying errors on it.
However, if you really want to ensure that it is free from errors, what you can do is to do
something else once you are done writing your resume. After a few hours, check it out
again, since the break would provide you with a fresher mind to double check it for
errors.
93. Questions to ask after reviewing your resume.
Once you are done reviewing your resume for a number of times, there are certain
questions that you want to ask yourself. Such questions should ask you whether your
resume was compelling enough, professional looking, clear and easy to read, free from
grammatical errors, and such.
94. Forget other things first.
Prior to writing down your resume, you should forget other things first. This can actually
help you out in coming up with a resume that is focused on more important things.
Aside from that it can also help you in writing a resume in a more positive tone.
95. Submitting your resume.
In these modern times, there are different ways of submitting your resume to a
company. You can submit it by yourself, through email, or even through an online job
portal. Before submitting it though, especially if you are going to do it through email,
make sure that it is save in the right kind of doc file, so that your potential employer can
open it.
96. Make up a plan.
Before sitting down on your desk to write your resume, you should come up with a plan
first. By doing that, you would be able to identify your direction properly. Aside from that,
you can also uncover your qualifications and achievements more effectively.
97. The elements of a resume that can land you an interview.
A resume that can make an employer contact you for an interview is something that is
clean, appealing, and something that can soothe even tired eyes. Aside from that, it
should also provide a dynamic summary of your qualifications, which target the
requirements of the job you are applying for.
98. Do not use “I” in your resume.
Using I and other pronouns in the resume is not a good idea. This is because resumes
are best written in the third person point of view. Doing that would make your resume
not just more appealing, but also more professionalized. On top of that, it would also
make it more believable.
99. Do not use too many articles.
Using too many articles in a resume is not a good idea, especially if you want to save on
space. Articles would be words like “a”, “an”, or “the”, which can be considered as fillers.
By minimizing the use of such words, you won’t just be saving space, but it can also
make your potential employer focus more on the important things.
100. Using the professional language.
When you apply for a job, your resume should sound as professional as possible. Doing
it that way would improve your chances of getting hired for the job. To write in that
manner, your resume style should send out a message that you are reliable,
presentable, and of course, professional.
101. Practice.
Whether you have found the job that you wanted to apply for or not, it is best if you
constantly practice and perfect your resume writing skills. This can improve not just your
skills in writing resumes, but it can also help you in other things as well. Have a friend
check out your resume, and ask him for an honest assessment of it.
1. Know what a cover letter is.
In applying for a job, you need to know what a cover letter is so that you would be able to recognize its
importance. The cover letter is actually the same as the letter of application, letter of introduction, as well
as a transmittal letter. It is a letter that should always accompany the applicant’s resume, since not too
many employers would consider an application without it.
2. Read your cover letter several times.
Prior to submitting your cover letter along with your resume, you should read it a good number of times.
This is to ensure that you have already indicated all the necessary information in it. Aside from that, it can
also help you condition your mind well if you get interviewed.
3. Do not forget to check for punctuation and grammar.
One of the things that can turn off an employer is when he reads a cover letter that has incorrect grammar
and punctuation. Thus, you should not forget checking it for these couple of things. Keep in mind that
aside from becoming familiar of the rules in using punctuations, you can also use tools on the web, as
well as on your computer, which can help you check on your grammar.
4. The importance of a cover letter.
In most cases, if you only submit a resume to your potential employer, he would find it useless without the
cover letter. The cover letter would let the employer know about the type of work that you can do. Aside
from that, it would also let him know how qualified you are for the position that you are applying for.
5. Keep your letter straight to the point.
Do not use a lot of word fillers when it comes to writing your cover letter. Make sure that it is direct to the
point, so that your employer won’t have to spend a lot of time in reading it. Keep in mind that aside from
reading your cover letter, he also needs to read your resume. Aside from that, he may also have a lot of
other cover letters and resumes he needs to check from the other applicants.
6. Make sure the information in your letter is consistent.
You need to ensure that the information that you indicate in your cover letter is in line with the data you
have in your resume. Keep in mind that some statements can become misleading. In other words, it can
mean a different thing to the employer from what you are trying to say. Thus, make sure that your
statements are clear.
7. Focus on more important information.
When you write your cover letter, you should be aware of the information that your potential employer is
looking for. By doing that, you would have better guidance in writing your cover letter. When you focus on
more important information, you would be able to come up with a cover letter that is not too long.
8. Do your research.
Writing your cover letter should only be done once you have gathered enough information about the
position that you are applying for. This would guide you in indicating the data in your cover letter that
would be useful for your potential employer. Aside from that, it can also increase your chances in getting
interviewed.
9. Highlight your skills and experiences.
It is necessary to highlight your skills and experiences when you write your cover letter. This is to make
the employer realize how qualified you are for the job. Make sure that the experiences and skills you
include are related to the position you are applying for, so that they would make sense.
10. Make sure that you are qualified for the position.
Before deciding to write your cover letter, you need to make sure that you are qualified for the position
first. This is to ensure that you won’t be wasting your time in composing your cover letter, as well as
submitting it to the employer. Check what experiences, talents, and skills the employer is looking for, and
see if you have them.
11. Use the cover letter to explain certain things.
In some cases, there are items in your resume that your potential employer may question. For example, if
there are certain gaps in your employment history, then the employer may wonder what happened, or
what you were doing during those times when you were out of job. You can take advantage of your cover
letter to explain such things.
12. Your cover letter can serve the same function as your resume’s job objective.
Indicating an objective in your resume can make it more specific to the type of job that you really want.
Whether you are going to indicate a job objective on it or not, when you write your cover letter, keep in
mind that it can serve the same function as your resume’s objective. However, the cover letter can be
written in a way that you are more open to other job options.
13. Let your cover letter reflect your personality.
Different individuals have different ways of writing a cover letter. When you write yours, it is best if you
can write it in a way that it lets the employer get a glimpse of your own personality. By doing that, it can
increase your chances of getting interviewed, especially if the employer realizes that he wants to know
you better.
14. The invited cover letter.
The invited cover letter is when you come up with one in response to a job advertisement. This type of
cover letter is not very hard to come up with, since you can base its content in accordance to the job
requirements. It is best to make use of this type of cover letter, when you see job advertisements in the
newspaper, magazines, and websites.
15. Pretend that you are the employer.
After writing your cover letter, set it aside for a couple of days, and research more about your potential
employer. When you read it again, try to pretend that you are the employer, and see if the letter would be
able to impress you. If it can, then it is a sign that you can submit it for the job application soon.
16. What to do if you can’t seem to continue writing your cover letter.
There may be times when you seem to lose focus when it comes to writing up your cover letter. If you are
lost for words or you cannot concentrate in trying to finish up your letter, then put a stop to it. You may be
under a lot of stress or you simply need a break. Give it a day or two before dealing with it again, so that
you can have a fresh start.
17. Never forget about the benefits that you can derive from the internet.
One of the toughest obstacles you can face in writing a cover letter is getting started with it. To start
writing though, you need to have the proper cover letter format. There is no need to worry about it, since
you can simply search for cover letter samples on the internet, which can help you out with it.
18. Put your cover letter and resume side to side.
When it comes to finalizing your resume and cover letter, it is best to put them side to side. By doing that,
you can thoroughly check if their formats coincide, as well as their fonts. It is best if they are of the same
font, so that they won’t look too different from each other. There is no need to match the font size though,
but it can also score up more points if they are the same.
19. The uninvited cover letter.
There are times when you may want to find out if certain companies have job openings or not. When you
submit a cover letter in this kind of approach, you would be using the uninvited cover letter type, in which
you are presenting yourself to the company and that you are making them aware that they may need
someone like you. Even if there are no job opportunities available, submitting this type of cover letter
ensures that the company can contact you if they need someone who possesses the skills, talents, and
experiences that you have.
20. You cover letter should be addressed to a specific person.
Starting your cover letter with Dear Sir or Dear Manager is not something that can impress the employer.
With that, you have to do your best to find out about the name of the person that you should address it to.
By doing that, you are making it more personal, which can score some great points with your employer.
21. Do not forget to use a good introduction.
The first sentence of your cover letter should be something that can grab the reader’s attention. Keep in
mind that your employer can be reading hundreds of resumes and cover letters each day. Thus, if you
can’t grab his attention through your letter’s first sentence, then he may not be able to give your letter and
your resume a closer look.
22. Less is more, even with cover letters.
Most employers do not want to read long and boring cover letters and resumes. Therefore, you should
make sure that your cover letter has plenty of white spaces after finishing it. Make your cover letter sweet,
short, and focused so that you can be called for an interview soon.
23. Let your employer know what you can do for him.
Do not forget the fact that an employer is looking for someone to hire, in order for that employee to
provide something to the company. In other words, you should let him know how the company can benefit
in hiring you, so that you can have the chance of being hired. Do your research, and indicate what skills
and talents you have that the company can benefit from, so that you would improve your chances.
24. Choose your words properly.
When it comes to writing your cover letter, there is no need to make use of technical words. Use simple
words, since employers do not have time to do research on what certain words may mean. By choosing
words and sentences that are easy to understand, your employer would greatly appreciate it, which can
make him check your letter and resume further.
25. Ask for action.
It is best to let your potential employer know what action you want him to take after reading your cover
letter. For example, it is not a bad idea to indicate that you are looking forward for an interview within the
week. By doing this, you can remind the employer that it is the action that he needs to take, if he feels that
he should give you a chance.
26. The referral cover letter.
You may wonder what a referral cover letter is. It is actually a type of cover letter that you can use,
especially if you know someone who is a partner or a colleague of your potential employer. In this type of
cover letter, you would be indicating the name of the person on the first few sentences of the letter. This is
one way to grab the employer’s attention, as well as improve your chances against your competition.
27. Sleep well before writing your cover letter.
Always remember that your cover letter is one of the factors that can determine your chances in landing
on the job that you really want. With that, you need to ensure that you have the right mindset in writing it.
One of the ways that can help you achieve that is to get some sleep just before writing it. Thus, if you are
writing it at night, then get a 15 minute nap first, so that you can feel refreshed afterwards.
28. Be patient.
There may be times when writing a cover letter for a specific job vacancy is tough. You need to be patient
with it, so that you won’t end up throwing lots of papers into the garbage bin. If you are getting
overwhelmed, take a deep breath and close your eyes, before pursuing it again.
29. Let your friend read it.
Having a friend or a close family member read your cover letter is not a bad idea. By doing this, you can
ensure that your cover letter sounds really good. Aside from that, the reader can also give you some tips
in improving it, if it really needs to be modified.
30. Check out cover letter samples.
There are lots of cover letter samples that you can read through the internet these days. Prior to starting
on your own letter, it is a good idea to check out these samples first. When you check them, it would give
you a better idea on how to get started on it. Aside from that, it can also provide you guidance in following
the right format for it.
31. Do not submit a generic cover letter.
Always remember that employers are used to reading thousands of cover letters. In other words, in most
cases, they would immediately notice it if the cover letter they are reading is one of the mass produced
copies. Generic cover letters usually do not give that much impression on the employers. Thus, you need
to make sure that you write an original cover letter for every job position that you are applying for, so that
you can have a better chance of being employed.
32. Do not forget to indicate your contact information.
It is necessary to include your contact information on your cover letter, since it would be the only way for
the employer to call you for an interview. You need to make sure that you also indicate an alternate
number, in case the primary one is not available. Aside from that, you should also ensure that the
numbers you have provided are directed towards you and not through other people or answering
machines.
33. Make sure that your cover letter is easy to read.
Enhancing your cover letter’s reader-friendliness is necessary, so that your potential employer would be
able to read it well. To achieve that, you can actually make use of bullets and other special formatting
techniques. Aside from making it reader-friendly, you should also make it as short as possible.
34. Sign your cover letter with your name.
One of the worst things that you can do in coming up with a cover letter is submitting it without your name
and signature. Signing the cover letter is one of the ways that you can show that you are truthful and
committed to the statements that you have mentioned. When it comes to signing the letter though, make
sure that you sign it boldly, since it indicates confidence.
35. Make sure that the tone of the letter is just right.
It is important that your cover letter has a tone that indicates your self-confidence. However, you should
not overdo it, since it can also sound arrogant. To check if it has the right tone, you should try to read it
again and again, and imagine that you are not the one who has written it. Aside from that, you should also
ask your honest friend to read it for you.
36. Make your letter interesting.
If you are the employer, one of the things that may stop you from reading a cover letter is if its boring.
Thus, you should make sure that yours is not boring, and it should be interesting. Focus on interesting
statements and enthusiastic words, so that your employer would want to read it from top to bottom.
37. Be aware of the common mistakes of generic cover letters.
When you have a generic form of a cover letter, in most cases, you only need to edit certain details to it,
such as the date, the name that you are addressing it to, and such. However, this is actually one of the
things that can make you commit a mistake in submitting it. If you forget to change these details, then you
cannot expect your potential employer to call you for an interview. Thus, you should refrain from using
these types of cover letters, so that you can prevent such mistakes to happen.
38. A cover letter that is a response for an advertisement.
If you are writing a cover letter in response for a job advertisement, then you should make sure that you
are mindful of the requirements of the position. This way, you can indicate your skills, talents, and
experiences on your cover letter, which satisfy the requirements. When you do this, it would become
easier for the reader to tell if you are qualified or not.
39. Do not forget about your transferable skills.
Transferable skills are those that you have learned or acquired in different activities in your life. Some
examples of these activities would be parenting, jobs, projects, classes, sports, and many more. When
you talk about them in your cover letter, it can improve your chances of getting hired, since they are
transferable and can be applied in whatever types of jobs you want to do.
40. Keep your cover letter conversational.
When you keep your cover letter as conversational as possible, you are showing some personality to the
reader. Thus, it would lessen the chances that he would skip reading it entirely. Aside from that, it would
also convince him that you know how to build rapport, even when you have not met yet.
41. Don’t forget about your achievements.
An employer knows that when they hire a new employee, they have to spend time and money in
developing him, as well as in paying for his services. Thus, they want the best in the field. With that, you
should not forget to tell them about your achievements through your cover letter, so that they would know
your potentials.
42. Indicating that you are willing to learn.
When you write that you are willing to learn, you have to consider that it can mean different things to
different employers. It can mean that you are open to other functions in the job. However, it can also
remind the employer about training as well as expenses. Thus, it should be safer if you would not be
including this statement in your letter. Focus more on what you can contribute to the company, since that
is the main factor that your employer would be checking out.
43. Do not forget to indicate your abilities to meet deadlines.
One of the concerns employers have when it comes to hiring a new employee is whether the new worker
can meet deadlines. This is because, this part of the job is very important, since it is a factor that can
affect the overall performance of the business. Thus, you have to let them know that you have this ability,
so that they would be assured that hiring you would be a chance that they are willing to take.
44. Never parrot your resume.
There is no use for a cover letter if you are just going to parrot your resume with it. This is because, your
employer would realize that he has just wasted his time in reading both documents. Thus, the cover letter
should not just parrot the resume. It should elaborate your resume and explain certain things about it.
45. Do not sound weak when you send out a cover letter through email.
When you submit a cover letter through email, you should not tell your employer that your resume is
attached for them to read it if they want to. This is telling them that you are not even sure if your resume is
worth reading. Say something direct, and expect them to read it, so that they would do so.
46. Listing hobbies and interests.
It is a common practice for some to list down hobbies and interests into their cover letters. However,
before listing them down, you should think whether they are really relevant to the position or not. If you
are unsure, then it is safer not to include them, so that you won’t make your cover letter longer than it
should be.
47. You can refer them to your previous employer if you want to.
In writing your cover letter, you would want to sell yourself to your potential employer by making value
judgments about yourself. To add more credibility in them though, you can always refer them to your
previous employer or tell them that your previous employer can attest to it. By doing this, they would not
even bother calling your employer about it, and would just take your word for it.
48. Don’t forget your ability to handle multiple tasks.
Handling multiple tasks is a skill that you may have acquired from an unrelated field of work. However,
you can use it on your cover letter, since you can apply it to any kind of work. Do not forget to mention is,
since lots of employers want their workers to handle multiple tasks. It is a benefit that you can offer to
them, which would increase your chances of getting hired.
49. Being dynamic.
Lots of companies today go through constant change, whether in the kind of operations that they do, or by
dealing with their customers. Thus, it is a good idea to tell them that you are dynamic. This means that
you are flexible, and that they can depend on you when changes have to be made.
50. The opening paragraph of your cover letter.
The opening paragraph of your cover letter should be written in a way that it grabs the attention of the
reader. This is where you can state what your intentions are. Aside from that, this is also the paragraph
where you can let them have an idea about what you can do for them.
51. The number of paragraphs you should have in the cover letter.
In the cover letter, having three paragraphs in it should be good enough. If you need to elaborate more
though, having four paragraphs is not bad. Each of the paragraphs in the cover letter should have
different content, and there should be about three or four sentences in it.
52. Formatting your cover letter.
Leaving plenty of spaces or white spaces in your cover letter is a good idea. Thus, when you format your
cover letter, it is a good idea to have generous margins in it. Aside from that, using double space between
paragraphs should also be a good step to take.
53. Number of pages in the cover letter.
Always remember that your potential employer may have to go through reading fifty to a hundred cover
letters and resumes in a day. In other words, it is quite a tedious task for him. With that, if you are
wondering about the number of pages you should have for your cover letter, then you should only keep it
to one. There are no exceptions for it, since it is best if your cover letter is short and easy to understand.
54. Check for spelling mistakes.
There is always a chance for you to misspell certain words, especially if you have prepared a cover letter
in just a short amount of time. Thus, you should thoroughly check it for spelling errors. To do that, you can
read your cover letter a lot of times,. Aside from that, you can also make use of some tools for it.
55. Express your long term interest in the job your are applying for.
In preparing your cover letter, you need to let your potential employer get the idea that you are interested
in working for him for a long term engagement. Keep in mind that most employers do not want to go
through a hiring process all the time. Thus, if you can subtly express your long term interest, then you
would be able to improve your chances for it.
56. Never complain about your previous employer in your cover letter.
It is never a good idea to complain about your previous employer either in your cover letter or in your job
interview. This is because, your potential employer would think that you can also do the same thing, if you
decide to leave them. Focus on writing positive statements in your cover letter, so that the reader would
have a more pleasant time in going through it.
57. Your cover letter and your resume has different purposes.
When you are in the process of writing your cover letter, you should always keep in mind that it has a
different purpose as your resume. In other words, even if you want to make it in a way that it is related to
your resume, you should not depend on your resume to do the work in convincing the employer to give
you a chance. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on your qualifications and skills, which would
become the reasons why you are fit for the job.
58. What happens when you express negative things in your cover letter.
Expressing negative things in your cover letter, such as complaining about your previous jobs, can
jeopardize your chances in getting the job you want. This is because it can make your potential employer
think that you are ungrateful, unappreciative, and disloyal. Aside from that, it can also make him realize
that he does not want you on his team.
59. Attention grabbing statements.
At the first paragraph of your cover letter, you should make use of attention grabbing statements.
However, you should not use such statements just for the sake of grabbing the attention of your reader.
The statements should be relevant to the job that you are applying for, so that the person reading it would
be captivated.
60. Focus on your strengths.
Cover letters should express your strengths, instead of your weaknesses. It should not make its reader
picture you as someone who is desperate, needy, and weak. Position yourself as an excellent choice for
your potential employer by focusing on your strengths, so that you would make him believe that you
should be given a chance.
61. Do not make a cover letter for a job that does not match your experiences and skills.
It may be true that you won’t lose anything in submitting a cover letter and a resume for a job that does
not match your experiences and skills. However, you would actually be wasting your time in it. Aside from
that, you would also be wasting other people’s time as well.
62. Tailor-fit your cover letter to the job you are applying for.
Although it is helpful if you have a basic format that you can follow in writing a cover letter, it is still best if
you tailor-fit it to the job that you are applying for. Doing this would make your cover letter appear more
original. Aside from that, it would also increase your chances of getting interviewed, since employers do
not like generic letters.
63. Minimize the number of words.
When you write your cover letter, you should minimize the number of words that you include in it. When
you think about this while coming up with the letter, you would be able to have a cover letter that is
precise and direct to the point. Aside from that, it would also help you in making the whole letter short and
easy to comprehend.
64. You can give examples.
When it comes to proving your claims in your cover letter, such as going the extra mile in serving a
customer, you can always site examples for it. Just make sure that the example is written in just a short
paragraph. In doing this, you are amplifying your desirable trait, which would make your reader remember
you more.
65. Become a sales person.
Think of yourself as a sales person when you are writing your cover letter. Think about it as your sales
letter, in which you need to convince someone to buy a product. The product here is you, and if you focus
on the benefits that they can enjoy in hiring you, then you can increase your chances of being selected.
66. Use action words.
Writing a cover letter should involve the use of action words. This is because, you want it to be active
instead of passive. When you make use of action words, the letter’s reader would be able to picture out
what you are trying to say better. Aside from that, it can also help them decide in what they need to do
next, after reading it.
67. Leave the ball in your potential employer’s court.
In writing and submitting your cover letter, think of it as your action, in which your reader would have to
react to. With that, you should come up with a letter that has a call to action. In other words, before ending
it, state that you are requesting for an interview. Aside from that, you can also be proactive and state that
you are going to make a follow up by giving them a call.
68. The best type of cover letter.
In general, there are three types of cover letters. They are the invited, uninvited, and the referral cover
letter. It is best to become more familiar of the different purpose each of the different cover letters has.
When you do that, you would be able to identify the best type of cover letter for your situation.
69. Your unique selling proposition.
Some people have no clue about the most important thing that they have to include in the cover letter. It is
actually your unique selling proposition. This is where you need to let your potential employer know why
you are a better choice for them to make, than the other applicants for the job.
70. Imagine what your employer is thinking.
In order to have a very effective cover letter, you should imagine what the reader is thinking when you are
writing it. In most cases, your employer would be thinking about why he should be hiring you. Thus, make
sure that your letter provides him the reasons to hire you, so that he would do so.
71. Make your cover letter unique.
If you are going to check on samples of cover letters online, you would find out that most of them would
follow basic letter formats. In other words, there would just be 3 or 4 paragraphs in it and such. To make it
more unique, you can actually highlight your qualifications or bold them. You can also identify your skills
with bullets if you want to. When you do that, the reader would be glad to have something that is different,
and it would actually make your letter easier to read.
72. Including references in the cover letter.
There is no need to indicate your references in the cover letter. You only need to indicate them if it is
required by the employer. In most cases though, you only need to provide your references when you have
already gone through interviews, and that you are at the end stages of the hiring process.
73. Ask your friends for help.
Having a lot of friends would definitely help you in coming up with an excellent cover letter. If you have a
friend who is a member of the hiring department of a company, then you can ask him for help in
evaluating your cover letter. Let him read your cover letter and make adjustments if they are needed
before submitting it.
74. Get to the point in writing your letter.
Writing a cover letter that is effective can be done by getting directly to the point. When you beat around
the bush, your potential employer would be tired in reading your lengthy cover letter. This can make him
lose interest in your qualifications and skills, which can hinder your chances of getting hired.
75. Using challenging thoughts.
A cover letter with challenging thoughts can increase your chances of getting interviewed by your
potential employer. This is because, it can get them convinced that talking to you is worthwhile. Aside
from that, it can even make them contact you for an interview, even when they are not planning to hire
anyone today.
76. Compliment the company.
If the company that you are applying for has achieved something recently, then you should take note of it.
This is because, you can make use of that in your cover letter. Complimenting your potential employer
about his company’s recent achievement is a good attention grabber. Thus, you can use it in your
opening paragraph, so that the reader would be motivated in reading the entire letter.
77. Don’t hesitate to reconstruct your cover letter.
If your friend has told you that your cover letter needs modifications, and you are convinced that he is
correct, then you should not hesitate in doing it all over again. Keep in mind that your cover letter needs to
be perfect so that you can land on an interview. With that, it is best to write it as early as possible, so that
you won’t be rushing yourself.
78. Your cover letter’s second paragraph.
A good cover letter has to have about 3 to 4 short paragraphs in it. While the first paragraph focuses on
getting the attention of the reader, the second should be all about your professional and academic
qualifications. This is where you get to provide supplemental information about how the company can
benefit in hiring you.
79. You should not sound too presumptuous in your first paragraph.
If you become too presumptuous in your first paragraph, your reader may feel that you are trying to tell
him what he needs to do next. This is actually not a good idea, since your employer may resent it. Thus,
make sure that you don’t have any statements in your letter that is too presumptuous, so that your
chances in getting hired would be good.
80. There is no need to discuss too many things in the cover letter.
Although the cover letter is usually the first thing that an employer would read, there is no need to discuss
so much things in it. This is because, it is better if your letter is brief. However, do not put too much
limitations on it. Make sure that you can elaborate your skills and qualifications in it, which you cannot do
in your resume, so that your employer can see the reasons why they should consider you for the position.
81. Always think positive.
Even if it is going to be your first time to write a cover letter, you should still think positive about it. In other
words, you should believe that you can come up with something that is effective. When you become more positive about it, then you can also come up with a letter that can convince your employer to contact you
for an interview.
82. What to focus on when you do not have the necessary job experience yet.
There are times when you may lose confidence in writing your cover letter for the reason that you don’t
have the experiences, which can boost your qualifications for the job. When you are in this situation, you
should try to focus more on your transferable skills. This is because, such types of skills can be done in
different fields, and if your employer can see that, then he may be convinced to discuss your qualifications
in person.
83. Writing the third paragraph of the cover letter.
If your first paragraph is all about getting the attention of the reader, and your second one has discussed
your skills and qualifications, then you should also know what to indicate in your third paragraph. In your
third paragraph, you can actually continue discussing your qualifications, but relate yourself to the
company as well. This is where you can also show your knowledge about the company.
84. Be confident.
If you lack self-confidence, then you may not be able to come up with a cover letter that can convince
your reader to hire you. Thus, you need to build up your confidence first. Try to recall how you were able
to help out your previous employers, so that you can remind yourself about how good you have
contributed to them. Aside from that, you should also not forget about your educational attainments.
85. Accentuate the positive in your cover letters.
Using phrases such as I Believe and I Feel is something that is not strong enough to accentuate the
positive in your cover letters. In other words, they can make your cover letter weak, which can reflect the
lack of confidence. Instead of using such phrases, replace them with I Am Positive or I Am Convinced.
86. State the time that you are available in your cover letter.
It is in your final paragraph that you should show your interest in getting interviewed. However, you should
be specific about the time that you are available. In other words, you should not forget to indicate the days
of the week that you are available, as well as the times.
87. Cover letter template.
If you don’t have an idea on how to write a cover letter, then you can always make use of a template for
that. There are lots of cover letter samples that you can find on the internet today. You can actually make
use of some of them as your templates, so that you would be guided in getting started with your letter.
88. Sending a cover letter through email.
If you want to send a cover letter through email, then you should do it by making it as an attachment. This
is because, reading a cover letter through an actual email is actually not good, especially when it comes
to formatting it. When you send it as an attachment, not only would the reader be able to go through it
easily, but he can also print it with ease if he wants to.
89. Do not forget to explain your employment gap.
When you submit your resume, which comes with your employment record, it may be possible that your
potential employer would wonder about the dates when you were not employed. With that, you should
take advantage of the cover letter to explain it. Do it briefly on the second or third paragraph, and
immediately revert back your reader’s attention to your achievements and qualifications.
90. Show how enthusiastic you are the end of the letter.
Before you end the letter, you should express your enthusiasm about getting interviewed by the employer.
Say how excited you are in meeting them. When you do that, your potential employer would be convinced
that you are indeed very interested in the position that you are applying for.
91. Take time in making your cover letter.
Keep in mind that writing a cover letter is something that can take time, especially if you are serious about
it. Thus, you should not rush yourself in doing it. Aside from that, review your letter for a good number of
times, so that you can ensure that it would increase your chances of getting interviewed for the job.
92. Use words that show your passion and enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm and passion are two important factors that employers want their potential employees to have.
This is because, it reflects the motivation of the individual when it comes to his work. Thus, when you
write your cover letter, you should use words that can express your passion and enthusiasm for the job
that you are applying for.
93. Necessary parts in the cover letter.
To come up with a complete and effective cover letter, you should know the parts or sections that need to
be included in it. These are the salutation, the data that explains why you are to be given a chance for the
job, closing, your signature, as well as the contact section. By focusing on these parts, it would help you
start writing your letter and prevent you from forgetting information that needs to be included in it.
94. How to come up with a targeted cover letter.
A targeted cover letter means that you are making it to target the job that you want. To achieve that, you
have to list the criteria that the employer has for the job opening. After which, you should also list down all
your skills and experiences. By doing that, you should be able to identify your skills and experiences,
which would perfectly fit the criteria of the employer, and include only them in your cover letter.
95. Reasons to customize your cover letter.
It is true that it can be time consuming to customize your cover letter to every job that you are applying
for. However, it would actually increase your chances of getting hired when you do it. When you
customize your letter, it would show your employer why you and the company are a perfect match.
96. Emailing cover letters.
In most cases, if you are sending a cover letter through email, there are specific instructions provided by
your potential employer. With that, you need to make sure that you follow it to the letter, so that your
application would be considered. Thus, if he wants you to copy and past the letter to the email body on
top of attaching it, then you should follow it. Aside from that, it is also possible that he requires specific
font and font size for it.
97. Hiring someone to make your cover letter.
There may be people today who may offer their services in writing cover letters. Although they offer
utmost convenience, hiring one may not increase your chances in getting hired. This is because, when
someone else has written your cover letter, then you may not be very familiar about it. Aside from that, it
would also lack your personal touch.
98. Learning more about how to make a cover letter.
If you want to learn more about how to be effective in writing a cover letter, you can always do your
research about it online. Aside from the fact that there are lots of websites that offer cover letter samples,
there are also online tutorials that are offered for free. Do your research online, so that it would be very
convenient for you.
99. There is no need to reveal every detail of your background.
Keep in mind that there is no need to reveal every detail of your background in your cover letter. This is
because, when you do this, you may accidentally reveal certain weaknesses that you have without
intending to. Always remember that it is best to always focus on your strengths; thus, do not dig in too
deep into your past to avoid revealing your weaknesses.
100. Write more cover letters.
To gain more experience in writing cover letters, you should write more. Thus, if there are lots of job
vacancies that you can apply for, then start coming up with personalized cover letters today. The more
cover letters you are able to write, the more you would become comfortable in it.
Seasonal work comes with many benefits. You are able to earn some extra cash and you can get excellent discounts as a seasonal worker. With all the merits in mind, it becomes important to find out where you can get these jobs.
There are countless sources that will provide you with many options. It is up to you to choose the type of job that will suit you best. Seasonal work can involve selling at a store, packing products, and catering – among others. If you are interested in getting this type of job, there are specific areas to search. The following is a breakdown of where to find great work that is seasonal.
Specialized Online Sites
In this digital age, your first search is best made online. It is both easy and convenient. There are specialized sites that give you galleries of resources on all the opportunities available. Depending on the location you are at, you can narrow your search to get something in your locality.
If you are looking for work in a specified area, choose sites that are dedicated to the ideal place you are searching for. If you do not know which sites to start with, a general search on seasonal jobs is your best bet. You will be amazed at the categories you find; you will likely be spoilt for choice.
Mainstream Media
Television adverts and newspaper postings can also carry information on seasonal jobs. Do your research and be keen on the vacancies available. In your local paper, simply go to the classified section wherever your job postings are made. All manner of newspapers will have these jobs. However, go with reputable media so that you can save both time and heartache.
Word of Mouth
Your family and friends could be working in companies that hire seasonal staff when there is a lot of work to be done. For this reason, ask around and see whether you can get the information. Many people always get jobs owing to word of mouth referrals. In fact, this is one of the most effective ways to get a good seasonal job. Therefore, always ask your friends and relatives about possible openings at their companies and you never know when there is a good opportunity for you.
Visit Stores/Companies and Ask
If you know that certain stores or companies have a habit to hire extra staff at peak seasons, you can just approach them and ask if there will be any future openings. This is an effective way to get a seasonal job. The management will inform you when they hire seasonally and you will be getting reliable first-hand information in this regard.
Some people have accidentally landed on seasonal jobs but when you are determined to get a slot, go the extra mile and you will not be disappointed. If you have worked seasonally before, it is much easier for you because you will know when the hiring season comes.
All in all, the resources available online makes searching much easier. Simply browse jobs in the comfort of your home and apply where you suit most. The above guide is sure to connect you to a good seasonal opportunity.
The key to getting an excellent seasonal job is to know when to apply for the same. Many people continue to miss out on good opportunities mainly because they apply when it is too late. However, to master the art of getting a seasonal job, you need to look at the dynamics that make the particular sector tick. In this regard, this information will give you a detailed insight into some of the elements to consider regarding when you should apply for a seasonal job.
Know the Seasons
Depending on the type of job you are looking for, you should be in a position to know which season your job of choice comes up. For example, if you are looking for a Christmas holiday job, applying for a job in December is a big mistake. Keep in mind that companies prepare for seasons in advance, so that when the season comes, they are ready to roll out their products.
Therefore, identify your season – be it summer, skiing, fishing and the like. Then, make prior arrangements for application.
The best way to go is to perform your research early. If you want a Santa job, start looking in August through to September making various applications. Remember, the early bird catches the big worm.
Research Frequently
For people who do regular research on seasonal jobs, knowing when applications are being made becomes very easy. When a company invites people to make applications, this means that they are preparing to hire. Therefore, be on your toes and keep touching base with your relevant areas.
If you apply at the required period, you are definitely going to stand a better chance to get the job. For a summer job, go online months before to see if there are any applications being accepted. If you do not get the information, email or call the company and ask about when to apply. It is really about being proactive and acting in advance.
Be on the Potential Recruitments Database
Sometimes, companies will not invite people to make applications when they need to hire workers seasonally. This is because they will go back to their database of applications to choose those who are suitable. In this light, always make sure that you give your information to companies so that you can be part of the database. If you do this, you will not have to worry about when to apply for seasonal work. This way, companies will call you when they need you.
Even if a company does not need your details, it always helps in giving them your particulars for future consideration. Therefore, be vigilant and you will benefit where seasonal opportunities are concerned.
Always Be Positive
Sometimes, people can get discouraged thinking that they have been locked out of opportunities in a particular season. However, being positive and going ahead to apply even if it is late can work in your favor. Sometimes, companies may need additional help and you never know whether they will pick you. It is always wise to apply much earlier but when you are late, submit your application nevertheless.
As a rule of thumb, always apply early or in accordance to the directives given by a certain company. If you have experience working on other seasonal jobs, knowing when to apply will not be difficult for you. If you make a late application in a particular season and you lose out, learn from it and you are bound to make a wiser decision next time.
Seasonal work is a source of income for thousands of people. It allows you to find extra income or simply have fun with a new job, albeit for a season. The good news about this work is that there are many types. No matter what industry you are in or you would like to enter, you can find a seasonal job just for you.
Some of the most common areas for seasonal work include holiday work, summer camp, fisheries, cruise ships and lifeguard jobs. It is definitely a good idea to have some interest in the job before applying for it. The following is an in-depth look into different types of seasonal work.
Holiday Seasonal Jobs
These are the most popular types of jobs that people will find. Major holiday seasons such as Christmas time see an influx of customers looking for different products and services. In this sector, more and more seasonal workers are hired. Among other jobs, people can choose to be retail clerks, warehouse workers, delivery and packaging workers and handling aids. During the holidays, people will also find Santa and Elf jobs which form a huge part of the season.
These jobs can be very lucrative depending on the location you are at. It is worth noting that potential workers can be recruited as early as September; therefore, keep an ear on the ground so that you do not miss your chance.
Summer Jobs
Summer is a season that comes with a wide array of opportunities. In the entertainment sector as well as hospitality joints, you will find summer-themed jobs that will last throughout the season. These types of jobs are more popular in resorts and it is important to consider the best location for these jobs. If you are flexible, the opportunities will be more. Summer jobs can be found at summer camps, recreational sites, retail stores and resorts among others.
Ski Season Jobs
When the ski season comes, there are so many opportunities for work. It is not just the riders and skiers who have a chance to work. You can work in ski patrol or ski school. These jobs are excellent for people who love snowboarding or skiing. It is a great chance also to secure a full-time job when the season is over. Ski resorts will always be on the lookout for new enthusiastic seasonal workers to make the skiing sport a success.
Tax Season Jobs
When the tax season comes around, companies will always hire tax preparation staff in a bid to make their work easier. As a tax prep clerk, you will be in a position to acquire a worthy skill and get paid well in the process. This is one of the many seasonal jobs that can also put you in the line of getting a permanent job. Apart from preparing tax returns, people can also land data entry jobs and administrative posts.
The most active tax season is in January through to May. However, for the sake of prior training for the job, workers will be recruited much earlier.
There are countless types of seasonal jobs, and searching for something suitable in your area is the way to go. Many people have been able to work different jobs at different seasons, allowing them to earn a living just like full-time employees. Therefore, take time to know what suits you best and get to work; you will not be disappointed.
The period after graduating from college is a difficult time for many people. Lack of experience is the hardest obstacle many graduates have to overcome. Some people have never gone through an interview, while others do not even know how to write a resume.
These are some of the challenges teenagers have to overcome in order to secure their first employment. You might face rejection when you start searching for your first job; that is normal and everyone goes through it. The following are some tips that will help to snag that first job after graduating from college.
Update Your Resume
Keep your resume updated with the latest information, ranging from the college activities to other major activities, and remember to include your college results (GPA). Make sure that your resume reflects the new skills you have developed. A good example is the case of a computer programmer who has learned another new language after college graduation. This should be mentioned on the resume.
Consider Taking an Internship
Many graduates get valuable experience after college through an internship, and this is a great opportunity to taste the working world. Full-time employment may require professional experience in a particular field, but internships are offered to recent graduates and current students to sharpen their skills. Although most internships are unpaid, some receive a small stipend or hourly wage. Highlighting the internships in your resume confirms your abilities to succeed in a particular job.
Attend Career Fairs
Career fairs will help you get in touch with your future employers face-to-face. This is the best chance to ask questions and you will also discover the jobs that match your skills. Most colleges and universities host these job fairs where you can attend and learn more from the recruiters. You can also find out from your college’s career office whether there are any upcoming opportunities within your area.
Be Open-Minded
Everyone has a dream job in mind, but to have a successful job search after graduating will depend on your flexibility. You can widen your search to capture other positions that are available in the same field or check different jobs that may require a similar set of skills. Keep your mind open to a variety of other possibilities that may increase your chance of getting your first job. Attend more interviews for different jobs instead of just focusing on your favorites.
Maintain Your Job Network
Maintaining your job network is a very important aspect that will help you to find a job after graduating from college. To keep networking for jobs you can use your family, professors, friends or co-workers to get news about the new opportunities that might not be advertised on the jobs’ board.
Keep On Applying
Searching for a job can be a daunting task, and it tends to slow down with time. But remember, any job you apply for after graduating from college is a new opportunity. Every experience will help you in your future application. Apply for your new jobs every day and keep in touch with your contacts that you made over the time.
Landing a dream job can be difficult at first just like most things in life, but remember that practice will lead to perfection. If you fail on your first interview, take a note of possible mistakes that you made. This will help you to avoid repeating them next time you have an interview.
Are you planning to earn extra cash? Getting seasonal work will help you to get some extra cash during the holiday season or earn some money that will get you through some financial difficulty.
Most of these jobs are commonly found in many retail stores. A study has shown that an average retailer will increase their work force by 4% during a holiday season. It’s important to make an early application to the positions that will help you use your skills and experience.
The best way to search for a seasonal work is to check the employers’ websites. Most of the retail stores and delivery services hire part-time workers during the holiday seasons. Below are some of the top tips for getting seasonal work.
Strategize and Be Flexible
Apply for multiple positions and not just one or two jobs. Your ability to work in the evenings, on weekends and holidays will help you land a seasonal job. Remember to tailor your resume in such a way that it will catch the attention of the employer by highlighting any past experience that is related to the position you are applying for. That means if you are applying for a customer service position, you should highlight your past experience in customer service.
Have a Can-Do Attitude
It is worth noting that employers have plenty to choose from among the applications that are submitted for seasonal jobs. A cheerful smile, positive attitude and enthusiasm will help you stand out from the rest and quickly snag that job. A recent study of hiring managers has showed that 3 out of 10 applicants felt that a positive attitude is an important trait for any applicant to succeed.
Start Sending Applications Early
If you are looking for seasonal work during the summer, send your applications at the start of spring. There are many retail stores that recruit part-time employees to work for them during Christmas holiday and most of them start to recruit as early as September. Remember the more you delay to apply for a position, the harder it becomes to get a part-time job due to stiff competition.
Be Persistent
If you are given a specific date when a company intends to start recruiting for seasonal jobs, make sure to come back when the dates are closer to that time. If you learn that certain positions may be advertised at a later date, call regularly to avoid missing out on a fleeting opportunity.
Look for Retailers That Are Busy at That Particular Time
Sometimes seasonal retail jobs can be intense because there are many people who apply for these jobs. In order to increase your chances of finding seasonal work, explore the available opportunities in various discount retailers.
Respect Any Job You Get
It’s important to treat your seasonal work with respect even if it does not match with your career goals. Remember that it’s providing you with a steady cash flow in the meantime. Maybe this position could end up being your permanent job if that is what you need at the moment.
Be Professional
Treat your application for seasonal jobs in the same way you would when applying for a full-time job. This is because competition is so intense for these part-time jobs. Dress appropriately and be on time for your appointment, and behave professionally.
A survey has shown that between 20% and 50% of the total annual sales of retail stores are realized during the holidays and many retailers hire additional staff during these periods. Seasonal jobs will also help you to add more key information to your resume. This job can give a job seeker a head start and even help him or her to decide the sort of career path to pursue in future.
As holiday season approaches, many people start wondering if it’s appropriate to include temporary and seasonal work experience in their resume. This question can be relevant to you whether you’re a recent graduate, unemployed or a college student.
There is nothing wrong if you decide to take a freelance, temporary or seasonal job until you get full-time employment in your field. In fact, this is the best way to gain experience, close gaps in employment and earn extra cash. Keeping your resume fresh will not only help you to embark on temporary jobs but new careers as well.
You need to tailor your resume to meet the requirements of companies that are hiring seasonal employees. Below are the tips that will help you write a good resume for seasonal employment.
* Resume presentation – Never give out a folded or rumpled resume letter. Submit a clean copy that is presentable. You can print it out using white papers on a laser printer.
* Stick to the design – It’s important to maintain the standard design format when writing your resume. Use either 11 or 12 font, Times or Arial. Use bullet points to help you break up long paragraphs. Avoid using pictures or graphs.
* Indicate your work experience – You need to list all types of employment and experience that are relevant to the job you are applying for. And remember that any work experience can help you secure that seasonal job.
* Be specific – When you want to list the positions you have held in your previous seasonal work experience, be descriptive. A good example is the case of “customer service” where you can use this format: “customer relations and quality assurance.” If you claim that you exceeded target in your department, you should be specific even with the numbers.
* Point out your skills – You need to tie your skills gain from your previous seasonal work and how these skills will help your future employer.
* Be positive – Avoid highlighting negative issues about your previous employers. You might have issues with your past jobs, but it’s important to mention positives things in your resume. Positive attitude will help you to snag that part-time position.
* Be honest – Avoid any temptation to inflate your set of skills or even embellish your working history. You should not risk your credibility. If you don’t have any formal work experience, you can include your volunteer work experience or summer jobs experience.
* Update your resume regularly – Plan to revisit your resume regularly. This will give you the chance to add any new information such as awards and training programs.
* Make sure your information is relevant – It is unnecessary to list some jobs that you held more than 14 years ago. Information related to your religion, family and political leanings should not have a place in your resume either. Avoid including outside interests.
* Make sure you read your resume – It’s very important to proof-read your resume and if possible get your trusted colleague to review it.
Landing a seasonal job is definitely an adventure, but it is not impossible. When looking for a temporary work it is important to include the experience you have in the field you are applying for. This is because most employers do not want to train candidates most of the time. The earlier you prepare your resume, the better for you, so that you can submit it once the jobs are advertised.
Working seasonal jobs is one of the best decisions you can make. It is almost a guarantee that on certain seasons, there will be a flood of opportunities to work. For example, the holiday seasons will see many sectors hire thousands of extra staff to work for that particular season. In this regard, there are many opportunities. But what are the reasons to choose to work seasonal jobs? There are many, as highlighted below.
Make Extra Cash
The most common reason why people choose to take up a seasonal job is to earn some extra money. We all need more money and this way, you can make money for the holidays or simply make money that will help you buy that car you really need. This temporary job will not affect your full-time job and for people who are self-driven and determined, this is the sure way to maximize earnings. Some people have used these seasonal jobs to clear their debts.
Get an Awesome Discount
As a seasonal worker at a store, you are entitled to some price cuts and this can work great for you and your family. You will spend less while getting gifts or products for your entire family and friends. Some people go to work seasonally owing to the massive discounts they will get. This added advantage is definitely worth it. You will be in a position to acquire items at a much lower price, saving your money for other things.
Work at a Flexible Schedule
Most seasonal jobs involve working at stores past normal working hours. In this regard you will always find a seasonal job that allows you a flexible schedule. Therefore, you can make more money without worrying about the times. In fact, you have a chance to compare different jobs and choose one that will suit your schedule more. This flexibility can lead to more productivity in your life.
Learn New Skills in a Short Time
With a seasonal job, you will definitely learn new things within a very short time. This will further improve your skills for future jobs. It is also an exciting experience that will help you deviate from your normal tasks. Human beings love to experience new things and this way, you can learn new things and get paid for it in return.
Get Connections for a Full-Time Job
Many people who have worked seasonal jobs have ended up as full-time staff in their respective companies. In other words, these jobs will earn you points with a potential employer. If the store is looking for a permanent worker, they will consider you first. Therefore, temporary jobs are a great way to find a lasting job that will fulfill all your dreams.
Know the Right Job for You
The easiest way to know whether a job is good for you or not is to try it. With seasonal jobs, you get an opportunity to try out jobs that are not permanent. This way, you can compare your experiences to see where you fit best. Many people will test out several jobs before they decide what is best for them. This way, you will be taking a test drive of sorts; you can only do this through temporary jobs.
There are many other merits of going for these jobs. For people who do not want to spend idle time alone during holidays, a job will enable you get out and get busy. Working is also fulfilling and it gives you a sense of achievement. It is also a great way to meet new friends and make connections that may last a lifetime. These jobs will enable people to experience an adventure that is full of lessons and rewards.
Touchdown a seasonal job generally is a nice alternative for a at the moment unemployed particular person or a university pupil. One of many points of seasonal work is the chance to show the part-time employment right into a full-time place. For the unemployed, seasonal work is a improbable alternative to have a gradual money circulate whereas searching for methods to show it right into a everlasting employment.
It is very important word that seasonal jobs come to an finish when the vacation season ends. Must you fall in love with this job, you could possibly flip it right into a full-time place. Nonetheless, keep in mind that long-term positions are very aggressive since most corporations solely retain 10 p.c of their seasonal employees. Under are potential methods that may allow you to flip that seasonal job right into a everlasting place.
You Must Show Your Value
This may sound like a no brainer to you, however you need to have the ability to show your constructive influence to the corporate so as to be acknowledged. If doable, you may level out your inventive concepts or solutions that you simply made to assist cut back the prices. Employers are eager to notice these expertise which have influence on earnings.
It goes with out saying that you need to at all times be on time, trustworthy and dependable in your part-time employment in order that your supervisor can see your profit to the corporate. If you will run late for work, make a name as quickly as in order that the corporate can get another person to switch you.
Use Your Networking Prowess
That is one of the best alternative so that you can make buddies. Getting a seasonal job present that you’re able to work and subsequently it’s essential to introduce your self to the managers and different determination makers. Bear in mind to decorate professionally and keep constructive; show your curiosity within the job, fellow workers and the corporate. Having mentioned that, keep away from being seen as a brown-nosing individual and simply deal with making your self identified for constructive affect within the workplace every day.
Take Your Seasonal Work Significantly
It is best to work as for those who’re a everlasting workers. A seasonal job lasts for a couple of months, however you should deal with it similar to a full-time employment. By taking this job severely, your supervisor will certainly discover you and she or he may take into account you when the time to make these choices comes on the finish of the season.
Be Fast to Study
Being correct and studying your job rapidly is a good way to show to your supervisor you could work properly with none help. You also needs to be prepared to exceed the goal that’s anticipated of you. Potential to work quick with out compromising the standard will improve your possibilities of being retained by the corporate when the seasonal job involves an finish.
Be a Staff Participant
It’s essential to be a staff participant and talk successfully along with your fellow workers. Having the ability to work properly with others will clearly present that you simply’re an asset to that firm. Lengthen a serving to hand to different workers each time they want help and also you can be found.
A seasonal job generally is a nice alternative to place your self for a full-time place. This job may also allow you to to use for different positions that may come up when you’re working. Just remember to act professionally throughout your seasonal job.