The most powerful cover letters use third party testimonials that say good things about you. It is much more powerful to have someone else say good things about you than to say them about yourself.
Resume Tips
- Always personalize your resume for the position you are applying for. This will allow the potential employer to associate your experience with their job opening.
- Be clear and concise. Be short and to the point in describing your responsibilities. Try not to ramble. Employers look for key skills and experience.
- Be original — give the employer a reason to want to meet you. It is an advertisement of your potential value to the corporation
- Don't add hobbies and interests. When an interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself, it is always work-related—they really don’t want to know about your love for sailboats.
- Do include accomplishments, awards, recognition of any sort, and associations that are job-related.
- Don't state salary information or a salary history. You don't want to be passed over based on a wage that they are either unable or unwilling to pay. Or vice versa--the range might be too low for the kind of position they are offering.
- If you have been in the work force a long time, don't list each and every job you have held since high school. Just list what is relevant to your current job search
- Make sure that there aren't any overlaps in your dates. Attention to detail is vital when it comes to this. If you were at home with the kids or went back to school, you can mention this on your cover letter or when you go for the interview.
- In your cover letter and resume, mirror the skills and requirements that the employer is looking for. Personalize your resume to the job that you are applying for.
- Present your jobs in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent.
- Proof read your resume. Several times! Have others review your resume and offer constructive criticism.
Resume DON’TS
- Physical Address – you could include a GPO Box
- Post Code
- DOB or age
- Marital status
- Your sex
- Sexual preference
- Religion
- Hobbies