Resumes and Cover Letters

Update your resume by:

• Breathing new life into your resume
• Convey new & relevant information
• Update the look
• Proofread

Breathing new life into your resume:

Whether you are happily cruising along in a job, facing a layoff, or are unemployed and seeking employment, regular maintenance is critical to your resume's success, and ultimately, your overall career success.

The passage of time and inattention can lead to a resume that's out of date, inconsistent with your career goals, and fails to market you to its full potential.

Convey the new and relevant:

• Look at the bottom of your resume and see if there is anything new you can add.
• Workshops, professional training or awards are a quick way to add something current.
• Be careful not to simply "tack on" to your old resume every time. You can initially as you start your career search, but be careful as you continue building your resume.
• Be selective about what you include – information that may have helped you land your last position might not be relevant enough to help you land your next job.
Update the look:
• Current information deserves a current look. Does your resume look stylish and polished – or plain, dull and dated? Have you outgrown the old look of your resume?

Proofread:

• Every time you make any changes to your resume, it is possible to introduce another error. Proofread it again and again, and ask a few friends to look at it also. You can never be too careful.
• Because of the increased competition in the job market today, few can afford even the smallest disadvantages, and neglecting to fully proofread is one you can avoid. In any job market, there is little tolerance for spelling errors, but in this market there is even less.
• Update your resume at least once a year – don't count on your memory to recall everything you achieved in years past. You are likely to overlook critical achievements and contributions.

Your resume is your best sales tool in finding a new job, and it deserves the investment of your time and commitment. Typical rule is you should go back 7-10 years on a resume. The old rule of a one-page resume is obsolete. Sell yourself concisely and professionally both on verbally and in writing.

Before your interview, make sure you research the company you are interviewing with thoroughly. The more you know about the company you are interviewing with the better. Knowledge about the company will not only impress your interviewer but also give you a understanding of what skills the interviewer may be seeking giving you an edge. Utilize the internet, local library, Chamber of Commerce, magazines, trade journals, newspapers or the potential employers annual report for information. The company may also have their own website which will offer invaluable information. Make sure to check out a "press room" or "company news" page that links to recent news releases. Study the company's mission and be sure that you understand the company's overall goal.

Ask family, friends and acquaintances for feedback on the company you are interviewing with. Utilize connections if possible.

Make sure that you know factual information about the company such as date founded, number of employees, type of business, key initiatives, etc.

Practice makes perfect. Take time to practice. Here are a few tips:

• Become familiar with your updated resume.
• Discussion will take place about both good and not-so-good points.
• Develop answers to potential interview questions.
• Prepare the questions you would like to ask.
• Never say you don't have any questions!
• When you practice, verbalize your answers out loud. Winging it is NOT acceptable in an interview and your answers will reflect your lack of preparation. Practice with friends, teachers, family and take advantage of mock interview workshops. When you practice, ask for feedback on how you sound, what is your body language communicating, etc. Take feedback and adjust. Remember, perception is reality.
• Final step, is ensure you have directions to the interview location and prepare with extra resumes and bring a notebook and pen.
• Drive the route to ensure you know where you are going. There may be traffic, detours, or accidents, so allow additional time to ensure you are prompt.
• Arrive roughly 15 minutes early. Too early can be annoying; late is unacceptable.
• Make sure your alarm clock is set.
• Silence your phone once you arrive.
• Relax, you'll be fine

Tips on Cover Letters

1. Always include your contact information and the contact information for the possible employer in cover letter (see example of cover letter on how set up contact info).


2. Always write the date out (example: August 10, 2010 , not 8/10/10)


3. The salutation of cover letter should include the name of the person your addressing the letter to (example: Mr. Robert Jones) Only use the title such as Human Resource Director or To Whom It May Concern when you do not know or cannot find a name to address the letter to. When addressing the letter to a female and you are not sure if she is married always use the title Ms. instead of Mrs.


4. Include the title of the position you are applying for along with the company name


5. Briefly describe why you would be a good candidate for the position, such as discussing your experience and skills.


6. Don't include too many details about your education, experience, and skills on the cover letter; that is what your resume is for.


7. Express your want to interview for the position followed by a phone number where the employer can reach you.


8. Always thank the employer for considering you for the position.


9. A cover letter should only be about 3 paragraphs long (see cover letter example)


10. Always provide your signature above your printed name at the end of the cover letter