Résumés and Cover Letters
Résumés
Your résumé is a written description of your qualifications. It is your promotional tool to tell employers who you are and what you can do. It presents your skills, knowledge, experience, education and other relevant data. Each individual should design their résumé to focus attention on their special abilities and to create a favourable impression of themselves.
Your résumé must be clear and concise. Most employers spend only a few minutes to skim through résumés to decide if they should offer you an interview.
It is usually inappropriate to mention your disability in a résumé. Personal information such as disability, religion, or political views should not be written in a résumé.
There are three common ways (styles) to organize your résumé:
- chronologically
- functionally, and
- a combination of both.
Choosing a résumé style depends on the position you are applying for and how you would like to present yourself. You will find
3 sample résumés included in this kit to help you get started on creating your own.
Ten Quick Tips on Résumé Writing
1. Use a computer to prepare your résumé, and print on only one side of the paper.
2. Be selective. It is not necessary to put your life history on your résumé.
3. Make sure your résumé is easy to read.
4. Do not fold your résumé.
5. Include a lot of clear space on the page; it makes it easier to read.
6. Make sure all the information is accurate: employers check for accuracy.
7. Make sure all your personal information, including your address and phone number, is correct.
8. Make sure you have at least 3 references on hand. These are not included with your résumé, but keep them ready to give to your potential employer if and when you are asked.
9. Have someone proof-read your résumé and perhaps give you some constructive criticism.
10. Send a cover letter with your résumé.
Cover Letters
Always include a cover letter when you send your résumé to an organization.
Cover letters are usually 3-5 paragraphs long.
In the introductory paragraph, explain why you are writing. Be sure to include the title of the job, how you heard about the opening and who recommended you.
In the "body" paragraphs which follow, explain your interest in the position and your qualifications for it.
In the final paragraph, express your desire to meet with the employer.
Make certain your cover letters are addressed correctly. If the advertisement does not tell you the name of the contact person, address the cover letter to the Personnel Department and use "Sir/Madam" as a salutation.
Take a look at the sample cover letter included with this kit.
