How to Write a Resume and Cover Letter

On Everyday Interview Tips, we spend countless hours trying to become the number one resource for job interview information on the Internet. Yet we recognize that we are not the only website that provides interview tips, advice and strategies. That is why we like to occasionally reference some of the other places that provide interview tips and supplement our own ideas and opinions.

Today we will look at an article from Finding Dulcinea. Overall, it is pretty sparse with information, but here are the main points and our own thoughts.

Article’s Main Points

• Do the Resume Yourself

Absolutely. There are only a few times where it is worth paying others to complete your resume for you: if English is not your first language, if you struggle with word choice and grammar, or try as you might, you cannot seem to create a resume that receives any phone calls for interviews. Otherwise, you should try to create the resume yourself for two simple reasons: First, you want to be able to tailor your resume to fit the job description, and if you are constantly paying for these edits, you are going to lose a lot of money. Second, you need to know your resume by heart, and if someone writes it for you, chances are you will not remember everything they put down.

• Avoid Acronyms

Again, correct. However, the reason to avoid acronyms is not only because some employers do not understand them. You also want to use as many keywords as possible to catch the eye of the person reading your resume and cover letter. Within acronyms there are always keywords of interest.

• Don’t Put Personal Information

Well, yes. I suppose this goes without saying. In addition, don’t put references or use an email address that is unprofessional.

• Keep Cover Letters Short and Sweet

In general, we recommend following the specific 3 paragraph cover letter style, because many employers expect cover letters to conform to a specific criteria. So shortening it to 1 or 2 paragraphs, while easier to read, is not always ideal. However, keeping it short and sweet is important. Don’t ramble or let your cover letter take away from the time the employer has to read your resume.

• Check Your Format

The article is correct. You should never send a Word document if the employer wants a pdf. You should also try to keep the document in .doc form rather than .docx. Even though most employers have the capability to open .docx format, everyone has the capability to open .doc so it is safer to keep it in that style.

Overall, the article does not have very much information, but what it does provide is sound. There is question about shortening cover letters to only 2 paragraphs or fewer, but overall the information is valid.

Take Away Tips

• Write your own resume and update it as needed.
• Make sure your cover letter is to the point.
• Use relevant keywords to impress employers.

5 Tips for Emailing Cover Letters

No longer are cover letters and resumes shoved into a letter and mailed out, only to arrive in 2 to 3 days. Most job applications are sent online, usually through email. Despite the differences, there are a lot of similarities between emailing your resume/cover letter and sending it in the mail. Below are five separate tips for emailing your cover letter to the employer.

Tips for Cover Letters

• Remain Professional

Email is considered far more casual than standard mail. When it comes to your cover letter, however, you need to make sure that you remain entirely professional, as if you had sent the cover letter in standard mail format. The email is no different than the letter, no matter how much it may seem like it is.

• Check Formatting

It is a good idea to send the cover letter to a few of your own email addresses first before you send it off the employer to see how it shows up. Unlike Word documents, formatting does not always carry over correctly in email.

• Use the Same Formatting Tips

Cover letters should be roughly three paragraphs and follow a similar format to standard cover letters. Again, just because it is in email does not mean you should change the style. Employers have the same expectations, and to play it safe you should always conform to modern cover letter standards.

• Check Your Email Address

Though it may not specifically relate to cover letters, when you email your cover letter over your email address is the first thing the employer will see, the cover letter second. This means that your email address should be as professional as your cover letter.

• Utilize the Subject Line

Subject lines play a role in cover letters in a way they never did before. Look for your best strong points and place them in the subject, like “PHP Trained IT Specialist for Virtual Network Manager Position.” This will generate some interest in your cover letter before it is opened.

Take Every Email Seriously

Even though email is much faster than sending cover letters through the standard mail, that is not an excuse to rush it. Take your time, follow the above tips, and make sure that you are sending the employer your best first impression.

Take Away Tips

• Follow basic cover letter roles.
• Utilize the email and subject line fields.
• Check your cover letter beforehand to see how it sends via email.

7 Tips for Better Email Cover Letters

Now that most people apply for jobs online, the way that people apply has to change. In the past, the first part of your application was the cover letter. Employers would open an envelope and see your professionally typed cover letter before they had a chance to look at your resume.

Now, the first thing that the hiring manager sees is going to be the email you use to send the cover letter. You need to make sure that you have sent an email that is designed to improve your chances of getting the job. Note that an email cover letter is not the same as an actual cover letter. Actual cover letters should be attached to your email.

Tips for Making a Good Email Cover Letter

1. Use the Subject Line

It is vitally important that you utilize the subject line of your email. Subject lines should not be bland and boring. They need to reference the specific job you are applying for, and possibly something about yourself, such as “Experienced CPA Interested in Accounting Lead Position.” Use title casing.

1. Write a Unique Letter

You should still write a professional cover letter that you attach to your email. Your email letter should be unique and not contain any of the same sentences in your cover letter. It is easily possible that the hiring manager goes straight from your email to your cover letter, and if they do, you do not want them to re-read something they have already written.

1. Keep it Short

Remember that you will have an actual cover letter attached to the email, so there is no reason to write a completely new cover letter for your email. Instead, simply write something that resembles a cover letter but is far briefer.

1. Mention Your Resume and Cover Letter

At the end of your email, mention that you have both of your cover letter and resume attached. This will accomplish two things. First, it ensures they realize there is an additional cover letter to read. Second, if for any reason they are not attached, the employer knows to ask for them. It is not uncommon for employers to receive emails that say “please hire me” without any intention of sending a resume.

1. Stay Professional

Your email letter should be as professional as your cover letter. Mention the job you are applying for, where you found it, and list your best qualities that make you an ideal candidate.

1. Follow General Cover Letter Tips

The same tips that are used for writing cover letters apply to emails too. Don’t use clichés, don’t simply regurgitate your resume, etc. You do not need to write the complete cover letter, but you should at least keep the writing style in mind.

1. Make it Readable

If possible, stay away from huge, bulky, single paragraph writing. It is better to use multiple paragraphs or bullet points or anything else that adds to readability.

An Email is a Terrible Thing to Waste

The first thing the employer is going to see is your email. Write a  nice email to the employer when you send your resume and cover letter and you give a favorable first impression.

Take Away Tips

• Write a unique letter following cover letter rules.
• Remain professional and make your email job letter readable.
• Utilize your subject line.



5 Most Common College Graduate Cover Letter Mistakes – Free Cover Letter Tips PDF Available for Download

Here at Everyday Interview Tips, we do our best to supply you with new and interesting information about job interviews, job search strategies, resumes, and more. Every month we work to create a free informative guide about some aspect of the job search process with the hopes that is supplies you with the tips and strategies you need to find employment.

This month, we have a free cover letter tips PDF available for download titled “5 Most Common Graduate Cover Letter Mistakes.” In this guide, we will explore:

• Common formatting mistakes college graduates make in their cover letters.
• Problems that most graduates face with explaining their work history.
• Issues with writing style and word choice that affect most graduates.

“5 Most Common Graduate Cover Letter Mistakes” is designed to provide you with helpful cover letter tips and tricks, and teach you what common cover letter stakes to avoid with your job application.

Get Your Free Cover Letter PDF

Download your copy of “5 Most Common Graduate Cover Letter Mistakes” today, and don’t forget to check out our other free job guides available. Also, sign up in the box on the left to get daily interview tips in your email, and don’t forget to bookmark http://www.everydayinterviewtips.com to use as a reference for all of your job search tips.