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Resume and Cover Letter Writing Tips:
Use titles that match the jobs you want!
Use titles and headings that relate to the job you are applying for. When potential employers are reviewing your resume you want to catch their attention immediately and this is one simple example of how to accomplish this.
Use design to grab attention!
First impressions mean a lot – potential employers will tend to gravitate more towards resumes that catch their attention as opposed to those that are plain and boring.
Use design to direct potential employers’ attention towards particular content. The organization of your resume is also important; make sure that at first glance your resume is well organized and easy to read.
Create content that sells!
Even though the design you use may attract initial attention, it’s just as important to have the kind of content that keeps the attention of potential employers and encourages them to read on. Use descriptive words, phrase and sentences that present you as a skilled, qualified and desirable employee.
BEFORE: Maintained records for accounts receivable and accounts payable accounts.
AFTER: Successfully managed over 1,000 accounts receivable and accounts payable accounts while working directly with the CFO.
Quantify and Use Power Words!
Using power words and words that quantify create a more vivid image than using general statements. Typically, the more specific you can be in describing your duties the better. The proper wording can make your resume and your skills more professional.
BEFORE: Gave work assignments to staff of entry level accounting clerks.
AFTER: Directed workflow, supervised and trained accounting staff performing posting to general ledger accounts.
Analyze Ads and Job Descriptions to Identify Key Words!
Analyze the key words and phrases that potential employers use in their job descriptions or employment advertisements. Use these same words in your resume and cover letter.
Identify and Solve Employer’s Hidden Needs!
It is important that you identify and anticipate the full range of needs each employer faces and show how you can solve those needs. A good place to determine hidden needs is the job description, employment advertisement or even by sometimes visiting the company website.
Sell the Benefits of Your Skills!
Not only list your skills in your resume and cover letter, but also make sure to state what, if any, achievements or benefits that you have BECAUSE of those skills.
Create an Image That Matches the Salary you Want!
As you are writing your resumes and cover letters, keep in mind the level of job and salary you are seeking. Use descriptions that are realistic. For example, if you are seeking a $40,000.00 a year job you will not state your objective as “Seeking an entry level position”.
Prioritize the Content of Your Resume!
Prioritize the important content of your resume. As you compile statements for your resume, prioritize them by importance, impressiveness and relevance to the job you want. Remember that a strong statement which uses power words and quantifies will affect every statement under it.
Tweak and Target Your Resumes and Cover Letters!
You will generate more interviews if you tweak your resume and cover letter so that they address the specific skills each employer requests. For example:
Customer Service = Retail Management/Customer Service
Cash Accountability = Cash Accountability/Supervision of Retail Stations
Computer Skills = Retail Accounting/Applications
To view examples of different resume writing styles, please feel free to follow these links:
ResumeWriting.net: Free Resume Writing Help
ResumeResource.com: Free Resume Examples and Cover Letter Samples