An Outstanding Cover Letter

There is nothing that can compare to an outstanding cover letter. If you want to get an employer's attention, you will need cover letter that demands their attention.

The cover letter is the first thing that an employer is going to read. It is the precursor to the resume. If the cover letter doesn’t command the attention of the reader right away, then you only have the resume left to do so. Sure, the resume will outline your educational and experiential background, but it doesn't afford the flexibility of a cover letter.

An outstanding cover letter gives you an opportunity to tailor your credentials in a way that the resume does not. You are able to explain situations so that the employer understands why, for instance, you have a 2 year gap in your employment dates. You can expound on a specific skill set. You can outline a situation that shows the employer how accomplished you are. There is so much more that an outstanding cover letter can do.

Do not underestimate the importance of an outstanding cover letter.

Remember that a cover letter is short and to the point. If at all possible, keep the cover letter to one page. Keep it professional, but be sure to sell yourself, too.

Map out the information you want to place in each section, then go back through and fine tune it. Don't try to write brilliantly from the salutation to the signature in the first draft. Revise it each time you go through it.

An outstanding cover letter is also tailored to the employer's needs. If the ad you read states that the employer is looking for someone with three years of managerial experience, then you need to include something in your cover letter that states you have managerial experience. If you do not have that much experience, show the employer how much you have learned and how quickly you learned it. Let the employer know that you are determined to be successful. This is especially important if you are still in school or have recently graduated from school.

Once you think you have everything the way you want it in your cover letter, proofread it. You can say everything an employer wants to hear, but if your cover letter is loaded with spelling and grammar errors, you will not get anywhere. Making sure your cover letter is error-free is definitely one step in the right direction.

An outstanding cover letter requires some time and thought up front, but if it correctly guides the employer to your resume and the employer likes what is there, you stand a great chance of receiving a phone call for an interview.

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A Resume Guideline Makes Writing a Resume Easier and Faster

Resumes are an essential part of our work lives. We do not enjoy writing them, but we know we need them if we are going to succeed in our careers. Many times, we put off writing one until we are desperately in need of one, then we are more likely to leave things off and make unnecessary mistakes because we are pressed for time.

You are so much better off writing your resume BEFORE you need it.

Use a proven guideline to lead you through the process so that you don't waste time wondering what you should list on your resume. One of the best guidelines you can use is shown below. It will show you, step by step, how to create a professional resume.

The information is based on a chronologically formatted resume, but it can be tailored to any format you choose.

The guideline:

The Heading. It tells the employer who you are and where to contact you. List your name, address, phone number(s) and email address if you want to be contacted that way. Proofread this carefully to ensure all of the information is completely accurate.

Job Objective. While some experts say this section isnst necessary, you stand a much better chance of getting the job you are seeking if you tell the employer exactly what position interests you. Sure the cover letter will mention what you are looking for, but what if the cover letter gets separated from the resume? Focus your job objective on the company’s goals and the job position, not your needs and wants.

Education. If you list your education next (you can list your work experience if you think it makes a better impact), be sure to include the name and location of the institution, your course of study, graduation dates (or dates of attendance) and your GPA if itss good.

Work Experience. This is fairly easy with one exception: the dates of employment. That is what usually drives people the craziest. In this section, write out the name of the employer, your title, the dates you were employed and your work-related responsibilities and accomplishments. Consider that anything which relates to your new job should be at the top of your list so the employer reads that first. If you write that you opened the mail when you also supervised 6 people, you have it backwards.

Activities/Honors. These goodies should have a section of their own and should be listed toward the bottom of the page. Again, if it fits with your job objective, list it. If it doesn’t, but it looks good, use it if you have space.

Other. There are other possible sections you might want to add to your resume. They could include foreign languages, computer experience, volunteer work and professional affiliations. If they apply, use them.

References donst even need to be mentioned. Everyone knows that if you are asked for references, you can provide them.

So, now you have everything you need to write your resume. Ok, so you have a great guideline for writing your resume. The rest is up to you, your memory and whatever time it takes to get it all in print.

Yes, itss a bother to have to write a resume, but you have to do it, right? Just get it done. You can do it!


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Professional-Resume-Example.com is a web site devoted to assisting candidates in the job-search process. Carla holds a B.S. in Business from Southern Illinois University and has authored several books. She is currently working on her Master's Degree in Education at Texas A&M University.