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TIPS - FOR JOB SEEKERS PREPARING A COVER LETTER 1. Your Cover Letter should be typed, clear, concise, and ideally a maximum of one page. Keep away from any fancy graphics as this distracts the reader. 2. Information that should be included:
3. Commence with a brief but modest profile of yourself to attract the reader. 4. Include any technology used i.e. switchboards/software/hardware. 5. Always use the third tense (i.e. duties included) and use bullet points to outline your duties as this looks better on the eye. 6. Don't lie on your Cover Letter - you will be found out! 7. If possible provide names and addresses of two references. 8. Check for grammar and spelling mistakes. PREPARING A RESUME A resume is a tool with one specific purpose: To Win an Interview A resume is an advertisement to sell yourself, if you do not have one or it is poorly prepared, you cannot promote yourself effectively to prospective employers. Thus not only are the contents of a resume important but the style and readability also has a great impact on the quality of your resume. Plan your resume before you prepare it and do not forget to consider your audience and your purpose. Resume: How To: Prepare a resume with the person whom you intend to review it with in mind. If it successfully answers the questions they will ask, with respect to the position in question, the resume will likely be successful, meaning you have an interview. List correct up-to-date personal data; including your name, address and contact #’s (list a telephone number that will be answered by a person or a machine). List objective; what position/job you hope to get can be generic or specifically tailored to a position available. If you have limited employment experience you may choose to put education first on your resume.
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In chronological order from most recent to oldest clearly listed, the name of the firm where you were employed, the dates you were employed, your job title, and include a clearly written job description or list of duties you performed. Begin sentences with action verbs. This should be completed for each position you were employed at and again listed in chronological order. Include and be specific about any special skills that you learned and used while on the job e.g. computer software, forklift, machinery operated, etc. Use as many buzz word as possible to reflect you experience. Do not give your life history and do not make them guess about what you have done in your career. Educational qualifications; with date of completion/graduation and any certificate you obtained. Where applicable, include a special section on certifications, licenses and skills, but only if it is not appropriate to include this information under a specific job description. Use bullets or short sentences for your job descriptions/list of duties. Type it or have it typed on white or conservative paper and leave space along the margins and between each entry in order to keep the resume readable. Remember the individual reading it may have dozens of resumes to review, the easier it is to read and the more concise and specific fashion the information included is presented, will increase your chances for success. Avoid lengthy resumes, two pages or less is sufficient for most individuals. You may require three pages if you have 15 or more years of experience. Prepare a separate page for your references. Update your resume on a regular basis so you are ready anytime an opportunity comes your way. Proof-read your resume each time it is sent and do not issue a resume with white-out or stains on it. Eliminate needless items: marital status, health, age, SIN number, and irrelevant awards and associations. You may leave interest/hobbies on your resume, especially if they relate to your career aspirations or skills.
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