Contents
What Is a Résumé?
How to Create a Résumé
A Sample Chronological Résumé
A Sample Functional Résumé
A Sample Combination Résumé
A Sample Plain-Text Résumé
What Is a Cover Letter?
How to Create a Cover Letter
A Bad Cover Letter
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What Is a Cover Letter?
A résumé is typically accompanied by a cover letter—a short, concise, introductory letter, written in business-letter format, that explains your goals and your reasons for sending
the résumé.
Components of a Cover Letter
A cover letter should contain the following standard components:
1. Hook
- Explain why you are writing.
- Grab your reader’s attention. Use energetic language, and try to find a unique angle on the situation.
2. Pitch
- Explain why you are the best candidate for the job.
- Detail the skills you would bring to the company.
- Mention any especially outstanding awards and qualifications.
- Demonstrate some knowledge of the company’s business field.
3. Close
- Sum up your position in 1–2 strong sentences.
- Tell your reader what action you expect from him or her.
- Promise to make a follow-up phone call.
- Close with “Sincerely.”
Strategies for Success
A cover letter should act like a sales pitch, giving your prospective employer a good first impression of you. Your goal is to capture the reader’s interest and convince him or her that you are the best candidate for the job for which you’re applying. To accomplish this goal:
- Emphasize how your skills and experience can help the company to which the letter is addressed. Talk about how these skills will carry over into your future work.
- Explain the relevance of a past experience to the job for which you are applying.
- Discuss what specifically interests you about the company and/or industry to which you are applying. Use the information you have found while researching the company to which you are applying.
- Discuss your career goals and say how you would work in your desired position to achieve them.
Tailor each cover letter specifically to the company to which you’re sending it. If you just send out generic cover letters, most prospective employers will notice.
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