Fast-track to write an impactful resume and cover letter

Companies when hiring are bombarded with a staggering number of resumes. The kinds that grab their attention are the unique ones which convey the candidates’ potential in a gist. A resume is nothing but a one-way ticket to an interview, not the job itself. Hence it needs to be formulated in a compact, precise manner, detailing relevant achievements in a nutshell.

Moreover, the aim behind writing a resume is to get noticed and be called for an interview as soon as possible. It is all the more imperative to format your resume in ways that make it stand out. Job for fresher’s are hard to land, making it all the more imperative to make a good first impression.

Nowadays, most organisations prefer to receive a cover letter attached with the resume. This document is, perhaps, as vital as the resume itself. It is quite surprising that people looking for a job seldom pay any attention to it.

                                               

Crafting a fabulous cover letter can really make your application shine. Here are some tips to write an impressive resume and cover letter:

For a resume:

Relevance: When writing a resume, keep in mind the job profile and the company that you are applying to. The information reflected in your resume should be relevant to what the organisation is looking for.

Mentioning detailed information about irrelevant previous jobs is only going to eat up space and make your resume look unorganised. Highlight the key points and successes which are sure to grab the companies’ attention.

Grammar: A poorly constructed resume with incorrect English and possible spelling mistakes is a complete no-no. If in doubt of your writing skills, draft the resume in Microsoft word, which has automatic grammar and spell-check facility.

Also, avoid using slang words and industry abbreviations. Using clichéd vocabulary is going to result in a boring and insipid resume. Use words that will give a swift idea of your competencies and functional skills. Strong words like “delivered”, “directed”, “steered”, and “initiated” will make a stronger impression.

Precision: A resume must be precise and to the point. Detailed information about education and work experience is not required. Highlight the key accomplishments and organise all the information in a manner that occupies very little space.

Quantify your achievements and not your responsibilities. “Organising workshops and seminars in college” is not an accomplishment.

Summary: This is perhaps the most important part of a resume. In this space you can effectively state your achievements and mention what sets you apart from others. Unfortunately, many people waste it by glorifying themselves as “a good communicator”, “creative”, “passionate” etc.

“A good communicator” or a “creative” person does not need to broadcast his abilities.

Cut it short: Any information pertaining to irrelevant work experience should not be included when formulating a customized resume. Extra degrees and diplomas also need not be mentioned. Mention the educational qualifications in two-three lines.

Detailed narrative of number of schools, the board, course structure followed etc. is not required.

Formatting: Organise the information in a clean, crisp manner when writing a resume. There should be proper spacing and para breaks. Key points should be made bold. Try using numbers and bullet points as much as possible.

Proofread: The last step is to proofread. Read and re-read the document many times. Enlist the help of family and friends if required. Even when harbouring extreme care, there is always some room for error. So a final, quick, skim is of utmost importance.

For a cover letter:

Be original: A cover letter is nothing but a marketing tool which performs a basic courtesy function. This is where a candidate introduces himself. Writing original information is very important.

Most people tend to cut-paste the data from letters available online. A plagiarism check by the company can sure break your dreams into smithereens.

Do not repeat: A cover letter is not an elaborate description of the resume. Many people tend to give long winding explanations of the key points mentioned in the resume. This is sure to project your inexperience.

Document your personality, capability, curiosity, and interests in the letter. Let the organisation know that you are best suited for the job for who you are and what you are capable of doing.

Short and sweet: Avoid lengthy expositions and come directly to the point. Do not address the letter to anyone in particular. Keep it generic in that department. Write about three paragraphs max. Too much detailing will only be frowned upon.

                                                  

         

History: Research the company and mention its most appealing attributes in your letter. This tends to show interest and knowledge.

Signature: This could be a little old fashioned, yet leaving a signature provides credibility and authenticity to the letter.

In case of any difficulty, one can always approach the resume writing services to help tabulate your achievements in the best possible manner. Conducting an effective job search and also having the right resume will surely help you get your dream job.

Author Bio: Tina Jindal is a professional content writer who works on a variety of topics like employment, real estate, and education. She has been involved with renowned publications and has tried her hand at editing works on Cookery, Gardening, Pregnancy, and Healthcare. She loves to travel and is crazy about dogs. You can contact her at tinajindal@gmail.com.