Typically, I don’t like to brag, but I am really good at getting called for interviews when I apply to jobs. I admit that the success of any applicant’s job search is a result of a combination of factors including past work experience, applicable skills, and the qualifications of other applicants. However, the real key to my success has been the special way in which I write a resume and cover letter. Here are my secrets to writing a resume and cover letter that will secure an interview.
Use Bullet Points In Your Cover Letter
I am aware that many career counsellors would disagree with this recommendation. However, consider this: most hiring managers sift through hundreds of resumes when they are deciding which applicants to call for interviews. If you write a cover letter in paragraph form only, how likely are you to stand out to a potential employer? Using bullet points allows you to emphasize the very best qualities you feel you possess as a prospective employee. These bullet points can include your most applicable previous work experience, a relevant skill set, or even your best personality traits.
Try leading into your bulleted section with a transition such as:
With a goal of obtaining the position of X in your company, I have attached my resume outlining my qualifications and work experience. Some of my key strengths and accomplishments include:
Then, write two to three relevant bullet points that emphasize your very best qualities. For example, when applying for a job opening in management and customer service, I used the following bullet point in the body of my cover letter:
“Led a staff of 75 employees at Y flagship fitness center in downtown Chicago. Additionally, my peers awarded me with the “Most Valuable Promoter” quarterly award for outstanding customer service.”
This bullet point allowed me to highlight the work experience and accolades that I wanted a busy hiring manager to notice.
Include an Accomplishments/Activities/Awards Section When You Write a Resume
Including a section listing your accomplishments, activities, and/or awards is another perfect way to stand out in a vast applicant pool. Even if your activities and accomplishments are unrelated to the job to which you are applying, they demonstrate that you possess many talents and that you are a person who pursues excellence in all areas of your life. I had one employer tell me that he decided to take a closer look at my resume because I played rugby in college. Another was drawn to my application because I competed in triathlons. Yet another, was intrigued by the fact that I had climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Now, I am not saying that everyone should go out and play sports or climb a mountain! My point is that the activities I participated in, apart from my work experience, got the attention of hiring managers because they were unique and surprising to read on a resume.
Most Importantly, Show That You Are Passionate About The Organization’s Mission
Always take a few minutes to research the mission of the organization to which you are applying before you write a resume and cover letter. Typically, larger companies will post a mission statement on their website. Once you know the mission, think of how you can convince the hiring manager of just how passionate you are about accomplishing that very mission. You can do so by writing about how you have worked toward the same purpose in your previous jobs and, if applicable, your personal life.
For example, when I apply to jobs in health care, I always mention my volunteer experience with community health programs and how I continue to pursue additional health science education. By including similar information when you write your resume and cover letter, you will stand out to a hiring manager as a person who cares deeply about the success of her or his organization.
I encourage you to try these three unique tips on how to write your resume and cover letter. I guarantee that they will offer a fresh impression to hiring managers and secure the job interviews you have been waiting for.
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