Cover Letters

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Many people, not just second language learners, get nervous when they are asked to write a cover letter to a company when applying for a job. Fear no more! Here are five tips for writing a winning cover letter.

• Begin by making a direct statement.  
• I am writing today to apply for the __________ position in your company.

• Next, tell why you want to work at this company. 
• I am interested in this position because...

• Now, tell the employer what is good about you. Create bullet points - they are easier to read. 
• This is an example of what I have done in the past.
• organized the new XYZ process for LMN Company
• created quicker way of tracking ABC
• attended the FGH Conference 

• Then, remind them of why you would be the best choice.
• I would be an asset to your company because of my ______, ______, and ______ skills.

• Finally, say "Thank you" and make sure you state how you will proceed.
• I appreciate your consideration and will call next week to set up an interview. OR, Thank you for your consideration. I expect to hear from you soon.

For more information on writing Cover Letters, check out these websites:

• http://www.best-job-interview.com/basic-cover-letter.html

• https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/sample-cover-letter

Resume or CV?

When looking for a job, you should have an up-to-date resume ready to sent to potential employers or, to hand to them before an interview.  In the past, a curriculum vitae or CV was required, but now most employers prefer a one-page resume specific to the job.  CV's are too long and often contain information that is not relevant to the position being applied for at the time.

Here are some tips for creating a topnotch resume.

• First, create a resume for the position you are looking for, not a resume that gives all your history. You may have more than one resume.

• Make sure your formatting is correct.  In other words, make sure that if you use bullets, they all line up the same or, if you use all capital letters in titles, you do that throughout the resume.

• Today's employers like to see numbers, so instead of writing in you description "catered weddings, graduations and community events," say, "catered 20 weddings, 5 graduations and 6 community events in the last year."

• Have someone edit the resume before you print it out. You don't want to miss out on the job of your dreams because your resume had mistakes. (Go to the Career Center and ask for help!)

• Write a cover letter that tells the employer why they should hire you and does not repeat what they will see in the resume. Use strong descriptive words.

Here are some links to sites that offer templates for your resume and cover letters:

Best Resume Templates of 2015-2016

Best Cover Letter Templates of 2015-2016