Creating a resume can be a tedious, time-consuming task. Even when it's complete and free from spelling errors, it may still sound bland. When you're competing for a job with hundreds of other applicants, 'ordinary' just won't do. You have to stand out from the get-go! Establish yourself as the front-runner with these five helpful tips, and you can breathe easy during the interview process.
Your cover letter is really part of your resume. Therefore, cover letter writing is equally important. When it comes to writing a good cover letter, make it personable. Applicants often sound robotic in attempts to sound formal. Of course you want to be respectful in addressing whom you are sending your cover letter to, but go beyond "I read about your job opening online and am submitting my resume for consideration." Write what compelled you to apply for the position and how not just your job skills that employers look for, but your personality can be an asset to the company.
Note a few key characteristics pertinent to your position in the cover letter, and also in your resume objective. These characteristics should be a combination of personal attributes that subtly suggest you're 'made' for the job. For example,
For a teacher resume, you want to project yourself as a nurturer.
For sales resumes, you want to come across as persistent without being too pushy.
For IT resumes and engineering resumes, it's important that you show quick thinking and problem-solving skills.
And for executive resumes, you want to show you're a leader with sound judgment.