Cover Letters and Resumes

Cover Letters

When applying for a job, a cover letter should always be sent with your resume.  It should be specific to the position you are applying for and relate your skills and experience to those listed in the job posting. A cover letter is an opportunity to tap into the employer’s expectations. Customize the letter as much as possible to the needs of the particular employer you are contacting.

Make the effort to write a letter that addresses the specific needs of the employer (look at the responsibilities and qualifications in the job posting). Your resume is about you, the cover letter demonstrates what you can do for the organization. Your cover letter is your first (and best) chance to make a good impression!

Review Cover Letter Tips to ensure your cover letter gets noticed. When you are sending your resume to an employer, always include a cover letter.

Resumes

A resume is a summary of your skills, abilities and accomplishments that demonstrates your qualifications to a potential employer. It is an overview of who you are.

Its main purpose is to get you an interview; it does not get you the job. Since your resume is a primary tool in your job search, it needs to be carefully written and critiqued. Resumes are scanned in about 5 seconds or less, so you have to make a good first impression. There are different styles of resumes so it's important to make the right choice. The ultimate aim is to get an interview for an available position.

Our Resume Tips will help you get started.

Drop into one of our Employment Clinics to have your resume critiqued by one of our staff.