Check Out Samples Resumes And Cover Letters
Job seekers often find it challenging to create cohesive resumes and cover letters, a process made even more difficult if they have to stare at a blank page. Fortunately, online samples abound and provide a starting point that candidates can use to jump-start their own applications. Job listing and professional networking websites like Indeed, Monster, and offer resume and cover letter samples for all career fields. In addition, college students can look to their university’s career center for examples of effective application materials. Candidates should also ask their network for successful resume/cover letter samples.
Templates are useful for helping job seekers visualize the basic structures of resumes and cover letters and lay out their own qualifications in a way that best emphasizes their strengths. This guide examines formatting in the next section.
Resume/cover letter templates also give job seekers a good understanding of industry-specific terminology. Recruiters often scan for these terms because they indicate a prospect’s hands-on experience in the field. Using the correct language can also assist with meeting the standards of a company’s applicant tracking system. Ultimately, templates help job seekers display information cogently. Professionals should still take the time to personalize their resumes and cover letters to the specifications of individual positions.
Show Your Enthusiasm For The Supervisor Position
Employers look for candidates who show enthusiasm because it typically translates to motivated employees. Be enthusiastic about the employment opportunity by briefly explaining why you feel the role and company align with your professional goals. You may also describe how you felt when you learned about the job opening.
Free Cover Letter Templates To Create An Impactful First Impression
Cover letters are one form of business writing that is an essential skill when searching for a job. There are many places to find free cover letter templates online. Understanding how to use a free cover letter template as inspiration can help you create a positive first impression on a hiring manager or recruiter. In this article, we discuss the definition of a free cover letter template, outline different types of cover letter templates, identify how to customize your cover letter, and review three cover letter templates.
Recommended Reading: Should You Include Gpa On Resume
Include The Recipient’s Name And Address
You can find this information in the job description or on the company’s website.
The beginning of the letter will often look like this:
SENDER: Gilbert Swann533 Sym Blvd, Edmonton, AB 668-4100
Equate Systems123 Root Street, Edmonton, AB
Note that if you are sending an email cover letter, these first three steps are not necessary.
Don’t Just Rehash Your Resume
What’s the first thing to know about how to write a cover letter? Your words should do more than restate salient details from your resume. Check out this brief checklist of important functions of a cover letter:
- Draw attention to specific skills and experience that make you an ideal candidate.
- Mention other relevant skills your resume may not illustrate.
- Explain why you would love to have the job in question.
- Show you’ve done research on the company, its mission and key leadership.
Don’t Miss: Should I Put Temporary Jobs On My Resume
Highlight The Right Experiences
Not sure what skills and experiences you should be featuring? Typically the most important requirements for the position will be listed first in the job description, or mentioned more than once. Youll want to make sure you describe how you can deliver on those key priorities.
Another trick: Drop the text of the job description into a word cloud tool like WordClouds, and see what stands out. Thats what the hiring manager is looking for most.
Address The Hiring Manager
If you can address your cover letter to the reader using their name, do it.
Greetings like To Whom It May Concern and Dear Sir or Madam are old-fashioned, plus its easier than ever to find the right persons name using LinkedIn, exploring a companys website, or contacting their human resources department and asking.
Here are some cover letter salutation suggestions if youre struggling to find the right information:
- If youre not certain about the recruiters title you can leave it out. For instance, Dear Jane Smith is acceptable.
- If you cant figure out who the recruiter is, guess. For example, if youre applying for a marketing position, address the marketing director by name instead.
- If you cant find anyones name, address your cover letter to the department. For instance, Dear Marketing Department is okay.
Opening salutation examples
- Dear Recruiter
Also Check: How Many Job References Should You Have
What The Experts Say
The answer is almost always yes. Sure, there will be times when youre submitting an application online and you may not be able to include one but whenever possible, send one, says Jodi Glickman, a communications expert and author of Great on the Job. Its your best chance of getting the attention of the HR person or hiring manager and an important opportunity to distinguish yourself from everyone else. And in a tight job market, setting yourself apart is critical, says John Lees, a UK-based career strategist and author of Knockout CV. Still, as anyone whos ever written a cover letter knows, its not easy to do well. Here are some tips to help.
Why This Is A Great Example Of A Cover Letter
In the example above, the candidate is concise and straightforward. She conveyed much of what a cover letter should say in the opening paragraph.
Then the applicant lists specific job responsibilities from the job description, and explains that she has experience handling such work. She even gives an example of how her efforts have benefited her current employer. A cover letter like this goes beyond your resume, and helps a hiring manager quickly understand what they will gain from employing you.
Learn more about how to address a cover letter, so that you too can call the hiring manager by name!
Finally, the candidate signs off by mentioning that shell reach out if she doesnt hear back from the hiring manager.
This call to action is a valuable part of a general cover letter. Write your own CTA to show youre serious about the job, and willing to make the first move if necessary.
Also Check: Is Relevant Coursework Necessary On A Resume
Your Guide To Resumes & Cover Letters
Even in a job seeker’s market, gaining valuable and lucrative employment can be a challenge for the most experienced professionals. A large part of the difficulty comes from the sheer number of applications that companies receive for a single position. The career website Glassdoor reports that the average corporate job opening attracts at least 250 candidates.
To stand out from a similarly skilled applicant pool, candidates need to boast impressive resumes and cover letters, the tools for creating a good first impression. The best resumes/cover letters detail the candidate’s qualifications while conveying personal characteristics that demonstrate understanding of the company’s culture and the ability to collaborate with colleagues and supervisors.
A survey by the research organization The Ladders reveals that hiring coordinators spend an average of six seconds scanning a resume before making a decision. Candidates who want to maximize the impact of their resume and cover letter should focus on information hierarchy, placing the most relevant skills and experiences at the top and using proper formatting to guide the reader’s eyes to these items.
Example : Administrative Assistant
The following is a sample job description with an example of a cover letter that aims to express why the candidate is suitable for the role:
Job Description
We are seeking someone who can support managers and other senior-level personnel. You will be organizing their calendars, arranging travel and filing expense reports. There may be additional administrative tasks.
The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience assisting high-level executives in a fast-paced environment.
- High school diploma or equivalent work experience.
- Excellent Microsoft Office Skills with an emphasis on Outlook and Excel.
- Self-motivated and highly organized.
- Team player who works well under minimal supervision.
Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the opening for an administrative assistant at EXPERT Administration.
The growth opportunities that EXPERT Administration provides are very appealing to me as well. My understanding of your company culture is that there are ample opportunities for self-motivated individuals like me. A keen eye for detail and a focus on being highly organized are traits I’m eager to apply in a position with your organization.
It would be a pleasure to share more of my experience with you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Here is another sample cover letter that is written in a less traditional style:
Job Description
Requirements
Also Check: How To List Own Business On Resume Sample
Prioritize How You Can Contribute To The Company As A Supervisor
While a cover letter offers the opportunity to explain qualifications on your resume, ensure you focus on the value you can add to the company. For example, suppose you’re a customer service supervisor changing jobs. Consider discussing how you’re eager to supervise the team instead of the work conditions at your previous job. Confirm that the skills, experience, and qualifications you discuss are relevant to the role.
What Is A Cover Page For A Resume
A cover page for a resume is a one-page letter that explains why youre qualified for your target job and requests an interview. Also known as a cover letter or a cover sheet for a resume, a resume cover page includes 34 paragraphs and a bulleted list, and it has 250400 words.
You should make a different cover page for every job you apply to. Heres how:
Don’t Miss: Do You Put Gpa On Resume
Include An Education Section
An education section will be especially valuable if you have limited work experience or if you are transferring to a new industry. You can include information such as:
- Relevant coursework
- Grade point average
- Participation in clubs or organizations
- Leadership positions held
- Awards, achievements or certifications
When writing your education section, you should include the name of the institution, dates of attendance and your degree or area of study. If you are applying to mid or higher-level positions, you might remove all but the name of your school and dates of attendance to make room for more relevant professional experience on your resume.
If you have certifications or licenses that are relevant to the job description, you can include them in this section as well. To save space, you can leave off any credentials that are not directly related to the requirements of this job.
Related: How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Student Resume
How To Build A Cover Letter
It used to be the case that you needed creative writing skills to build an amazing cover letter. And time. Lots of time. Now, all you need is the perfect online builder – and youre good to go!
Go to our varied collection of beautifully designed cover letter templates and pick one that suits you! We have created templates and samples that align with jobs, industries and professional image goals. All you need to do is consider which one strikes your fancy and is appropriate for your potential employer.
Add your contact information, as well as any needed personal data the employer requires. Our well-designed templates make sure your info wont get overlooked and your documents dont get lost due to boring visuals. After all, your cover letter is your ambassador.
Save tons of time, condensing the long journey of a convincing professional appeal to several minutes and keystrokes. You can use our free guiding samples that show mock-up cover letters, written by hiring professionals based on years of experience. With all the technical and guiding support – this wont take long!
Tailor the design, structure and formatting of your cover letter in a couple of clicks. The template and other aspects of your document can be adjusted as you see fit. And whats more, you can experiment as long as you want – our online and offline sync features mean you wont lose any of your changes even if you lose your internet connection.
You May Like: How To Write Email For Sending Resume
End With A Professional Signoff
You should end your cover letter with a paragraph that summarizes the reasons you are applying for the role and why you would be a great fit. Keep the cover letter conclusion brief and explain that you look forward to hearing from the employer with the next steps. End with your signature at the bottom.
Example:Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m looking forward to learning more details about the Sales position and about TradeLot. Growth is essential to my continued success, and I’m excited for the chance to be a part of TradeLot’s industry-leading team. My proven track record and TradeLot’s quality products are a winning combination for increasing the company’s market share.
Sincerely,
Malik Rabb
When To Use A Curriculum Vitae
If you are considering positions in academia , you are generally asked to provide a curriculum vitae instead of a resume. Your CV will highlight your scholarly and professional experiences when applying for academic , research positions, academic postdoctoral research opportunities, grants, and fellowships. Keep in mind the purpose is also to have the hiring committee interested in interviewing you. Therefore, be selective in your accomplishments to show you are a strong candidate for the job, department, and institution.
CVs vary from discipline to discipline. It is recommended to reference the CVsof others in your field and have your advisor review them as well. The CV is focused on expertise and provides a complete summary of your academic achievements. The typical CV length is 2-3 pages, with additional pages added to further your career and academic successes.
Standard CV sections include: Education, Teaching Experience, Research Experience, Honors and Awards, Professional/Volunteer Experience, Publications, Presentations, Scholarly/Professional Affiliations, Research Interests, Extracurricular Activities, Licensing/Registration/Certifications, Grants/Fellowships, University Service, Technical Skills, and References.
Recommended Reading: Photoshop Skills Resume
Out Of 10 Resumes Are Discarded With Only A 10 Second Glance
What you include on your resume matters. What an employer sees on your cover letter and resume should quickly demonstrate your ability. It should clearly show your skills, experience, any education and qualifications that are relevant to the role you’re applying for, showing the employer the best you have to offer.
Its about selling your skills and capabilities and demonstrating that youre the best person for the job. heres some tips on preparing a great resume:
Share Relevant Skills And Experience
An impactful way to share relevant skills and experience within your cover letter is to use the job description as a guide. Review the posting and highlight specific abilities or qualifications in your letter that the company deems necessary. Provide examples of your skills in action and offer quantitative results when possible. For example, a cover letter is a perfect opportunity to share how you increased sales in your department by 40% through leadership and training.
Don’t Miss: Devmyresume Review
Case Study #: Demonstrate An Understanding Of What The Company Needs
Michele Sommers, the vice president of HR for the Boys & Girls Village, a nonprofit in Connecticut, recently posted a job for a recruiting and training specialist. I was looking for someone with a strong recruiting background who could do everything from sourcing candidates to onboarding new hires, she says. She also wanted the person to hit the ground running. Were a small team and I cant afford to train someone, she says.
More than 100 candidates applied for the job. The organizations online application system doesnt allow for cover letter attachments but one of the applicants, Heidi , sent a follow-up email after submitting her résumé. And its a good thing she did because she wouldve been weeded out otherwise, Michele says.
Heidis résumé made her look like a job hopper very short stints at each previous employer. Michele assumed she was a poor performer who kept getting fired. She was also the only candidate who didnt have a four-year college degree.
But Heidis email caught Micheles eye. First off, it was professional. Heidi stated clearly that she was writing to double-check that her application had been received. She went on to explain how she had gotten Micheles name and information and her personal connection to Boys & Girls Village .
How To Make A Resume
A resume is a document commonly used in the hiring process. It includes information about your background and qualifications and should communicate the most important, relevant information about you to employers in a clear, easy-to-read format. The goal is to quickly communicate why you are uniquely qualified for the position based on your skills and experiences.
To create a resume that will get noticed by employers, you can follow a few simple steps and best practices. The main goal to keep in mind is to make your resume relevant and readable. Lets take a closer look at the best ways to write each of these resume sections. For more inspiration when writing or updating your resume, look at resume samples from your industry and job title.
If you’re interested in professional and personalized resume feedback, learn more about Indeed’s free and paid resume review services at indeed.com/resumehelp.
1. Name and contact information2. Summary or objectivec. Description of role and achievement4. Education6. Optional
You May Like: How To List Own Business On Resume Sample
Finish With A Closing Paragraph
The next paragraph should focus on another key achievement or skill that is relevant to the position. Instead of repeating details from your resume, expand on specific stories or anecdotes that display your fitness for the role. Again, focus on stories that demonstrate the skills and qualifications outlined in the job description.
If youre changing careers, this is a good opportunity to talk about transferable skills or relatable experiences from your career.
Example:Achieving ambitious marketing goals is always a top priority, and I am always looking out for the best interests of the company. I enjoy delivering marketing presentations to potential clients and focusing on the strengths of an organization. My marketing skills at River Tech enabled the company to experience new levels of success and a 45% increase in customer engagement. I am never satisfied with the status quo, and I believe that a company should continually look for ways to improve and reach new clients through innovative campaigns.
Related: Career Change Cover Letter Guide