Create or update résumé and a cover letter.
Creating or updating a résumé and cover letter should include
- analyzing the type of job(s) desired
- determining which personal skills, aptitudes, former jobs, and other experiences are most related to the desired job
- determining the appropriate résumé and business letter style
- gathering and updating necessary and relevant information
- proofreading and making corrections.
Electronic résumés should follow additional criteria related to the electronic transmittal of such information (e.g., ensure security of personal data, include keywords to enhance hits).
Creating or updating a cover letter should include the following steps:
- Gather any information that is new (e.g., a new skill or telephone number) or has otherwise changed from the information in the existing cover letter (e.g., applying for a different type of job or to a different company).
- Determine an approach for retailoring the letter to fit the specific employer and job for which you are now applying.
- Draft all required components of letter, including salutation, body, complimentary closing, signature, and enclosure notation.
- Present data in a professional letter format.
- Create a version that is optimized for online posting and submission.
- Edit and proofread the letter.
- Proofread the letter again.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What extracurricular and co-curricular activities reflect leadership skills that might be included in a résumé?
- How often should one update a résumé?
- What is the difference between the traditional résumé and a curriculum vitae?
- What are the benefits and risks of posting one’s résumé online?
- What is the purpose of the cover letter?
- What is an employer looking for in an applicants’ cover letter?
- How is a cover letter different from a résumé?
- Why is it important to update a cover letter for each job application?
- How does a cover letter serve as a first impression?