Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews
Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 08:36PM Anyone looking for a job should have a resume. It's expected. If you don't have one, people will wonder why - they'll think something is wrong with you: a lack of work ethic or focus; you can't write or communicate; you are lazy; or worse. So, you have to have one. We have free software that helps our job-seekers write their own resumes. We also have trained, professional resume writers for people who want to outsource the work.
I personally think a resume is kind of like a diploma: you have to have one to be considered for many jobs. Neither are predictive of success and neither, in many cases, mean all that much. But you have to have one to get into the party.
Cover Letters are different. A great cover letter can get you noticed. A great cover letter can get you an interview. A focused and even entertaining and educational cover letter can get you a career!
A cover letter gives you a chance to tell someone:
- I've checked you out and here is what I learned (notice I'm the kind of guy that does creative homework and goes the extra mile?)
- Here is what you need, and here is how I can help you with your needs (I'm analytical; I'm a problem solver)
- We fit together; let me tell you why
- I can make you money; I can make you successful; I'm your kind of person (Let's get to work!)
Get a resume written and make it good and professional, but invest your time and heart into your cover letters. This is where you separate your greatness from everyone else's "good enough".