Your resume and cover letter are the first medium to communicate with your employer – how you have prepared them determines if you would make it to the interview. They allow you to highlight how your skills, education, and experience would make you successful in the position being considered.

Tips for resume

Before preparing your resume, you need to determine your job search objective as this helps you in the use of proper terminologies and in choosing your action words. You should see your resume and cover letter as the marketing tool and also a means to obtain an interview. The following tips for resume should serve as a guide. 

• Ensure to include valid contact information such as address, email address, and phone numbers
• While outlining your work experience include the company name, location, dates (month and year) you started and finished work with them, and job position. Also, include the duties carried out for the positions held starting with the most relevant duties
• Be honest and include all relevant skills, education, and experience that qualify you for the position required.
• The most recent education should be the first on your list of formal education. The format should include the name of school/institution; city, province, the year you started and completed the program and the obtained certificate. If you are still running the program, you must include “currently enrolled” or “in progress.”
• Use a font style and size that makes the resume easy to read. A good suggestion is Arial or Times New Roman in size between 10 and 12. Also, include white space margins (about 1inch) and use bullets where possible.
• Ensure that your resume is free of grammatical and spelling errors. Having someone proof-read your resume before submitting it is a good idea.
• Please include any relevant volunteer experience, supplementary courses or related training if available.
• Avoid placing your references on a separate sheet or opt to give to the employer on request.
• Do not omit information such as age, political affiliation, marital status or other personal data that you feel would be used to screen you out.

Cover letter writing tips

As the first message to the employer, your cover letter should be composed following the proper steps to writing a cover letter and possibly a cover letter example. The first step is to introduce yourself and mention how you got to know about the job or where it was advertised. Secondly, demonstrate what makes you qualified for the job advertised and at the closing section you should ask for an interview to discuss your qualification and potential contributions.

Take note of the following cover letter writing tips.

• A cover letter should be customized for each position you are applying and serve as a direct message to your employer.
• Don’t miss mentioning the position title you are applying for and job ID if applicable
• Using a brief paragraph, state the reason for your interest and why you feel you are an ideal candidate for the position.
• Always refer to your attached resume for more information on your skills, education, and experience
• Include your current contact information and state the fastest medium you can be contacted.
• Always refer to a cover letter example from reputable sources for guide

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