The Dos and Don’ts of Resume and Cover Letter Writing

Crafting a compelling resume and cover letter is essential when applying for a job. These documents serve as your first impression on potential employers and play a crucial role in whether you land an interview. To ensure your application stands out from the competition, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts of resume and cover letter writing.

Understanding the Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to creating a resume and cover letter, there are certain guidelines you should follow to increase your chances of success. By adhering to these dos and avoiding the don’ts, you can present yourself in the best possible light to prospective employers.

Dos

Tailor Your Documents to the Job: One of the most important dos of resume and cover letter writing is customizing your application to the specific job you’re applying for. Take the time to carefully read the job posting and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.

Use Action Words: When describing your work experience and accomplishments on your resume, use strong action words to convey your achievements effectively. Words like “managed,” “implemented,” and “achieved” can help demonstrate your capabilities and make a strong impression on employers.

Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to provide concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments. For example, instead of saying you “increased sales,” specify by how much. Quantifying your achievements helps employers understand the impact you can make in a role.

Proofread Carefully: Before submitting your resume and cover letter, make sure to proofread them carefully for any errors or typos. Spelling or grammar mistakes can make a negative impression on employers and detract from your qualifications. Take the time to review your documents thoroughly or ask a trusted friend to help you spot any mistakes.

Don’ts

Use Generic Templates: While templates can be helpful as a starting point, avoid using generic resume and cover letter templates that don’t allow for customization. Tailoring your application to the specific job and company is essential, and using a generic template can make your application blend in with the rest.

Include Irrelevant Information: When writing your resume and cover letter, avoid including irrelevant information that doesn’t pertain to the job you’re applying for. Focus on highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position to keep your application concise and impactful.

Exaggerate or Lie: It may be tempting to embellish your qualifications or experiences to make yourself appear more competitive, but exaggerating or lying on your resume is a major don’t. Employers can easily verify the information you provide, and being caught in a lie can damage your credibility and harm your chances of getting hired.

Forget to Follow Up: After submitting your resume and cover letter, don’t forget to follow up with the employer. Sending a polite email or making a phone call to inquire about the status of your application shows your continued interest in the position and can help keep you on the employer’s radar.

In Conclusion

Crafting a strong resume and cover letter is an essential step in the job application process. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts outlined in this article, you can create a compelling application that highlights your qualifications and makes a positive impression on potential employers. Remember to tailor your documents to the job, use strong action words, quantify your achievements, proofread carefully, and avoid generic templates, irrelevant information, exaggerations, and forgetting to follow up. With these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of landing the job you want.