In addition to phone contacts and face-to-face interviews, part of your interaction with your resources will be in writing, and you need to make as good an impression there as you do in person. You will need to know how to write effective cover letters, applications, and resumes.
A cover letter usually accompanies a resume and should be tailored specifically to a business or organization. Writing a cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain why you are interested in working for the company and why you think the company would be wise to hire you—in other words, it’s another opportunity to present a power statement to the organization. In your cover letters, make your writing style simple and straightforward, refer to any prior communication you have had with the addressee, and include information about how to contact you. (See the sample cover letters in appendix C on pages 54–56.)
Applications are usually the forms that businesses, schools, or organizations have you fill out that ask questions they feel are important. Resumes are documents you create that describe your education, work experience, and other qualifications. The most effective applications and resumes:
Review the sample applications or resumes in appendix C (pages 57–67), and evaluate them based on the criteria above. Don’t spend more than 30 seconds reading each application or resume (that’s about how long most professional organizations will spend evaluating your application or résumé).
Which of the three applications or resumes would you select as the best?
Why did you select this one?
What makes the other two less effective?
Now use the same criteria to evaluate your own cover letter, application, and resume. Ask your coach or friend to give you feedback as well.
How can you improve your cover letter?
How can you improve your application?
How can you improve your resume?
Contact your ward or stake employment specialist or the employment resource center for additional help on improving your resume.