How to Make a Resume & Cover Page
When applying to almost any job, you will need to have a resume and cover page or cover letter. The resume provides an outline of all your relevant work experience and education. Your cover letter should express your interest in a specific position and provide evidence that you're the best candidate for the job. While your resume should be applicable to almost all positions you apply for with only minor changes, you should write a new cover letter for each position.
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Instructions
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Keep your resume and cover letter to one page each. In most industries, the standard is to submit a one-page resume with a one-page cover letter. This makes it easier for potential employers to look through each document and decide if you're a qualified candidate.
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Decide which sections to include on your resume. Common sections include employment history, education, community service, skills summary and professional organizations. Choose sections most relevant to your experience and to the job you're applying for. For example, if you haven't completed any community service that is relevant to the position, don't include a community service section.
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List the duties and responsibilities you had for each position in your resume's employment history section. Include at least three bullet points for each position, and start each bullet point with an action verb, such as "implemented" or "supervised." When possible, include job duties and responsibilities directly relevant to the position you're applying for.
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Include your name and contact information at the top of your resume, making it as simple as possible for potential employers to contact you for an interview.
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Consider adding an objective to your resume. An objective should state the type of position you're applying for, such as full-time position in the social work field, and it should list specific skills and strengths you'll bring to the position, such as communication skills or experience working with the elderly. Your objective should be the first section of your resume, immediately below your name and contact information.
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Type out your name and contact information at the top of your cover letter. Below that, type out the name of the person you're sending your resume to, his or her title, the company and the company's contact information. Below that, type the date you plan to send your resume.
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Include a salutation with your potential employer's name. Avoid generic salutations, such as "Dear Sir or Madam." If at all possible, include a specific name after a friendly greeting, such as "Dear." Use the person's last name in the salutation and always use "Mr." or "Ms." unless you're sure a female employer is married. "Mrs." can then be used.
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Type out the body of your cover letter. The cover letter should be three or four paragraphs long. The first paragraph should state what job you're applying for and express your interest in the position and company.
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Include information about your strengths and experiences in the second and third paragraphs. Add detailed information about your qualifications. If possible, elaborate on the most relevant experiences listed on your resume.
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Thank your potential employer for her time and consideration in the last paragraph. Let her know when you're available for an interview and when you can start the job if you're chosen.
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End your cover letter with a friendly but professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards." If you're printing your cover letter and sending it through the mail, skip four spaces and type your name. Your signature will go between the closing and your typed name. If you're sending it via e-mail, you can type your name under the closing.
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Type "Encl. (1)" under your typed name if you're sending your resume through the mail. This tells the potential employer that you have enclosed one document--your resume--with your cover letter.
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References
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