How to Create a Cover Letter & a Resume
No matter what type of job you are applying for, there is bound to be a lot of competition. One way to stand out among the competition is to create a strong cover letter and resume. While most of the information will stay the same, it's a good idea to tailor both your cover letter and resume to the specific job you are applying for.
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Instructions
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Open your computer's word processing program and select a resume template if available. If not, create a new, blank document. Create a header that includes your name and contact information (address, phone number and email address). A header is like a headline, using text that is larger and often bolder than other text.
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Type the heading "Objective" and write one sentence that states who you are, what position you are seeking and how that job relates to your overall career goal.
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Type the heading "Education" and list your degrees, beginning with the most recent and moving backwards. Include the type of degree, field of study, and university or organization name. Also list other education, training, or certification that is relevant to the job.
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Type the heading "Work Experience" and list your previous jobs, beginning with the most current and moving backwards. Include your job title, the name of the company, and the window of time you worked there in months and years.
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Type the heading "Skills" and list all of the skills and other qualifications you have that are most pertinent to the job for which you are applying, such as proficiency with certain computer programs or fluency in a foreign language.
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Type the heading "Awards and Accolades" and list any special recognition you have received that relates to the field of work. If you have none, omit this section.
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Save your resume file. Go to "File," choose "Save As," name your resume and click "Save."
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Create a new document that will be your cover letter. Go to "File" and choose "Start a New Document." Choose a cover letter template if one is available.
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Create a header that is identical to the header of your resume (you may cut and paste). Double space (insert a blank line) and type the name of company for which you are applying, followed by their contact information. Double space again and address the recipient by name, such as "Dear Ms. Joyce."
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Type a short introductory paragraph that explains who you are, which specific position you are applying for and how you believe you can be an asset to the company in that position. If you have a reference to this job, include that in this paragraph.
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Type the main body of the cover letter. Choose three to four of the most impressive points on your resume that relate most to this particular job and elaborate on them. For example, if you have a master's degree in education, mention the topic of your thesis and the research you conducted.
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Type a closing paragraph indicating that you would like to proceed with an interview and thanking the recipient for his time and consideration. Type a closing such as "Sincerely" and type your name. If you are printing, sign your name underneath the typed name. Go to "File," choose "Save As," name your cover letter and click "Save."
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- Photo Credit typing #6 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
