How to Write Entry-Level Cover Letters & Resumes
When it's time to leave school and find your first job, the process can be overwhelming. In addition to searching for available positions and filling out applications, you are expected to have a cover letter and resume at the ready. When you haven't had much job experience, writing an impressive resume and cover letter might seem like a challenge. But by having a full understanding of the qualifications needed for the entry-level position you're interested in, you can showcase your skills and impress your future employer.
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Instructions
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Entry-Level Resume
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1
Create a centered header at the top of your resume with your name, address, phone number and email address. Use a school email address, or create a new email address specifically for your job search with a professional name, such as "marysmith@mail.com."
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2
Type in the section titles, which typically include "Education," "Experience," "Skills," "Awards" and "Professional Memberships." If you haven't held a job yet, split the "Experience" category into a few different sections. For example, volunteer work can go in a "Volunteer Experience" category, athletics or fine arts involvement can go in "Extracurricular Experience," and any publications, projects or dissertations can go in "Academic Experience."
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3
Fill in each section. Include the names of schools or organizations, as well as their location, and the window of time you attended. For each point in any of your "Experience" sections, include a list of three to five responsibilities you held in that position. Begin each of these with an action verb like "managed" or "researched," and avoid using first person ("I").
Entry-Level Cover Letter
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Copy the header from your resume and paste it at the top of your cover letter. Double space and set the cursor to the left, then type the name of the person who will be considering your cover letter, followed by the company name and address.
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5
Type a formal salutation, such as "Dear Mr. Coats," and your introductory paragraph, which should explain who you are (such as "recent graduate") and what specific entry-level position you are seeking.
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6
Double space and type the body of the cover letter. Mention three to five of the qualifications the entry-level position requires, and mention specific accomplishments or skills you have that prove you are a perfect fit for the job. For example, if the position is an internship at a newspaper that involves helping start up the newspaper's new website, mention your past success with blogging and the knowledge of SEO and keywording you gained.
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7
Double space and type the closing of the cover letter. Indicate if you will be getting in touch with the recipient to discuss the position further, and thank her for her time and consideration. Type a formal complimentary close ("Sincerely") and your name double spaced below the paragraph. Print the cover letter and sign your name between the complimentary close and your typed name.
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