Download - Writing Winning Resume
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Writing Winning
CV/Rsum/Cover Letter
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Presentation Roadmap
What is CV/Rsum
CV/Rsum writing
CV/Rsum finalization Cover Letter writing
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What is CV/Rsum
It is vitae (not vita) because "life" in the phrase "course of life"
... is in the genitive singular....
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) resembles a resume in many ways,
but is more specifically focused on academicachievements.
Use a CV for teaching or research opportunities, applying forfellowships or for further academic training. Some researchpositions in industry may also prefer a CV rather than a
resume.
Curriculum Vitae Curriculum Vitae
Course Life The Course of Ones
Life
Latin
Word
Meaning
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What is CV/Rsum
IT IS NOT
YourAutobiography
Your Complete Obituary
IT IS
A brief summary of your qualifications, education, andexperiences relevant to your job search objective
ITS PURPOSE IS
Not to Obtain a job
To Obtain an Interview (YOUget the job)
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How long do employers typically look at a
resume? A. Less than 30 seconds
B. 3 Minutes
C. 1 Minute
Employers will spend less than 30 seconds
reviewing your resume; Therefore, the information must be conveyed in
a clear, well-organized style.
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Your Rsum Is Your Advertisement
A sense of purpose - Why are you sending the rsum?
Focus on achievements - What separates you from everyoneelse?
Accuracy - Was it 2003 or 2004? Find out!!
Clarity and Simplicity - This is not the time to try to use the wordantidisestablishmentarianism in a document.
Salesmanship - What measurable facts can you provide?
A sense of person behind the resume -This flat piece of paperneeds to sing and dance so the employer will want to meet you inperson.
Credibility - More than 80% of rsums contain some stretch of thetruth. Dont do this. If you lose your professionalism, it will be nearlyimpossible to get it back.
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THE 20 SECOND RULE
If you havent presented the most important
information about yourself in the top half of the
first page of your resume, you can probably
forget about getting the job.
Taken from The 110 Biggest Mistakes Job Hunters Make by Richard L.
Hermann and Linda P. Sutherland
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Learning Objectives
Understand:
The purpose of your resume
The key components of a resume
How to choose the best resume format How to write clear, concise accomplishment statements
How to edit/proof your resume
Draft:
An accomplishment statement A professional profile/summary statement
A Resume
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What do you know already?
1. What is a resume?
2. What is the key purpose of a resume?
3. What are differences of a resume today vs. aresume in the past?
4. Do you need a resume to get a job?
5. How many times will you rewrite your resume, andhow long will it take?
6. How many pages should it be?
7. How much time does an HR person spend readinga resume?
8. What key information should be included in aresume?
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Preparation Phase
Beginning Resume
ReviewAccomplishments
Define
Abilities
Match up
Interests
Strengths!Career
Objective
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What should be included?
Summary/professional profile Professional experience
Companies
YEARS of employment
Job scope statements
Job titles
Accomplishments
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What should be included?
Education Professional development / training
Technical skills
Licenses & Certifications
Professional affiliations / memberships
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Resume Heading
Contact Information and Letterhead Your name and contact information belong at the very
top of your resume.
Your name should stand out. Make your name at least
two font sizes larger than the resume text. For example,a 12-point font resume will have a 14-point font name.You may also use all capitals and/or bold.
You may include more than one address if you have atemporary (school) address and a permanent address.
Include your e-mail address if you have one and only ifyou check it regularly.
Below, or next to, your addresses include your telephone number.
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Sample Resume Headings
AsifAhmedHouse # 34, Road# 19/A
Banani, Dhaka-1213
Phone: (802) 999-9999, Mobile: 01610000000
E-mail: [email protected]
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Career ObjectiveA Resume withoutaJob Targetislikeabookwithoutatitle!
Beginning of the resume or in cover letter
Target it to a specific job or employer if possible
Keep it concise, avoid unnecessary words
Avoid the all purpose type of objective
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Career Objective
The career objective is a brief statement, usually onesentence, describing the position you are seeking.
Must be clear but not too broad to suggest lack of a
career focus. Not too vague to suggest lack of direction.
The objective should explain what you can do for thecompany, not what the company can do for you -- this,remember, is the whole purpose of a resume.
Avoid clichs such as "challenging, rewarding career","growth oriented firm", or "to work with people".
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Career Objective
Examples of objective statements: Good: Product management position in the
pharmaceutical industry
A position involving analysis, design, and
implementation of management information systems A position as school guidance counselor
Entry-level position in human resources with generalistresponsibilities
Poor: To pursue a challenging, rewarding career with agrowth oriented firm directly working with people
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Career Objective
Remember:
The resume explains what you can do forthe organization, not what the company
can do for you!
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Professional Experience &
Accomplishments
Makesandsupports yourcase
Last jobfirst
Detaillast10-15 years,what
youare,notw
hatyouw
ere. Companydescriptionis
optional.
Include Job ScopeStatements.
Strengths,contributions,andaccomplishmentsarebulleted.
NAME
Street AddressCity, State, ZIP Code
Telephone
Email
SUMMARY
PurchasingAgent with extensive experience indomestic and international manufacturing. Solidbackground in logistics, procurement, material andproduction control. Broad
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ABC COMPANY, NYC, NY 19XX-200X
Majorinternationalwidgetmanufacturingcompanywithsalesof$XB worldwide.
Senior Purchasing Agent
Purchased raw materials for the widgetmanufacturing operations. Supervised 4
purchasing clerks.
y Accomplishment #1
y Accomplishment #2
yAccomplishment #3
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Scope Statements
Answers the questions:
What were you hired to do?
A
t what level? For whom?
With whom?
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Scope Statements
Demonstrates specific experience or role
Qualifies you for a position
Begins with an action verb Includes dimensions, range, staff size, budget
and reporting relationship, if relevant
Demonstrates general experience and
responsibilities
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Responsibility or Accomplishment?
Responsibilities:
The tasks and activities you were hired to do
Accomplishments:
The results you produced and how you achievedthem
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Accomplishment Statements
Support your career goal
Highlight actions which showcase your
strengths
Appear in bullet form for easy readability
Based on your CARs Challenge, Action, Result (CAR)
Why should we believe you can do what you say you can do?
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CAR
Challenge: What was the situation?
Action
:What did you do and how?
Result: What was the impact?
Challenge not usually included on your
resume.
Accomplishments
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Accomplishment Statement Samples
Not specific Conducted many training programs in several states which
reduced problems.
Better
Best Reduced customer complaints by 22% in a 6-month period by
conducting more than 45 service technician training programs
throughout an 8-state region.
Conducted more than 45 service technician training programs
throughout an 8-state region reducing customer complaints by22% in a 6-month period.
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Accomplishment Examples
Improved support services 50% in 6 months bylaunching support program that improved the technicaldelivery of service co-provider.
Researched and recovered $25 million in out-of-
balance conditions during bank systems conversionand post conversions.
Increased revenue $2 million by designing andimplementing an automated customer follow-upprogram.
Reduced average customer call-waiting time to 30seconds from 2 minutes by designing and implementinga call triage system.
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Avoid OverUsed Phrases
Instead of: Experience working in fast paced environment.
Try: Registered 120+ third shift emergency patients per7 hour shift. Best?
Instead of:
Excellent written communication skillsTry: Wrote jargon free user guide for 11,000 users.Best?
Instead of: Team player with cross functional awareness
Try: Collaborated with clients, A/R and Sales to increase
speed of receivables and prevent interruption of serviceto clients. Best?
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Accomplishment Draft
Draft:
Few accomplishments
5minutestowrite
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Education
Furthersupports yourcase
Startwithhighestlevelof
achievement.
IncludeCollege, Training,Seminars,Certifications,ProfessionalDevelopment.
Identifymajorifrelated.
Yearsareoptional
NAME
Page 2
ABC COMPANY, NYC, NY 19XX-200X
Majorinternationalwidgetmanufacturingcompanywithsalesof$XB worldwide.
Senior Purchasing Agent
Purchased raw materials for the widgetmanufacturing operations. Supervised 4purchasing clerks.
y Accomplishment #1
y Accomplishment #2
yAccomplishment #3
EDUCATION
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEMBERSHIPS
AWARDS
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Education
WHA
T
WHERE
WHEN
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Other Sections
Affiliations and memberships
Military experience
Awards/honors Technical skills
Licenses and certifications
Remember, Is it RELEVANT?
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Professional Profile/Summary
Considered by many to be MOST importantpart of your resume!
600 managers surveyed: overwhelmingmajority agreed.
Only about 5% of resumes contain this keysection.
Robin Ryan(authorofWinning ResumesandWinningCoverLetters)
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Summary
State yourcase,whatareyourqualifications?
Positioningstatementthathighlights qualificationsandareasofexpertise, Unique
Selling Points, StrengthsandDeliverables.
Industries,positionsandfunctions youveheld,rangeandscope.
NarrativeorNarrativefollowedbybulletpoints.
Usuallywrittenlast.
NAME
Street Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Telephone
Email
SUMMARY
PurchasingAgent with extensive experience indomestic and international manufacturing. Solidbackground in logistics, procurement, material andproduction control. Broad
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ABC COMPANY, NYC, NY 19XX-200X
Majorinternationalwidgetmanufacturingcompanywithsalesof$XB worldwide.
Senior Purchasing Agent
Purchased raw materials for the widgetmanufacturing operations. Supervised 4
purchasing clerks.
y Accomplishment #1
y Accomplishment #2
yAccomplishment #3
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SummaryHighlights your experience and differentiates you from other
candidates. Experienced in both line management and staffpositions in the following areas: facilities management,
operations and finance.
Details the relevant functional expertise. Customer and vendor
relationship development, productivity reporting and qualitycontrol.
Links your strengths to results, successes and contributions you
enjoy.
You may include environment description where you do your best
work and a personal statement about your work style: Thrives in
a constantly changing environment.
Those in technical areas might include their technical skills as the
last component of the Summary (otherwise these go at the end of
the resume.)
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Key Word
What are Key words?
Do you know the key words for yourprofession?
Key words relate to your qualifications: Technical expertise
Industry jargon
Product knowledge
Personality traits
Academic credentials
How to determine your key words Review ads and job postings for your targeted jobs
Review company websites and how they describetheir culture and employees.
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Key Word Samples
Administrative
Document preparation
Word processing
Special projects
Administrative support
Team player
MS Word 2007
Multi-line phones
Scheduling/organizational skills
80 wpm
Excel
Web Designer
Windows
Internet servers
Page Mill
HTML
PDF
Photoshop
Project coordination
Sales
Exceed quota
Travel
Lead generation
Customer support
Inside sales
Presentation skills
Account management
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Key Word Qualification Summary
Sales professionalAchievement oriented sales professionalwith 15 years
of success in international trade and global
marketing. Skilled in developing marketingprograms, coordinating new product introductions
and providingcustomer support. Experience includes
cold calling, new business development and key
account management.
Ratherthan
Achievement oriented with 15 years of successfulexperience and proven ability to meet objectives,communicate with clients, and quickly excel in newindustries
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Choosing a Resume Format
CHRONOLOGICAL FUNCTIONAL
Name/Address/Phone/Email Name/Address/Phone/Email
Objective (optional) Objective (optional)
Summary Summary
Professional Experience
(including selectedaccomplishments)
Selected Accomplishments
(under specific functional areasof expertise)
Education Professional Experiences
Company name, city, state, dates
Job titles
No job scope or accomplishmentstatements
Optional Sections Education
Optional Sections
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Choosing a Resume Format
CHRONOLOGICAL FUNCTIONAL
A Chronological format calls thereaders attention to your recentexperience.
A Functional format directs the readerto your functional strengths andqualifications.
Continuing in the same occupation orindustry
Making a significant career change(production to sales; financial
planner to teacher)
Career shows steady growth withprogressive responsibilities
Job objective is different from yourexperience
Job objective is similar to recentexperience
Experience is gained in different,relatively unconnected jobs
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Hybrid
Purpose similar to functional
Combines both the key features of the functionaland the chronological resume.
Key accomplishments listed right after summary
Professional experience written the same aschronological, including job scope andaccomplishment statements.
Most recruiters prefer chronological with jobscope statements or hybrid over functionalresume.
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Hybrid Resume
Summary
Key Accomplishments
Work Experience
Job scope statement
Remaining accomplishment statements
Other Sections
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Print and On-line Resumes
WORD VERSION INTERNET VERSION
Smith-Mary.doc Smith-Mary.txt
Used for:
Printing
Face-to-face
Attaching to email
Used for:
Posting on-line
Copying and pasting
into email messages
Includes appropriate
formatting forattractiveness
Unformatted for use in
electronic or digitalapplications
Caution when working with newer Windows versions: .docx files
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The Internet Resume
Tips Create and save plain text version
- No italics, lines, graphs, columns or underlining
- Limit to 60 characters or 6 inches wide
- Include Keywords
Proof, edit, proof
Cut and paste into on-line posting sites
Print out selected areas to proof before posting
When emailing a Word resume, consider saving it as a PDF and then
mail
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Testimonials:Who might be on your reference list?
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Ideal References
Get a minimum of2 references - people whocan attest to your work habits, skills, andaccomplishments
Current or past employer(s)/supervisor(s)
Inform reference of your career objective andgive them a copy of your resume
Professors
Advisors Coaches
Internship, field experience, or communityservice supervisor
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May Include on the Bottom of Resume or
Attach Reference Contacts with Your Resume Name, title, company, address, phone #
Or indicate at the bottom of the resume that:
References are Available on Request References
Available References will be Furnished upon
Request (optional)
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Sample Presentation of
Reference Information
ReferencesMr. Charles Amey, IIIInstructor,Hospitality Industry Management ProgramChamplain CollegeP.O. Box 670 [email protected], VT 05402-0670 (802) 651-5988
Mr. Milton SmithField Experience SupervisorABC Conference Center208 Main Street [email protected]
Burlington, VT 05401 (802) 888-8888
As a general rule, have at least two references.
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Top Tips to Remember:
Clear, Consistent, and Concise
Proof proof proof!
Write your own resume! Speak to your audience
Easy to read
Well organized
Honest
Dynamic word choice
Flawless
Update frequently
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Resumealways changingBe Strategic in Enhancing your Resume!!!!
Resume development is on ongoingprocess.
Enhance your experience, qualifications,
and leadership qualities over the nexttwo years.
Keep a folder of your accomplishments.
Update your resume regularly.
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Build your resume as an
investment in your future
that will support you on your journey tosuccess!
!
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Agenda
Cover letter basics
Components of thecover letter
General tips
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Here are my qualificationsfor you to overlook.
*from an actual cover letter
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Cover letters mustbe perfect!
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Objectives Introduce yourselfas a
competitive candidate:
Showcase your background &interests to demonstrate fit
Highlight connections
Entice the reader to carefullyexamine your application
Get an interview!
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Are sales documentspresenting what you have to
offer a potential employer!
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Before You Begin, Do Your
Homework!
How big is the department and to what extent do youneed to translate the significance of your work?
Is it a new position or are they replacing someone?
Is it a joint or multidisciplinary appointment?
How can your background fit with the departments
goals?
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Cover Letters - Points to keep in mind
Put your name and contact info at the top of the letter. Make
sure your name is in a font large enough to easily pick out. Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person by
name and title. Even if responding to a job ad that states "nophone calls", consider calling to politely ask the name of thehiring authority.
State your interest in the job for which you are applying andthe company. Be particular about why you really like thisposition and company and not some other position andcompany.
Mention your skills, education, special training, and workexperience that qualify you for the job. Try to think from theemployers point of view - what skills and experience are theylooking for in the ideal candidate for the job you want? (If youare replying to a specific job ad, this may be listed there)Stress these skills.
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Cover Letters - Points to keep in mind
Provide a contact info.
Use an appropriate closing, such as "Sincerely."
Ask someone to proofread your letter to check content,grammar, and spelling.
Try to sign the letter in blue ink since it implies the letter
is original and may get more attention. Also appropriateink color to use is black. Never use any other color onthe cover letter.
Keep sentences short and to the point.
Keep the entire letter brief - no more than one page withthree to five paragraphs.
Use the same paper stock for both your cover letter andresume.
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Cover Letter - Heading
Your street addressCity, state and zip code
Phone number
Email address
Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. first and last name of person
Position or title
Name of organization
Street address of organization
City, state and zip code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. last name of addressee:
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First Paragraph:
Give the person a reason to read on. Give an overviewestablishing your qualifications and cite the position.
Do not start with My name is
Whats important to mention? In general, experience
in the field if you have it. If someone recommended that you write to someone
specific, start with his or her name; for example, ZipSmith recommended
Mention the reason for writing to that firm if the reason iscompelling.
Do not say that you are the ideal candidate if you cannotprove it.
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Second (and Possibly Third) Paragraph:
Elaborate on your qualifications in the context ofthe positionyou can mention relevant jobs,course, etc. Keep in mind the job description.
Stress what skills and attributes that you have tooffer. Identify those parts of your experience(paid and unpaid) that will be of interest to theemployer. This can be done in either one or two
paragraphs.
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Final Paragraph:
Whats the next step? Heres where you thank the
person. Thank you, in advance, for your considerationand similar alternatives are fine.)
You can request an interview. There are many differentways (of varying levels of assertiveness) to handle this,
but they will not make an appreciable difference as tothe outcome (no matter what you may read).
If you want, you can tell the reader that you will follow upin two weeks or just thank the reader for his or her consideration.. If you will be visiting that city, let themknow the dates that you will be there.
Sincerely,
Your Name
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Do YourHomework On Each Company
Find background information company annual reportsand newsletters; journals; company public relations
departments; and other company employees. Thisinformation will also better prepare you for your interview.
Do Not Include A Salary History
Never commit yourself in writing to a salary rangebecause you might sell yourself too low or price yourselfout of the job. Salary is best discussed after the firstinterview, in the context of a total benefits package.
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Tell Why You Want The New Job
This is important information to include in yourcover letter. However, do not make negative
statements about your present company or boss. Instead, project an ambitious attitude. Ifyou are looking for more challenge, money,growth, or management responsibility, say so. In
the event you have been laid off due tocompany reorganization or relocation, say thatalso.
Basic Cover Letter Template
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Basic Cover Letter TemplateYour Name
YourAddress & Phone Number
Date
Recipients Name, & Job TitleSubject: Position or type of work you are applying for
Dear Mr./Ms.
First Paragraph: Start by trying to grab attention without being gimmicky. Give the reasonyou are writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying.Sometimes it may be a good idea too to also mention how you learned of the opening.
Second Paragraph (and Third Paragraph if needed): Explain why you are interested inworking for this employer in particular then focus in on how you can help them by specifyinghow you are perfect for this position. Do not merely repeat the information on your resume highlight key points but also feel free to give additional information. You may incorporate acolumn or bullet point format for this section of the cover letter.
Last Paragraph: Mention your resume is enclosed and indicate your desire to meet with theemployer. You may suggest alternate dates and times, or better yet you can advise them of
your flexibility as to the time. Try to include a statement or question that will encourage thereader to respond. You may want to be proactive and communicate your plan to follow-up.(i.e. you might say that you will be in the area on a certain date and would like to set up ameeting, or you can say that you will call on a certain date to set up a meeting). Finally, thankthe employer for his/her time.
Sincerely,(YourSignatureinblueorblackink)
Your name typed out
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Any Questions?