Updated Content 11/29/2023
When faced with the task of writing a resume and cover letter that is both professional and gets you noticed, many job seekers can feel overwhelmed. East Ohio College is here to make this task less daunting with resume and cover letter advice to help you stand out!
What Is The Difference Between A Resume and Cover Letter?
A resume and cover letter are both important job-searching documents in their own ways. Think of a resume as an advertisement of your education, skills, and experience. It should be used as an overview highlighting what makes you qualified for the job. In contrast, a cover letter allows you to dig deeper into why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Your resume should show the hiring manager who you are at a glance, and the cover letter allows you to pitch yourself in a way that elaborates on what’s on your resume without repeating the information.
Consider Your Goal
Before drafting your resume and cover letter for a job application, consider asking yourself the following questions. Why do I want this particular position? What do I bring to the table? Which of my qualifications best fits the needs of this position?
Once you have answered these questions, you can create a resume that focuses more on the job you are applying to. It can also help you determine whether you want the position or if you are simply applying for it because it is a job. Asking yourself these questions beforehand can allow you to be more specific in your resume and cover letter, which can lead to you getting noticed by a hiring manager.
Use the K.S.A Method
What information should you include in your resume and cover letter? Because your resume should be an overview of why an employer should choose you for a position, including only relevant experience is important. For example, let’s say you are applying for a position in healthcare. Past experience working in an entry-level position in retail is not necessarily relevant, so it should be left off of your resume. Instead, using the K.S.A. method can help you determine what you should highlight. K.S.A. is a term used by human resource professionals that stands for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
By focusing on relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities on your resume, you show the hiring manager that you are qualified for the position at a glance. Additionally, adding your education, experiences, and relevant certifications* to your resume is important.
Utilize Keywords
Another tip to help you get noticed in the job search is utilizing keywords in your resume and cover letter. Instead of mindlessly submitting your documents to any job application, take the time to thoroughly read the job description and pick out the most relevant words. Companies can receive hundreds of applications for a single job posting, so often, they use an applicant tracking system that will filter resumes for them by recognizing keywords. In order to avoid getting lost in the shuffle, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position you apply for.
Stick To The Basics
While some industries allow more creative leeway than others, it is important to judge the industry you seek employment in and tailor your resume and cover letter layout. For example, someone with a degree in arts may have more options to make their resume more graphic-based, whereas someone with a degree in nursing may want to stick to a more direct approach. Following industry standards can help your experience shine and be balanced by the format in which you present the information.
Make It An Ongoing Project
Your resume and cover letters should be living, breathing documents that get cared for frequently. Creating them and then never touching them again will not benefit you in your job search. Instead, updating them before applying to every job will allow you to insert specific keywords and highlight the most relevant experience, skills, and abilities for the position.
East Ohio College Is Here To Help You Get Hired!
The instructors, faculty, and administrators at East Ohio College are here to support you throughout your educational experience and beyond. Our dedicated career management team can assist you in resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, job placement, and more.
Take the first step toward your new career by calling 330-385-1070 or Requesting Information today!
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.