THE BEST RESUME IS A SIMPLE RESUME

What every employer wants to know is whether you are qulified for the job and whether you are honest and hardworking. So whether it is an online resume an email of your resume or even a hard copy of your resume you need to be honest about your credentials.

The three major sections are

• Personal Details
• Career Details
• Academic Details

The career part of your resume will be omitted if you are a fresher.

List your personal details like Name, Address, Phone Numbers, Emails on the top of the Resume.

List Education and highlight or put your relevant diplomas that are apt to the job requirement first. In case you are qulaified in a number of other fields include them only if they are relevant to the job or industry you are applying.

• Mention reference and work experience/internship.
• Mention Award of excellence in whichever field you have attained them.
• Mention about the various software packages you know.
• Mention your career objective and this may help you if your employer does not look at your cover letter.

A properly worded resume is much better than a lengthy one.

RESUME WRITING FOR LAZY GUYS AND GALS

"Necessity is the mother of invention" is an old quote. Well I could change it a little bit and say that "Laziness is the mother of invention" as well.

The truth of the quote is that there are so many resume writing softwares and an entire industry out there just catering to the job and career seekers.

You are lazy to use what you have to churn out your resume and want to use the same old resume everytime. Microsoft has made it easier for you with its resume templates. There is a glut of templates in the market and now there are softwares that do everything for you.

Winway resume deluxe, Resume Maker career edition and professional edition , Resume workshop Pro, Resume writer deluxe , Power Resumes, My resumes, Resume Fast and so on. Well the list will go on for the simple reason that someone needs to start something new and so many will try to follow and better it. Competition succeeds and we who need to write a resume get lazier and ask for more inventions of these.

Well laziness of some, prompts others to become inventors. So now you are ready to get your resume writing software. Think again are you going to spend some money some one showing you what to do something you already know. In case you are facing a time constraint and want a million resumes for different situations then go along and purchase these inventions that are meant to make resume wiring easier.

Other wise just keep an eye on this blog for more information related to Resumes and for tips and secrets to make your resume a rocker.

SWEET SECRETS TO MAKE YOUR COVER LETTER COUNT

Short and sweet is how we like information provided to us. Google may throw up a whole lot of results when you run a search for your own name and you may find many with the same name. Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Eminem may be in the top of the list with many people searching for information on them.

Your search for a cover letter may seem as elusive as finding out the information you want on these celebrities. The internet out there is filled with junk and just do not pick up any junk for your cover letter. My best advice is to do the writing all by your self and score higher. You may become a celebrity one day just because you have your own style. That daay is never far off here is a few secrets can help you in your immediate need (your cover letter).

1. Stick to the simple. You do not need to brag about your vocabulary. Just read your letter out to a kid at a school and if he/she does not understand what you are saying. Scrap it.
2. Use Active voice when you are furnishing further information or telling about yourself. Do not beat around the bush. When you are simple and address the issue right away then it is more effective. In case you are looking to go for the interview. Just tell them right away; “Will be happy to attend an interview and will call up discuss about the interview timings” and make that call when you assume they have go the cover letter and your resume.
3. Another polite way of saying it is: “Will be pleased to meet you at the earliest to discuss my credentials and how it can be useful to your needs. I can be reached at Phone number 1111-1223 -1212-3133 and will call you to follow up as well just to make sure my application has reached you.”
4. Split your cover letter into smaller paragraphs so that it is easy to skim through and get the required information.
5. Well be sure to add a note at the top highlighting the post/requirement you are applying for. In case you feel it is too loud on the top. Place a small note at the bottom indicating what you are applying for.

JOB SPECIFIC COVER LETTER TEMPLATES FROM MICROSOFT

Below are a few templates for getting your perfect cover letter. Look at the title and see if it suits your need you will have to link to Microsoft site to download the templates

Assistant to president cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later)

Bank customer service representative cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Career change customer services rep cover letter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein; Version: Word 97 or later

Consulting pharmacist cover letter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Everyday Letters for Busy People' by Debra Hart May; Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter for temporary position

Version: Word 2000 or later

Cover letter in response to technical position ad

Version: Word 97 or later

Entry-level accounting manager cover letter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein

Version: Word 97 or later

Entry-level customer service rep cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Experienced customer service rep cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Management consultant cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Manager cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton ; Version: Word 97 or later

Market researcher cover letter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein; Version: Word 97 or later

Media/advertising jobs cover letter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein; Version: Word 97 or later

MIS manager cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Network administrator cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Paralegal cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Part-time nursing position cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '101 Best Resumes' by Jay A. Block and Michael Betrus; Version: Word 97 or later

Publishing sales cover letter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Business Letters for Busy People' by Jim Dugger; Version: Word 97 or later

Sales manager cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Sales representative cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '101 Best Resumes' by Jay A. Block and Michael Betrus; Version: Word 97 or later

Secretary cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Stage manager cover letter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein; Version: Word 97 or later

Travel agent cover letter that explains employment gap

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

BASIC AND SITUATION SPECIFIC COVER LETTER TEMPLATES

Microsoft is a market leader in the field of operating systems and other application software. Microsoft office is designed to ease the stress of office work. It is rich in clip art and templates with wizards guiding you. Below are a few templates for getting your perfect cover letter. Look at the title and see if it suits your need you will have to link to Microsoft site to download the templates.

BASIC

Cover letter for resume with enclosures

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton: Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter with salary requirements

Version: Word 2000 or later

SITUATION SPECIFIC

Cover letter following up college career fair

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter following up phone conversation

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter for unsolicited resume

Version: Word 2000 or later

Cover letter in rersponse to ad, longer

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter in response to ad, short

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein; Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter to executive recruiter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein; Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter to executive recruiter after layoff

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein; Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter to firm that has not advertised

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein

Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter when referred

Version: Word 2000 or later

Cover letter when you've had many jobs

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Cover letter with referral from mutual acquaintance

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

Entry-level cover letter

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

New college grad cover letter

Provided by: Career Press, 'Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!' by Richard Fein; Version: Word 97 or later

New college grad cover letter, reply to ad

Provided by: McGraw-Hill, '201 Killer Cover Letters' by Sandra Podesta and Andrea Paxton; Version: Word 97 or later

COSTLY COVER LETTER MISTAKES

Writing a cover letter can be the most difficult task as it is about yourself. There are so many cover letter templates, cover letter samples, cover letter secrets and cover letter advice offered out there in the vast labyrinth of the information on the internet. You may google or search using Yahoo or MSN and get so many samples and yet not have a clue on how to start with your cover letter.

The search now is over. Now that you know too much about cover letters after your exhaustive search for cover letters and resume templates and examples. You need to know what not to include and what not to do, rather than what to do.

Tip # 1

Do not try to impress with a high sophisticated business or marketing vocabulary. Some managers or employers are down to earth guys who have risen due to their ability to manage effectively and do not believe in sophisticated jargon. So if your cover letter has some words that a high school student cannot understand drop it.

Tip #2

Read your cover letter loud for yourself to hear and if it sounds too pompous for your ears then decide to drop the words that sound pompous. You do not need to over emphasize your ability. In case you do you some employers may not employ you for the plain simple reason that you sound too grand to be an ordinary person who would be able to work with the other commoners in their office. You may achieve the title “over qualified” and not get selected.

Tip # 3

Do not adopt personalities of role models in your cover letter. Let your personality be reflected in your letter. In case you have copied a sample and found so many good role models in the personalities described, do not adopt them as your own. Just stick to the plain simple you. When you go for the interview if your prospective employer looks at your cover letter and finds that the description of the personality in your cover letter suits you then you are more likely to get selected. This is your reward for honesty.

Tip # 4

Refrain from adding all your personal hobbies and other achievements in your cover letter. Stick to those elements of your personality that the company needs. This will be mentioned in their requirements. For example: A marketing person need to have good communication skills. You may know to write well but it is of no use to a marketing job. So look at the skills that match the job profile and highlight them.

Tip#5

Communication is of vital importance which may land you the job. Do not wait for the company to get back to you. Unless the company has mentioned that it does not want anyone to contact them. You need to call the company and find out details about the company or the job. You could also view the website of the company and look in reports either financial or performance based reports to know the strengths and weakness of the company. This could help you communicate more authoritatively on the company’s requirements and how you could fit in.

Now that you know what to refrain from and what could get you the job you so much need you can be assured of success.

THE NEED OF A COVER LETTER

When sending a resume it is essential that your cover letter is included. This is a must even if was not mentioned or discussed. A cover letter is expected even if the advertisement does not mention it.

What happens if I do not send a cover letter?

• If you do not then the impression that the company forms of you is one of laziness and unfit for the job.

But my resume tells the company what qualifications I possess!

• Your resume is a rigid format and is not tailored to the specific requirement that the company has advertised for.

What makes the cover letter so important?

• Cover letter gives you a chance to emphasize to the company how much you can contribute to their organization.
• Cover letter also gives the employer a chance to view how much you can help them.

How to write a good cover letter?

• Check for spelling and typing errors. Be certain there is not even one.
• Formally address is good (Mr., Ms. Mrs., Miss, or Dr.). It would be even better, if you could address it to the person who makes the hiring decisions.
• Employers look for knowledge (provide some info you know about the company), Enthusiasm (provide info on when you can start off and how eager you are) and focus (provide info on what special tasks you would be able to perform)
• Do not copy any other cover letter. The hiring person would get many cover letters and if many copy the same cover letter. They would know from where you copied yours
• Be your natural self in writing about yourself. Do not borrow some ancient and pompous vocabulary to tell about yourself.
• When writing about your experience in your cover letter, quote those areas that the company requires first and show how to measure up.

CONVINCE YOUR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER

The cover letter is the first thing your prospective employer would look at. Therefore your cover letter must be written well and call to attention those elements of your background the employer is specifically looking for.

A short list of items that a cover letter should include are:
• Cover letters should highlight Education, Leadership abilities and Experience with specific examples
• Cover letters should reflect your attitude, motivation, enthusiasm and communication skills.
• Cover letters should provide information about your expertise on the specific job for which you are applying.

• Your cover letter should provide information on the advertisement its date and the post for which you are applying. Providing even a sample of work would be an advantage.
• Your Cover letter should show initiative on your part. You could reflect this by saying I will contact you in a week’s time to know more about the employment opportunities or the status of your application.
• Mark your calendar and make that call or it will reflect poorly on your personality.

Make your first impression be the best impression with your cover letter and continue it with good work to take your career to new heights.

COVER LETTERS

A cover letter is your application for a specific position in a particular company. Your resume is just information of your self. Though you may feel the need to get one of the most used and most popular or modern cover letters and use it with your mail merge so that you could used the same letter for all the companies you apply. It is highly unadvisable to do so.

Your cover letter may be either in a hardcopy format or an email format depending on how you would like to apply or the company that has asked for the application. There is a slight difference between the hard copy of the cover letter and the soft copy.

Hardcopy of the cover letter has your Address on the top of the paper and your signature at the bottom of the cover letter.

If your cover letter is sent by email then your correspondence address will be located at the end of the email. You could also attach a digital signature with the letter but it is not absolutely necessary.

Other necessary information in your cover letter could be:

• Explanation of why you are forwarding your resume. It may be for an internship during vacation or a permanent position or even an enquiry if your qualification is considered for any openings in that company

• In your cover letter an explanation of your knowledge of the company, its organization and work that interest you would be helpful. The company would appreciate if you provided them information on how you obtained this information. If an employee suggested it, then it would appropriate to provide the name of the person when you write your letter.

Your cover letter is important not only for you but also for the company to ease them of the trouble of going through your resume.

THE PROCESS OF WRITING

Any writing does not come to become a masterpiece as soon as you write it. A “Writing” goes through its various stages to become perfection in the eyes of the writer before he/she thinks it good enough for a reader.

Steps in Writing

Formulating your Rough Copy
Writing is a process that is recursive which means as you are writing you have to develop and expand your ideas. Roughly it can be divided into four stages
• Planning
• Drafting
• Revising
• Editing

Planning: Before you begin to write anything you need a topic on which to write. You would then go about a plan on what to include in your writing. What would be the headings, the sub headings and the text. You could approach this process like you do for any other plan, by getting ideas from other sources, writing notes, outlining the document you are to prepare and putting in the notes and material you got from sources into the outline.

Drafting: It is the text that matter the most after the heading and the subheadings. You need to be put the material you collected into a proper sequence of paragraphs.
• Here you explain your ideas, connect ideas to form a flow and support the ideas fully.
• This draft is what you know about the topic you are writing and so do not be bothered about spellings and other details. Just concentrate on the flow.

Revising: Now that your draft is ready. It is time to revise the written document. You need to look at your document from a reader’s point of view.
• Are the written ideas supported enough and are they convincing enough. If they convince a skeptical you then they are sure to convince others as well.
• Is your reader a person who does not know some technical parlance? Then it needs to be explained a little bit more in your writing.
• Is your writing properly organized into paragraphs? You need to view your writing in this perspective and ask if the reader needs to know something before he proceeds to read the next paragraph.
• Now look at your writing and refine your prose by making each sentence concise and simple.
• Make the connections between different ideas explicit and clear.

Editing: Do not edit your writing till you finish all the above steps.
• When editing you need to check for grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
• The last thing before printing your document is to run your spell check software.

Hope these tips kick start your writing.

WRITE FOR YOUR AUDIENCE

Every written sentence is for a purpose. It has an audience that is going to read it and understand the underlying meaning. Your personal journal is meant to be read by you later in life. A story book could be either for children or adults. It is important that your writing identifies itself with someone, that it makes the writing more meaningful.

Audience Indicators

It is important to know what you are writing and why you are writing. Every write up is intended for someone to read. Before writing you should know who the reader is.

Age, educational status, employment status, interest, country, social strata and income bracket are some deciding factors. Knowing your audience is paramount before writing an article.

Writing informative articles on any subject could be difficult. A few examples will enlighten you as to why you need to look at these before writing.

Age: If I am writing about life insurance, the premium, the maturity amount involved will change depending on age.

Interest: This category is a rather vast one and writing with this in mind can include hobbies that tend to get bracketed like music, reading, gardening, art work etc. Writing could be for adverts or even political writings.

Country: Knowing this is very important, because with countries we talk about different cultures and sub cultures. Each audience has their own specialty and specialized products. Writing reflects the culture in which you grow up and may not relate to another culture.

The above list is not exhaustive but only enumerative to give you an idea of how knowing your audience makes a difference. Before writing your article, research this aspect and then start.

Audience and Products
A little bit of information on products should also highlight the need for adverts being written specific to interest groups and age. A manufacturer after production has to target his audience and internet is a widely used medium for it as it reaches the world community. Writing for Online marketing and adverts is different from offline writing.

• Products to reduce weight are meant for obese persons.
• Multimedia software targets people who produce for the entertainment industry
• Travel related products are meant for tourists and travelers.
• Cell phones are meant to communicating with each other even while traveling.
• Gardening and its related products can interest anyone.
• Televisions, DVD’s, ipods, etc. is for anyone who wants to entertain themselves.

This list serves the purpose of introducing the idea of products and the target. Given any other product you have to think of the audience it can possibly reach and write accordingly.