by Todd Pheifer

Created on: August 26, 2008   Last Updated: January 22, 2009

Job search portfolio

The resume and cover letter are key pieces to the job search process. These documents are a snapshot of the history, accomplishments, and abilities of the job seeker. A well-formulated resume and cover letter can be the first step towards a job or it can stop an applicant dead in their tracks.

A quick look

Employers do not have the time to delve deeply into the personality of an applicant. They must quickly make a judgment call based upon a couple pieces of paper. Therefore, the resume and cover letter must be refined and professional documents in order to put the "best foot forward" of the applicant. Here are a few tips for excellent resumes and cover letters for business jobs.

Words are power

One thing to keep in mind is that words are important in a resume and cover letter. The so-called "power" word will not guarantee that people will get an interview, but it does show a certain amount of ability and ambition. The resume and cover letter should have descriptors that outline not only skills, but also accomplishments and situations of personal and professional development. Again, the key is not just to show job duties, but to show that the applicant has advanced themselves and the organization.

Best foot forward

Another thing to keep in mind is that the resume should be ordered in such a way that an applicant highlights their most marketable skills. Employers read documents quickly and they start to lose interest as they get deeper into the document. The resume and cover letter has a certain format that is generally understood but that doesn't mean that an applicant cannot re-order the content in order to talk about strengths first. The job seeker has to keep in mind that the idea is to sell his or her strengths in order to stand out from other applicants.

Read the job description

If possible, the applicant should read the details of the job description, if it is available. The job seeker should use that description and adapt the resume and cover letter to address the aspects of that description. Granted, the applicant still has to be honest about their skills and abilities, but it can be advantageous to attempt a connection between applicant skills and job requirements.

Know your weaknesses

Overall, the resume and cover letter should be well-written documents. If the applicant struggles with spelling, grammar, and format, they should seek help from those who can streamline their documents. Again, the resume and cover letter must be "tight" and professional because it is a key piece of the job search.

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