how to get a job: a handy guide
hello, it is I your helpful human being and boy do i have tips for you!
So first you need to find a posting for a job you want. Look through that posting and pick out the keywords. These will be related to knowledge, skills, and experience. If it helps, print it out and mark it up or copy/paste into a word doc and highlight the keywords.
Now go grab your resume. Rewrite that sucker using as many of those keywords as possible. Throw their language right back in their faces. I am looking for jobs in fashion, so my keywords tend to be along the lines of create, Adobe, organized, deadlines, design, etc, so my resume has things like “created new intuitive organization system for department working stock”. Go nuts. Put the keywords everywhere.
Keep in mind, you will have to do this for EVERY job. Every job is different, so your resume will have to be different. I suggest making a copy of your resume that lists what you actually did in all your past experience/activities--”I organized stuff” “I stocked shelves” “I made meal platters” “I taught children”--so you have an accurate base to work from (and can remember things from jobs you had way back when)
Why do this? because, most of the time your resume is going through a scanning system that just goes through it looking for keywords. The more you have, the better you will seem to fit for the job. Do it well and you can get just about any job you want
Now, cover letters! Here you go:
Company Contact First and Last Name
I am a (student looking for internship/current job position looking for a job). I (saw your posting on <site>/need an internship for program requirements...). Write a sentence here complimenting the company as well as adding a personal tie to their company.
Write 4-5 sentences about your skills, knowledge and experience as they relate to the position. Use those keywords! List your strongest/most relevant ones first, then go from there. Try not to start every sentence with “I”.
I look forward to speaking with you to learn more about this position and your company. I am available for a phone or Skype interview at your convenience and can be reached at 555-555-5555 or by email at [email protected]. If you are planning a trip for in-person interviews list the dates (or ask for a good time) here.
Thank you for your consideration.
<indent to halfway across the page> Sincerely yours,
,4 line space for signature
Enc. <--if you are enclosing a resume
Whew. That was a lot. Important: if possible, send this through actual mail. Emails tend to get buried. DO NOT send a portfolio with this. If you need to send one, say that you can send it upon request in that third paragraph.
I’ll make posts for professional dress, interviews, and email cover letters as soon as this class I’m taking covers them.
Go forth! Get that job! BE FREE!!!!!