Applying for jobs is not only time consuming, it is probably one of the most nerve-racking experiences ever. You’ve spent hours if not days compiling materials just to put into your resume, you now have to move on to the cover letter, then after you’ve probably stressed yourself beyond reason you have to write them an e-mail! Now the question is, are you just creating carbon copy replicas of each of the priors or are you creating a written masterpiece? Each one building off of the last, creating the perfect picture of who you are.
The Resume
Your resume is the base layer, the primer of this portrait. It is what everything else is built on. Your resume will have the essentials, who you are, how to get a hold of you, where you’ve worked, what you’ve done and various skills you possess. This is not the time to try and focus on who you are. Granted you can show pieces of your personality through layout and design, there’s time for that later. The resume is just meant to give the base structure but definitely don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it, because it could definitely help with getting it (and you) noticed.
The Cover Letter
You’ve laid the base, now you can start working on the big picture. Don’t just repeat the same things you did in your resume. Take what you had in your resume and elaborate, bring it to life. Give stunning visuals of what you’ve done and don’t forget to say how it can benefit the company – they like it when you do that. Here is where you really get to shine and show who you are and what you bring to the table so truly don’t hold back, create something that is awe-inspiring and will land you the job of the century.
The E-Mail
By now you’re probably worn out, brain is toast and you’re out of inspiration. Don’t fret. Just stick it out a little longer and finish this masterpiece. The e-mail is where you will put all the finishing touches on all of the main points you’ve worked so hard to create. Give a quick reason as to why they should open your attachments and continue reading, what is it that makes you so appealing? Don’t forget to thank them in advance and once again, provide all of your contact information, you can never have that in too many places. What good would it be if you did all this work and they couldn’t contact you? Now, click send.
The Portrait as a Whole
When you’ve constructed your resume, cover letter and e-mail to the company you’re applying to it is truly a time for admiration. You need to check, recheck and triple check every detail of this process to ensure its perfection. Like all art, it takes practice to be perfect but when you add your own personal flare to it and maintain optimism – you will succeed!
