Resume & Cover Letter Guide

Most employers spend less than a minute scanning resumes, so it’s crucial to immediately showcase how your skills, experience, and education align with their needs.

• Tailor it to the job: Match your resume to the job posting by highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
• Summary Section: Add a brief “Summary” or “Highlights” section at the top that emphasizes the key qualifications the role requires.
• Relevant Experience: Ensure the descriptions under each position connect to the job you’re applying for.

Strong resumes focus on achievements, not just duties.

• Use the VERB + TASK + RESULT formula to describe your experiences effectively.
• Quantify results wherever possible (e.g., “supervised 10 volunteers,” “increased sales by 15%”).

Questions to ask:

• Are you showing results or quality of work?
• Can you improve statements by adding numbers or outcomes?

Your resume and job documents should be:

• Free of spelling and grammar errors.
• Easy to read, with consistent formatting, fonts, and spacing.
• Clear and scannable, highlighting the qualifications most relevant to the role.

Resume samples

Resume Samples Free Download

A cover letter personalizes your application and emphasizes why you’re a strong candidate. Always include one unless specified otherwise.

1. Contact Information: Include your name, email, phone number, and the date. Use the same header style as your resume. Add the hiring manager’s details (name, job title, and company).

2. Salutation:

   • Address the hiring manager by their full name if possible.
   • Use “Hiring Manager” or “Hiring Committee” if unsure. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern.”

3. Opening Paragraph:

   • Start with a compelling statement about who you are and why you’re applying.
   • Show your understanding of the role and briefly mention 2–3 strengths that make you a good fit.
   • Include any referrals or mention where you found the job posting.

4. Body Paragraphs:

   • Highlight 2–3 key skills or experiences relevant to the role.
   • Use specific examples to show how your strengths align with the job. These can include work, volunteer, academic, or community experiences.
   • Focus on quality over quantity – avoid cramming too much information.

5. Employer Interest (optional paragraph):

   • Demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and explain why you want to work for them.
   • Connect their values, culture, or goals to your skills and interests.

6. Closing Paragraph:

   • Thank the employer for their time.
   • Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and request an interview opportunity.