Olga Said:

I need suggestions for a resume cover letter?

We Answered:

Hi New Writer,

Wow, that would be a cool career change!

I'd find out all that I can about the company, and use that research to show how you're going to help their company.

What are the company goals? What customers do they market to? What are their company values? What kinds of people work there? What are they looking for in an employee?

If you can research and find answer to those questions, that will give you a goldmine of information to use when writing your cover letter.

Remember, an employer is always asking "What can you do for me?" So, if you keep that in mind, and write your cover letter from that perspective, that's the best way to stand out. You want to be the one who will help them solve their problems, so show them what you're going to do for them, and show off your skills and experience as benefits to them. You might not have direct experience as a reporter, but I'm sure you have some great experience that would contribute to their company.

Be sure to portray all of your experience as "benefits" to the company. How are your skills going to help them? Check out the link below for an explanation of how to show your skills and experience as benefits to potential employers.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Vicki Said:

Is It Better To Send A Cover Letter/Resume As A Microsoft Word Document or PDF?

We Answered:

You should send it in whatever format they specify. As a business owner I can tell you in the past when I have hired programmers I was very specific in what information I wanted and in what format - that was part of the process. If an applicant sent me a PDF or MS Word document (I always specified plain text documents) then I knew immediately they were unable to follow directions and their resume went to the bottom of the pile.

If you are choosing between PDF and MS Word I would recommend you go with PDF simply because of greater compatibility - you have NO idea what operating system(s) or other software the employer is using to read resumes.

The whole "read only" vs. "editable" issue is irrelevant.

Pauline Said:

Would it be inappropriate to email a job listing again after sending resume/cover letter?

We Answered:

A lot of employers look for people who take the initiative and follow up after sending in a resumé. If possible, you should call them (if you have a phone number and ask for the human relations or hiring department). If that's not possible, an email is okay. Be persistent, it often pays off.

Beverly Said:

resume cover letter for multiple employers?

We Answered:

Just make a generic cover letter addressed 'to whom it may concern'.

In the letter state your experience - if you have none just state what you have been doing (studying and whatever) and then state the skills you have (good communication skills, team player etc) and then at the end of the letter state a general answer of why you want to work for them (the company offers an environment that is exciting and challenging and you think you could contribute to the team etc.)

Print lots of copies and give them out. Voila.

Edna Said:

How much does the type of paper used in a resume/cover letter really matter?

We Answered:

It matters. You can always take your resume to a printer and have copies made. The paper you send your resume in on is the first judgment made on you.

Catherine Said:

Including references when submitting cover letter and resume?

We Answered:

Put your references on a seperate sheet of paper, using the same font and layout as your resume. Title it "References" and include your contact info (just as your resume should have). Fax/submit it cover letter on top of resume on top of references.

Hope this helps!

Lauren Said:

Should i attach a picture with my resume & cover letter?

We Answered:

Career experts mostly discourage inclusion of photos on resumes.

The major downside of including a photo is the current issue of discrimination; it might allow an employer or hiring manager to make judgments about your age, race, gender or simple make judgments based on the "look" of the applicant. That is why human resource professionals consider it as an inappropriate practice for potential applicants.

There are instances though wherein companies require applicants to submit a resume with photos of themselves, these companies are generally those who would like to keep track of potential applicants via pictures, or if a company has operations that are in high security environments.
Normally, for the majority of the companies out there, resume photos are only required or requested later in the selection and recruitment process for filing, ids, and other obvious purposes. This is of course if you have already passed and gone through the interviews and the application process.