How to Write Unique Resumes and Cover Letters

How to Write Unique Resumes and Cover LettersHow to Write Unique Resumes and Cover Letters56Tips to help you write unique resumes and titelbild lettersCheck for Specific Instructionselend all companies do this, but there may be pertinent information that a recruiter wants right off the bat. Read the job posting carefully to see instructions on how to apply and include all requested information in your cover letter. Not addressing these requests is a fast way to make it to the no thanks pile.Connect the DotsIf you are looking to make a shift in your career, its important to very clearly illustrate in your cover letter how your skill set transfers to the job you are applying for. Most recruiters simply do not have the time to make that connection. More importantly, it shows an awareness that your background isnt an obvious fit, but that you are making an intentional choice to make the change.State the WhyBe very clear about your motivation for applying. Do you love the companys product ? Is their culture a great fit for you? Is this your dream job? An easy way to make an impression is to make it clear that you are putting effort into getting THIS job.Integrate KeywordsNo one wants to rewrite a resume for every job. Thankfully, its not necessary. However, it is a good idea to boost your resume (and cover letter) with keywords that appear in the job post. It is important to use them in a way that makes sense, so dont just drop them in without thinking it through.Summarize Your QualificationsAn easy way to change up your resume to reflect the specific job is to have a Summary of Qualifications section near the top. This is a great way to explain why you are qualified for the position you are applying to. Feel free to use a keyword or two, but dont go overboard with them here. You are better off using keywords throughout your resume.Match Your ObjectivePlease, for the sake of the sanity of recruiters everywhere, if you are applying for a marketing job, dont submit a r esume with a career objective that talks about working in the medical field. If you have an objective on your resume, make sure it matches the position you are applying for. You might consider keeping several versions of your resume on hand and choose the one that needs the least amount of tweaking for each job.None of these tips are guaranteed to land you the job of your dreams. They will, however, help you move past the pre-screening phase and get your application mora than a cursory glance. It may slow your pace on how many applications you are able to submit, but quality over quantity is a much more solid strategy in the end.Readers, do you make the effort to write unique resumes and cover letters? If so, what other tips would you give?