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I. Before You Begin Your Journey
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Every resume should include a cover letter. A cover letter has three basic parts: an introduction, the body of the letter, and the conclusion.
- Introduction: Tell what job you're interested in, who referred you (if applicable), and why you are interested in this particular company (if you can state a specific interest).
- Body: Using your skills statement, explain how your abilities meet the employer's needs.
- Conclusion: Note again your interest in the company/position and say what your next step will be, e.g. you will call in a few days after the employer has had a chance to review your resume.
- Address your cover letter to a specific person, rather than writing "Dear Sir" or "To Whom It May Concern." Do the extra legwork to discover this person's name.
- Use a personal, unique approach to make your cover letter stand out from the hundreds of others the employer will be reading.
- Come across as enthusiastic and positive. Avoid language which might be viewed as arrogant, insincere or flippant.
- A cover letter is most effective when followed up with a personal phone call.
Filling out an employment application is often the first step in the screening/hiring process. To create the best impression (and to save yourself time in filling out numerous applications) create your own master application form. List former jobs, making sure you have the correct addresses, telephone numbers, and the dates of your employment. Use this as your "sample form" when filling out applications.
- Leave nothing blank. If you don't want to respond to a question, either write N/A (not applicable) or use a dash.
- Use blue or black ink; type if possible.
- Proofread it and then proofread it again.
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NOVA offers a workshop on Job Application. Learn how not to be screened out. Address legal issues and tough questions like, "Why did you leave your last job?" For more information, call 408.730.7232 or see workshops. |
When filling out an application form, you will usually be asked to state why you left your previous job. Below are some of the reasons most frequently used, divided into a list of DANGEROUS RESPONSES, which should be avoided, and SAFER RESPONSES, which you can explain or discuss in the interview.
Avoid these!
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fired for tardiness |
too slow / could not do the job |
did not get along with coworkers |
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hurt on job |
marital problems |
left town |
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too long a commute |
insufficient salary |
arrested |
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disagreement / personality conflict |
failure to receive promised salary |
no baby-sitter |
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forced out |
no potential |
hours too long |
Explain or discuss these:
laid off due to lack of work returned to school plant closure better opportunity contract ended corporate merger promotional opportunity relocated job misrepresented career change or growth broadening education personal reasons temporary assignment resigned prefer to discuss in interview travel reduction in force new job
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