It’s not easy to stand out from the crowd when job searching, especially when you’re a college student or recent graduate. That’s why a great cover letter and resume are critical. They are a lot of work, but if you do them right, they will repay you with a job.
We sat down with nationally-recognized career expert Ryan Kahn for some Q & A. Ryan starred in the MTV’s docu-series, “HIRED!,” and created of the best-selling course “How To Get Hired.” Read on for Ryan’s tips for how to make the most out of your cover letter and resume. Plus, meet a few of our awesome #CampusFaves.
1. Make Every Word Count
Recent surveys show that recruiters and employers spend as little as six seconds reading resumes and cover letters. Keep it short and to the point, and make sure every word will encourage them to keep reading.
2. Find An “In”
Finding the hiring manager’s name can be tough, but it’s worth the effort. Cover letters addressed to, “To Whom It May Concern,” find their way to the trash bin immediately. Call the company if you have to, just make sure a real person’s name is included on your application.
3. Facts + Figures
Any data you can incorporate into your resume or cover letter to support your candidacy will go a long way. Hiring managers and recruiters love numbers. If you have a statistic or fact you can include that supports your abilities and achievements, do it.
4. Why You?
Every fiber of your cover letter and resume should aim to answer this question. Why are you the best fit? What special skills or ambition can you bring to the role to make an impact? An about.me page is perfect for this.
Campus Contributors are a select group of recognized leaders and experts in topics relating to college students.