A handful friends have recently asked for feedback on their CVs / cover letters so I thought I’d pen a few thoughts about how I pull it all together.
Moments like these remind me that the world of recruiting, applications and jobs is constantly evolving so I’m wary that my perspectives may be ancient. Please comment below with your thoughts about what might make this more up to date.
I was taught that the CV / Resume is for facts (dates, roles, achievements). Watertight ‘things’ that people cannot argue about, and can use as a ‘hook’ to ask you about during an interview. Actual things like:
- Managed a team of ABC people, and $XYZ budget
- Improved sales DEF% and increased gross margin by UVW%
- Established automation program and trained all GHI managers in Workflow mapping
As I was trained, the Resume should be largely generic, albeit customised for a specific industry / group.
Where the Resume is all about results and quantitative outcomes, the cover letter should be more qualitative and personal to you, as well as the organisation and opportunity.
Cover letters are for all the intangible stuff – the opportunity to talk about what you enjoy, what you’ve learned and why you want to join the company. Accordingly, some people can use it to ask initial questions about the role / organisation, to pick up during an interview.
Therefore, feel free to talk about why the role appeals to you, and and the elements of your experience/character that set you apart from other candidates. Most recruiters will have a pile of applications for each role, and are paid to screen loads of applications to a manageable number to advance to the next round of phone/in person interviews.
- Given StandardCo’s amazing reputation, can you tell me more about the culture of the local office?
- Can you tell more more about more about the specific project I’ll be working on, or is this role intending to cycle through multiple initiatives?
Remember, the whole point of the cover letter is to make you a recruiter put you in the ‘yes’ pile and advance you to interview with Human Resources (People and Culture), and a leader from the team you’re looking to join.
Good luck with your application. and see these tips for the interview!
David Carbines 