Personal Academic and Career Portfolio Help

Chapter 6: Finding and Applying for a Job

Job Leads, Your Résumé, and a Cover Letter

When creating your cover letter and résumé, target all the information to the specific job you are seeking. Emphasize how your skills, education, work experience, and personal qualities can help the employer meet his or her needs. Back up your "sales pitch" for yourself with specific examples of how you have demonstrated your skills and personal qualities in the past. Doing research about the company where you are seeking a job can also help you write a targeted cover letter that shows your preparation and enthusiasm.

Spell- and grammar-check your résumé and cover letter and proofread them several times. You may also want to show them to a trusted friend or adult for feedback.

Update your résumé and your sample cover letter as your information changes. Add new work experiences and educational achievements as you progress toward your career goal. You may also want to keep older versions of your résumé in your Personal Academic and Career Portfolio so you can chart your progress.