Resume/Cover Letter Blues-Corporate Employers HELP!

[Lucylie]

I am trying to find a job in the professional world. I am a college student in dire need of employment outside of the food service industry and the like. I have all of the skills neccessary for the jobs I am applying for, though I don't have the clout that other applicants do.

As I sat down trying to think of what to put in my cover letter/resume to set me apart, I realized that I don't have the slightest clue what the hell I'm doing. Selling myself has never been a strong suit of mine and I'm new to this whole thing.

**Is there anyone out there in computer land that can help a sister out, specifically those who have been in a position that required them to look over resumes and hire new people.**

 

[Decaf]

Welcome to the club. Are you graduating in Spring or looking for a summer job?

 

[Lucylie]

Welcome to the club. Are you graduating in Spring or looking for a summer job?

I would say the latter. Graduation within the year is looking a bit dim.

 

[EditorOne]

Cover letter and resume are to get you the interview.

Interview is to get you the job.

None of that works as well as just knowing where there's a job and knowing the people who actually hire. Contacts matter the higher you go. For what you're doing, not so much, maybe.

If you have to deal with a human resources department rather than actual human beings, just fill in their application and cross your fingers. Those people tend to find us incomprehensible.

If you are answering an advertisement for a job, make sure you repeat the qualifications they note in the ad and cite your meeting of those qualifications. It sounds redundant, but it is not. "We seek an intelligent typist with excellent spelling skills."
"I am an intelligent (IQ 125) typist (95 wpm) with straight A grades in writing courses."

That is tremendously reassuring to a potential employer, you actually had the intelligence to spell out where you match up with the job. Actual effective people are hard to find.

If you find it difficult to speak about your accomplishments, say so.

"I am uncomfortable extolling my skills and talents but realize there are times, like this, when it is necessary." Or "I find it offputting to have to talk about myself, but know it is necessary to let you know I've got everything the job requires." You've cleared your own mental decks; after you review the letter at the end you might decide you can just leave that sentence out. Or not.

Keep it short and to the point, and if you are actually cheerful and optimistic, or any of the other generally positive conditions or outlooks, say so. If you're a dour loner sure the world will end in 2012, mebbe just keep that to yourself.

If you are responding to a specific person, by all means take a care to spell the name properly.

If you get an interview, avoid anything that bespeaks "attitude," like green hair or an eagle tattooed on your forehead. Unless the job is that of bouncer; for that one, attitude would be good.

Good luck.

 

[Infinite Regress]

Just take a look at the key competencies they outline in the ad and really hammer on those in your CL and Resume, backed up with examples.

As long as they find something 1) interesting and/or 2) shows you have experience they will give you a chance for an interview.

 

[snafupants]

I feel for you - selling myself has never been a strong suit. Job interviews, dating, meeting potential friends: really uncomfortable.