10 Tips for Creating the Perfect Resume and Cover Letter (Templates & Samples)

Are you looking for the perfect recipe to whip up that all-star resume and cover letter to help you land the job of your dreams? You’ve come to the right place! This blog post will show you how to make a great resume and cover letter with 10 brilliant tips, templates, and examples.

We’ll share tips on crafting a compelling professional profile section, adding value-based context around your experience, bullet points, and achievements, and utilizing impressive language throughout both documents — no complexity required, we promise!

So gather your pens (or keyboards), and let’s start creating a stand-out resume and cover letter combo that showcases your unique talents.

Let’s get started! 

Start With A Professional Profile Section

This section should concisely highlight your strongest qualifications and accomplishments. It should use articulate language that showcases competence and confidence.

Try to make your profile fit each job you’re applying for by putting more emphasis on certain skills that are important for that job. It’s also a good idea to include keywords that employers are looking for in candidates; this will make you more searchable when filtered through employer databases.

Creating a well-crafted profile section is critical to making a great first impression and can make all the difference in how recruiters view your candidacy. Keep it professional, but don’t be afraid to inject some personality into it!

Make Your Experience Section Stand Out

Instead of simply listing all your past jobs, use language emphasizing value-based context. Highlight tangible results and accomplishments from each experience, such as awards received or new skills learned.

It’s also good to indicate your scope of responsibility at each job. For example, if you managed a team of five people in your previous job, make sure you mention it.

By emphasizing the impact of your experience and accomplishments, you’ll be able to stand out from other candidates and make recruiters take notice!

Keep It Relevant With Targeted Skills

Some of the mistakes people make on their resumes and cover letter are listing skills that are unrelated to the position they’re applying for. So, ensure that all the skills you include are related to the job you’re seeking, even if they don’t come from experience.

By listing relevant skills, it will be easy for employers to see if you are qualified and a good fit for the job.

If you’re lacking in a specific skill related to the job, consider taking an online course or attending a seminar or workshop to gain that knowledge. This could make all the difference in standing out from other candidates.

Use Impressive and Professional Language

This is one of the things we always tell our clients — make sure your language on both the resume and cover letter is professional and impressive. Because this will help demonstrate your level of expertise, show how well you understand the industry, prove that you are well-spoken, and ultimately improve your overall presentation of yourself as a candidate.

A great way to ensure you have an effective resume and cover letter is to use strong action words throughout, remove all grammar errors or typos, and showcase verifiable metrics whenever possible.

Also, using a professional tone and the right words gives a potential employer the impression that you are sure of yourself. All these things can show that you have excellent organizational and communication skills, which potential employers will like.

Highlight Your Technical Skills

We live in a time when many jobs need technical skills, so make sure your resume and cover letter list any relevant computer and software skills. But even if the job you’re applying for doesn’t require technical aptitude, it’s still a good idea to mention it anyway.

Doing this might give you an edge over other candidates, as employers may look for candidates with both technical and soft skills.

Include Awards and Recognition

Including any awards, recognitions, or achievements on your resume and cover letter is always great. This will help you stand out from the crowd and boost your application. Putting awards on your resume shows that you can be successful in both school and work, which shows that you are a high achiever in all areas.

So, include it on your resume and cover letter if you’ve been recognized for any accomplishment! It could be the difference between getting that job or not.

List Education and Certifications

Another vital part of your resume is to include any educational background you have, even if it isn’t directly related to the job. This can show employers that you are a learner and proactive in developing yourself professionally.

Additionally, if you have any certifications or special qualifications relevant to the job, include them. This will help you stand out from other applicants and show you are knowledgeable in your field.

Including the details of your education, certifications, and awards on your resume can be a great way to demonstrate your qualifications for the job and increase your chances of getting hired.

Make Sure Everything is Updated

Ensure that everything on your resume is accurate and up-to-date. It’s always a good idea to double-check all the information in your resume and ensure nothing has changed since you last updated it.

This includes ensuring contact information such as your phone number and email address is correct and that all your job titles, dates of employment, and education details are up-to-date.

An up-to-date resume is essential to make a good impression on potential employers. So, make sure to double-check everything before submitting your application!

Always Put Your Best Foot Forward

Always put your best foot forward, no matter what job you’re applying for. Make sure to research the company and position you are applying for so that you can tailor your resume and cover letter appropriately.

Pay special attention to the details of your resume and make sure everything is accurate and up-to-date. And lastly, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and network!

Put Yourself Out There

Finally, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make connections. Networking is an important part of the job search process, so take advantage of any opportunities you can to connect with potential employers.

This could mean attending career fairs, applying for internships or jobs through a professional network like LinkedIn, or even looking for opportunities to meet with recruiters.

Putting yourself out there will help you get noticed and increase your chances of finding the perfect job!

Free Cover Letter Sample

Dear _____________,

I am interested in the position of ___________ with your company. I believe that my background and skills make me an ideal candidate for this role.

I have a proven track record of success within my field, as evidenced by my {relevant experience/qualifications}. Additionally, I possess strong technical skills and a deep understanding of {industry/area}.

I am confident that I would be an asset to your team, and I am excited by the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience in this role. Attached is my resume for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

{Name}

{Email/Phone Number}

Free Resume Sample And Template

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ______________________________________________________

Email Address: _______________________________________________________

Objective: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work Experience:

• {Company Name}, {Position Title}, {Dates of Employment} – Responsible for {describe your duties}

• {Company Name}, {Position Title}, {Dates of Employment} – Responsible for {describe your duties}

• {Company Name}, {Position Title}, {Dates of Employment} – Responsible for {describe your duties}

Education:

• School Name, Degree/Certificate/Diploma, Dates of Attendance

• School Name, Degree/Certificate/Diploma, Dates of Attendance

• School Name, Degree/Certificate/Diploma, Dates of Attendance

Skills: ____________________________________________________________________

• {Skill 1}

• {Skill 2}

• {Skill 3}

• {Skill 4}

References: Available upon request. _________________________________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to speaking with you further about this opportunity.

Sincerely,

{Your Name}

{Your Email/Phone Number}

_____________________________________ _______________________________

Signature Date

Wrapping Up

Landing a job is never easy, but with the right tools and strategies in your arsenal, you can make the process much smoother. The tips we’ve shared in this article will help you put your best foot forward and increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams. So get started today!

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EVA-REC is an award-winning ATS that helps small businesses to corporate giants build skillful workforces and hire top talent at scale. It makes it far easier for hiring teams to find, attract, and recruit top talent, every time. With world-class integrations and AI features, EVA-REC helps companies drive merit-based, objective, and fair hiring practices that minimize bias, without dehumanizing the hiring process. Request a free demo and see how our ATS can help you save time and make recruiting painless and hassle-free. 

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