The Power of Cover Letters and Resumes

They might not win you the job by themselves, but you'd better believe that a poorly crafted cover letter and resume can dash your chances of ever getting to the next level. So if it's a job interview you're after, it's worth the extra time and effort to make sure your cover letter and resume sparkle accordingly.

After all, they're representing you. The Cover Letter The author of The Physical & Occupational Therapists' Job Search Handbook (1989, Birmingham, MI: Peringian and Associates), Lynda Peringian, MS, CPC (certified personnel consultant), has more than 20 years' experience placing health care professionals in facilities across the country. In a nutshell, she said, the main role of the cover letter and resume is to introduce a job applicant to a prospective employer. "The cover letter and resume work as a package for applicants to present themselves to facilities they'd like to work for," said Peringian, of Birmingham, MI. "I don't know that either one is more important than the other." When addressing cover letters, remember that the letter is going to be read by a person --- not a facility or a title. If you don't know the name of the human resources or rehabilitation director, call the facility and ask. A "Dear Mr. Smith" greeting comes across more friendly and knowledgeable than a "To Whom It May Concern" one. Also, using the name within the body of the letter creates a warm, yet professional, atmosphere for the reader. Cover letters should be dated and formatted like any other business letter and should contain simple, direct language. Though brief, they should also be polite, using phrases like "please" and "thank you," and maintain a positive tone throughout. Of course that also means don't include the nitty gritty of your squabbles with past supervisors or the politics of your current work setting. Instead, remember what Mom said: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. "Keeping a good attitude is the key," said Peringian. "Also, never lie, be honest and use the basic rules of etiquette, and you will create a professional, positive image." When all is said and done, the cover letter should briefly tell your story-where you've been and what you're looking for. Most importantly, it should also mention that your resume is enclosed. The Resume According to Peringian, the heart of any resume is the four "what"s it should contain: what you can do; what you have done; what you know; and what kind of job you'd like to have. Personal information like religion, race, political affiliation and date of birth should not be included. While resumes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, Peringian recommended keeping the document under three pages. "Further details can always be presented at the interview," she reminded. The top center of the page should consist of the applicant's name and contact information (usually address, phone and/or fax numbers and e-mail address). The next section is made up of a brief statement explaining your career objective or the position you're interested in. Following that is the section on education: schools attended, subjects studied and skills acquired. Certification information, activities or special achievements also tend to fit nicely into this section, according to Peringian. A section on employment experience is next, beginning with information about your most recent position and working backward toward the start of your career. Usually included in employment information are the dates of employment, facilities worked at, job titles you held and your main responsibilities at each job. Salary information, advised Peringian, is typically left out unless requested by the prospective employer. Information about professional organizations and continuing education classes taken can then be listed in their own sections. The end of the resume should always include a mention of references, either listing names and numbers, or a note explaining they will be furnished upon request. Delivery Options While e-mail and fax transmissions of cover letters and resumes are fine if the classified ad says so, Peringian recommended that they otherwise be sent via regular mail. "Or, if you are more seriously job searching, you may want to use mail, fax and e-mail-all of the delivery options combined," she said. Although many envelopes are typed by the applicant --- conveying an even more professional image --- others send them handwritten. "Interestingly enough, a lot of employers like to see applicants' handwriting on the envelope. Is the writing sloppy? Is it addressed correctly?" shared Peringian. "The employers are testing and may actually judge candidates by their writing. You can learn a lot by looking at an envelope." Delivering the cover letter and resume in person is another alternative, she said. It's something that's becoming more and more common as job searches become increasingly competitive. Just remember to make sure you're dressed appropriately and look professional. Otherwise, the cover letter and resume you've worked so hard on might not even be read at all. Jolynn Tumolo is on staff at ADVANCE and can be reached at jtumolo@merion.com.