If you are graduating soon, getting a job is most likely on your mind. What should also be on your mind are the impending difficulties the current job market and economy poses. You have to compete against the existing work force, other graduates and plenty of unemployed workers.
It may seem dismal, but don’t worry. Believe it or not, there are plenty of tools available to you to help you appear to be the best candidate on the block. One such tool is the aid of the helpful folks over at Portland State’s own career center, who provide everything from workshops, personal counseling, tips on snagging that job and more. Consult them when working on your résumé and cover letters.
The Vanguard is also here to help you with tips to help make your résumé and cover letter shine. But don’t stop here, check into the career center, spend some serious time with your résumé and cover letter, and don’t stop searching. In the end, looking for a job is as much work as having a job.
It is important to note that the following examples are very basic and should not be followed too strictly. Remember to make your cover letters and résumés unique to you and the job you are applying for. There is also other information you may want to include such as course work you’ve completed, papers you’ve written, skills and talents, etc. There are also a variety of different formats you can use.
Tips from PSU’s Career Center
1. Customize your résumé. Make your résumé match the job you are applying for. Some employers search for key words pertinent to the job. Many employers may also just skim your résumé looking for experience, etc. so make sure important information pops out and is set right up front in your résumé.
2. Make your résumé relevant. Employers want to see applicable experience, whether you were paid for it or not. Don’t forget your class work, projects, papers, etc. that relate to the job you are going for.
3. Typographical and grammatical errors are important. Such errors on your résumé or cover letter turn off employers more than you think. Always read your résumé aloud and have three other people read it as well.