Writing a resume and cover letter always seems like it should be straightforward to me, but it never really is. Resumes and cover letters are actually some of the most difficult things in the world to write. You see, many people have a lot of trouble selling themselves. We are taught to be modest, not to brag, and not to show off. These teachings can be hard to overcome.
Often, when someone goes to write a resume cover letter, they fall for one extreme or the other. Either they will overstate their qualifications in order to look good, and end up appearing unprofessional, or they will understate everything and appear to be underqualified. As a professional career counselor, I often tell people that the hardest thing about writing a resume and cover letter is to strike just the right balance. You need to seem confident and ready for the job, but not seem like you are exaggerating your credentials.
Sample resumes and cover letter are the best ways to try to learn how to strike the correct balance. You see, it is a mistake to try too hard to be original when writing a cover letter and resume. You need a hook, something that separates you from the other candidates for the job, but at the same time you need to come across as exhibiting all of the qualifications required. If you are too unconventional in your resume and cover letter, a boss might think that you are a wildcard and decide not to hire you. This is why it can be so helpful to look at resumes and cover letters that other people have written in the past. They will give you a variety of forms proven to come across as professional and thoroughly acceptable. Then it is up to you to write them in a way that shows your talents.
Of course, you need to make sure that a friend reads your resume and cover letter. I remember the first time I applied for a serious professional position. Although I spell checked and thoroughly corrected a resume and cover letter, there were some mistakes that I could not see. It was embarrassing, not only because it looked unprofessional, but because of the job that I was applying for. I had sent the resume and cover letter to a publishing agency looking for a proofreader. Unfortunately, although I was generally a good proofreader, I was unable to see the mistakes on my own resume and cover letter!
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