Do I need a COVER LETTER when submitting my resume?

John Scerbo • February 7, 2023

Is Cover Letter Relevant When You Already Have a Resume?

Having a cover letter with your resume is essential when applying for a job. This letter should expound upon your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position, while also providing insight into why you would be a good candidate. Sending a cover letter with your resume can be done via email, personally dropping it off, or mailing it. Let’s explore these three methods for submitting your resume with a cover letter.

Sending via Email

Sending a resume and cover letter via email can be the most convenient approach for many. When sending a resume and cover letter via email it’s important to ensure that the files are in a compatible format. PDF is the suggested format in most cases as this will make sure there is no loss of formatting. Additionally, research suggests that PDFs get opened most often, thus ensuring that your cover letter and resume get to the hiring manager in an intact, presentable form.

When sending a resume and cover letter via email ensure that the body contains a clear, appropriate message. Avoid starting the email with a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager,” as this will make the email seem impersonal and robotic. Personalized salutations should include the name of the hiring manager when available. Additionally, it is important to include a mention of the position that you’re applying for and any other pertinent information such as a reference number.

Dropping it off

Dropping off a resume and cover letter in person can be an effective way to catch the attention of the hiring manager. Ensure that the resume and cover letter look professional when dropping them off; you don’t want them to appear to have been printed haphazardly or to look worn or soiled. Dropping off a resume and cover letter will be most effective if done in unison with a handshake, a smile, and some quick, crisp and clear reason for why you’re interested in the position.

Mailing It

Sending a resume and cover letter via mail can be a valid approach as well. If mailing it, ensure that the letters are printed on high quality, professional paper. The paper should be white or off white, with a matte finish. Additionally, the cover letter should contain a letterhead that contains the same contact information that is present on the resume. As with any other method select a readable font such as Times New Roman and use formatting to create a professional, formal letter. If a signature is present, ensure that it is legible and written in blue or black ink.

Submitting your resume and cover letter is a key step in the job application process. As such, it is important to ensure that your submission is professional and stands out from the competition. Ultimately, the best method to format, write and submit a resume and cover letter will vary from position to position; however, the methods discussed above represent valid approaches for all job applications. If you’re looking for a job in food or careers in food and have experience working in the food and beverage manufacturing industries, contact us at www.foodemployment.com.

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The Evolving Resume

By John Scerbo • January 11, 2024

Need to Write or Update your Resume/CV? Read this blog first. If you haven’t written or updated your resume/CV in while you may be surprised to see how things have changed over the last 5-10 years. The resume/cv has been evolving along with the job market, reflecting changes in hiring practices, technology, and design trends. Here are some notable shifts in Resume/CV layouts: Visual Appeal and Design Elements Graphics and Icons : Resumes today often incorporate subtle graphics, icons, or creative elements to make them visually appealing. Infographics : Some professionals use infographics to present key skills and achievements in a visually engaging manner. Minimalism and Simplicity Clean Designs : There is a trend towards clean and minimalist designs, focusing on readability and simplicity. Shorter Resumes: Conciseness is key, and many job seekers aim for shorter, more focused resumes, typically one or two pages. Customization for Online Applications Keyword Optimization: Resumes are often tailored to include relevant keywords for specific job applications, especially for online submissions that undergo electronic screening. Hyperlinks : Professionals include hyperlinks to LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, or other online resources to provide additional information. Incorporation of Technology Digital Formats : With the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS), resumes are often designed to be easily parsed by these systems, prompting the use of standard fonts and formats. Typically, PDF or Word format is preferred. Online Portfolios : Job seekers increasingly include links to personal websites or portfolios showcasing their work. Focus on Achievements Results-Oriented Content : Resumes now emphasize achievements and quantifiable results, showcasing how a candidate added value in previous roles rather than just listing responsibilities. Personal Branding Professional Summaries: A well-crafted professional summary or objective is becoming more common, allowing candidates to present a brief overview of their skills and career goals. Branding Statements: Job seekers often include a brief branding statement that encapsulates their unique value proposition. Social Media Integration LinkedIn Integration : Many professionals include their LinkedIn profiles, recognizing its significance in professional networking and showcasing a broader professional footprint. Section Flexibility Skills Sections: A skills section is often prominently placed, showcasing key competencies relevant to the position. Customizable Sections : Resumes are increasingly flexible, allowing candidates to include sections relevant to their career, such as certifications, publications, or volunteer work. Remote Work Emphasis Remote Work Experience : Given the increased prevalence of remote work, some resumes highlight experience and skills related to remote collaboration, project management, and digital communication. Accessibility Accessible Design : There's a growing awareness of the importance of creating resumes that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, prompting the use of accessible fonts, colors, and formatting. Today’s resume/CV’s are characterized by a balance between visual appeal, concise content, and adaptability for online applications . Job seekers focus on presenting a compelling narrative of their professional journey while aligning with contemporary hiring practices.