Cover Letters and Resumes

What is a COVER LETTER?
It is a brief letter introducing you to a prospective employer. It accompanies your resume and should make the employer want to read on – to your resume. It gives you the opportunity to market yourself, so it needs to make a good impression, in order for the employer to consider you for an interview. The cover letter should be specific and spell out why you think you are suitable for the job and what you can offer the employer. Always address any selection criteria that the employer may list as a requirement for the job.

What is a RESUME? (Also known as a Curriculum Vitae or a CV)
A resume is a document that summarises you and your suitability for employment. It’s your profile, not for MySpace, but a profile that is appropriate for employment.
It should outline all work experience, stressing relevant areas, education, accomplishments and your strengths and employability skills. A resume is always given to an employer when applying for a job. It often tells the employer other skills or attributes that you have that are not listed in the cover letter.

RESUME & COVER LETTER Resources
Once you have a good resume set up, you will be able to edit and adapt it throughout your life. Every time you change a job or have a promotion, include it in your resume. There are some great resources on the internet that will help you write a professional resume and cover letter. Listed below are links to the sites that Youth Connect recommends.
Youth Central www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
Job Juice http://www.jobjuice.gov.au/default.htm
Careers online www.careersonline.com.au
Workplace (Vic Govt) www.workplace.gov.au

Helpful tips!

Make sure all the information is correct - don’t lie!
Get at least 2 people to proof read your resume and cover letter. It should read well with no typos or mistakes in spelling or grammar
Tailor your resume to the position or industry that you are applying for. The skills or strengths listed should be in line with the skills needed to do the job.
Is there enough detail?? Don’t make the resume too general
and/or vague.
Include current referees. Contact them to request their permission in order for you to use their contact details. Make sure they will give you a positive reference.
Don’t go over the top with the formatting and fonts - Keep It simple, clear and consistent.
Avoid trying to sound impressive. Don’t use too many big words
When emailing your resume & cover letter to employers, do not use ‘txt’abbreviated ‘msg’. Keep you email, professional. It too is part of your presentation.

Career Quiz’s

Unsure what you want to do, why not do a free Career’s or Work Interest Quiz it might help give you some ideas
Job Juice
My Future
Jobsearch

Resources you should look out for…

Job Guide
The Job guide has information on a range of different occupations including education and training pathways information. It also provides information on the job search process, details of government assistance and where to go for further information.
The Job Guide is released every year in June. Year 10 students should receive a copy from their school otherwise it is available on-line or at Newsagencies. Your School’s Careers Coordinator should have a copy available.
www.jobguide.deewr.gov.au