Searching for a job can be an extremely draining experience. At first, it seems simple to develop a cover letter and update your resume, but when a job search wears on, you can get pretty worn down. When a job search lasts for more than a month or two, this can become exceptionally true.

If you have been searching for a job for a while and are tired, feeling discouraged, and just want a break, it’s time to employ some rules that will help you to stop overextending yourself. Before engaging in a job search, it’s vital to take some time to develop good habits that will help you stay motivated and optimistic. Read the full story

Popularity: 8%

How to write a resume? It shoudn’t be a difficult question to answer and yet it’s a question many are left asking as they find themselves staring intently at a blank sheet of paper or an empty computer screen.

You have skills that employers want. But those skills won’t get you a job if no one knows you have them. Good resumes, applications, and cover letters broadcast your abilities.

They tell employers how your qualifications match a job’s responsibilities. If these paper preliminaries are constructed well, you have a better chance of landing interviews; and, eventually, a job.

Modern technology has added a new twist to preparing resumes and cover letters. The availability of personal computers and laser printers has raised employers’ expectations of the quality of resumes and cover letters applicants produce. Read the full story

Popularity: 78%

Every résumé you send, fax, or e-mail needs its own cover letter.

Sending a résumé without a cover letter is like starting an interview without shaking hands. The best cover letters spark the employer’s interest and create an impression of competence.

Cover letters are an opportunity to convey your focus and energy.  If you don’t have a lot of experience, use the cover letter to show you have enthusiasm.

Writing a strong cover letter and then calling to follow up shows the employer you have drive and interest.

Although you should feel free to consult references and models, use your own words when writing a cover letter; don’t mimic another person’s writing style. Read the full story

Popularity: 45%

Download our free Functional Resume template in Microsoft Word Format

This Functional Resume is designed to to emphasise your main skills, competencies or expertise that you may have in a specific area (e.g. IT, Finance, Project Management) rather than concentrating on employers and dates.

In a lot of cases it would be used to demonstrate your expertise in a particular skill, functional area or field of business.

Functional CVs are a lot more adaptable to certain circumstances, such as a lack of specific experience in a particular field, or gaps in between job changes which you may find difficult to explain.

You need to be aware however that because of these reasons functional CVs are often viewed with suspicion by many recruitment personnel because they often appear to hide some information which often has the effect of making them difficult to follow. Read the full story

Popularity: 77%