How to Get Cover Letters and Resumes Noticed by Employers

Many lists of tips for college students include advice on writing resumes and cover letters, and for good reason: They are an essential part of the job-seeking process. Being able to craft detailed yet tailored and precise resumes and cover letters gives applicants the leg up they need to advance their careers or successfully pursue new ones. Here are three ways to get your application noticed by recruiters.

When It Comes to Resumes, Less Is Often More

When drafting a resume, it's important to remember the six-second rule, which refers to the tendency of employers to spend approximately six seconds looking over each resume they receive. Every employer is different, of course, but this rule encourages job seekers to be concise and precise in summing up their academic and professional credentials. In general, resumes should only include information from the last 15 years that's relevant to the position being applied for. It's also helpful to include several keywords from the job description in case the employer is using an applicant tracking system.

Cover Letters Should Sell the Applicant

Like resumes, cover letters should be concise and to the point, beginning with an opening paragraph expressing an interest in the company and position. In the following paragraph, applicants should highlight their most relevant academic and professional experiences; in other words, they should explain why they're the right person to solve the employer's problems. Applicants should close a cover letter with a call to action, such as a desire to meet in person for an interview.

Don't Forget to Highlight Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are all of the soft skills one acquires over the course of working a job, from problem-solving and communication to teamwork and flexibility. Resumes and cover letters should highlight an applicant's transferable skills while tailoring them to the job's requirements. However, it's always better for an applicant to show rather than tell how their transferable skills helped them in their last position and could help their potential future employers.

Being able to craft effective, attention-grabbing resumes and cover letters is an important part of landing your dream career. Whether you're considering or enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program, the Tulane School of Professional Advancement offers several career development services to help you find employment after graduation. To learn more about how our programs can help you achieve your career goals, request more information today.