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Looking for advice on best format for Resume and Cover letters

Veteran

Timothy Abrahamson Fort Bragg, NC

During the SFL-Taps course we spent a short amount of time on building resumes, but nearly none on cover letters. Was wondering which formats work best. Thanks.

22 April 2020 6 replies Resumes & Cover Letters

Answers

Advisor

Steven Sachs Washougal, WA

Businesses like seeing numbers and accomplishments. Examples:
I increased the efficiency of our team by 45% over the previous year's output.
I introduced six new methods to accomplish our goal.
I supervised 133 soldiers/doctors/whatever for eight years
I was promoted four times in 10 years

It is standard fare for resumes to include such statements. Avoid general bragging like "I did the best in our outfit" or "I am extremely good at detail." Every bank or restaurant commercial says that it's the best. No mature people believe these vacant claims.

Finally, the cover-letter-plus-resume is the best combination, but, if you can swing it, doing volunteer or mentor or internship work is supreme. People get to know the person instead of his paper representation.

I hope this helps, Timothy.

Advisor

Joy Montgomery Pleasanton, CA

My detailed road map is on my website. www.ReBootCamp.US

Advisor

Chris Anderson Providence, RI

I agree with what everyone else told you. However, if you’re seeking federal employment, the structure is a lot different. You can message me for more details.

Advisor

Katie Tamarelli Newport, KY

Hi Timothy,

Thank you very much for your service.

From a content perspective, I like to follow this flow:
1. First paragraph: what job are you interested in, how did you find and what research did you do (did you talk to people and who or other information)
2. Second paragraph: 3-5 sentences on your qualifications that seem most important. I used to highlight 2-3 skills in those sentences
3. Third paragraph: Logistics -- available for an interview, call me at this number, or email me at this.

Keep it short and sweet. Rarely does the cover letter get you an interview (in my experience), but it will get you removed from contention.

One point though, I do find that cover letters have been more or less replaced by an email. It would typically be the email that you are attaching your resume to. Very rarely are they the printed style like we used to do.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions -- happy to connect directly. Feel free to message me.

Best,
Katie

Advisor

Gary Rossi Napa, CA

Hello Timothy, Just to set the stage I have been a career coach now since 2006 working in a variety of capacities; director career services for a career college; TAP Facilitator; and Career Coach and Consultant for a professional career management agency. In all my years the best format for a cover letter is a T-letter - if you provide me your email address in can provide you a template. Also would be willing to connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyrossibaldrigecoach/
my email is gljrossi107@gmail.com

Advisor

Rex Conger Gilbert, SC

I'll be glad to help you with that - First the resume you submit should be formed specifically to show the background, accomplishments and experience you would bring to "the job/position" you are applying for. The cover letter is meant to grab their attention in the first paragraph and show that you have that quantifiable accomplishments that make you the very best candidate to address the specific needs that the potential employer has identified in their advertisement.

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