Written by Technical Recruiter, Marc Ingrassia

My experience has shown that cover letters are more of a formality. I do technical recruiting so, I am more about skills than packaging. Keep in mind recruiters and HR people go through a lot of CV's daily so they generally scan resumes for qualifiers. (And, keep the cover letter short.) Here is a list of things I tell job seekers.

Cover letters

Mr. Hayes, I am responding to your paralegal position. As I am flexible with my work hours and have proven skills in computer and legal searches, I know I am equal to the job. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

RESUMES:

• Read other paralegal resumes and get a feel for what sounds good and what doesn't.
• Imagine you are competing the resumes you read (because you probably are) and you are the one reading the resumes...ask yourself, what would make me stand out?
• >Modify resumes to emphasize the qualities that the employer is looking for---within the realm of honesty, of course.
• Use short, bold words and sentences.
• Don't be afraid to promote yourself with descriptions...Adept at...expert with...excelled in..
• Don't be overly fancy or cute. Just get the message out.
• Remember, the resume is basically an invitation to come back and find out more about you...it's not a tell-all.

Mark Ingrassia
Technical Recruiter
mark_ingrassia@yahoo.com