How to Write Strong Resumes and Cover Letters That Get You Noticed

Resumes and Cover Letters • Published on January 19

How to Write Strong Resumes and Cover Letters That Get You Noticed

Your resume and cover letter are your first introduction to a potential employer — and they often determine whether you get called in for an interview. A well-crafted resume and targeted cover letter demonstrate your experience, communicate your value, and show that you understand what the employer is looking for. With thoughtful attention to content, format, and relevance, you’ll make a strong first impression and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

What a Resume Really Is

A resume is more than a list of jobs — it’s a marketing tool that highlights your qualifications in a way that connects directly to the position you’re targeting. It should showcase:

  • Your education and training
  • Relevant experience, including paid, unpaid, and co-curricular roles
  • Your skills and accomplishments, not just responsibilities

The key principle? Target your resume for each job you apply to. Tailor what you include so it aligns with the employer’s needs and the language in the job posting.

Choose the Right Resume Format

Three common formats help highlight different strengths:

1. Chronological

This traditional format lists your work history in reverse order and is ideal if you have relevant, steady experience. It’s often what employers expect.

2. Combination

This format showcases your skills first and your job history second. Use it when your skills are stronger than your work history for the role you want.

3. Functional

Focused entirely on skills rather than work history, this format can help if you’re changing fields or have uneven work experience. However, it’s less common and sometimes confusing for hiring managers.

Your sections might include Highlights, Education, Relevant Experience, Skills, Professional Development, Extracurricular Activities, and Awards. Sequence them based on what is most relevant to the job you’re targeting.

Resume Writing Tips That Work

Use Active Language

Start bullet points with strong action verbs like developed, led, or coordinated, and provide examples that show your impact.

Quantify Achievements

Numbers make your accomplishments measurable — for example, “increased volunteer sign-ups by 30%” communicates impact clearly.

Keep It Clear and Simple

Use a simple, consistent format that’s easy to scan. If the employer uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), avoid fancy designs or graphics that might not parse properly.

Proofread Carefully

Mistakes in spelling, grammar, or formatting can hurt your credibility. Always check your resume and have someone else review it too.

Cover Letters: Your Chance to Tell Your Story

While your resume lists your qualifications, your cover letter communicates who you are, why you’re a great fit, and how you can contribute. It should:

  • Be targeted to the specific job and employer
  • Be formatted like a professional business letter
  • Match the formatting and tone of your resume
  • Be no more than one page in length

Your letter should not simply restate your resume. Instead, use it to connect your experience to the employer’s needs by choosing key qualifications from the job posting and offering specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated them.

Structure Your Cover Letter Effectively

Opening

Start with a greeting and a clear statement of the position you’re applying for. If possible, address it to the hiring manager by name.

Body Paragraphs

Use two or three short paragraphs to demonstrate:

  • How your skills align with the job requirements
  • Specific examples of achievements that show your impact
  • Why you’re interested in that employer and role

Avoid repeating your resume point-by-point. Instead, tell a story about your career journey and how it has prepared you to contribute immediately.

Closing

End with enthusiasm, a summary of your value, and a polite invitation to discuss your candidacy further.

Final Tips Before You Hit Submit

  • Tailor both documents for each application — generic resumes and cover letters are easy for employers to spot and often get ignored.
  • Use keywords from the job posting just as applicant tracking systems and recruiters would.
  • Keep it professional and error-free — mistakes can undermine the strengths you’re trying to communicate.
  • Get feedback or support. Career advisors can provide critiques and workshops to help strengthen your application materials.

Conclusion

Crafting a strong resume and compelling cover letter takes effort, but it pays off. These documents are your chance to sell your skills, tell your story, and stand out from the crowd. By being intentional, targeted, and clear in your writing, you’ll build professional materials that authentically reflect your strengths and increase your chances of landing interviews and job offers.