How to Successfully Choose the Right Career for Your Future

The Cover Letter

You will also need a cover letter to accompany your resume. In general, the cover letter should be as concise and to the point as possible. Don’t ramble on and on, let your resume do the talking. The cover letter is just a basic introduction to your resume.

Use very positive language and be concise. If you are responding to an advertisement for a job, always include where you saw the ad (i.e. Newspaper, online, etc.). Here’s an example of a brief cover letter:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am writing in response to your ad that ran in yesterday’s edition of The Tribune in which you advertised for a research assistant. As you can see from the attached resume, I have the qualifications you asked for in the ad and would like to be considered for this position.

While my previous career was not in the research field, I have always had an interest in working a job such as this which is why I have obtained additional schooling that qualifies me to do this type of work. Doing research has always been a dream of mine, and I was excited to see that your company has a position available.

I am the right person for this job which will be evident to you with a personal interview. You will see my passion and desire to work in this field when we can speak face to face. I can be reached or a message may be left at (555) 555-5555. I look forward to meeting with you. Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Sincerely, (You)

If you don’t have a specific person you are addressing the letter to, you will want to address it to “Ladies and Gentlemen”. DO NOT address it to “To Whom It May Concern”. That is considered unprofessional and very non-businesslike.

Just as with the resume, you should proofread extensively to make sure that there are no typographical errors and that your punctuation and grammar is all correct.

The Interview

A good, solid resume and cover letter will get you an interview which is when it is your job to shine and stand out from other applicants. How do you do that? Preparation is key in the process. Being prepared for a job interview means knowing about the industry, the employer, and yourself. It means paying attention to details like personal appearance, punctuality, and demeanor.

What To Wear

First, you must dress appropriately. Generally, it's a good idea to wear a suit for a job interview. Go with something simple, in a neutral tone. The more conservative your field is, the more conservative your suit should be. For example, if you're applying for a job in an investment firm, go with a navy blue or dark gray suit. For women, a dress is also appropriate attire for a job interview.

It's a good idea to match your interview attire to the prospective job. If you are applying for a job working on a warehouse floor, you will look out of place wearing a formal suit. Keeping that in mind, dress a little better than you would for a day at work and make sure your clothes are neat and clean. Do not wear jeans.

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