Page 15 - Vets-Guide

an employer to invite you to an interview and, if interviewed, serves as a primary reference point as you discuss, examine, and evaluate your quali cations and skills.
Tip 5: Make your resume easy to read and make sure you proofread your resume several times and have others review it
e NM Workforce Connection website provides a Resume Builder tool that can assist you in preparing your resume so that it is focused and structured LVER/DVOP special- ists in your local NM Workforce Connection o ce can assist in building your resume It is use- ful to also utilize veteran resources such as TAP workshops, NMDVS and USVA resources, transition services provided by military branches, and websites such as www CareerOneStop com and www
military com (among others) that provide examples of veteran resumes and a wide variety of
information on the job search and application process
Step 4: Writing Your
Cover Letter
A cover letter should always accompany your resume when applying for a job (unless otherwise speci ed) In general, a cover letter is your introduction and should be dra ed to draw the employer into looking at your resume Cover letters vary in style awnd content more than resumes, but there are certain guidelines you should follow in developing your cover letter
5 Key Tips to a Successful Cover
Letter:
Tip 1: Your cover letter should be typed, addressed to a speci c individual or department, and closed with your sig- nature
Tip 2: While your resume sticks to information on your skills and experience, your cover letter can convey some of your personality
Tip 3: Keep your cover letter concise, interesting, informa- tive, professional, and courteous Your cover letter should not repeat details provided in your resume, but outline high- level abilities and skills in context with your personality and work ethic
Tip 4: Much like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to the speci c position and employer
While it may be fairly simple
to list your previous employment,
education, and primary skills, it is
not always so easy to phrase and
compile this information into a
resume that is organized, complete,
clear, and accurate and that high-
lights your greatest strengths and
quali cations in a straightforward
and precise way As a veteran, you
face the challenge of highlighting
your greatest strengths and quali-
cations and how they can be used
in the position for which you are
applying, all while avoiding strict
and direct focus on your military experience. What this means is that you should emphasize your skills, with refer- ence to your military career, and avoid simply listing your job titles Overemphasizing your military career as opposed to your general skills and abilities can even be a detriment because civilian employers do not always understand the types of duties under military occupations or military orga- nizational structure For example, you may have been a Hospital Corpsman, but you also had additional collateral appointments that expanded your skill set and responsibili- ties Make sure you mention collateral appointments, what they entailed, and how they serve as an example of your pro- gression in your military career Another example might be a Gunner’s Mate It is possible the employer has little idea of the tasks and skills required for such a position so drawing attention to skills and abilities is particularly important
5 Key Tips to a Successful Resume:
Tip 1: Tailor your resume to the position for which you are applying Include skills and activities that are most relevant, how you can contribute to the position, and even use key words from the job posting Some employers actually use so ware that grades your resume on how it uses keywords and phrases from the job posting
Tip 2: Limit your resume to no longer than 2 pages
Tip 3: Avoid misrepresentation of your abilities
Tip 4: Provide examples of challenges you faced and prob- lems you solved Emphasize the positive and quantify your
achievements
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