Having a well-crafted cover letter, on top of a polished resume, can significantly increase your chances of landing a job. Whether you’re applying for part-time roles during your studies or preparing for your dream career after graduation, crafting a tailored application can make all the difference. Here’s how to get started on creating professional, eye-catching documents that can stand out to employers.
A Student’s Guide to Writing a Winning Resume and Cover Letter
Crafting a Resume that Stands Out
Your resume is your personal marketing tool. It should present your unique skills, accomplishments, and experiences in a way that reflects your potential as a student or recent graduate. Here are some tips to ensure they shine through:
1. Polish Formatting: Use a clean, professional layout. Stick to one or two easy-to-read fonts and ensure consistent spacing. Avoid long sentences and use bullet points for readability. Tools like Canva offer visually appealing and modern resume templates for free.
2. Highlight Relevant Academic Achievements: Include relevant coursework, internships, extracurricular activities, or research that aligns with the role you’re applying for. For example, if you’re studying marketing, mention your success in a group project where you developed a campaign plan. IT students could showcase coding or app development projects.
3. Quantify Your Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact. For instance, instead of saying “Managed event logistics,” say, “Organised a university event attended by over 200 students, ensuring smooth coordination and positive feedback.”
4. Use Action Words: Start bullet points with action verbs such as “initiated,” “implemented,” or “collaborated” to demonstrate initiative and accomplishments.
5. Tailor Your Content: Customise your resume for each role by incorporating keywords from the job description. This signals to employers that you match the skills they are looking for.
Writing a Compelling Cover Letter
A cover letter complements your resume by explaining why you’re a perfect fit for the role. It’s your chance to add personality and context.
1. Craft a personalised Introduction: Begin with a few sentences introducing yourself, mentioning your current studies, key skills, and career goals.
2. Align Your Skills with the Job Requirements: Highlight specific achievements or experiences that directly relate to the role. For example, “My role as treasurer of the student association helped me develop strong budgeting and organisational skills, which align with the financial planning responsibilities of this position.”
3. Express Enthusiasm: Employers value passion and eagerness to learn. Be sure to convey genuine interest in the role and organisation.
4. Call to Action: End with a positive statement expressing your readiness for an interview. For example, “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team’s success.” Keep the tone professional yet approachable.
Utilising Career Resources
Did you know there are resources specifically designed for students to succeed in job applications? Visit platforms like Jora and Seek for templates and employment tips, or look for your local student organisation such as Study Melbourne or Study NSW for workshops that assist you through the application process.
Additionally, your university’s career services might offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and one-on-one consultations. Take full advantage of these services—they’re designed to help you succeed!
How EIA Supports Your Career Goals
At Edvantage Institute Australia (EIA), we are committed to empowering students like you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to achieve their career aspirations. Through innovative curricula and industry connections, and a personalised learning approach, we focus on making our graduates career-ready. If you are ready to benefit from our cutting-edge Bachelor programs and hands-on support, reach out and make an enquiry today.
