A cover letter is an application document you pair with your resume that explains why you want a particular job, and why you think you’re the right person for that job. Some general recommendations include: 

• 200–350 words
• Single-spaced
• Use font like Arial or Calibri
• The font size should be between 10.5 and 12 points 

Learn how to write a cover letter, browse cover letter samples, or review the following for what to include in your cover letter:  

• Header 
  • Contact info (name, email address, phone number)
  • If you want to, you can also include your: mailing address, LinkedIn profile link, portfolio or website, pronouns
• Salutation
  • Address the hiring manager by name if you know it
• Introduction
  • List the position and organization you are applying for
  • Where you found the position
  • Why are you excited about the opportunity?
• Body
  • Explain why you are qualified for the job
  • Relate your experience to the company’s needs
    • Work experience
    • Educational background
    • Skills and personal qualities
• Closing
  • Restate your excitement about the job opportunity
  • Describing when you are available to further discuss the opportunity
  • Thank them for their time
• Signature

Employers use resumes throughout the hiring process to learn more about applicants and whether they might be a good fit. Your resume should be easy to read, summarize your accomplishments and skills, and highlight relevant experience.

What your resume should include: 

• Name and contact information
• Objective
  • Short, one to two sentence section that briefly explains who you are and why you’re qualified.  
• Education
• Professional history/ experience
• List of relevant skills, tools and certifications
• Additional relevant accomplishments and volunteer work

Resume tips

• Include keywords from the job posting
• Use a professional font (Arial or Times New Roman)
• Keep your font size between 10–12 points
• Use power words, such as “achieved,” “earned,” “completed” or “accomplished”
• Highlight only the accomplishments and skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for 
• List items in reverse chronological order (most recent experience is listed first)
• Limit to one to two pages as best as you can

Interviewing is an important step in the employee selection process. If done effectively, the interview enables the employer to determine if an applicant's skills, experience and personality meet the job's requirements. Interviews help employers gather helpful knowledge about a potential employee that cannot be taken from a resume or cover letter. Don't forget to think about your attire and what to wear! 

Before the interview:

• Research the position and organization
• Review your application and resume and be prepared to support past accomplishments with specific information targeted towards the position requirements.
• Practice interviewing
• Be flexible with scheduling and allow sufficient time for the interview.  

During the interview:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early
• Be prepared to summarize your experience in about 30 seconds and describe what you bring to the table
• Listen carefully to each question asked.
• Answer questions as directly as possible.
• Focus on your achievements relevant to the position using examples of how your knowledge, skills, and abilities fit the job
• Do not talk down on old employers or coworkers
• Mind your body language and tone of voice
• Take notes
• Be truthful 
• Ask questions
  • Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?
  • How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
  • If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often
  • What departments does this teamwork with regularly?
  • How do these departments typically collaborate?
  • What does that process look like?
  • What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?

After the interview:

• Provide any additional requested information as soon as possible
• Be patient. Remember, the hiring process takes time 
• Thank them for the interview!