HOW TO CREATE OUTSTANDING, JOB-WINNING COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES WORKBOOK

Transcription

1 HOW TO CREATE OUTSTANDING, JOB-WINNING COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES WORKBOOK By: Vanessa G. Nelson, SPHR Page 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... 3 Sample Job Advertisement... 4 Cover Letters How Important Are They?... 5 Sample Bad Cover Letter... 7 Exercise # Sample Better Cover Letter... 9 Resumes Sample Bad Resume Exercise # Sample Better Resume Tips for the Successful Job Search Common Mistakes Made During Job Hunt Exercise #1 Suggested Answers Exercise #2 Suggested Answers Contact Information Page 2

3 INTRODUCTION Searching for employment can be a daunting and frustrating task. In most instances, it requires tremendous effort and patience to achieve the goals of landing a desired position. Research shows that most people fail in the job search due to submission of unacceptable cover letters and resumes. This workbook acts as a guide to create outstanding cover letters and resumes. This workbook will address: Sample of a job advertisement Cover letters Resumes Tips for a successful job search Common mistakes made during the job search Page 3

4 SAMPLE JOB ADVERTISEMENT Below is a sample of a job advertisement that may be found online or in your local newspaper. The following pages will provide an example of the appropriate method of applying for this Medical Biller position. Please review the following sample job advertisement. We will refer to this advertisement for the exercises on cover letters and resumes. Medical Biller Needed ABC Company is seeking an experienced, full-time Medical Biller. Pay is negotiable. Please or fax resume no later than December 1, Requirements: Minimum of 3 years medical billing experience Must be able to multi-task and work in fast paced environment Medical background preferred Self-starter and ability to work alone when required Contact Information: Contact: Mr. John Doe ABC Company 1234 Main Street Miami, Florida Phone: (800) Fax: (800) jdoe@abc.com Page 4

5 COVER LETTERS HOW IMPORTANT ARE THEY? It is essential to prepare a written cover letter for submission when sending resumes. A great cover letter sets you apart, is the employer s first impression of you, and introduces you and your resume. When submitting cover letters, make sure each cover letter is modified and unique to each position you are seeking. Often times, when a cover letter is not sent, resumes are not acknowledged and the sender receives no further consideration. The purpose of the cover letter is: To get your resume read and reviewed The resume can help you get an interview To get to the interview to land the job When writing the cover letter, keep in mind the following tips: Keep cover letter to one page, if possible Be certain that your experiences and qualifications match job requirements Ensure that cover letter headings and resume headings are the same Address the cover letter to appropriate person Use business font, i.e., Times New Roman, Arial, etc., do not use fancy font Cover letters should consist of three paragraphs: o Introduction o Job and education matching o Closing paragraph. Page 5

6 Introduction Paragraph The introduction paragraph should: Clearly state the name of the position you are applying for State where you learned of the position A reference to the company, i.e., ABC Company s focus of Explanation of why you are a strong candidate Job and Education Matching Paragraph The job and experience matching paragraph should include: Explanation of why certain job experiences and education match specific position requirements Directing the reader to pertinent parts of the resume Closing Paragraph The closing paragraph should include: Reiteration that you are the best person for the job A statement that you look forward to hearing from them End with sincerely or respectfully, four returns, and your name Page 6

7 SAMPLE BAD COVER LETTER March 22, 2013 Dear Sir or Madam: My name is Jane Johnson and I am writing to you because I am interested in working for your company. My resume is enclosed for your review. I have experience in medical billing and will do a good job. The position sounds perfect for me. As my resume indicates, I have medical billing experience at three doctors offices and worked with various billing software packages. I have taken classes in biology and anatomy. I am confident that a medical billing position at your company would allow me to continue to develop my skills. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to speak with you and learn more about your company. I can be reached at jane@johnson.com. My resume is enclosed, and I am happy to provide references, transcripts, etc. at your request. Sincerely, Jane Johnson Page 7

8 EXERCISE #1 Please read and examine the preceding sample cover letter. Please list the errors or problems that you find (Suggested answers on page 15) Page 8

9 SAMPLE BETTER COVER LETTER March 22, 2013 Mr. John Doe ABC Company 1234 Main Street Miami, Florida Dear Mr. Doe: I am an experienced medical biller and am writing to apply for the Medical Biller position with ABC Company. After researching firms in the Miami area, I am particularly interested in working for ABC Company because of the focus on cardiology and improving heart services. As my enclosed resume indicates, I have a strong background in medical billing, and experience working with leading software packages, including Absolute Medical, Transmedical, Medifast, and Professional Medical. Additionally, I have worked for five cardiologists where I developed and implemented improved billing cardiac processes. Academically, I received a Medical Billing Certification from Billing Medical School with a 4.0 GPA. Based on my experience, education, and enthusiasm, I am confident that I would be a great asset to your firm. Thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to present my resume. I welcome the opportunity to interview with you and learn more about your firm. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Jane Johnson Page 9

10 RESUMES As previously mentioned, a well written, powerful resume will encourage an interview with the employer. Your resume is your marketing tool to sell yourself. In order to compete in today s workforce, a clearly defined, accomplishment-filled resume that displays your value to the company is the best way to achieve desired results. Resume Content Your resume should include: An profile or summary of qualifications (please see below) Work experience Education Resume Strategies Clearly state name and contact information at top of resume Consistent, readable format is essential Ensure resume is truthful, grammatically correct, with no spelling errors Use action words, for example: led, spearheaded, facilitated, negotiated, developed, created, managed, processed, implemented. An objective is appropriate when just starting out or to establish yourself in a profession A Summary of Qualifications is appropriate for those with several years of experience and established qualifications The experienced section should be titled Professional Experience, Work History or Work Experience. In the experienced section, do not focus on job duties, focus on achievements and results Do not put references available upon request at the end Do not misrepresent education or credentials Do not use I am or I have, etc. Page 10

11 SAMPLE BAD RESUME Name: Address: Jane Johnson 1234 Lansing Road Lansing Michigan Telephone: (810) Work History: Secretary for ABC Healthcare Company, Inc. Worked as a secretary at the healthcare company. Used to dealing with different people and planning my own day. I enjoy meeting people and fixing there problems. I am a fast typist to now Clerk for Jefferson, Inc. I worked as a clerk and answered phones. I make sure supplies are ordered and stock inventory. I am given lots of work to do and plan my own day. Education: King Middle School, Michigan High School, Scott Jr. College Page 11

12 EXERCISE #2 Please read and examine the preceding sample resume. List the errors or problems that you find in the resume (sample answers on page 15) Page 12

13 SAMPLE BETTER RESUME JANE JOHNSON 1234 Lansing Road Lansing, Michigan OBJECTIVE: Medical Biller Healthcare Services SUMMARY: 10-years Medical Billing experience in healthcare services Received Medical Biller of the Year Award 7 consecutive times Proficient in Microsoft products Microsoft Word, Access, Power Point and Excel Managed fast-paced office consistently 10-line phone system Acted as trainer and employee developer Effectively and efficiency worked with new hires and seasoned professionals EXPERIENCE: Jefferson, Inc. Lansing, MI Medical Biller, Healthcare Services (2004 to present) Biller, Medical Records ( ) Clerk, Medical Billing ( ) ABC Healthcare Company Lansing, MI Medical Biller, Healthcare Services ( ) EDUCATION: Scott Junior College Associate in Medical Billing (1999) Page 13

14 TIPS FOR THE SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH Maintain a positive attitude and be confident Be patient Network, especially where employers of interest network Make the job hunt a full-time job Ensure the job you are searching for is a good fit for you Ask associates for referrals Search for jobs using a variety of media: help wanted ads, internet, social media, newspapers, periodicals, etc. Cold call companies and recruiters Post resume on-line COMMON MISTAKES MADE DURING JOB HUNT Lack of preparation Research of the company you want to work for Failure to highlight accomplishments employers want to know what you have accomplished as well as what values you can bring to their companies Misrepresenting credentials and education Be honest always! Being overqualified or underqualified Using non-working phone numbers on resumes Voic messages that contain profanity, loud and/or insulting music, etc. Page 14

15 EXERCISE #1, SUGGESTED ANSWERS Needs more detail Needs to specify sir or madam s name Did not mention company s name and did not research company Not specific enough regarding software packages Misspelled words Overall, too general EXERCISE #2, SUGGESTED ANSWERS Poor formatting Non-professional address Inconsistent spacing Gaps in work history Work history out of order Should not use I Does not mention accomplishments Should not list high school and middle school For more information regarding this subject or for Human Resources consulting services, please contact info@experthumanresources.com. Page 15

16 NOTES Page 16