Chapter 14: Career Readiness
Kristen Hosey
Today, most individuals complete job applications online, where the applicant completes an application and provides a cover letter and resume. In many cases, employers use automatic systems to process these applications. The computer system analyzes the applications to determine if the applicant is a good candidate for an interview. Generally, if the application contains many of the desired qualifications, the computer system will flag that application for further review. For example, if the job application lists traits such as loyal, hard worker, or team player, applications containing those words are more likely to be flagged for a possible interview.
Cover Letter
Many employers will often request a cover letter with an application, especially if applications are accepted via email or online. A cover letter is a short letter, usually less than one page, highlighting the applicant’s qualifications for the job. The goal of a cover letter is to convey to the employer why the applicant is a good candidate. The cover letter should include the following:
- The job the applicant is interested in pursuing
- Highlight qualifications that are specific to the job description and application
- Have contact information, including preferred email address
- Include the date
- Include a greeting
- Include a signature
The cover letter should be in a standard business format and include a header. A letter format should have a formal salutation at the beginning. It could consist of something like “Dear Review Committee” if the name of the individual reviewing the applications is unknown. The letter should include the job the applicant is pursuing, why they are applying, and where they found the information about the job. During the introduction, applicants can reference the specific hiring organization. For example, suppose the applicant wants to work for a specific medical center. In that case, they might include a sentence describing how the organization’s mission to “serve all people with justice” aligns with the applicant’s philosophy as a caregiver in the introduction. There should be a body to the cover letter with at most one or two paragraphs.
The body of the cover letter should highlight the applicant’s qualifications and emphasize relevant experience, skills, or strengths the applicant would bring to the position. Referencing keywords from the job listing can also help a hiring committee quickly determine the applicant’s qualifications and fit for the position. Finally, a conclusion should reaffirm interest in the position and followed up with a salutation, such as sincerely, and the applicant’s signature. The cover letter should include how the reviewer can contact the applicant. When seeking employment, applicants must regularly check their email or voicemail to get back to the employer promptly. Failure to reply within a day or two indicates the applicant is uninterested, and the employer will move on to the next candidate.
Resume
For every application, there typically is either a requirement for a resume. A resume is a document that provides information about employment history, educational background, skills, and accomplishments. There are two main types of resumes: including chronological and functional resumes. Each type of resume has a different purpose.
chronological resumes are resumes that start listing work history with the most recent position worked or where an individual is currently employed. Below the current or most recent position is a list of other jobs in reverse chronological order (backward with an individual’s first job listed last). If the applicant has worked in the healthcare field for a while, or in the business industry, then this type of resume will work well as long as there is a consistent work history. However, if the applicant is new to the healthcare field, has gaps in employment, or is changing their career field altogether, this type of resume can call attention to those gaps or limited experiences. If there are gaps in employment, an explanation should be provided. Specific skills may also be easier to spot if emphasized in the most recent job at the top of the page.
A functional resume, on the other hand, focuses more on education, skills, and experience instead of chronological work history. For instance, instead of including employment history at the top of a functional resume, the applicant may add educational history at the top instead. This will ensure the reviewer knows the applicant is qualified for the position. Another unique characteristic of the functional resume is that at the top, there is often a summary of qualifications or a headline that details specific skills or achievements related to the job description. A functional resume is also suitable for individuals with gaps in employment because they do not have to include specific dates, names, and places. It allows applicants to emphasize strengths and skills instead. One gap in this type of resume is that there is no detailed work history; therefore, a resume’s content may need more depth.
Some people may use a combination of chronological resumes and functional resumes. At the top of the resume, they may include their qualifications summary or a short list of the skills that match the job description. Then, below that, they may have a more chronological resume that tracks their work history. combination resumes has some strengths that can show off skills and qualifications while showcasing a solid work history. However, the work history can sometimes fall to the second page, which the employer may miss if they do not read that far.
A resume should be one page, possibly two at most. The resume should not go on to the third page. A typical resume should be one page, but going onto the second page is fine if the applicant has ten years of experience.
Letters of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is a formal document that connects the employer with someone who can speak to the applicant’s suitability for the job. Recommenders are individuals who can speak to the applicant’s professional or academic achievements and typically are current or former employers, teachers, or co-workers. A recommender may also be asked to complete a phone, zoom, or in-person interview. Additionally, recommenders may need to fill out surveys or answer questions via email, in addition to or in replacement of a letter of recommendation.
Since this will take time out of the recommender’s day, applicants should give as much lead time as possible by informing recommenders as soon as the applicant begins applying for a new job. At least 2-3 weeks is standard, but even longer is better.
A good letter of recommendation will include how the recommender knows the applicant and for how long. For instance, were they a clinical instructor for one-quarter of a program or a teacher for two years? Perhaps the recommender was a direct supervisor for five years at the applicant’s employment. It will be important that the recommender chosen can speak to the strengths and skills the applicant possesses that are relevant to the job position. The recommender also should be able to provide examples of the applicant’s work or why they would be a good fit for the job.
When asking for a letter of recommendation, applicants will want to include the deadline for submission, a resume that consists of some of the applicant’s skills, some information about the job sought, and, depending on the recommender, may even offer to draft some skills for them to incorporate into a formal letter. If the recommender requires a standard letter, providing the address and directions on how the letter will be submitted is also essential.
A brief, personalized letter submitted with a job application, summarizing the applicant's qualifications, motivations, and suitability for the position.
A document that provides information about employment history, educational background, skills, and accomplishments.
A resume format that highlights a candidate's skills, qualifications, and achievements.
A resume that lists work history starting with the most recent position completed or where currently employed at first
A resume that blends elements of both the chronological and functional resumes to emphasizing both a candidate's work history and their skills and accomplishments.
A formal document written by someone who can attest to an individual's qualifications, skills, and character, typically for the purpose of supporting their application for employment or admission to an educational program.