Preparation for a Job Search, Write a Resume, Write a Cover Letter, Collect References & Write a Reference Letter, and Upload Your Resume to Job Portals.
IT Resume Preparation (Document)
Resume Preparation Tips (Video)
Automation Tester Resume Example
Resume Preparation For Freshers
Preparation for a Job Search
1. Prepare a Resume
2. Write a Cover Letter
3. Prepare a Reference Letter (If You Have)
4. Market Your Resume
1. Prepare a Resume
Step 1 – Choose a resume format
The right resume format can help highlight your strengths and downplay your weaknesses. It can also make it easier for recruiters to scan your resume and identify the key information they are looking for.
There are three standard resume formats to choose from.
1. Chronological Resume
2. Functional Resume (also known as a Skills-Based Resume)
3. Hybrid Resume (also known as a Combination Resume)
Step 2 – Add your contact information and personal details
This is one of the most important sections of your resume. If hiring managers can’t contact you, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of your resume is. So you need to make sure that your contact info is accurate and up-to-date.
The following information should appear at the top of your resume:
- Name
- Phone number
- Location (City, State, Zip Code)
- Email Address
- Social Media Link (Ex: Your LinkedIn profile URL)
Step 3 – Add your resume summary statement or resume objective
Step 4 – Add keywords and skills that are ATS-friendly
Step 5 – Detail your work experience
IT Resume Preparation
2. Write a Cover Letter
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume).
Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long.
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
Step 1 – Pick the Right Cover Letter Template
Step 2 – Start the Cover Letter with a Header
Step 3 – Greet the Hiring Manager
Step 4 – Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction
Step 5 – Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job
Step 6 – Use the right formal closing
Software Testing Cover Letter Example
3. Prepare a Reference Letter (If You Have)
What Is a Reference Letter?
A reference letter is a positive endorsement of a person’s skills and attributes, written by someone familiar with their work, character, and accomplishments.
Reference letters are needed when applying for jobs, internships, volunteer positions, colleges, and graduate school programs.
The reference letter explains why the reader should select a candidate, and what qualifies them for the opportunity for which they’re applying.
Types of Reference Letters
Though all letters of reference endorse an individual and follow a similar structure, certain reference letters serve different purposes.
1. Employee references
An employee reference letter recommends an individual for a job at a particular company. The writer provides an assessment of the candidate’s skills and abilities and provides readers with examples of how the candidate excelled in their prior positions or field in general.
2. Academic references:
3. Character reference
4. Business references
Note: Ours is Employee reference letter.
What to include in an employee reference letter
1. Relationship with the candidate
2. Employment dates
3. Why they are a strong candidate
4. Reason for writing the endorsement
5. Contact information
Reference letter template
Dear [Recipient’s name],
[Statement of Reference: Offers context to why you are writing the letter]
[Body Paragraph: Includes candidate background. Describe the time they spent working for manager]
[Body Paragraph: Includes examples of relevant skills developed]
[Body Paragraph: Includes specific examples of employee achievement]
[Closing Statement: Summarizes the letter’s intent]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Contact information]
Software Tester Reference Letter Sample
4. Market Your Resume
1. Post your resume to online job banks
The Best Places To Post Your Resume Online
- Indeed
- Naukri
- Monster
- ZipRecruiter
- Dice
- CareerBuilder
Etc
2. Use networking appropriately to explore potential leads.
Research shows that about 80% of jobs are eventually filled through networking, so it’s a great way to circulate your resume. Remember, though, that networking is about establishing relationships and sharing information—not asking for a job.
Here are some guidelines:
- Establish a relationship with a new contact before you offer your resume. Offering it right away may be viewed as asking for a job.
- Focus on getting information and referrals from your contacts. Then, use that information to do additional research and target your resume for an appropriate opportunity.
- Since there’s always a chance someone will ask for your resume, keep high-quality copies with you when networking.
- If a contact does ask for your resume and offers to circulate it for you, follow up promptly with a thank-you note or e-mail, and keep them posted on any meetings or offers that result from their referrals.
3. Distribute your resume at job fairs
Job fairs can be a great way to meet people and practice your interviewing skills. However, they’re not always the best option for finding jobs. That’s because many employers use them to find applicants for future opportunities, not to fill current jobs.
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