Crafting resumes for specific jobs and writing personalized and error-free cover letters, are ideas a BYUH senior shared
Looking for a job can become a part-time job in itself, according to Indeed. com. “Creating a resume and cover letter tailored to each position takes time and effort ... but that is what gets you an interview,” the website says.
Golden rules for a standout resume
Jeff Su, a full-time product marketer at Google and a YouTuber, shared five “golden rules” for creating a standout resume and helping applicants pass the initial screening process.
1. Include a LinkedIn profile link. “Resumes with a LinkedIn profile see higher interview rates,” Su said. Candidates provide a more “complete picture of [their] background,” with a LinkedIn link.
2. Use keywords. “Keywords are essential, especially for applicant tracking systems that scan for specific terms related to the job,” he shared. Candidates who match the language from the job posting increase their chances of passing initial filters and making it to a recruiter’s desk.
3. Focus on measurable results. “Numbers tell a story,” Su said, encouraging candidates to quantify achievements, such as “boosted sales by 20 percent within the first quarter” instead of simply “improved sales.” This specificity makes accomplishments more credible and memorable to hiring managers.
4. Have a good resume length. He said about “475 to 600 words is the sweet spot.” This range strikes a balance between detail and brevity, allowing candidates to highlight essential experiences without overwhelming recruiters, maintaining a focused and polished presentation.
5. Avoid buzzwords and clichés. Words like “hard worker” or “team player” are too vague to stand out. Instead, Su explained, “Candidates should be specific, focus on actual accomplishments and show unique skills in a way that’s tangible and authentic.”
Mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter
Jason Tan, a computer science senior from Malaysia, said he gained valuable experience during an internship at FamilySearch in Utah from June to September 2023. Among other companies he applied to, he said he ultimately chose FamilySearch because of their strong mentorship program and one-on-one experience. “The mentors provide constructive feedback and help identify areas for improvement,” Tan said.
Su said he faced rejection from almost every company he applied to due to the mistakes he made in his cover letters. Drawing from these experiences, Su shared five common mistakes to avoid when writing cover letters.
1. Don’t use a generic opening in the cover letter. Starting with phrases like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” can make the letter feel impersonal and reduce its effectiveness. “Always try to find the hiring manager’s name to personalize your greeting,” Su said, as it shows attention to detail as well as personal initiative and makes a stronger, more memorable impression.
2. Don’t repeat what’s already on your resume. Su shared cover letters should serve as a complement, not a duplicate, of the resume. “Use the cover letter to tell a story or highlight specific achievements that are relevant to the job,” he explained. Doing so brings depth to an application and helps hiring managers get a better sense of a person’s skills and potential fit within the company.
3. Focus on the needs of the company, not you personal goals. Su shared, “Employers want to know what you can do for them.” Instead of only listing personal ambitions or interests, applicants should align their skills and experiences with the company’s specific needs and goals to show how they can add value to the organization.
4. Avoid a lack of enthusiasm. An unenthusiastic or generic tone can make it seem as if the applicant isn’t truly interested in the role or company. “Express genuine interest in the role and the company,” he advised. People should include specific details about what excites them about the position or the company’s mission because a little enthusiasm can go a long way.
5. Make sure you proofread. Typos, grammatical errors and formatting issues can undermine the professionalism and attention to detail of an applicant. Su shared, “Even minor mistakes can make a big difference.” A carefully reviewed cover letter shows commitment and care. Reviewing the document multiple times or having someone else check it can ensure it’s polished and error-free before submission.
Boosting confidence through interview strategies
During the interview process, Tan said managing nervousness was his biggest challenge. To overcome it, he said he used several interview strategies that helped him ease his nerves.
1. Ask questions. It not only calms nerves but also clarifies any uncertainties, Tan explained. “If I didn’t understand something, seeking clarity helped a lot. Thinking aloud while solving problems in technical interviews kept my thoughts organized, and researching my interviewer’s role in advance provided an extra boost of confidence.”
2. Be confident. It’s okay not to have all the answers. “I try not to be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know,’” he said. “Instead, I focus on what I do know because interviewers are more interested in seeing how you approach problems than in getting perfect solutions.” This mindset shift allowed Tan to stay calm and showcase his problem-solving skills effectively.
3. Don’t ask irrelevant questions. “You want to leave the best impression and get the most useful information you can,” Tan said. For example, he said he once applied to a role focused on problem-solving skills but found himself asking about customer service instead. “I came from a tour guide background, where communication and customer service were my strengths, but those weren’t the core skills the role required,” he explained. He said tailoring questions to align with the job description is key to standing out.
4. Use online tools. Tan said he used Leetcode, an online platform that helps people prepare for coding interviews, to practice coding and strengthen his problem-solving skills. “I mostly focus on project-based learning,” he shared. Online mock interviews are helpful for simulating interview scenarios. AI tools like ChatGPT can also assist with technical concepts and help people practice responses.