YNPN Wednesday: The Key to Writing Amazing Cover Letters and Resumes

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Job Searching, YNPN Wednesday

Published July 01, 2009 @ 11:30AM PT

Welcome to YNPN Wednesday, my weekly blog series highlighting stories and advice from members of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapters all over the country. Each week, I'm sharing an interview or guest post from a young nonprofit professional just like you! Today's guest blog is the second of two posts from Heather Carpenter, a member of YNPN San Diego and a blogger at Nonprofit Leadership 601. Heather recently attended the Opportunity Knocks Career Conference and graciously shares all of the insider information with you below!

The Key to Writing Amazing Cover Letters and Resumes

by Heather Carpenter, MMNA

I've known Dalya Massachi of Writing for Community Success for the past few years, however I had never attended one of her writing workshops until now. Wow! Dalya provided helpful information pertinent to anyone looking for a job!

Purposes of a Cover Letter

• Pique your reader's interest
• Clarify your unique skill set
• Show that you've done your homework
• Encourage a wise investment with a promising return: you!
• Relate to your reader with shared values and concerns
• Demonstrate your proficiency

Even if they don't ask for a writing sample, your cover letter is a writing sample. It's your key in the door. Be specific to your skills and detail about the organization.

Purposes of a Resume

• Summarize experience and volunteer work
• Show increasing levels of responsibility: within a single organization or across several organizations
• Show potential: success breeds success
• Impress your reader

I really wish I had taken Dalya's workshop when I was looking for my first job!

Other helpful advice from Dalya:

• Your resume and cover letter needs needs to be tailored to the reader.
• Put key words that the organization wants in your cover letter.
• Pull out key items from resume and put those into your cover letter.
• Highlight leadership experience, technology skills, and direct ways your improved the organization.
• Have someone read through and proof read your resume and cover letter.

Here are a few more posts with writing tips for cover letters and resumes.

• Is Your Cover Letter Sabotaging Your Chances at a Great Nonprofit Job?
• So I didn't get the job -- what I'd do differently next time
• Why Most Nonprofit Resumes Suck

Dalya has these tips and many more in her new book: Writing to Make a Difference which I think everyone should read.

You can connect with Heather on Twitter @heathercarpente

Photo credit: Hidden Shadow Walker