11 tips to write an effective resume and cover letter

Before you can start writing a resume or cover letter, you must first understand the role of each document in a job application. 

Resume 

This is a summary of your skills, experience, and education to date highlighting your qualifications. This is the document where you add details about the specific skills that set you apart, the relevant experiences you've had that demonstrate your capabilities, and the educational background that supports your knowledge. The goal of a resume is to showcase your potential to future employers and highlight the reasons they should consider you for the position. 

Cover letter 

This is an important part of your job application. It’s a document that you should change based on the specific job and company you're applying for. Think of the cover letter as your opportunity to tell the employer why you're interested in the position and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit. By writing a personalised cover letter, you can connect with the employer on a deeper level. You have the chance to explain why you are applying for the job and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. This extra effort shows that you’ve put thought into your application and are genuinely interested in the role. 

By following the steps and using the best of business English skills, you can draft an effective resume to distinguish yourself from other candidates. 

1. Keep it simple and go straight to the point 

Use clear headings like education, work experience, skills, and achievements in your resume. Don’t use fancy fonts or colours. They will distract the reader from the original point. A simple layout will make sure that your resume is easy to read and skim for the employer. 

2. Use action words and direct points 

The best way to highlight your skills is to use bullet points. Add verbs like managed, developed, or designed to showcase your proficiency. It will help you make your achievements sound strong and direct. 

For example, instead of saying, “I excel in management skills,” write, “led a team of 10 staff to increase sales by 20% in one year.” 

3. Tailor your resume to the job 

Before submitting the resume, read the job description carefully. It will help you make modifications to your resume, highlight the skills and experiences the employer is specifically asking for, and match them to your own. 

For example, if the job description says “time management skills,” mention how you successfully managed multiple deadlines and projects at your last job. 

4. Focus on displaying your achievements 

Another great strategy to help your application stand out is to list your successes and awards apart from your duties. If possible, use numbers and examples to quantify your achievements.   

For example: If you are applying for a sales role, you can mention points like “increased customer retention by 15% through improved communication methodologies.” 

5. Include month and year of your employment 

When listing your work experience, make sure to mention the month and year you started and ended each position (e.g., February 2022 - November 2022). This detail will give your future employer a clearer picture of your tenure at each job and help them understand your experience more accurately. 

6. Mention your business English skills 

If you are applying for a job in a vast English-speaking community when it is not your first language, mention your business English skills. You can add them under the “skills or education” section. It will help you highlight your strengths and show the employer that you have the necessary skills to work in an English-speaking environment. 

A cover letter is a very personalised part of a job application. There are certain steps you can take to make sure that it is impactful and makes a good first impression. 

1. Start with a strong introduction 

Your first sentence should grab the attention of the reader. It should also include the job title and why you are excited about the role.   

For example, it can go like this, “I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Executive position at ABC Ltd. With three years of experience in sales and a passion for helping clients, I’m confident I can contribute to your team.” 

2. Explain why you’re the best for the job 

Put your business English skills to the test by highlighting how your skills match the company’s needs. Give one or two specific numeric examples.   

For example, you can say, “In my previous role, I developed a strategy that increased revenue by 25%. I would love to bring similar ideas to your company.” 

3. Show your interest in the company 

Before writing your cover letter, research the company. It will help you mention their goals and values to show you have done your homework. Focus on why you are perfect for the role. 

4. Keep it short and sweet 

No one wants to read an essay when hiring someone. The length of your cover letter should not exceed one page. Keep your sentences short and to point so that even if the employers don’t have time to read the whole thing, they can skim through it and understand the main points. 

5. End with a call to action 

Create an opening or an invitation to encourage the employer to contact you. You can end it by saying how you would like to discuss your application and role further. 

Now that you understand the process of writing a resume and cover letter, make sure to avoid the following common mistakes. 

• Don’t use generic templates. Select a template that aligns with the designation and the seniority of the position.  
• Make it a point to always customise your resume and cover letter for each job.   
• Don’t focus too much on highlighting your responsibilities.  
• Showcase your work achievements and how they helped the company reach their goals.   
• Always proofread your resume and cover letter to avoid any grammatical or spelling errors. It's a good idea to have someone else proofread them as well. 
• Find the right balance between being too formal and too casual. Understand the role and align your tone of voice. 

Writing an effective resume and cover letter isn’t rocket science. With guidance and some practise, you can master these business skills. Remember to keep it simple, clear, and customised for the job you are applying to. If you have any trouble, consider enrolling in the Business English course at English Path to polish your skills. With our comprehensive course, you will learn professional communication, improve your grammar skills, and boost your confidence to land your dream job .