Resume Layout - How To Use Your Resume Part 1

If you've spent enough time here at Resume Layout Advice (and probably other sites too...its OK), then you should be well on your way toward creating a resume which will help get you the interviews you need. As you've certainly read throughout this site, a great resume layout on its own won't get you a job. What a great resume layout can do is get you an interview which will lead to that job. What follows in the next few posts are steps you need to take to land that interview.

1. Cover Letter

Like milk and cookies, a great resume layout is incomplete without an accompanying cover letter. In short, the cover letter is designed to get the employer to read your resume layout (just as your resume layout is designed to get you an interview). The cover letter also compliments the resume layout you've worked so hard on by adding a more personal side to you, the job candidate. We will cover this topic in depth another time, although a great starting resource on this topic is About.com's cover letter resources. Tip: Make sure to address the cover letter to the person you want to read the letter (HR Director, manager, etc.). You can find out their name/title by calling the company's receptionist or operator.

2. Finding Jobs To Apply To

Now that you've refined your resume layout and have a cover letter to draw them in, it's time to find places to apply to. There are many places to go to look for a job, here are some of the top:

Networking/Word of Mouth- Often touted as the best method around, talk to everyone you know from past jobs as well as family and friends. Ask them if they know of any open positions in your field or know of someone who might. If you find someone who has a lead for you, they also may be able to provide information that will help you tailor your resume layout and cover letter for that specific position.

This post is getting long so you'll be able to find the second half of this topic in part 2. We hope that you are finding the tips and advice on resume layout useful.