| When applying for a new job, it can sometimes be | | | | of job experience. |
| difficult to explain a huge gap in employment, or lack of | | | | Hobbies Are Not Off-Limits |
| relevant employment, when all you have is your | | | | Many people have hobbies that they spend a lot of |
| resume to do the talking. This is why it is | | | | time focusing on and eventually want to turn into |
| recommended that you include a cover letter with | | | | careers. For example, you may love to work on |
| your resume. | | | | computers and have expertise with both hardware |
| But what can a cover letter do for you? It can give | | | | and software applications, which has nothing to do with |
| the prospective employer insight into who you are as | | | | your string of jobs working in factories. |
| a person, as well as why you want to work for their | | | | You decide that you are interested in applying for a |
| company. And it can also give you the opportunity to | | | | position with a small start-up company that needs an |
| turn what may look like weaknesses on your resume | | | | entry-level IT technician. You know you're perfect for it |
| into strengths. Let's look at a few ways this can be | | | | but don't know how to prove it. That is, until you |
| accomplished. | | | | remember that you keep up with all of the technology, |
| Focus on Your Special Skills | | | | have taken some classes at a local college, and have |
| If you don't have a lot of jobs to list on your resume, | | | | years of experience fixing computers in your |
| but you do have relevant skills that you've acquired | | | | community. By explaining all of this in your cover letter, |
| over the years, you can use your cover letter to | | | | you have a chance to showcase the experience |
| explain what looks to be a lack of experience. A great | | | | you've gained. |
| way to get started is by creating a list of skills you've | | | | Keep Your Explanations Simple |
| developed that match the company's job posting, | | | | While you want to use your cover letter to fill in gaps |
| mission and culture. Next you can use the cover letter | | | | in your job history, you don't want the employer to |
| to explain how those skills can enhance the company. | | | | spend too much time thinking about the possibility of |
| For example, you may be an expert typist capable of | | | | you being a weak candidate. So instead of spending a |
| accurately typing 80 WPM, which is perfect for the | | | | lot of time explaining why your skills and hobbies are |
| data entry position you're interested in. The only | | | | stellar, it is a good idea to instead keep this part as |
| drawback is that you didn't gain your expertise from | | | | brief as you would in any other cover letter. |
| your last 20 years as a housewife and part-time | | | | Having gaps in your work history doesn't have to |
| babysitter. Instead, you picked it up while volunteering | | | | define your capabilities as an employee. So try using |
| as your church's secretary over the past decade. In | | | | your cover letter to highlight your special skills. You |
| this case, you can use your cover letter to highlight this | | | | might be surprised by the success that follows. |
| skill and turn around what might be perceived as a lack | | | | |