Applications, Resumes and Cover Letters
As you get ready to apply for jobs, it can feel like there’s a lot riding on just a few pages of information – your application, resume, and cover letter. It’s no surprise, then, that these are the topics that we get the most questions about at Path Forward. They’re your first chance to make a good impression so it’s easy to overthink them, especially when there’s so much (often conflicting) information and advice out there.
To help cut through the noise, we’ve created some simple tips and tools that are specifically tailored to folks returning to the workforce after a career break.
Revamp your resume
Before you can start applying for jobs, you’ll need to make sure your resume is up to date. This might be easier said than done. Writing a Resume After More Than a Few Years Out of the Workforce can feel daunting. You can find seemingly endless information, sometimes conflicting, on how to write a resume online. Our two biggest pieces of advice: Tailor your resume for each job and make your gap obvious when applying to returnships. To help you get started, here are some Recommended Resume Formats for Returners (with templates).
Use a cover letter to tell your story
If you’ve created a really great resume, do you need a cover letter? Our advice is to include a cover letter with each application. A great cover letter tells your story in a way that a resume, by itself, can’t. Think of it as your opportunity to tell the reader why you are someone they should consider for the job. For anyone who’s taken a nontraditional career path, the ability to tell a story beyond the bounds of a resume is very important. While it takes a little extra time to craft, the payoff can be big. Start telling your story with our tips for great cover letters.
Apply strategically
Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to start applying! You’ll want to set a good pace and routine for yourself to avoid getting burned out during the job search process. Be sure to look for open positions in a variety of ways. This includes using traditional job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed, more niche job boards like Idealist.org, any platforms that focus on jobs local to you, and opportunities you find through networking. If you’re specifically looking for returnship programs, be sure to check out our Returnship Matcher, the only comprehensive database of every returnship program in existence in the U.S.
As you look at job descriptions, don’t undersell yourself. Many job seekers – particularly women – think they need to check every box on a list of qualifications to be considered for a job. In reality, job descriptions are often a wish list – everything the last person did, plus all the things we wish they did. Don’t limit yourself by applying only for jobs that seem to be a “perfect” match – you may overlook those that might be even better.
Set your (pay) expectations
One way to narrow your job search efforts is to focus on jobs in your desired salary range. But what should your salary expectations be when returning to the workforce? Do your research using tools like Salary.com, but also take advantage of the fact that many states now require that salary information be included in job descriptions. There are a lot of factors to consider around salary, but at the end of the day, only you know what you are willing to accept based on your family’s financial needs and the type of work you want to be doing.
Track your progress
Keep track of the applications you submit, especially as your job search heats up. There are free tools to help, like Teal, but a simple spreadsheet will do the trick too. As you track, remember to save a copy of the job description too. These descriptions are sometimes taken down when the application window closes, but having a copy will be an extremely useful tool to help you prepare for the interview. Tracking applications will also help you know when it’s time to follow up on an application.
Tap your network
Now’s the time to check back in with your network to see if they can help get your applications noticed. Use LinkedIn to see who you know at the company where you’re applying, or who might be connected to the recruiting or hiring team. Reaching out on LinkedIn and finding connections at the companies you are targeting can increase the chances that your resume lands on the right desk.
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