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Five Resume Boosting Activities to Make the Most of Your Free Time in College

In the journey of higher education, college programs provide a crucial phase for personal growth and career development. While academic pursuits form the core of college life, the effective utilization of free time is equally significant. Engaging in resume-boosting activities during college can enhance your future career prospects.

It’s also important to note that college admissions and prospective employers seek well-rounded individuals who have gone beyond the confines of academics. Demonstrating involvement in various resume-boosting activities reflects a proactive approach to personal development, showcasing leadership, teamwork, and commitment.

So, are you a college student looking to make the most of your free time and enhance your resume to stand out in the competitive job market? In this article, we will explore five resume-boosting activities that can make the most of your free time in college.

Activity 1: Hone Your Passion

College life offers an opportunity to explore and delve into diverse interests beyond the academic realm. Whether it’s pursuing arts, sports, writing, or any other passion, embracing these activities can add depth and personality to your college resume. Your hobbies and passions demonstrate your dedication and enthusiasm for specific activities, indicating qualities like creativity, discipline, and perseverance to admissions committees and employers.

A resume that includes hobbies and passions provides a glimpse of your multifaceted personality, helping you stand out from other applicants who may only focus on academics and standardized achievements. Exploring and nurturing passions during college can lead to profound insights into potential career paths, guiding you towards fields that align with your genuine interests and aspirations.

Activity 2: Take an Online Course

Utilizing summer breaks for online courses like English classes allows you to continue learning and growing outside the regular academic year. Online courses provide an avenue to study additional subjects or improve academic performance, showcasing your commitment to intellectual advancement.

Demonstrating an eagerness to learn beyond the traditional coursework exhibits a proactive and self-motivated approach to education, which colleges and employers highly value. Online courses offer the flexibility to explore diverse subjects and tailor your learning experience, providing you with a chance to develop skills that align with your career aspirations.

Activity 3: Gain Work Experience

Taking up part-time work during college showcases responsibility, time management, and the ability to balance academics and professional commitments. Work experience provides tangible evidence of your skills and work ethic, making your resume more appealing to colleges and employers.

Working in a team and efficiently managing your time are essential skills that employers seek. Through work experience, you can demonstrate your ability to collaborate and meet deadlines effectively. Managing work commitments while maintaining academic performance illustrates dedication and discipline, setting you apart as a well-rounded and motivated individual.

Activity 4: Travel with Purpose

Meaningful travel experiences, such as volunteering or cultural immersion, demonstrate a global perspective and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Studying abroad offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in a different culture, fostering adaptability and intercultural communication skills.

Purposeful travel showcases your commitment to personal growth and a proactive approach to learning and exploring the world. Travel experiences that go beyond tourist activities set you apart from other applicants, emphasizing your adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace new challenges.

Activity 5: Learn a Second Language

Proficiency in a second language is increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world, as it facilitates communication and cultural understanding. Listing proficiency in a second language showcases your adaptability, communication skills, and potential to engage in international environments. There are many options for learning a second language in an efficient way, including online academies such as Break Into English which offer affordable 1-to-1 language lessons with trained native teachers via Skype, Zoom, Teams, or Meet. The wide array of languages offered ranges from French, German, Spanish, Italian, and other important European languages to Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Hebrew, Greek, and Japanese.

Research shows that language learning enhances cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, memory, and creativity, which can positively impact academic and professional performance. Colleges often offer language courses that fulfill requirements for various majors. Taking advantage of these opportunities allows you to enhance your language skills while progressing towards your degree.

Conclusion

Efficiently using free time during college allows you to develop essential skills, demonstrate dedication, and shape a well-rounded college resume.

Engaging in the five activities list above fosters personal growth, enriches your college experience, and prepares you for a successful future career.

SEE ALSO: Prioritizing Cost and Durability: Analyzing the Best Cars for College Students

The Final Stretch: Five Steps To Take Before Graduation

The Final Stretch: Five Steps To Take Before Graduation

As graduation approaches, you’re likely thinking about what you’ll do after you cross that stage, get your diploma, and move on to the next level of your life. However, before you even get that far, you need to get some important tasks sorted out so you can set yourself up for success. Start with these five steps.

1. Take a Breath and Get Anxiety in Check

After spending two-plus years in college, it’s only natural to feel anxious about leaving your familiar surroundings and being thrust toward the world outside of school. You might be thinking about how hard it will be to find a job, where you’ll live, and generally, what comes next for your life. If you don’t control these worrisome emotions, you’ll only feel worse once you graduate, so try to quell your anxiety by confiding in the school counselor or talking to your parents so they can put you at ease.

You can also manage your anxiety using your senses. For instance, sometimes you feel better via your sense of touch by getting a hug from someone you care about. Sometimes, pleasant scents like jasmine and lavender melt your stress. You can also ease your anxiety through taste by drinking a soothing cup of chamomile tea. Try a few remedies and see what works.

2. Update Social Media Accounts

It’s important to closely scrutinize your social media accounts as you prepare for the job search and life of adulthood outside of college. Use this as a turning point, where you start to portray yourself in a more professional light. You can post pictures of your graduation, shots of you at your college job, or just photos with friends and family, so employers can see you have a well-rounded life.

Take this time to create a profile on LinkedIn. You may have a limited amount of job experience to post there, but you can add a professional headshot, details about your major and classes, and your aspirations for a new job. That information will show off your skills, and employers can find you by using the keywords on your profile.

3. Start Getting Your Resume in Order

As with your LinkedIn profile, you likely won’t have much to say on your resume at this point. However, you’ll need one to apply for jobs, so it’s a good idea to start putting it together. List your education and any jobs you had before and during college. Showing that you worked while keeping up with your classes will tell potential managers a lot about your work ethic.

Fill in some empty space by adding a section with the skills you learned in school that can help you in a future job. Focus on leadership skills like communication, adaptability, and empathy, and try to show how you used some of them in the past. If you learned technical skills specific to the type of job you’ll be seeking, be sure to add those as well.

When you list skills and accomplishments, make your resume appear more impressive by using “power words”. When you’re talking about past achievements or jobs you’ve held, use action verbs to describe what you did. Action verbs include strong words like “coached,” “facilitated,” “motivated,” and “developed,” among others. These words show that you used initiative to make something happen in your past, and you can do it again at this new company. Don’t overpower your resume with these words; use them subtly when they fit the context.

4. Start Your Job Search

Put yourself ahead of the competition by starting your job search even before you graduate. In a perfect scenario, you would have interviews lined up before or soon after you graduate so you can hit the ground running once you get out. Instead of just firing your resume to any company that asks, think about what you want to do for a living, then apply and target your resume toward those jobs.

As you’ll soon learn, in many cases, just turning in a resume may not be enough, and some companies may not even respond. It may not be because you’re unqualified, but that they get a lot of resumes day after day. So, if you want to work at a company, it’s wise to follow up with a phone call or email to jar their memory. Since it takes time to find a suitable company, send in your materials, and interview, it’s essential to start preparing early.

5. Start Networking

While you’re in college, try to meet as many people as you can, especially those in your same degree program. You never know if there may be a connection that you’ll need to get a job. If you don’t know where to turn, consider connecting with an alumni association or at least start researching groups to join after graduation. Once you find one, try to become a member and become active within the organization. Learn about the committees they host and volunteer your time and try to attend a few events throughout the year. Even if an alum is not part of the group, consider contacting them if you think they can help. The more people on your side after graduation, the better.

This is your essential checklist for the steps you should take when you realize that graduation day is quickly approaching. Take an active approach to your future now, and you’ll be ready when the big day comes.

SEE ALSO: Five Best Freelance Jobs for College Students in 2023

What is Career Management?

What is Career Management?

Career management is a vital aspect of one’s professional life. It is an ongoing process of building and maintaining a positive work-life balance. We will delve into the basics of career management and why it is so important to take charge of your professional development. Further, we will educate you how different career management companies can help you in this regard such as ProResumes.

What is Career Management?

Career management refers to the steps individuals take to plan and control their career paths. It involves setting career goals, mapping a career plan, acquiring new skills, and seeking out new opportunities. In essence, career management is the deliberate and intentional pursuit of a fulfilling and successful career.

Why is Career Management Important?

Career management is important for several reasons, including:

Career Progression & Management

Career management provides individuals with the opportunity to grow their professional skills, knowledge, and experience. By taking a proactive approach to your career, you can actively pursue the skills, experience, and credentials you need to reach your goals.

Financial Security

By actively managing your career, you can boost your earning potential, maximise your job security, and secure a stable financial future for yourself and your family.

Increased Job Satisfaction

It provides individuals with the opportunity to align their work with their passions, interests, and values. When individuals feel fulfilled and satisfied in their work, they are more likely to be productive and motivated.

Better Work-Life Balance

Career management can help individuals balance their work and personal life more effectively. By pursuing opportunities that align with their passions and interests, individuals can develop a more fulfilling work-life balance.

Which of the Following is a Component of a Basic Career Management System?

A basic career management system is a comprehensive system designed to help individuals plan, manage, and evaluate their career growth and development over time. This system is essential for anyone who wants to build a successful career, as it provides a structured approach to career planning and decision-making. A basic career management system typically consists of the following components:

Self-Assessment

Self-assessment is the first step in the career management process. This component helps individuals understand their strengths, weaknesses, skills, interests, and values. Self-assessment can be done through various tools, such as personality tests, interest inventories, and skill assessments. The results of self-assessment can help individuals identify their career goals and determine which career paths may be a good fit for them.

Career Exploration

Career exploration involves researching different career paths and gathering information about potential job opportunities. This component helps individuals understand the skills and knowledge required for different careers and the opportunities for advancement and growth within each field. It is also important for individuals to research the work environment, company culture, and salary expectations associated with different careers.

Career Planning

Once individuals have completed self-assessment and explored different career paths, they can use the information to create a career plan. A career plan outlines an individual’s career goals and the steps they need to take to achieve them. This component also includes creating a timeline for reaching career milestones and setting goals for professional development.

Job Search and Application

This component of the career management system involves actively seeking out job opportunities that align with an individual’s career plan. This includes preparing a resume, cover letter, and any other job application materials. It also involves networking and using job search engines, job boards, and other resources to find job openings.

Interview Preparation

Once individuals have applied for a job, they may be invited to participate in an interview. This component of the career management system focuses on preparing individuals for the interview process. This includes researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and preparing responses that highlight their skills and experience.

Career development

Once individuals have secured a job, they can focus on developing their careers. This component involves continuous learning and professional development, including attending training and workshops, seeking out mentorship opportunities, and seeking promotions and advancement within their field.

Career Evaluation

This component of the career management system involves regularly reviewing an individual’s career progress and evaluating their career goals. This can help individuals identify areas where they need to focus their professional development efforts, as well as areas where they have already made progress. Career evaluation also involves considering any changes in personal or professional circumstances that may impact an individual’s career path.

Each of these components is essential for creating a successful career. By taking the time to complete self-assessment, explore different career paths, devise a career plan, and actively seek out job opportunities, individuals can ensure that they are on a path to career success. Furthermore, by focusing on continuous learning and professional development and regularly evaluating their career progress, individuals can continue to grow and advance in their careers over time.

However, it is important to note that a basic career management system is not a one-time process. It is a dynamic system that requires ongoing effort and attention. Individuals must continually assess their skills and interests, seek out new job opportunities, and evaluate their career progress to stay on track and reach their career goals.

Steps for Effective Career Management

Self-Assessment: The first step in career management is to take a step back and assess your current skills, interests, and goals. Ask yourself what you enjoy, what you are good at, and what you hope to achieve in your career. This will help you understand what you need to do to reach your goals.

  • Once you have a clear understanding of your skills, interests, and goals, it’s time to set some career goals. Set both short-term and long-term goals that align with your career aspirations.
  • To reach your career goals, you will need to develop and refine your skills. Seek out opportunities to gain new skills, such as training courses or workshops. Consider seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in your field.
  • Networking is an important part of career management. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people in your field. Building strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities.
  • A career plan is a roadmap that outlines your career goals, the skills and experience you need to reach them, and the steps you will take to achieve them. A career plan can help keep you focused and motivated as you work towards your goals.
  • Stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field. This will help you stay competitive and increase your chances of success.

Conclusion

Career management is an ongoing process of developing and maintaining a positive work-life balance. By taking a proactive approach to your career, you can actively pursue the skills, experience, and opportunities you need to reach your goals. Whether you are just starting your career or you are looking to make a change, career management is an essential aspect of professional development. So, start taking charge of your career today and unlock your full potential!

SEE ALSO: How to Create the Perfect LinkedIn Profile

How to Write an Internship Resume That Will Get You Hired

How to Write an Internship Resume That Will Get You Hired

An internship resume is a document that highlights your skills, experiences, and education. It showcases why you are the best fit for a particular internship opportunity.

Creating a strong internship resume demonstrates your qualifications and makes you stand out as a great candidate for the position. Additionally, it is important to tailor your resume to the specific internship you are applying for. Professional paper writing service can be a useful in this process, as they can help you improve your resume’s formatting, grammar and language, but should not be used as a replacement for your own skills and experiences.

This guide will provide tips and strategies on how to write an internship resume that will help you stand out and get hired.

Tailor Your Resume to the Specific Internship

When applying for an internship, it’s important to tailor your resume to the specific opportunity you’re applying for. This means identifying the key skills and experiences that the internship requires and highlighting them in your resume.

For example, if the internship is in a marketing role, you should emphasize any marketing-related experiences you have. Such as social media management or event planning.

Use a Professional Format

To begin, use a professional format for your resume. A clean, easy-to-read format will make it easier for hiring managers to scan your resume and find the information they need. Use bullet points and clear headings to organize your information and make it easy to read.

Include a Strong Summary or Objective Statement

Next, include a strong summary or objective statement at the top of your resume. This is your chance to make a great first impression and showcase why you’re the best fit for the internship. Make sure to include relevant keywords that reflect the skills the internship requires.

Emphasize Your Education and Work Experience

After your summary statement, you can include sections like “Education,” “Work Experience,” and “Skills.” In the “Education” section, list your relevant degrees, majors, and any relevant coursework.

In the “Work Experience” section, include any relevant job or volunteer experience you have. If you don’t have much work experience, consider including any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work.

Finally, in the “Skills” section, list any relevant technical or soft skills you have, such as in a particular software or language.

Use Specific Examples and Metrics

When describing your experiences in the “Work Experience” or “Education” section, use specific examples and metrics to show the impact you made in your previous roles. Instead of listing your responsibilities, describe specific accomplishments. Also, describe how you added value to the organization.

This will help hiring managers see the concrete ways in which they can contribute to the internship.

Highlight Any Relevant Achievements or Awards

Another important aspect is to highlight any relevant achievements or awards you have received. This could include academic awards, leadership positions in extracurricular activities, or other recognitions.

These accomplishments show your skills and abilities and give the hiring manager a sense of your potential.

Include Relevant Projects

Besides traditional experiences, don’t forget to include any relevant online or offline projects that you have completed. For example, if you developed a website or app, include it in your resume.

This not only shows your technical skills but also your ability to complete projects.

Proofread and Get Feedback

In the end, make sure your resume is free of errors and easy to read. Use a spell checker and have a friend or mentor review your resume. Keep in mind that hiring managers often have to go through hundreds of resumes. So make sure yours is easy to read and stands out.

Internship resume template

Here is an example of an internship resume template:

Name: [Your Name]

Contact Information: [Email, Phone Number, LinkedIn Profile]

Objective Statement: [A brief statement outlining your qualifications and why you are a great fit for the internship]

Education:

  • [Degree, Major, and Institution] (e.g. Bachelor of Science in Marketing, XYZ University)
  • [Relevant coursework, e.g. “Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing”]

Work Experience:

  • [Job Title and Company Name] (e.g. Marketing Intern, XYZ Corporation)
  • [Job duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments in bullet points]
  • [Dates of employment] (e.g. Jan 2020 – Present)

Skills:

  • [List of relevant technical and soft skills]

Achievements:

  • [List of any relevant achievements or awards]

Projects:

  • [Name of project, e.g. “Developed a website for XYZ Non-Profit Organization”]
  • [Brief description of the project and your role]

References:

  • [Name, title, company, and contact information of at least two professional references]

Internship resume example

Name: Jane Doe

Contact Information: janedoe@email.com | 555-555-5555 | linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Objective: Detail-oriented and self-motivated marketing student. Experience in social media management and event planning. Seeking an internship opportunity in a fast-paced marketing environment to further develop my skills and gain hands-on experience.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Marketing, XYZ University (Expected graduation: May 2024)
  • Relevant coursework: Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing

Work Experience:

  • Marketing Intern, ABC Corporation (June 2022 – Present)
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns. Resulting in a 15% increase in website traffic
  • Conducted market research and analyzed data to identify target audiences
  • Managed the company’s social media accounts, resulting in a 20% increase in followers
  • Volunteer Event Coordinator, DEF Non-Profit Organization (January 2021 – May 2022)
  • Organized and executed successful fundraising events, resulting in a 30% increase in donations
  • Coordinated with volunteers and vendors to ensure smooth event execution

Skills:

  • Proficient in Google Analytics, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with social media management and advertising

Achievements:

  • Won first prize in the XYZ University Marketing Competition (2022)
  • Received the XYZ University Marketing Scholarship (2021)

Projects:

  • Developed a website for GHI Non-Profit Organization (2020)
  • Created a responsive website using WordPress and managed a team of 3 individuals. Resulting in a 50% increase in online donations.

References:

  • John Smith, Marketing Manager, ABC Corporation, (555) 555-5555, johnsmith@email.com
  • Mary Johnson, Marketing Professor, XYZ University, (555) 555-5555, maryjohnson@email.com

Conclusion:

Tailoring your resume to the specific internship you are applying for and highlighting your relevant experiences, skills, and education can help you stand out from the competition.

SEE ALSO: Apply for an Internship

College Degree to be Successful

Do You Need a College Degree to be Successful?

With potential loan debts and tuition costs rising every year, it’s no wonder half the millennial population is asking: do you need a college degree to be successful? The answer isn’t simple. There is no definitive proof that a degree can secure you the job of your dreams or lead to the ultimate “success” (especially because success is in the eye of the beholder). One person’s idea of being successful may be different to another’s. But, for now, lets assume that it means you have effectively climbed to the top of your field and earn a reasonably high salary.

A career prerequisite

Before considering whether you wish to attend college, you may want to reflect on what you have a real passion for. This is almost always the thing you will excel at. From there, you should surmise whether a degree is necessary in order to enter this vocation. For many industries, a degree isn’t a prerequisite for an entry-level position. In such circumstances, some students may feel a degree would simply postpone any possible opportunities. However, a degree may be an absolute must for certain fields—the obvious ones being medicine, the sciences, engineering and architecture.

Having realistic expectations is important at this stage of your decision-making. This is not to say don’t aim high, but be honest with yourself about what you can achieve. If your objectives are ambitious, devise a plausible plan that will make your dreams a reality. You may aspire to be a professional swimmer, but you should appreciate that this profession may be slightly out of reach. Instead, becoming the best swimming instructor in the region may be more achievable. Identifying a suitable location with a gap in the market may facilitate you founding a swimming school, which could even lead to a franchise.

What’s it worth?

There are various elements that can determine the value of your college degree: the amount you will ultimately pay to attend, your desired career path and your post-graduation living situation—each can contribute to its worth. One way to determine whether your college costs will stack up against your potential income is to use the Major ROI tool on the Discover Student Loans’ website. The website covers the potential average salary for different subject majors. For industries with six figure salaries, you can afford to pay for a more expensive institution. If the rewards are low, you may wish to consider a more economic method for achieving your goals.

Let’s not forget that financial aid is still available in the form of scholarships for those who need help with offsetting the cost of a college degree. Community colleges and state universities are also options that shouldn’t be cast aside. Both can provide quality educational courses for people with a subject or occupation in mind.

Pro college degree

  • Shows passion and dedication to the field you are applying for.
  • Prepares individuals for the workplace by developing independence, introducing important connections and improving social skills.
  • Provides resources that students can tap into for in-depth insight into various topics—experienced lecturers stand as a fountain of knowledge and expertise.
  • A college degree has become the standard for which many candidates are measured—mostly due to the imbalance of the job-to-candidate ratio.
  • According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2016, earning potential and educational attainment are directly related; lower earners had completed fewer levels of academia in every category.

Pro no college degree

  • Free from debt and tuition fees.
  • Internship and apprenticeship programs can introduce young people into the workplace—securing such a position doesn’t necessarily require a college degree to be successful.
  • Fostering ambition and making valuable business connections is possible via websites such as LinkedIn and Quora.
  • Online courses and certifications provide useful self-educational tools, providing knowledge needed for the workplace or specific industry.
  • The CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey 2017 reported that business owners without a four-year degree far outnumber those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

What the experts say

Several famous personalities have managed to prosper without the help of a college degree; Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, Coco Chanel and Steve Jobs, to name a few. This adheres with the data produced by the CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey from 2017. It found that entrepreneurs who didn’t finish or attend college outnumbered those with higher-level degrees across both genders and every age group apart from the over 65s. However, all business owners who had skipped higher level education all shared common personality traits: each had a distinct attitude of independence, determination, a great idea and the willingness to take risks.

Jacqueline Gold, founder of the Ann Summers adult retail empire is another example of a self-made businesswoman, who climbed her way to the top without a degree. “I was acutely aware when I started Ann Summers Party Plan that I had no formal business training, but what started out as a disadvantage actually turned into one of my biggest advantages. I had to rely entirely on listening to customer feedback, which led to the rapid growth of Party Plan turning over £86,000 in its first year.” While Gold believes that college is undeniably beneficial, she also champions those that follow alternative paths. “I’m excited that there are individuals that want to do something different and create their own career and get straight in to the work place.”

On the topic, Chuck Runyon—co-founder of the 24-hour gym chain Anytime Fitness—commented: “If you want to get out of college and try to hustle, it still requires a great deal of capacity.” Runyon decided to leave college after he identified a gap in the market for a gym that was always open, one whose equipment focused solely on what was most frequently used by members. “I want to make it clear: you have to work every bit as hard, if not harder.”

The brain behind Microsoft, Bill Gates, agreed with Runyon’s sentiments. In a blog post in 2015, Gates said, “Although I dropped out of college and got lucky pursuing a career in software, getting a degree is a much surer path to success.” While the majority of successful entrepreneurs show that college degrees aren’t the only way to succeed in life, none seem to show a dislike for higher education, either.

Whether you decide to get a college degree or jump straight into work, it is clear that the key to succeed in life is to aim high, work your hardest, take risks, stretch your creativity, and—no matter what—follow your dreams.

Further reading: Free Courses to Boost Your Resume

Free Courses to Boost Your Resume

Free Courses to Boost Your Resume

Job searching with a skeletal resume is hard. We’ve searched the web for some highly reputable and FREE courses that will give you the up-to-date and relevant skills you need to navigate today’s job market. Not only this, these courses will boost your resume, making you a valuable asset to companies on the lookout for grads.

Coding

Know your HTML from your Java? If you are looking to work in an industry that is tech-driven, then coding is a valuable asset to add to your resume. Codecademy.com offers a free course for beginners looking to get a basic understanding of coding and web development using HTML and CSS language. Alongside 4.5 million online students, you can crack the fundamentals of coding over 12 sessions.

Social Media

Businesses use social media to connect and communicate with their customer base. It’s also how they advertise, market their product or service and increase website traffic; nowadays, professional experience with social media is becoming increasingly important to hiring managers. While we all tinker around on our personal social media platforms every day, using it in a business environment is slightly different. Buffer.com offers a free email course that gives 25 daily “lessons” in under 10 minutes. Understand social media algorithms, brand-building and content creation to attract audiences.

SEO

SEO—or search engine optimization—is the act of optimizing website content to increase traffic and visibility. This competancy is vital for a wide range of industries from publishing to retail and it’s a nifty skill to help you brand yourself, too. Boost your resume and learn SEO with udemy.com in their free online course SEO Tutorial for Beginners. In this introduction you will learn keyword research, on page and off page optimization and you’ll receive a certificate of completion at the end.

Learn German

Knowing multiple languages comes high on an employer’s list of desirable skills, and is especially valuable in international businesses. For example, did you know that Germany is one of the largest trading partners with the US? The ability to communicate effectively with your prospective employer’s partners may just push you ahead in the resume que. Learn German with duolingo.com for free in just five minutes a day with their fun and accessible game-like lessons. The website also offers bite-size lessons covering a wide range of other languages including Spanish, Italian and Dutch.

Photoshop

For most creative industries, basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is vital. Thankfully, the creators of Photoshop (and other useful design applications including InDesign and Illustrator) teach beginners the rudimentary principles of the software with useful videos and (you guessed it) it doesn’t cost a penny. This free course to boost your resume can be completed in little over five hours over at adobeknowhow.com.

Further reading: How to Land a Job after College

Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

As if searching for a job isn’t difficult enough, the most dreaded part of an application after writing a resume is writing the perfect cover letter. While it can be tedious, writing the perfect cover letter is also a very overlooked opportunity to show your prospective employer why you are perfect for a position.

No Experience?

If you’re a recent graduate, you may not have much real life work experience for the position you are applying for. The perfect cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain your passion for the industry in question and to further detail some of the experience that you may not have included in your resume. For instance, I volunteered at SAG Bookpals where I read to underprivileged children in South Central Los Angeles and recently applied for a position with a church where I would be overseeing the youth program. It would behoove me to mention this experience in my cover letter. Volunteer work shows employers that you have passion and compassion. Steer clear of including experience that is not relevant to the position you are applying for. If you are applying for an internship at the William Morris Agency where you will be working in the mail room, for example, I wouldn’t mention my aspirations of being a filmmaker and my dreams of taking over Hollywood. I would instead stick to soft skills like strong attention to detail and my organizational ability evidenced in my stamp collection which consists of over 2,000 rare stamps that are all in mint condition—if you’re that way inclined!

While some HR managers may not be impressed with volunteer work or your hobbies they may be looking for evidence that you can do the job at hand. If the job requires writing, then mention your writing ability. Maybe this is the time to mention that you wrote for the school paper or that you published an award-winning article that was later picked up by a national publication. If the job requires handling social media, mention that you are familiar with Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook.

Honesty

Be honest when writing the perfect cover letter. You have to know yourself and what attributes that you have that would be good for the position to benefit both you and your future employer. Spending time on a job application is a time to really take into account if you’re the right fit for a position. Some places are not the right fit for you and that is an inevitability. I recently applied for a position and interviewed but the employees seemed depressed and stressed out. While another position I applied for in the same field the employees were happy and upbeat and seemed to enjoy working for the company. These are all important factors to think about. Research the company and use the cover letter to discuss of what kind of environment you would like to work in.

The most important thing that I think that makes a successful cover letter is that it shows your personality and what you can bring to the position you are applying for. So often when applying for a job, we recount our qualifications and experiences but leave the most important part out of the letter: This is who you are and what separates you from the other candidates for the position.

Don’t get weighed down by the formality of the job process that you leave any hint of you out of your cover letter. If you want to find the perfect job, you’re not going to get it pretending to be someone else. This is why so many adults are miserable at the jobs they have. Find your passion.

Ask for help

If you need assistance writing a cover letter, visit your career center at school for some guidance. Your local public library may have some resources that can demonstrate how to write the perfect cover letter. Remember that practice makes perfect. I look at it as something that could possibly sway you being hired for a position but not the end all and be all. Finding a job is about numbers. The more positions you apply for, the more likely you’re going to get an interview—so get writing that perfect cover letter!

Further reading: Nail a Successful Job Interview