From resume to interview

Our goal is to provide students with comprehensive guidance on all stages of their job search, from creating an effective resume to successfully completing an interview. We are committed to helping students develop “soft and hard” skills (Softskills) to be competent in the labor market and successfully obtain the desired position. The page provides practical tips, templates, examples and resources to help users prepare for each stage of the employment process, as well as avoid common mistakes.
 

Our challenge is to make the job search process more understandable and accessible, providing the support and information needed to achieve career goals.

Guide to drafting the covering letter

Cover letter (cover letter) — this is the first chance to impress your employer and show why you are suitable for the vacancy. It complements the summary and answers the question: «Why should we choose you?».

1. The main objectives of the cover letter are

  • Justify interest in the company and vacancies.
  • Demonstrate relevant experience and skills.
  • Show motivation and value to the employer.
  • Stand out from other candidates.

2. Cover letter structure:

  • Title and greeting.
  • Please provide contact information (if the letter is in document form).
  • Greet a specific person: «Dear Anna Petrovna».
  • If name unknown — use «Dear HR representatives».

Introduction

  1. Please briefly indicate which position you are applying for.
  2. Add how you found out about the vacancy.
  3. Get attention: highlight one key quality or success.

Example:

I would like to express my interest in the office manager vacancy in your company, published on hh.ru. My experience in organizing administrative processes and working with partners allows me to confidently meet the requirements of the position.

Main part (1–2 paragraphs)

  1. Describe your relevant experiences and achievements.
  2. Emphasize how you can benefit the company.
  3. Use numbers and facts (sales growth, number of events held, process optimization, etc.).

Example:

During my time as Assistant General Director at LLC «SOP», I coordinated projects and internal processes, which reduced the time for preparing reports by 20%. I also have experience in organizing events and interacting with partners, which will be useful in your company.

Conclusion

  1. Emphasize interest in cooperation.
  2. Indicate willingness to discuss details at interview.
  3. Thank you for your attention.

Example:

I would love the opportunity to discuss in more detail how my experience and skills can be useful to your team. Thank you for your attention to my candidacy.

3. Important details:

  • Volume: 3–4 paragraphs, up to 1 page.
  • Focus: do not rewrite your resume, but emphasize what exactly suits the vacancy.
  • Personalization: tailor your email to each company
  • Relevance: Don't use outdated or generic phrases («I'm a good team player...» without examples).
  • Errors: Avoid spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Tone: professional, but lively (without unnecessary officialdom).

4. Mini-example (office manager):

Dear Anna Petrovna,

I would like to respond to an office manager position in your company. The interest in this position is due to my experience in administrative support and organization of work processes.

As Assistant General Manager, I was involved in project coordination, meeting planning and document flow, which significantly improved the efficiency of teamwork. I am confident that I can use these skills to support your company's employees.

I would be happy to talk more about my experience and discuss how I can be useful to your team. Thank you for your attention to my candidacy.

Best regards, First name Last name