Being able to write a fantastic resume and cover letter is essential for anyone who wants to apply for their dream job and progress through their career. To help you learn how to write a mind blowing resume or cover letter (or both), we have spent the time researching the best online courses on the topic. We have included both free and paid courses, that are suitable for everyone, to ensure that you can find a course best suited to you!
But first, let’s answer a very important question – what is a resume and cover letter… and why do you need to know how to write one?
A resume (or CV) is a short document that gives you the chance to show prospective employers why you’re the right person for the job. It includes a general and broad list of all relevant skills and qualifications. In this day and age, making a good first impression is important as employers do not take much time reading job applications. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to be able to write a resume that stands out and grabs their attention.
A cover letter often accompanies a resume. However, it differs from a resume in that instead of being a written overview of your skills and experience, it’s specifically written with the job you’re applying for in mind – allowing you to highlight certain areas you think would make you right for the role.
In order to land your dream career, you need to be able to write a resume and cover letter that grabs an employers attention. To learn how to write an amazing resume and cover letter, you can take some online courses to teach you everything you need to know. Suitable for all levels, I have spent the time researching the best online resume and cover letter tutorials out there. So, if you’re looking to progress and develop through your career, there will be an online course out there for you!
1. How to Get a Job: A Step-by-Step Guide | Learn with Glassdoor (Skillshare)
- Level: All levels
- Completion time: 1h 5m
- Cost: 14 day free-trial
- Certification: No
- Number of people who have completed the course: 16,092
- Course rating: N/A
Suitable for all levels, this course will allow you to unlock the secrets of a successful job search! Whether you’re looking to make that big career change, or you’re just wanting to consider your next career step, you will take something beneficial out of this course.
To begin with, you will look at how to kick off a successful search by understanding how to start, where to look and what to track. After, you will then take a look at how to write the perfect resume and cover letter. To help you one step further, you will also get advice for online applications, interview tips and advice and tips on how to navigate your employment offer!
To make this course stand out even more, every lesson is backed up with statistics, research and best practices compiled by experts at Glassdoor. This ensure that you are only receiving the best possible information.
2. Write and Effective Resume And Cover Letter In An Hour (Udemy)
- Level: Beginners
- Completion time: 47m
- Cost: $49.99
- Certification: No
- Number of people who have completed the course: 44,082
- Course rating: 4.8/5 (out of 805 ratings)
In just under an hour, you will be taught all the skills you need to write an effective resume and cover letter! Targeted at young professionals who are looking to enhance their job applications, you will learn the best practices and techniques to being a successful job applicant. You will go over an introductory section on what makes an effective cover letter and resume, before going over a number of case studies which show you templates of effective resumes and cover letters from candidates who have secured their desired jobs!
By the end of this course, every cover letter that you write should be so persuasive, yet so personal to you, that you should be able to land that job you’ve been dreaming about for so long!
3. Line By Line Resume Writing: Write a Resume & Cover Letter (Udemy)
- Level: Beginners
- Completion time: 7h 5m
- Cost: $69.99
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 3,668
- Course rating: 4.6/5 (out of 3,668 ratings)
Taught by Alex Genadinik, a 3-time bestselling Amazon author with books used in universities across the country, this course will show you how to write every single line in your resume so that it grabs all potential employers attention.
You will learn how to write a resume, and how to accompany it with a cover letter that stands out. Alex will also teach you how to look for jobs. As well, you will be taught how to complete phone interviews and be prepared for all types of questions. On top of this, you will also be taught how to build rapport, negotiate a salary and create an online reputation for when employers look you ip.
What makes this course even better is that when you finish it, you will receive a certificate so you that you have proof of your resume writing expertise.
4. Writing a Cover Letter (LinkedIn Learning)
- Level: Beginners
- Completion time: 21m
- Cost: 1-month free trial
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 88,490
- Course rating: N/A
In this LinkedIn Learning course, you will join career strategist and Certified Professional Resume writer Jenny Foss, in learning how to craft a cover letter that will land you a job interview.
In this exceptionally short course, you will learn explore the elements of an exceptional cover letter. Jenny will teach you how to clearly provide direct evidence of why you skills align with a position. You will also be concisely taught how to close on a strong note, and how to get your cover letter directly into the hands of the decision-makers!
In just 22 minutes, you could learn how to demonstrate to employers who you are, what you have to offer and why your skills, experiences and interests make you the perfect person for the job!
5. Cover Letter Tips (LinkedIn Learning)
- Level: Beginners
- Completion time: 14m
- Cost: 1-month free trial
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 29,011
- Course rating: N/A
In another fantastic course taught by Jenny Foss, you will learn how to write a fantastic cover letter that showcases your personality, whist still explaining why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
Jenny will take you over some of the most common questions people ask about how they can create a memorable, results-generating cover letter. In only 14 minutes, you will learn how to tie your strengths to what the employer is seeking, explaining missing skills and addressing any career gap.
6. Create a Resume and Cover Letter with Word (Coursera)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: 2h
- Cost: Enroll for free
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: N/A
- Course rating: N/A
In this guided project, you will learn how to create a resume and cover letter from scratch using Microsoft word.
Designed to help you gain a better understanding of what a resume and cover letter should include, and how to get your skills and qualifications noticed, by the end of this course you will be able to use Microsoft word like a pro.
You will go over five simple steps: 1) an overview; 2) set up your resume template; 3) set up your cover letter template; 4) format your resume and cover letter; and 5) finish, save and share your resume and cover letter. As this course is a guided project, you will have ample opportunities to practice your skills and really solidify your knowledge.
7. Writing and Winning Resumes and Cover Letters (Coursera)
- Level: Intermediate
- Completion time: Approx 13h
- Cost: Enroll for free
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 37,118
- Course rating: 4.7/5 (out of 236 ratings)
By the end of this course, you should have all the skills you need to bring your resume to the top of the pile!
You will learn how to present yourself to employers in the language that they already speak inside their organization. Once you have completed this course, you will be able to identify your relevant competencies for a position, write a powerful and convincing accomplishment statement, write summary sections and objective statements, produce a strong resume in a format that is suitable to your background and the position you’re interested in, and finally produce effective follow-up letters that help you stand out from the competition.
Conclusion
So, there you have it… the 7 best online courses that will teach you to write your resume and cover letter like a pro! Being able to do these things will help you in your career development and can aid you in landing any job!
In the list above, there were free courses that take as little as an hour to complete, and there are more expensive courses that much longer to complete! However, all of these courses are the best of the best. Each is taught by an experienced and dedicated teacher, and they all have lots of satisfied and happy customers.
So, which course you decide take depends on your experience, funds and spare time. Do you have a huge amount of money to spend on your career development? Do you have a lot of spare time, or are you just looking for a quick, but effective, skill top up?
