Resume and Letter of Qualifications Tips
At the Department of Revenue (DOR) we always ask for a resume and a letter of qualifications as
part of our job application process. A letter of qualifications is meant to introduce yourself as a
candidate, provide details on your education and work experience as they relate to the specific
position you are applying for, and explain why you would be a good fit for the job. A resume
summarizes your job experience, work accomplishments, and educational background. Together,
a resume and letter of qualifications provides a full picture of your qualifications as a candidate.
It is important that these documents clearly describe your background so the job expert(s)
evaluating your application materials are able to make an accurate judgment regarding your
qualifications. Your resume and letter of qualifications are very important parts of your
application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications
as they relate to the job.
We recommend updating your resume and letter of qualifications for each individual job you
apply for. To do this, you should describe your education, training, and experience related to
items listed in the “Qualifications” section of the job announcement. If it’s not clear in your
resume how you have experience in these items, it’s important to use the letter of qualifications
to clarify that. Be sure to read the job announcement fully and evaluate the skills required of the
job in order to match them with your own skills and experiences within your resume and letter of
qualifications. Both your resume and letter of qualifications must provide sufficient detail to
portray your qualifications as a candidate.
Your letter of qualifications should include:
• Additional information regarding your past work experience or coursework you have
taken. A letter supplements and expands on the information provided in your resume.
• Specific examples to clearly demonstrate your level of expertise and past
responsibilities.
• Highlights of your most relevant skills and experiences as they relate to the specific job
you are applying for.
• Clear descriptions of how your past education and experience relates to the duties of the
position. Use the information provided in the job announcement to help make this
connection in your letter.
• Any experience you have related specifically to the “Qualifications” section of the job
announcement.
Your letter of qualifications should not be simply an introduction of yourself and a request for job
experts to review your resume. Typically a letter of qualifications is 1-2 pages, with 2 pages
being the maximum.
Your resume should include:
• Your educational background, including any course work that is related to the position
you are applying for.
• Summary of your employment history, including work accomplishments and skills used.
• Your contact information, including an email and a phone number.
• Any experience you have related specifically to the “Qualifications” section of the job
announcement.
Good luck!
