Leonardo da Vinci, Cover Letters, AI and YOU!
What do you have in common with Leonardo da Vinci??
✨ resume
✨ cover letter
✨ simplicity
How Leonardo da Vinci Sent the First Resume and Cover Letter
Did you know?? Leonardo DaVinci was the first person to send a resume and cover letter?! That’s right, in 1482 he sent his letter along with a list of accomplishments (resume) to the Duke of Milan.
Da Vinci customized the letter to focus on how his current skills, talents, and vision could help the city thrive. As a result, Leonardo da Vinci became the Director of Festivities in Milan, Italy. He went on to secure more prominent projects, including his most renowned paintings.
When I first learned about this, while watching a PBS documentary, I was impressed but not surprised. Da Vinci was an innovator in both science and art. And, apparently, career development.
Job seekers and candidates often ask me if writing a cover letter is important I
always answer: "YES. Especially if you want the job!"
Although it can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and even pointless to write a cover letter, it is very much worth it. Here’s why writing a cover letter is important:
Sets you apart from the other applicants who don’t take the time or bother
Proves you have attention-to-detail and can follow instructions
Highlights your ability to communicate and persuade
Showcases your professional writing and communication abilities
Give the hiring manager or recruiter a sense that they know you before you meet for the interview
A chance to your tell your career story in a unique and creative way
When it comes to a resume format, simplicity wins every time.
No bells. No whistles. No tables.
A “boring” text-based resume with the right formatting will not only get you past those pesky and daunting ATS machines, it will make the human making the decisions a chance to keep their eyes on your resume and cover letter longer.
Match the font style and size on both your resume and cover letter. Limit them to 1-page each. Using LinkedIn along with these will make you unstoppable.
When you allow your experience to speak for itself, you and Da Vinci will already have something in common.
Creating something functional yet beautiful is often harder than it looks. Simplicity, clarity, sophistication, and elegance are possible in a resume and cover letter. Best Resume Coach can help you find it. Schedule a consultation call today!
This blog was originally posted as an article on LinkedIn.