Navigating the expectations of résumés and cover letters as both a college senior and seasoned professional often feels like being thrust into a story where the rules keep changing. Reading through our final course materials—guides on job applications, Doris Lessing’s reflections on education, and Stephen King’s no-nonsense writing rules—felt like stumbling into a treasure trove of guidance wrapped in irony and wisdom.
Take the cover letter. We’re told to frame ourselves as resource-givers, not resource-takers. Sell yourself. Don’t oversell. Be humble. Don’t downplay your achievements. It’s a psychological game with employers’ “crocodile brains” that leaves many of us, especially first-gen students like me, wondering if we’re writing our story or someone else’s. I’ve agonized over whether my upbringing and years of managing creative projects make me a star candidate or just another item on the list for employer’s to check off.
Then there’s the résumé, a supposed reflection of individuality boxed neatly into conventions. As a former creative professional, it’s hard not to balk at its rigid structure. Where do I fit in the mosaic of my experiences? Does my fluency in Spanglish or my knack for crafting heartfelt wedding galleries have a place among bullet points and action verbs?
Doris Lessing’s words about books and hunger in Zimbabwe remind me to reflect on the privilege embedded in our narratives. While we fret over font choices, others hunger for the stories and spaces we take for granted. Stephen King’s advice speaks volumes to job seekers: “Write one word at a time,” and “Kill your darlings.” For me, this means letting go of the need for perfection and focusing on clarity and connection.
This blog isn’t just a nod to the labyrinth of résumés and cover letters—it’s also a love letter to this course and to Professor Friend. I’ve learned more than how to write. I’ve learned how to trust my voice. Whether it’s crafting a cover letter or penning my next story, I’ll remember that writing is about getting happy, getting well, and ultimately, getting real.
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