In reply to jiah.

I would argue that it is actually even more important that you include a cover letter with your resume. The cover letter is a way for you to take the requirements for the position and state how you have the skills to meet each requirement. You don't say if you have worked in any other positions, but seeing just a resume with only secretarial work doesn't tell me as a hiring manager how you meet the needs of the QA position I am trying to fill. If you include a cover letter, you can take my requirements and explain to me how you fit my needs.

For example, let's say that one requirement is "attention to detail". You might say something like "My attention to detail has been recognized by my boss. I have often made spelling corrections for documents that needed to be put into a Word Document, and prevented those issues from being seen by the customer or a competitor. I have often take care of..." x, y, z issues. You are showing attention to detail because you found typos or other gaffs that might have made it to the customer, but because you found them; they did not. Another example might be for a requirement for "organization". Well to be a secretary you have to organized. Give examples of how in the secretarial position you have kept your boss organized throughout the day. Maybe you instituted a way for people to let you know beforehand when office supplies are low. Use anything that you were good at to give examples of how you meet the primary requirements, but keep the cover letter to one page.

QA managers are looking for people with the skills; not necessarily prior experience in the position. So if you can show you have the skills to satisfy those requirements in a cover letter, you have gotten your foot in the door. Throughout the interview process, rely on those examples and maybe some others to show how you had the QA skills in your prior positions.

I had an aunt that had never worked before, and she was wanting to find a job, but she said to me "Why would anyone hire me? I have no experience." I told her that she did have experience...in raising four kids. That takes organization, great communication skills, and diplomacy. She went out and found a job within a week. I tell you this to show that it is a matter of perspective and all in how you sell yourself. The cover letter is your first chance to show yourself off. Use it.

Good luck!