In my years as a business owner I’ve had the opportunity to post job positions, screen candidates and hold interviews. I remember very clearly how a “job seeker” thinks, but now as the “job creator” I see the inefficiencies in people’s job applications. I figured I’d take the time to give some advice to all job seekers on how best to marketing themselves when looking for a job.
1) If you’re applying for a job/internship and you don’t have direct experience, please write a cover letter stating why you applied. If you don’t, then it’s highly likely the person screening the resumes will think you applied by mistake.
2) If you DO write a cover letter. Proof read it. Then when you’re done proof reading it, proof read it again. Then when you’re done, have a friend proof read it. Nothing says “I don’t really care if I get this job or not” more than blatant typos.
3) Proof read the resume with the same care you proof read the cover letter.
4) Tailor your cover letter to include specifics mentioned in the job description. If your resume doesn’t spell it out, this is your chance to let the recruiter know you’re qualified.
5) Remember, when someone is seeking a candidate to fill a job vacancy (ESPECIALLY if it’s a small business) they need you to be of value to them. There needs to be some value that you create for the company that they can’t create for themselves. You need to stress your value in your cover letter, but more than that, you need to stress how you will CREATE VALUE for the company. As a small business owner I’m only interested in hiring people who will help my organization be better. Your cover letter MUST focus on this.
6) When you write your cover letter move away from focusing on how your experiences have been valuable to you, and move your focus to how your experiences can be of value to the employer.
7) Unless you went to Harvard or some other Top Tier University, you probably don’t need to put your education right at the top. (Unless you’re applying for internships, then they may care about your current GPA.)
8) Write an Objective on your resume. It helps the recruiter know what you’re looking for. If you don’t fit the position you applied for, they may think you’re suitable for another they have open.
9) Have all of your contact information on top of your resume and cover letter. Both email and phone number.