Get a Job, Start a Career
by Deborah Menikoff, December 2008

Finding advertised jobs has gotten easier in this Internet age, I find that many people are still stumbling on the crucial steps that come next - the resume and cover letters, followed by the interview and follow-up. I've played both parts in the job search dance - searching for jobs as well as employees. Naturally, this means that I've written and read a lot of resumes. I've been the interviewer and the interviewee.   I thought, since I had experience from both sides, a few words of advice might be in order as many people prepare to dive into what is bound to be the toughest job market in some time.

Tips for Resumes and Cover Letters

Sadly, during the time I spent on the hiring side of the equation, I encountered far more bad resumes than good ones. The most unfortunate thing about the bad ones was that with just a bit more care, they would have been perfectly fine. The problems with them had nothing to do with whether the person could perform the job described. It had everything to do with a lack of attention to detail, a complete absence of proof reading and a misunderstanding how what a resume is supposed to communication.

The result? I didn't even ask those people to come in for an interview. The lack of care taken with a resume speaks volumes about a person's work habits - even if they don't realize it. I thought a few words of advice might be in order as many people prepare to dive into what is bound to be the toughest job market in some time.

A resume and cover letter serve as marketing tools and the product they are marketing is you.

The resume should describe your accomplishments clearly and succinctly. Employers don't typically take very much time to review each resume so it's crucial that you be brief, while still providing enough information for the employer to evaluate your qualifications and generating enough interest so that the employer wants to find out more.

Resumes can be styled and structured in any number of ways. There is no "right" or "best" format for a resume; the most important qualities it needs are clarity and correctness. Whatever format you choose should be clear and accessible in both electronic and hard-copy versions. All your contact information should be as up-to-date as possible and grammar and spelling should be correct. Always proofread your resume and cover letters. Whenever possible, have someone else proofread them as well.

The resume not only reports the facts of your work experience and educational background but actively puts your communication skills, attention to detail, and writing style on display.

When presenting your skills, qualities, and experience, be honest but don't be shy. This is an advertisement designed to sell you. If you aren't confident in your abilities, potential employers won't be either.

It is important that a cover letter be as clear and accessible as your resume. These letters should illustrate for the reader exactly how your strengths fit with the organization's specific goals and work. You can write your letter as response to an advertised position - in which case you want to address it to the person specified in the advertisement, as well as reference the specific job mentioned and as the location where you saw the listing. Or you can use the cover letter as an inquiry about potential or future positions. In that case, you'll want to mention the job function or area you are interested in and what it is about this particular organization that appeals to you.

Remember: unadvertised positions considerably outnumber advertised positions in the job market. Public job listings represent only about 10-15% of the positions available at any one time, so do not hesitate to contact companies you are interested in even if you don't see them listing any openings.

Interviews and Follow Ups

Interviewing is so critical. A great resume will get you in the door but the interview is what will get you the job. A successful interview depends in great part on doing some work ahead of time. Learn all you can about the position you are interviewing for, the company itself, and, if possible, the people you will meet with. Employers are impressed by well-informed job seekers.

One of the reasons many people find interviews difficult is that they are not comfortable with the task of 'selling' themselves. But that is exactly the purpose of a job interview – to pitch yourself and your abilities. Practicing can help you make your case as effectively and as confidently as possible. You can practice on your own or if you can find a family member or friend willing to engage in a bit of "role play", a rehearsal interview can also help put you at ease on the big day.

Practice describing yourself and why you are interested in the position. Practice explaining how hiring you will benefit the organization. Come up with answers to some of the common questions asked by interviewers. Things like: Tell me what you feel is your greatest strength and weakness? Why do you want to work here?

The weakness question is particularly daunting but the truth is that with a little preparation you can turn it into a positive moment. Think about an example where a weakness hampered your performance or interfered in some activity. Describe the event - how you diagnosed the weakness and its impact. Elaborate on the pro-active steps you took to correct the situation and how you have prevented it recurring. Preparing answers to these types of questions gives you confidence, demonstrates you've taken the time to think about what you can offer employers, and shows that you value the time they are giving you to make your case.

On the day of the interview, dress appropriately. While it's true that over the last decade workplace attire in many industries has gotten more casual, the image you want to convey in a job interview is of someone who is pulled together, professional, and well-groomed. You don’t want to be on the "cutting edge" of fashion, either. It is you that the interviewer should remember – not what you are wearing.

Make sure you arrive on time. Better to err on the side of arriving early. If you arrive early, you can use the extra time to review your prepared answers and any notes you've made, and collect your thoughts.

The interviewer will probably begin with a description of the position or the organization in more detail, and will then move on to questions for you. These questions – specifically, your reactions to them and your answers – are a way to judge your communication skills as well as your confidence level. They also help the interviewer get a sense of how you might fit into the organization. If you've practiced your answers and done your homework on the position, the company, and the industry, you should appear comfortable and confident when describing yourself and what contributions you can make to the company.

At the end of the interview, you may be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. These questions are not only a chance for you to find out more but they can be another way for the interviewer to learn about you. Some questions you might consider asking, and which will communicate a great deal to the interviewer, are things like: Are there opportunities for advancement? What do you like about working for this organization? Use your research to come up with other questions that relate directly to the company and any recent product advancements or breakthroughs they have made. As you leave the interview, make sure you thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.

Always follow up by sending a thank-you note after the interview. This important step is omitted more and more these days and that is a major mistake. You can send it by email or regular mail but it should be sent within two days. Ideally, it should be sent the same day while the interview is still fresh in the interviewers mind. Thank the interviewer for the meeting and express again your interest in the position. Make sure to include how you can be contacted, that you will be happy to provide any further information should they need it, and that you look forward to speaking with them again.

Remember the resumes? Same careful attention is needed here. Proofread your letter carefully. Grammatical errors can brand you as careless and someone who doesn't pay attention to details. Even if you've aced the interview itself, those kinds of mistakes can cost you the job.

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