You have researched the making of the perfect resume. You have pulled together your information and have gotten it down on paper. It looks rather impressive, and you are hopeful as you pop it into the mailbox. The first few days pass and you know it takes companies awhile to sift through the resumes. When it is over a week you feel a little nervous. When two or three weeks have gone by, you know something has gone wrong. They found someone more qualified and hired them and didn’t even have the courtesy to at least give you a chance with an interview. They have no idea of the grave mistake they have made in not taking you on. Well, time to submit to the next group of job openings.
Your resume is your method of getting your foot in the door so to speak. If it is not catchy, you won’t land a job. No one will want an interview with you if they don’t see something special in your resume, or if you don’t draw some extra attention to yourself. The first way to do this is a simple follow-up phone call. Ask for human resources, tell them your name and that you recently submitted a resume, and reaffirm your qualifications and interest in the job. This phone call first brings your resume to the top of the pile again, and often passes it before the important eyes that need to see it. The phone call also simply shows you are very interested.
A mistake often made by applicants, is not following the directions of the company you are applying to when sending your resume. Every company wants something a little different. Be sure to do as they say. If they request a cover letter, see that you have one. If they don’t want one, don’t enclose one thinking it will improve your odds. What it will do is show that you have no regard for what they asked for and directed you to send. Some companies want references listed and some don’t. Some will request it later. Now days many companies use an on line application. If this is their procedure, then that is how you must apply. Be sure you understand and read the job listing carefully.
Most companies like to see a cover letter, and it is your chance to be creative, and perhaps elaborate on your skills. It is good to imply that the particular skills that you have can benefit their company. Your cover letter should wet their appetite. Be certain you are not replying to a job that specifies a certain number of years experience if you do not have it. Apply for jobs to which you are qualified to do.
Lastly, do not make yourself look unprofessional by submitting a resume with typos and misspelled words. Your attention to detail is important, and it is something the prospective employer will indeed notice. Proofread anything you send out. When you are sure you’ve done all the above, including that important follow-up call, then you can rest assured that you have given yourself the best chance you can to reel in that desired job!
