The following is some free advice for those in the job market. Take it or leave it as it is only meant to help. Nobody right now that has a job feels great about keeping that job through out the year. There are some basic things you can do to help your chances in getting an interview and more important...getting the job.
Make sure all of the words are spelled correctly.
Have several people read your resume and cover letter to check that spelling, punctuation, and dates are correct and match. 25% of resumes I read have misspelled words. I understand because I cannot spell, and have terrible grammatical skills as well, but not in my resume.
Find out the name of the person you are sending your resume to.
To whom it may concern, to dear sir or madam, are not impressive. A letter addressed to me already has me invested in the content. It stands out of the masses and shows that a person is serious enough to make the effort to find out who in our company does the hiring. With the invention of the phone, and Internet, this information is out there and available.
Keep your cover letter short and to the point.
With hundreds and thousands of people applying to the same job people are skimming them instead of reading them. Use your cover letter to highlight things not in your resume.
Keep it non-political.
Hiring managers may not seem human but they are. Which means they have their own bias and beliefs. Do not put religious, or political affiliations in your resume. Unless the company you are applying for has a outspoken bias of their own. If you are applying to the N.R.A. then church volunteer programs or right of center groups you belong to make sense.
Do not send pictures with your resume.
You would be surprised the number of people that are sending pictures of themselves, their pets, and their kids with their resume. Unless you are applying for a acting gig, bikini barista, or bartending position in L.A. don't do it. Even if you are hot, it is just strange.
Practice your interview.
You would not believe the number of people that do not have an answers for "So tell me about yourself". Practice the basic interview questions; why do you want this job, what skills can you bring, what challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them...what questions do you have?
Research the company you are applying to.
What questions do you have is a test question from the interviewer. If you have none then you don't care about the company or the position. Every company has a website full of information that will help learn about the company, the position, who works there, and great questions you can ask during the interview.
Follow up every step of the way.
You have sent your cover letter and resume to Jack Dawson, send a follow up email a day or two later to confirm that they received it and that your are looking forward to an interview. After an interview send a follow up card thanking that person for an interview, and that you look forward to the next step. After a second interview send a follow up card to that person as well. If time does not permit then a follow up email will work, but just like birthdays...a card say's it better.
There are some basic things you can do to stand out in a crowd. Research and effort are required to get an interview. After that don't talk yourself out of a job. Have a firm but not killer handshake, look people in the eye, don't cover your mouth when you talk, sit still, ask questions, be confident not cocky, and thank the person for taking the time to meet with you.
Good Luck!
Matthew,
Are you unemployed? I hope not. I need a male partner who can pay the bills.
Posted by: Sexual Jeff | February 28, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Matthew,
This is some great practical advise. I think your insight is accurate and wise. Now please tell me, how can I get your love?
Posted by: Wonder Wiggle | February 28, 2009 at 01:01 PM
I have a job, if you are female, beautiful inside, smart, and sexy, not only will I love you but I might even hire you.
Love...to all of you.
Posted by: mattie | February 28, 2009 at 08:46 PM
I might add; if your email address is on your resume make sure it's not hotsexy54@whatever.com or anything that includes some awkward personality trait it's really unprofessional and strange to have on a professional document! email address are free get a new one.
Posted by: becky | March 02, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Thanks for the great tip Becky! I need to change my email address now...
Posted by: Sexual Jeff | March 02, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Wow Becky,
Is this hostility really necessary for this blog? I don't know what Jeff has done to you, but thanks for giving me his email. I've wanted to contact him. He sounds like a sweetie. Now could you work on getting me Homo Spotted's email too? He might be more of an asshole, but that could make for some hot times. I'm always down...
Posted by: Wonder Wiggle | March 03, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Don't give that sleeze bag wonder wiggle my address. I'm only interested in Matthews package. I like this article matthew. It makes me think that I can get a job other than fluff girl. Even though I'm a guy. What can I say. I'm great with a twig and berries. So matthew can u hire you to help me with my resume. I'll pay you. With my special skills.
Posted by: Homo spotted | March 05, 2009 at 06:58 AM