Because we talk to hiring managers every day, job seekers often ask us what they can do to improve their application materials. Here’s our advice:
Q: What is your #1 tip for job applications?
Show Your Personality
“Show your personality (in a grammatically correct way with proper spelling, capitalization and punctuation). Hiring managers see hundreds of qualified resumes and the only way to set yourself apart is to present yourself as someone who will fit into the company culture in a gracious fashion. You can do this with a summary blurb at the top of your resume, but the cover letter is the best way to do this. Instead of restating facts presented in your resume, use the Cover Letter to tell the hiring manager something about yourself, like why you’re interested in this particular job e.g. if you’re applying for the human resources manager position at a photo-processing plant, use the Cover Letter to tell the hiring manager an anecdote about your life where it intersected a relevant topic: human resources, photography, working in photo-processing etc. Think of your Cover Letter as your opening conversation gambit, as if you ran into the hiring manager at the grocery store and you’re striking up a new friendship.”
Research the Hiring Company
“Research the hiring company before you apply and research them again before your interview. As Ingrid pointed out, hiring managers receive hundreds applicants. Many are qualified, many are not, and most don’t take the time to adequately research the hiring company. Employers are tired of it. They want someone who understands the company, its industry, and its target audience. They also want someone who truly wants their job, not just any job. Prove to them that this is you. It takes longer, but it works.”
Add a Cover Letter
“Add a cover letter! A cover letter gives a job-seeker much more opportunity than a simple resume. You can showcase your writing talents, show your personality and let potential hiring managers know more about you that could be of value to their organization. Plus you never know what you might write in the letter that might connect with the HR personnel!”
(Related: Creative Job Hunting – From Marketing Ninjas to Melted Peeps)
Practice Quality Over Quantity
“Quality over quantity. Rather than submitting the same resume to as many jobs as you can find, tailor each resume to the job description. In addition, include a unique cover letter that addresses the hiring manager and communicates your passion for the company and why YOU are a great fit for the position.”
(Related: The Least Painful Way to Tailor Your Resume)
