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Posted by Paym Bergson Jun 27, 2006 |
The real way to get your Resume noticed in that huge pile doesn't depend as much on your Resume as your Cover letter - but again, if your Resume does NOT match or meet the expectations set up in your Cover Letter - you still end up in the circular cabinet.
Basic Tips on what to do and what not to do:
1) PROOFREAD AND EDIT - I cannot emphasize this enough. ANY TYPOS will throw out your chances at an interview. So check your spelling and your grammar - and get someone else to read your letter and resume as well - an extra set of eyes always helps. Did you sign that letter? You may get the interview, but if you didn't pay attention to small details, there is no way you'll get the job (yes, many interviewers still have a soft spot for students and will allow them the chance for an interview with such a glaring mistake - I know - I was one/the student - and I always pass on that good deed to others when I have a chance).
2) Don't be too worried about the colour of your paper. I've heard so often that using a different colour will help your papers be picked over others. Well, yes and no. It will get noticed, but not always in a favourable light. If you are going for a marketing position - you'd better do a lot more than just coloured paper if you're trying to stand out from the crowd - and it had still better be grammatically perfect!
3) The look you need is crisp and clean - tabs/dates etc. should be lined up properly; information clearly readable and scannable.
4) Which brings up an important point - when writing your Cover letter - ensure you DO mention all those important points listed in the ad - and that you can back up your claims. DO NOT just repeat verbatim what the ad said - expand on it quickly - enough to show you DO have those skills, education, etc. Your resume/cover letter may be scanned - electronically or manually - and you'll need so many "checks" to get an "A" listing.
So, start applying to those ads!