Are You Sure This is What You Meant to Send?

When was the last time you actually read your resume, professional summary or cover letter?  More importantly, did you actually read the entire job description for the job you are applying too? All too often, job seekers are so anxious to get their resume out that they neglect to carefully review what it is they are really presenting to perspective employers. They quickly shoot of their resume and do not take the time to craft their credentials to speak clearly and directly to the position and the organization. This misstep can be costly, especially considering that you only have one chance to make a first impression.

 

When quality job opportunities seem to be in limited supply, many job seekers are under the impression that they need to have their credentials to the employer as quickly as possible. What’s the rush? Does having your resume on top of the pile really benefit you if it what you have written does not reflect the position or accurately reflect your ability to meet the needs of the company. For example, many professional resumes have some kind of summary or objective outlining their background and highlighting their career goals. Frequently, these summaries are created when the resume was written, which automatically makes it an outdated statement. You want everything you present to potential employers to this to be fresh and current, addressing your related strengths for that job.

 

Let the employer know you have thoroughly researched the company as well as the details of the position and articulate in your written presentation that you are not only interested in the job, but have gone beyond all of the other applicants. Let them know that while you do appreciate the demands of the position, you have also have a clear and well-defined understanding of the company and how you can make positive contributions to the overall objectives of the business. In too many instances, job seekers are over confident in what was previously written in their resume, that they miss a golden opportunity to highlight what makes them the ideal candidate. Simply editing and tweaking your resume each time you send it out will increase the chances of employers wanting to interview with you.

 

Invest the time in a well-written cover letter and updated resume. Bells and whistles aren’t needed in your resume and cover letter to make you stand out; just draft a well-written presentation that actually speaks to the job description, the company, your experience and potential. After all, prospective employers do not want to read a forgettable resume and cover letter in the same standard boilerplate that the average job applicant relies on. Employers hire candidates who value their career, and it’s easily understood when they read your resume and cover letter, those who invested their efforts and those who did the minimum.