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automatically makes it an outdated statement.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.
