Resume Alternatives that Set you apart from the Pack
You've found the job you want. The job ad asks for a resume. Should you send it? Before you do, ask yourself, "What job bumps, warts, and dings will my resume reveal?"
Are there job gaps in my employment?Did I have several jobs in a short period of time?Did I quit in anger or get fired from a past job?Did I do something on a past job that was REALLY stupid?And so on
If you can answer "No" to the above questions, if your resume is tailored to the employer you're going to send it to, if it is problem free, and if your work history shines, then fine-send it on.
However, if you send your resume like the ad requests, and it's mediocre, you probably won't get invited for an interview. Your goal is to get the interview. How do you get around the resume requirement and stay in the running with your target employer?
Send a cover letter! If you send a well written cover letter you can promote your experience and your attributes that meet the job requirements advertised by the employer. So, what should you include in the cover letter and what should you leave out?
1. Make your cover letter personal. It should reflect you. Don't rely on "canned" cover letters that you can copy from various books. They appear artificial and are easily spotted by most employers.
2. You are an individual different from everyone else. Therefore, you have to differentiate yourself from the pack.
How do you do this? Do some research on the employer. Know something about what the company produces, its position in the industry, and what it needs. Most job applicants know little to nothing about the employer to whom they are applying. You need to show in your cover letter you've done your research.
3. "Why should I hire you?" is a question you should keep in mind while you are writing the cover letter. Then, write your answer.
4. List your accomplishments following the introductory paragraph. Keep the employer's needs always in mind and orient your attributes in your cover letter to supplying these needs.
5. Don't mention money. The time to discuss salary is well into the interview (this requires a separate strategy I'll discuss in another article).
6. If you have the employer's phone number, take the initiative and state in your closing paragraph you will follow up with a call to the employer later in the week. This is part of taking a calculated risk-a worthwhile one.
Keep your cover letter simple and within one page. Have an opening paragraph introducing you and your interest in the company, followed by a list addressing how you meet the needs of the employer, and a closing paragraph. If you are able to send along a sample of your work, consider doing that. Properly done, your cover letter will be noticed.
