By J.T. O'Donnell
Two years ago, when I first started hiring interns, an eager application came in my e-mail inbox. I was excited. The college junior wrote a nice note explaining how he had heard about my internship and then attached a cover letter and resume for me to review. I immediately opened the cover letter and was impressed. The formatting was proper and the sentences were relatively well-written. I actually consider myself more lenient with college applicants because I know they aren't experienced in applying for jobs, so some of the word choices and tone didn't bother me as they would other hiring managers. But then....
There it was, in the very last sentence - the deal breaker that put his resume sight unseen in the "I don't think so pile." He closed the letter by saying, "I'd really love the opportunity to work for Bank of America." Hmmmm. Last time I checked, I was a online start up company, not one of the nation's biggest banks. Clearly, he had re-used his cover letter on me but had failed to proof it. After two days, I e-mailed him the mistake he made and gave him a chance to make it up by meeting with me. He turned out to be a great candidate and did work for me for a semester. However, I can tell you right now, most employers aren't that forgiving.
Here's the deal: In this economy, hiring managers are literally getting 1000's of applications within days (and in some cases, hours!) of posting them. So, they resort to weeding out tactics to help them pull together a short list of people to consider. One common technique is to simply throw any e-mail, resume or cover letter with a typo into the circular file (a.k.a. the waste basket). Another is to weed out any on fancy paper or with crazy formatting or designs. And, I've even heard of one hiring manager trashing anyone who starts their cover letter with, "I'm responding to your ad as seen in...." Is this fair? No. But guess what? Hiring isn't fair. In fact, my colleague, the best-selling business author, Dale Dauten, says it best: "Hiring IS a process of discrimination." So, why do you want to decrease your chances of getting hired even further by making mistakes that can get you removed from the process?
Here are 3 reasons why you won't get considered for the job:
#1 - Sending out cover letters or resumes with typos and formatting errors.SOLUTION: Have a second set of eyes (that you trust) look at your materials. Then, save them as pdf files so that when you send them their formatting doesn't get screwed up in the event the hiring manager uses a different version of software to open your documents.
#2 - Being boring, self-absorbed or pretentious in your cover letter.SOLUTION: Cover letters are NOT about you. They should be about the company you are applying to and why you think they run their business well. You should use examples from your personal experience to share why you are impressed by them - just be sure to use your own voice. Trying to use big words to sound professional is going to backfire. Be authentic, sincere and polite.
#3 - Using a multi-page resume out of college.SOLUTION: Unless you started working full-time at age 13, you do not have enough experience to put on more than one page. Stick to the facts and list only quantifiable, relevant accomplishments.
There are actually a lot more DOs and DON'Ts when it comes to resumes and cover letters for students and recent grads. What would you suggest? Post your thoughts below...By J.T. O'Donnell
Two years ago, when I first started hiring interns, an eager application came in my e-mail inbox. I was excited. The college junior wrote a nice note explaining how he had heard about my internship and then attached a cover letter and resume for me to review. I immediately opened the cover letter and was impressed. The formatting was proper and the sentences were relatively well-written. I actually consider myself more lenient with college applicants because I know they aren't experienced in applying for jobs, so some of the word choices and tone didn't bother me as they would other hiring managers. But then....
There it was, in the very last sentence - the deal breaker that put his resume sight unseen in the "I don't think so pile." He closed the letter by saying, "I'd really love the opportunity to work for Bank of America." Hmmmm. Last time I checked, I was a online start up company, not one of the nation's biggest banks. Clearly, he had re-used his cover letter on me but had failed to proof it. After two days, I e-mailed him the mistake he made and gave him a chance to make it up by meeting with me. He turned out to be a great candidate and did work for me for a semester. However, I can tell you right now, most employers aren't that forgiving.
Here's the deal: In this economy, hiring managers are literally getting 1000's of applications within days (and in some cases, hours!) of posting them. So, they resort to weeding out tactics to help them pull together a short list of people to consider. One common technique is to simply throw any e-mail, resume or cover letter with a typo into the circular file (a.k.a. the waste basket). Another is to weed out any on fancy paper or with crazy formatting or designs. And, I've even heard of one hiring manager trashing anyone who starts their cover letter with, "I'm responding to your ad as seen in...." Is this fair? No. But guess what? Hiring isn't fair. In fact, my colleague, the best-selling business author, Dale Dauten, says it best: "Hiring IS a process of discrimination." So, why do you want to decrease your chances of getting hired even further by making mistakes that can get you removed from the process?
Here are 3 reasons why you won't get considered for the job:
#1 - Sending out cover letters or resumes with typos and formatting errors.SOLUTION: Have a second set of eyes (that you trust) look at your materials. Then, save them as pdf files so that when you send them their formatting doesn't get screwed up in the event the hiring manager uses a different version of software to open your documents.
#2 - Being boring, self-absorbed or pretentious in your cover letter.SOLUTION: Cover letters are NOT about you. They should be about the company you are applying to and why you think they run their business well. You should use examples from your personal experience to share why you are impressed by them - just be sure to use your own voice. Trying to use big words to sound professional is going to backfire. Be authentic, sincere and polite.
#3 - Using a multi-page resume out of college.SOLUTION: Unless you started working full-time at age 13, you do not have enough experience to put on more than one page. Stick to the facts and list only quantifiable, relevant accomplishments.
There are actually a lot more DOs and DON'Ts when it comes to resumes and cover letters for students and recent grads. What would you suggest? Post your thoughts below...
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This time of year offers special opportunities for job seekers. Holiday networking events, for example, can be great chances to meet professionals you might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, some employers are still eager to fill positions before budgets reset or headcount is finalized in the new year, making it a prime time to stand out with a strategic approach.
Here are five ways you can stand out from the competition this holiday season and find a job before the end of the year.
1. Showcase The Right Skills On Your Resume
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When updating your resume, focus on aligning your experience with the specific demands of the industry. Go beyond just listing responsibilities; dig into job descriptions to identify the core skills that consistently appear for your target roles. By tailoring your resume with these keywords, you not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also boost your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often programmed to scan for these key terms. It's all about keywords!
During the holiday season, hiring managers are often managing tight timelines and high demands, making it crucial for candidates to demonstrate that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Highlighting industry-relevant skills shows you're not only familiar with the landscape but also equipped to make an immediate impact. Be sure to include examples of how you've leveraged these core strengths in previous roles to support team goals or tackle challenges (aka quantify your work experience). The holidays are hectic, so share with the potential employer how you'll be a positive addition to the team by leveraging your strengths and emphasizing your value as a business-of-one.
2. Dress The Part
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Don't underestimate the power of a great first impression. Dress for the interview in professional attire. Even if the job description mentions a casual dress code, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s essential to show respect for the employer by dressing in a way that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impression. Wearing attire that reflects your professionalism shows you care about how you're perceived and the impression you leave on others.
Not sure what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.
3. Show Your Connection To The Company
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Employers like to hire candidates who have a passion for what they do. Why? Because when people are passionate about their work, that enthusiasm often translates into a higher level of commitment, creativity, and productivity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to consistently strong performance and a positive impact on the team and company as a whole.
In your disruptive cover letter (and during your job interview), demonstrate how and why you admire the company. Highlight what you love most about their products and services. Give examples of how you have personally used them in your own life with success. The more you can show them you understand and respect the business, the more likely you'll impress the hiring manager and move forward in the interview process.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
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It's important to remember that you're a business-of-one, and you're trying to sell the service you provide as a business-of-one to employers (the customers who will be paying you for the service).
To find a job during the holidays, you must adequately demonstrate your value as a business-of-one and highlight your strengths and the specific benefits you bring as a potential employee throughout the hiring process. How do you do this? Well, make sure to quantify your work experience on your resume. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments. Clearly state how you'll make or save the company money with your employment. Do this, and you'll easily become one of the top candidates for the position.
5. Express Gratitude
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The holidays are busy for everyone. When you're applying for jobs during the holiday season, keep gratitude in mind. This positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient but also shines through in your applications and interviews, leaving a memorable impression on potential employers.
After every job interview, always send a thank-you note. It's just the polite thing to do, and you'll score more points with the hiring manager. Even if you get rejected, or never hear back about a position, make sure you send an email thanking the employer for the opportunity and wish them the best of luck with finding the right job candidate.
Don't be bitter. Be gracious. You never know what will happen in the future. You might want to apply for another job at the company down the line. So, don't let your frustration get the best of you. Remember: If you get rejected, they didn't say, "No, not ever." They just said, "No, not today."
A successful holiday job search depends on a solid strategy. Follow the guidelines above and land a job this holiday season!
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