Y'all. Why are you sending in incomplete applications? For you job searchers out there, I've got a few recommendations.
- Cover letters are important. After so many poor cover letters for a job that involves writing, I learned to glance at the resume and head straight for the cover letter.
- You think this is about you? Well it's not. Tell me how you can help me. I will hire someone from another industry if you can tell me how your skills are transferable.
- Bullet points in a cover letter are a beautiful thing. But don't copy/paste bits of your resume into a cover letter. That's lazy. Just, no. Use bullet points to directly relate you to the job. This was a new one to me, and I kinda geeked out when I saw it. Don't go overboard, but used selectively, this is a great way to stand out. My eyes went straight to those points. Use them wisely.
- What job did you just apply for? Come on, son. I got one cover letter about how great a social scientist they were. For a fundraising job. Did you apply for the right job? You made my life confusing, and now I'm slightly worried for you. Don't play these games with me. I get nervous and do wellness checks.
- Highlight your successes in your resume. That's how I know you're motivated.
- You got the interview! Now come up with good questions. I personally am terrible at this. Recently I got two good questions- what is going to be the hardest/ easiest thing to give up, and why do you stay (at this school). Both got me close to tears. deep breath. They made me think, and told the candidate a lot about the environment. It also made the candidate look thoughtful and stuck with me.
- Show your expertise by suggesting solutions during the interview. Find out what you can and suggest solutions to problems the employer is facing. My former boss did this in her interview, I did it in mine, and the person I'm offering the job to did it as well. See (an anecdotal) pattern?
- Didn't get the job? Follow up. I can't recommend this enough. Get this: I had one candidate shoot me an email asking for ten minutes to talk, knowing she didn't make it to the next round. I spoke with her, explained why, talked with her about other jobs she's interested in, her strengths, weaknesses, gave her a contact in HR who will work with her to find a better fit, and gave her a recommendation. All because she put herself out there.
- It's not personal. If you don't get the job you really wanted, there's a good chance there was just a better fit. It's not personal. I've been on both sides of this. I know it hurts. Please know you probably did nothing wrong, unless you didn't include a cover letter. That's on you.
Whew! I had to get this off my chest. For all those selling their wares on the job market, more power to you. You're putting yourself out there. It's hard, but you're probably worth it.