Here are my best tips for improving not just your resume, but your

cover letter and your candidacy too!

To read the full post and to get your free copy of The Definitive Guide Cheat Sheet, click here.

WWW.WORKWONDERSCOACHING.COM/THEDEFINITIVEGUIDE/

The Definitive Guide to Having Your Resume Taken Seriously

Of course, you should proof your resume and cover letters and check for typos, but some mistakes are worse than others!

Make sure you check to ensure that the name of the documents and any references to the organization that you’re applying to are accurate.

Listing the wrong organization can make your application feel insincere.

To prevent this mistake, keep your job search organized. Consider creating separate folders for each position.

#1: The Truth About Typos

Submit only the materials that are requested

Many hiring managers + committees are too busy to review entire portfolios of work…show respect for their time.

Link to your LinkedIn profile, about.me or portfolio if you want to reference additional material

#2: Follow the directions…seriously.

#3: Edit + Customize

Is your resume a long running list of every thing you’ve ever done and accomplished?

Try editing your resume and cover letter to reflect the skills, attributes, and experiences that the position requires

If you’re interested in a couple types of jobs, create standard templates for each job or field to help speed up the customization process!

For more details on how to customize your resume and cover letter, read the full post, The Definitive Guide to Having Your Resume Taken Seriously. and this training for job seekers.

If you are looking to make a major career transition or if you’re ready to move across the country, consider saying so in your cover letter.

By briefly acknowledging that your work experience is in another field or that, yes, you’re located in Oregon but looking to move to Florida, you provide important context for the reader.

Without this information it can feel like you are simply throwing your resume at anything and hoping it will stick!

#4: Say why you want the job…especially if it isn’t obvious.

#5: Treat everyone involved in the search process as though they are the ones making the hiring decision.

It isn’t uncommon for hiring managers to check in with other staff who interact with candidates to see what

their experience was.

When you get the opportunity to

interview, make sure you’re prepared by

coming up with several questions.

You will be asked if you have any

questions for the hiring manger so make

sure that you’re prepared!

(Not sure what to ask? Check out Three

Questions to Ask at Every Job Interview.)

#6: Be prepared with questions.

#7: How to show you’re a “Good Fit”

A good fit isn’t about having the longest list of qualifications.

It’s about having the right set of experiences, skills, and attributes.

Make sure to read the job description and qualifications closely.

Integrate the needs and desires of the hiring organization into your resume and cover letter

Consider using a “summary of qualifications.”

You can read about that strategy in the full post over here.

Want more?

Check out the rest of the tips and get your free Definitive Guide Cheat Sheet with even more tips

here.

Work Wonders Coaching + Consulting Jenn Walker Wall

Copyright 2015

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