I’ve recruited for almost ten years now (dear god I’m getting old…) and over the past year of reading more resumes than ever before, I thought it might be good to try my own hand at writing a quick help guide for people that are trying to get responses on their resumes and applications. Now, I can’t promise that you’ll get the job or anything like that, all I know is that there are things that compel me to call a candidate, and there are things that turn me off from calling a candidate. Here’s my advice:
Make sure your title matches the description of the position that you’re applying for. Now, I’m not telling you to lie about what your title was at the company, but if you’re applying for a “Technical Analyst” position, and you are a “Desktop Analyst” then do yourself a favor, and change the title to Technical Analyst, you’re not lying and it will help your cause. Same with “Sales Executive” and “Account Executive” etc.
Your cover letter should only be used to answer any questions that will be addressed instantly from your resume. For example, if you’re applying for a job out of state, explain why/how you’re going to get there (although I’m currently living in NY, I have family in Los Angeles and a place to stay once I arrive.) If you’re applying for a job that isn’t even close to what’s on your resume, at least acknowledge it in the cover letter (Although I don’t have experience as a food scientist, etc etc.) If nothing else, you might at least get a second look at your resume.
Find out the name of the person handlng the hiring. While most companies don’t publicize who is the person quarterbacking the recruiting, you can usually call the main number and get transferred to someone’s voicemail, and hence, have a name to address when you email. (LinkedIn has made this even easier.) I almost always respond to someone if their email starts “Dear Mitch” vs. “To whom it may concern,” Which leads me to next point.
Whenever possible, email someone directly with your resume, and send your resume as a word attachment vs. pasting it in the body of the email. Nothing can be more frustating for a candidate is if you actually get a response, but find yourself in a vicious game of phone tag with the recruiter. If this is the case, it always helps to leave times that you can be available to speak. A lot of Recruiters will just add you to their calender at the time you tell them. Also, if contacted, respond in kind. If someone calls you, call them back. If someone emails you, then email them a response.
If you do get a response on your resume with questions, do your best to respond from a computer. It doesn’t look professional to respond to an inquiry with a quick statement from your phone. I hate it if I send a professional inquiry, and get an instant response that looks like “sounds great!” –sent from my iphone. It’s just a turnoff for me. No smiley faces in any emails or correspondance (but you knew that…)
