Making Sure You’re Ready

You are trying to get a job and you are all ready with your resume, reference sheet, and cover letter.  Before you get all excited and put your info in the mail, you will want to go through a few check points.

First and foremost, run a spell check on your computer.  But don’t stop there.  Read your documents over and over to make sure there are no typographical or grammatical errors.  It might also help to have someone else read over them as well to be sure that it looks the way it should. 

The more people who see your resume, the more likely that misspelled words and awkward phrases will be seen (and corrected).

Here is a checklist to keep in mind for your cover letter:

• The contact name and company name are correct
• The letter is addressed to an individual, if possible
• The cover letter mentions the position you are applying for and where it was listed
• Your personal information is all included and correct
• If you have a contact at the company, mention him or her in the first paragraph of your cover letter
• The cover letter is targeted to the position you are applying for
• The letter is focused, concise, clear, and well organized
• If you have a gap in your employment history, explain it in your cover letter
• The font is easy to read
• No spelling or grammatical errors
• Read the cover letter out loud to make sure there are no missing words
• The cover letter is printed on good quality bond paper matching your resume
• You have kept a copy for yourself
• Your letter is signed

When it comes to your resume, there are also a few things to keep in mind.  Much is the same as for the cover letter, but you want your resume to be tip top as well.  Here’s a check list:

• There are no typographical or spelling errors
• The format is consistent throughout the entire document
• Use a good quality, heavier paper – heavier than regular copy paper
• You may want to use a colored paper, but make sure it is not garish like hot pink or neon green.  Cream, gray, and off white are always good choices
• Use 8 ½” x 11” paper
• Print on only one side
• Use a font between 10 and 14 – you want it to be easy to read and look pleasant to the eye
• Use non-decorative fonts, but don’t be afraid to experiment and use something a little interesting – just not TOO interesting!
• Stick to one font
• Avoid italics, scripts, and underlined words except for when underlining your headings
• Do not use horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading.
• Do not fold or staple your resume.
• If you must mail your resume, put it in a large envelope and mail flat
• Be sure there is enough postage on the envelope to make it to the company
• When at all possible, deliver your resume in person and ask to speak with the personnel director when you do so.
• Follow up after a reasonable period of time if you have not heard anything.  This shows initiative on your behalf and makes you memorable in the mind of the person doing the hiring.

Well, we’ve done a lot of talking about how to craft a resume and cover letter that gets attention.  You probably want to see some sample of what we are talking about, don’t you?

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