“CloserQ, I am working on finding a new job and my questions is what do you look at closer the candidates resume or cover letter?” James S.
James, I will answer your specific question as it pertains to me, a hiring manager, and then offer my advice. Personally, I look at the resume first and then I will look at the cover letter.
In reality, you need both, because preferences will vary by hiring manager. I know hiring managers who look at the cover letter first, then the resume. The resume is for your work history and the cover letter on why you are the right fit for their company. Below are my keys to a successful resume and cover letter:
o Attention to detail (NO TYPOS)
·Typos are the easiest way to make sure you don’t get an interview
· Have multiple associates review your resume for both content and grammar
o Have your strengths at the top
· If you are successful sales executive high-light your awards and top deals
· If you are a manager, high-light your accomplishments
· If you are new college grad, high-light your academic achievements
o Be prepared for and minimize gaps in your resume
· If you have gaps in your resume try to minimize, ie if you assisted a friend with their business when you were out of work, put on your resume
· When you do get the interview, be prepared for the gaps, that is one area I focus on when interviewing candidates
o DO NOT LIE
· Do NOT put false information on your resume nor cover letter
o Personalize
· Cover Letter
· Mention specific achievements about their company based on recent press releases
· If you worked at a competitor put in your cover letter
· Resume
· I have a career objective on my resume and I personalize to the position I am interviewing for
o Use PDFs for both Resume and Cover Letter
· Have your name in the name of your file, ex ShaunPriestResume.PDF and ShaunPriestCover.PDF
· It is very frustrating to get mailed a bunch of resumes from HR with the file names resume.docx. How can I tell who is who?
o If you personal email address is still your college one, ie lovedoctor@aol.com, create a new and boring email address
o Get Creative
· Add your picture to resume
· Have web links to your:
· Blog
· linkedin.com profile
· An article on you
· Youtube.com
· Fedex your resume and cover letter
Also check out my other posts on searching for a job:
http://closerq.blogspot.com/search/label/Job%20Search
‘Good Resuming’. Reader Feedback, please click the comments below to give ‘James' additional recommendations and I want your feedback on my response. Shaun Priest at shaun@closerq.com.
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