Earlier, I wrote some tips for people searching for work. It’s a noble effort. One that’s increadibly frustrating, time-consuming, and mentally taxing. We’ve all been there. That said, there is at least one sure-fire way to avoid some of the pain and frustration involved in the process.
Don’t Apply For Something You’re Not Qualified To Do.
If you’re reviewing a position description and you have to stretch your experience to meet the minimum qualifications, chances are you aren’t going to do anything but waste your time and that of the reviewer(s). More importantly, if there is a section called “Preferred Qualifications,” check your experience against those. If you don’t meet that level, chances are you won’t make the first cut.
Obviously there are some exceptions to the rule. We’ve all heard of that friend-of-a-friend-of-a-cousin who bumped into Donald Trump on the way into the elevator and emerged thirty floors later with a new job and a corner office overlooking Manhattan. But, to paraphrase a movie I recently saw, we’re (collectively) not the exception – we’re (again, collectively) the rule.
In closing, I offer some additional tidbits…
- Don’t include your picture with your cover letter / resume (unless, of course, it’s a head shot and you’re trying to be a model / actor / actress / etc…). At best, it’s awkward. At worst, it’s downright creepy.
- Don’t start and end your cover letter with the following: “Dear Madam or Sir, My resume speaks for itself.” Employers like confidence. They don’t like arrogance.
- Please, please, please be succinct, clear, and professional in your communication. A two page cover letter and a five page resume aren’t necessary for most jobs, and it’s likely not going to be read anyway. If for nothing else, think of the trees when crafting your documents.
Best of luck to you if you’re out there looking for work.
