The saying is true, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. Your first contact with a new company is typically an online application or submission of your resume and cover letter. Follow these tips from PS&R to make that first impression perfect!
Pick jobs you are qualified for.
Online applications have made it easy for employers to get spammed by unqualified candidates. The person reading your online application is not going to make the stretch to fit your qualifications to the position at hand if it is not obvious. Our advice is to quickly qualify yourself as a potential candidate in the very beginning of your email, your cover letter, and your resume. Most resumes get about 30 seconds of review time, so make your relevant skills obvious.
Write a killer cover letter.
Again, you want the employer to see your eligibility right away, so focus your cover letter on your key qualifications. If you know the person conducting the search, address the letter to them using their surname, i.e. “Mrs. Jones”. Make sure you specifically mention the job title for which you are applying, and check spelling and grammar carefully.
Customize your resume.
If you have a career objective on your resume, use it to promote yourself rather than describe the type of company you want to work for or position you are seeking. List your qualifications and tailor them to match those required for the position. Be sure to show progression in your job history and use measured results to describe your accomplishments. Customization is key to impressing your potential employer!
PS&R is a leading staffing and recruitment agency in Massachusetts. Be sure to read our blog Hired for more tips on landing the perfect job.