Let's start with the first impression: Your Resume and Cover Letter or Application
The first thing that employers see is normally the application or resume and cover letter, and even sometimes both depending on the top of job and the industry you're trying to work in. Now let's walk through the various fields on this document and allow me to part some insight into what information really needs to be provided. Your name...you would be surprised at what people state as their names. This should only be your legal name as stated on your Social Security Card. Some applications allow you to provide nicknames. Use some discretion and please study the corporate culture to see if it's appropriate. I've seen some Bubbas, J.T.s, and JR's and those were fine. Remember to stay within reason and not with what your grandmother or friends call you at home. Also, unless you're applying to be a model or if it's requested, it's better to leave the photos off. Whether you realize it or not, you may cause unintentional discrimination. Just FYI-Talking resumes freak some recruiters out. I'm just saying...Most importantly - check it over and over again for spelling and grammatical errors. Run spellcheck and then have it examined by numerous other people that know what they're doing. There are plenty of free services available that will help you do this like the State Employment Agency.
E-mail addresses: Remember this is for WORK! Use something simple like your first and last name. If your name is common, adjust it slightly but don't get too creative. Keep it really easy as this may need to be entered into the company's tracking system and the easier it is to remember and locate, the better. Email ID's like lilwetwet99@yahoo.com or HighTillIDie@gmail.com should be strickly for social use. Unless you plan to work in the entertainment industry, these applications and resumes will be discarded without a second glance. The idea is to not give them any reason to not want to call you!
Criminal History: This can be a tricky one. Please, please, please READ the wording of the question very, very carefully when it asks if you're ever plead guilty or been convicted of any type of crime. Having something on your record does not automatically disqualify you for the position. Many companies are getting somewhat lenient on this dependent on the severity. What they aren't lenient on is non-disclosure or lying. If it happened within the timeframe they're asking about-write it down! Companies are conducting background checks very thoroughly including driving records, credit reports, and civil court records, so honesty is your best option. Some may ask for additional details but others do not as long as you admit that it happened. I can't tell you how many times I've seen applicants not disclose the information hoping it won't come up and then lose out on a great job opportunity because they lied or "forgot about that". Rarely, do the courts lose records so if it's out there, most likely, it will come to light.
Voicemail greetings: In this new age of technology where you can pretty much make everything contour to your liking, people like to add ringtones and personalized greetings to their phones. All of this is fine and dandy until it comes time to put your phone number out there requesting that employers contact you regarding employment opportunities. Then it's time to think business. So many recruiters have complained about this and many just will hang up without even talking to you. Here are some examples of things that I've seen, heard, and experienced firsthand:
- Stuey from Family Guy cussing at your callers- Not Appropriate!
- Hearing Wakka Flakka songs or any loud music period - Not Appropriate!
- Doing Barney Impersonations - Not Appropriate!
- Crude Jokes - Not appropriate!
- You Serenading your callers to your favorite tune - Not Appropriate!
- Study, study, study - Learn the company and what they are looking for in their applicants. Know their company values and how they operate and then list at least 5-6 detailed questions to get more information. Use open ended questions and not just ones that could provide a yes or no answer. If possible, type this up in an organized manner. You'd be surprised how impressed they'll be about your preparation. He shows you're interested and you're serious about finding work.
- Dress the Part- dark solid colors are best. No large print dresses or skirts above the knee. Keep the jewelry to a minimum. Studs or small hoops are sufficient. Men should probably avoid earrings. No cologne or strong perfume. You never know who you may offend with this. If in doubt- consult a career counselor and ask the interview coordinator what's the normal protocol if you're unsure. Need clothing? There are resources and organizations out there that help supply applicants with attire for interviewing. A quick Google or Bing search will help you find them.
- Arrive about 10-15 minutes early to calm your nerves and study your notes. Always plan ahead as if to get lost so that you have sufficient time to find the interview location, park, access the floor where your interview will take place.
- A firm handshake and great eye contact is very important. Good posture and be somewhat slow to answer a question too quickly. Think it over and then respond accordingly using necessary gestures and an occassional smile as deemed appropriate to come across as friendly and approachable. Remember that your body language can speak much louder than the words out of your mouth.
- Lastly, before leaving, ask for a business card so that you can send a thank you note to each person that you interviewed with that day. That again expresses your level of interest and reminds them of the kind of individual that you are and what you can contribute to their organization.
- Congratulations! You got the job. Now be sure you can pass a drug screen! Many employers are not just conducting urine and blood samples. Hair follicle testing is being done and this may show drugs in your system for several months out....not a good look! And if needed they will pull lots of hair from anywhere and everywhere you can imagine until they have enough!
