During the hiring process, the hiring manager has little time and even less incentive to give you, the candidate a second chance. With more resumes in her inbox than ever before, a single mistake can render you unacceptable.
So here’s five tips that will help get you in the door.
1) LEAD WITH A PUNCH! – If the position is seeking an event planner with experience in bar-mitzvahs, then lead off with a short one-liner that accentuates your expertise with bar-mitzvahs. However, I would caution you from turning this one-liner into an “objective”. Objectives are so very yesterday, not to mention self-serving.
2) BE THE EMT! – Companies post openings because there is a business need/gap/seam/cavity/vacuum… you get the idea. Your resume and application should be the CPR to the business’ heart-attack. If you cannot propose how your skills will solve their problems, don’t bother applying.
3) REMEMBER EMILY POST – Etiquette will get you everywhere. Don’t talk about your age, family situation, health, confidential information from previous employers, salary, your former boss, and money. First off, it’s illegal to mention or to be asked for any of that. Second, it shows poor form. Stick with the professional and pertinent data to include your experience, education, and endorsements (references).
4) DON’T WRITE A THESIS PAPER! – For recent college grads, your resume should be a one-pager. For those with less than five years of experience, keep it to two pages max. For those with more than five years, a good rule of thumb is to include the last 10 years of experience only and no more than three pages.
5) EATS, SHOOTS, AND LEAVES – Your grammar, punctuation and spelling must be without error. Not… one…. single……. error!
——————————————————————————————————————