Countless numbers of applicants submit their resumes. Unfortunately-and fortunately-not everyone who applies gets calls for face-to-face job interviews. Therefore, consider the following tips for getting positive responses from employers:
- The first important step is to research companies’ application processes and follow the directions.
- No employer appreciates cold calls. Instead of sending out your resume blindly, find out if there is a vacancy. Do thorough research. Explore newspapers and websites to find out who is hiring and whether the vacant positions are a good match for you.
- Mail your application to the right person. If possible, mention his or her name. Writing “To whom it may concern” is disrespectful to prospective employers.
- Never make the mistake of sending out an all-purpose resume. Make sure your cover letter and resume are tailored to the advertised position.
- Do not clutter your resume with irrelevant information.
- Highlight headings carefully.
- Employers don’t appreciate gray resumes. Balance your resume with white space to make it easy to read.
- Be honest; do not lie in your cover letter and/or resume. However, it is better to avoid the subject of your work history than to write that you have no experience.
- Make your letter and resume outstanding. Avoid filling them with descriptions of routine daily tasks and lists of mundane responsibilities. Only job-specific accomplishments will help you get an interview.
- Put in the extra effort to make your cover letter and resume look professional. Also, see that they are nicely formatted and free of errors.
- Send exemplary work samples along with your cover letter. These will help employers become familiar with you and your abilities. Also, let prospective employers know that more work samples are available.
- In the absence of specific instructions from a company, email your resume as a Word document or a PDF file. Also, compose an appropriate subject line.
- In the event of a walk-in, your grooming should be impeccable. Your smile and politeness may be the difference between getting an interview and one more wasted effort.
- When participating in a telephone interview, speak clearly and politely. Be prepared for queries that range from personal questions to questions about your professional expertise.
