What I Look for in a Resume & Cover Letter
Your cover letter and resume are the first impression you make in the hiring process. It can be daunting trying to craft a resume and cover letter to get you noticed as a candidate. I’ve sent out my fair share of applications, and now, I review all of the applications at The Spark Mill that we receive. Since I spend a good amount of time reviewing resumes and cover letters, there are a couple things I see that really helps a candidate stick out a bit more to me that might be helpful to you.
Reference to the Job Description
The job description should be utilized when crafting your resume and cover letter. If a job is asking for specific experience or skills, make sure to note them in your cover letter or really highlight them in your resume to show a reviewer that you are capable and well suited to the position. If a job description asks for skills with specific technologies, list the ones you do know or are similar to what they are asking for. When you note in your resume and cover letter the specifics of what an organization is asking for, it is helpful as a reviewer to begin envisioning you in that role. It makes me want to have a conversation with you and move you onto our next phase of screenings.
Personalized Cover Letter
I know it can be time consuming, but tailoring your cover letter to the business you are applying to actually does make a difference to those reviewing it. This goes back to utilizing the job description. You want to add in specific skills or positions that you held that matches the posting to show reviewers that you are suited to the task. I can tell when a candidate has looked at an organization they are applying to because they include language that appears on their website or in other materials. This always catches my attention because I can see a genuine interest that a candidate has when they decide to include specific examples from the website. Often, I see people include their personal goals as part of a cover letter to explain why they are passionate about the position. Tailoring your cover letter to the organization and the position really helps in differentiating yourself from others who are applying.
Condensed Resume
There are definitely some positions that require a long resume to show your extensive background in a specific area, but there are a lot of times where I see someone’s work history from 10+ years ago that does not have much to do with the position they are applying for. If your work history is robust enough that it is going onto a second page, maybe think about highlighting the positions that are most suited to the role you are applying for. That way reviewers are looking specifically at what makes you the ideal candidate for the role.
These are just a couple of things that I have found that sets a candidate apart when I am reviewing applications. They help to elevate your skill set and cause a hiring team to take a second look. A cover letter and resume are meant to help get your foot in the door. I hope these tips helped you as you are crafting your interview materials and applying for jobs.