|
Information for Paperwork's FAQ section was provided by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)*.
Cover Letters
Q. Do I need to include a cover letter?
A. Yes. Although many employers still consider resumes submitted without a cover letter, some do not. Today, most HR professionals say including a cover letter is at least somewhat important. And most of the other candidates (your competition) will send a cover letter along with their resume.
Q. What do employers look for in a cover letter?
A. Employers take several things into account when reading cover letters. First, make sure there are no grammatical errors or typos. HR professionals take this seriously. Most say they do not continue to consider a candidate after finding mistakes in their cover letter. Job seekers who send letters addressed to the wrong company do not fare much better.
Second, get their attention, be specific, but be brief. Employers generally spend less than one minute reading an applicant's cover letter. HR professionals in larger companies may spend fewer than 30 seconds. Some employers discount applicants completely if their cover letter is longer than one page or if they fail to include salary requirements when asked.
Q. How much weight does my cover letter carry?
A. Feelings are mixed on this. Some employers feel that a cover letter is not as important as a resume. Others disagree, saying an applicant's cover letter is just as important as their resume.
But, be sure to proofread your letter. Most employers will still read your resume even if your cover letter doesn't really grab them. The two unforgivable blunders sending letter with typos and grammatical errors or addressing your letter to the wrong company.
Q. What's the best way to send a cover letter?
A. Although most applicants continue to submit cover letters and resumes by fax or mail, HR professionals prefer to receive these materials via email. And they'd rather see resumes sent as an attachment, not cut and pasted into the email.
Resumes
Q. What do employers look for in a resume?
A. Most employers look for a well organized, detailed resumes. The preferred format is reverse chronological which places the most recent information first. Employers look for specific employment dates (months and years are preferable to just years) and detailed descriptions of duties. Also, be sure to include any professional certifications you have received.
Omit personal information unless your hobby is relevant to the position you are pursuing. References and/or letters of recommendation need not be included.
Q. How long should my resume be?
A. Keep your resume to one or two pages. Most HR professionals prefer one page, however, two pages is acceptable. Anything more is considered too long.
Also, keep in mind that most employers will spend between one and three minutes reviewing your resume.
Q. Which resume format should I use?
A. The reverse-chronological resume (last or present employer first working backwards) is the format preferred by employers and HR professionals.
Q. What about electronic resume scanning?
A. Be prepared. While most employers still scan resumes manually, many do scan resumes and store them in electronic databases. HR professionals in larger companies are more likely to electronically scan and store resumes.
Q. Is blue paper acceptable for resumes?
A. It is suggested that resumes and cover letters be printed on good quality white or ivory paper. Although, many HR professionals do not view colored paper negatively, why take chances?
Q. What's the best way to send a resume?
A. Although most applicants continue to submit resumes and cover letters by fax or mail, HR professionals prefer to receive these materials via email. And they'd rather see resumes sent as an attachment, not cut and pasted into the email.
* The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the leading voice of the human resource profession. SHRM provides education and information services, conferences and seminars, government and media representation, online services and publications to more than 130,000 professional and student members throughout the world. The Society, the world's largest human resource management association, is a founding member of the North American Human Resource Management Association (NAHRMA) and a founding member of the World Federation of Personnel Management Associations (WFPMA). Visit SHRM Online at www.shrm.org.
What do you think? Please leave us a comment
|
