When you’re between jobs, looking for your dream job or just trying to find any job, stress levels can run high. There is plenty that you can stress about in this process, but there are some things that your HR connection doesn’t really care about. So neither should you.
Resume
- Design
Unless you’re trying to get a job with a design firm, most Hiring Managers don’t care about how fancy the font is or the special design on your resume. Instead, these details will seem superfluous and will make it look like you’re missing the point. It can give the impression that you’re more interested in creating a nice-looking resume than making sure you’re the best fit for their job.
Rather than spend hours on making sure your resume has just the right look, make sure that it clearly conveys why you’re the best fit for the job you’re trying to get. Pay attention to the details that will make your resume stand out because of its clarity and conciseness, not because it’s reflecting the overhead lights.
- Length
Many articles have been written on how the length of your resume shouldn’t exceed one page, that you’re just shooting yourself in the foot if you dare to venture onto page two. If you’ve had five or more years out in the work force, then don’t worry about it. The information on your resume needs to be appropriate, to the point and relevant to the job. If that warrants adding an extra page to the document, go for it. Don’t spend all your time changing font sizes and adjusting margins.
Thank-yous
There is no debate – send a thank-you note after an interview. And do it within a day or two. However, with how quickly things move these days, hand writing a thank-you and sending it through the postal service is no longer necessary. Many hiring managers agree that, as long as it’s well-written and not a form thank-you, email works just as well. If you prefer sending it by mail or know that’s the hiring manager’s preference, go for it! But don’t let it bog you down. Also, if you have multiple interviews, continue sending those thank-yous!
When you do send that thank-you, by mail or email, make sure that the spelling and punctuation are correct. All forms of communication continue to be important. The pressure doesn’t leave just because the interview is done.
Cover Letters
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to contrive some incredibly creative, off-the-wall cover letter. In fact, that may hurt rather than help you. What hiring managers want to see in your cover letter is why you, personally, would be good for this job. What about you fits so well with the job opportunity? Let your personality show, but still be concise.
Remember, your cover letter should be specific to each job you’re applying to. Don’t write up a universal cover letter. You’ll lose interest fast if you don’t address why you’re the right individual for the job and why.
There are plenty of things you’ll stress about when applying for jobs, going through the interview process and eventually getting a job. These points don’t have to be on your stress-list. Focus on the things that really matter and enjoy the results.