Making Yourself Presentable

Let's say you did well with your cover letter and your resume, and now I want to talk to you. I will send an email and make an appointment with you to talk on the phone. You have an opportunity here to make a good impression.

If we were having a face-to-face interview, I'm sure you wouldn't meet me with mud on your shoes and lunch debris on your shirt. You would probably wash your face, comb your hair, and put on the good suit that you reserve for funerals, interviews, and other such somber occasions. Just as you prepare your outer self for a meeting, it would behoove you to also prepare your inner self, namely, your knowledge.

Sometime before we talk, use your well-developed Google and social media skills to learn everything you can about the company to which you have applied. There is a world of information at your literal fingertips, you know that, right? So do I. And I promise I am going to ask you what you know about my organization. When you say "nothing," then I will proceed to tell you about us, but I will know that you didn't care enough to look it up yourself.

(By the way, "nothing" is the second to the worst answer you can give me. The worst would be lying because I will catch you in the lie by asking you to tell me what you know.)

Here's another thing you can do in the way of self-education: get familiar with the skills I want that you don't have. For example, if the ad says I'm looking for someone with Power Point experience, and you have no Power Point experience, do what you can to learn about Power Point. You may be able to develop your skill set before we even talk.

Or, if you can tell me "I have never used Power Point, but I understand it is a lot like Power Tower*, and I have used that extensively," that shows me you have an understanding of my needs and you probably have transferable skills. Or if you say, "I can take a class at the local college that should bring me up to speed" I will know you are willing to learn and that you have considered your short-comings.

I need to know that you understand my needs, you care, and you are ready, willing and able to do the work required to meet those needs. Is that too much to ask? If it is, you probably don't want to work here.

* I made that up. If there is presentation software called Power Tower, it is purely coincidental. 

The Case for a Cover Letter

For several weeks now, I have been receiving résumés for my employer to fill an open position. The job ad is posted several different places online and, in every posting, I request a cover letter with the résumé. I want to tell you that I very seldom receive a cover letter. I have read approximately 50 résumés and four cover letters.

If you are one of the people applying for jobs but not submitting a cover letter, let me tell you what a cover letter can do for you.

1. Demonstrate that you pay attention to details and follow instructions
2. Offer you the opportunity to tell me how you see yourself fitting with this position (Don’t know what to write? Look at the description and requirements in the ad and tell me how your knowledge, skills, and abilities meet my needs.)
3. Explain special circumstances in your employment history (like employment lapses and frequent job changes, or why you are applying for a job in Fort Wayne IN when you live in St. Louis MO.)

Let me tell you, if you are applying for an engineering position and your degree is in cosmetology, you’ve got some ‘splainin to do! Let the cover letter work for you by telling me what attracted you to this job that has nothing to do with cosmetology. If you can’t make your case in your cover letter, don't expect a call from me.

That’s all for now, folks. Carry on!