Résumé Help: Déjà Vu

No, the sample above is not a copy and paste mistake on my part.  This candidate actually has identical information for two jobs on her résumé.  This issue is more common than one would imagine.  It is especially common in technology-related occupations, in which a person may continue to do similar or the same functions over several years, or multiple jobs.  The scope of the candidate’s responsibility grows, but if that is not illustrated on the résumé, it looks like the candidate is stagnant in his career.  Also, when someone starts to read the same description twice, she will get the impression that the writer was lazy in developing her résumé or that she is clueless. Déjà vu résumés are definite interview blockers.

With some effort the candidate can resolve this problem.  First, do not rely on a job posting to create your résumé.  Define the scope of your responsibility. How many users?  How many locations?  What is the size of your inventory or budget?  Show a progression in your responsibility.   Next, take time to think about what you have accomplished in each job.  What did you do beyond the job description?  What major problems did you solve?  Did you create a new processes or product?  Did you prevent a major client from leaving? There are dozens of ways in which you separated yourself from your co-workers.   With this new information, your job descriptions will be more compelling and your readers will not be left with a feeling of déjà vu.

Would you like to read more articles related to this subject? If so, please check out these articles:

Stronger Bullet Points on Résumés and Cover Letters

Copied From the Job Description

The Classic Undersell

What am I Doing Wrong on Interview?

Dear Deb:

I have had 4 interviews, two said they would be in contact for a second interview, if I was the right fit.  I never got the call for the second interview...What am I doing wrong here?

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Waiting for an answer and getting rejected can be frustrating and disappointing.  However, it is part of the interview process.  It probably took several applications to gain those interviews and it will very likely take several interviews to gain the perfect position. Keep trying. They invited you for an interview, so you met their basic job requirements. Therefore, we need to analyze the interview. Without talking with you, I can offer some general advice.

Here are the ingredients to a successful interview: 

• Preparation: Take time to research the company.  Get directions and practice your route so you are punctual. Gain understanding of the job duties and the industry. Study your job history and make notes of your top achievements.
• Appearance: You must be immaculately groomed and dressed professionally from head to toe. 
• Personality:  Employers hire people who they feel will “get along” with co-workers, clients, and managers. 
• Demonstrating your Abilities:  Practice interviewing with a peer. Get comfortable expressing your abilities through examples of achievements. 
• Follow-Up:  Always obtain the interviewers business card so you may send a thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview.

That was a very quick overview.  For more interview help, check out our blog series, “Mastering the Interview,” by clicking on this links:

Crafting Your Message

Skype & Distance Interviewing

Face to Face Interviews

The Final Round Interview

If you would like interview coaching, contact me. I would be happy to help you.

Wishing you interview success!

Deb

Why Many HR Managers Read Cover Letters

Although cover letters have changed form over the years, cover letters or cover emails are still relevant today.  Some candidates ask, “Why is the letter so important when much of the same information is in the résumé?”  “Do HR Managers even read the cover letter?”   Many HR Managers do read cover letters.  Here are a few reasons why they read them and why you can’t afford to skip the cover letter.

Your cover letter is a sample of your writing. 

This demonstrates your ability to craft logical sentences and organized paragraphs.  It also gives the hiring manager an indication of how you communicate.  Can you express a thought in a concise, professional, and straightforward manner?  Recruiters and hiring managers may be sifting through hundreds of candidates.  Your documents will be quickly discarded if the cover letter is poorly written, long-winded, or if it contains typographical errors.

The cover letter shows that you are conscientious.

The lack of a cover letter may be regarded as an oversight or as lack of knowledge.  Cover letters are standard.  The delivery mechanism has evolved to email messages or letters copied and pasted into online text boxes.   If you miss the cover letter, many may assume you took the easy way out or that you simply do not know better.

The cover letter encapsulates your value.

Busy people are looking for the headline.  Writing a crisp cover letter that expresses how you fill the specific needs of the employer.  Take time to understand the requirements of the job by reading the job posting. HR Managers like to see your ability to apply your skills and knowledge to the company’s needs.

If you are thinking about skipping the cover letter, think again.  If you skip the cover letter, you are passing up a platform to demonstrate your writing skills, your business know-how, and the unique value that you offer!    

Would you like to read more about cover letters, check out these articles:  “Does Your Viral Letter Need an Antidote?” and “The Perfect Ending.”