As I was going through a lot of Facebook status messages regarding kids’ newfound boredoms and, er, “unemployed” statuses, I realized that I wanted to write something that will help these kids land the job that they want. Really, it pains me to see many smart and highly skilled individuals go to the industries where they aren’t able to practice their strengths or creativity. So here goes:
When I was fresh out of college, I hopped among many job offers. I remember working as a project assistant for a government dole-out project, an executive assistant for a Montessori School directress, a writer, a marketing officer and an editor. I also remember applying (and getting hired) for a nice marketing spot at a leading car company and another one at a super famous shoe store. Looking back, I didn’t really had problems getting the jobs which I applied for. And looking back at my transcript of records, I didn’t have very impressive grades.
So what made me do it? I realized that what really gave me the nods from these prestigious companies was the way I asserted myself from e-mailing of the cover letter up to the minute where I was walking out of their office. Treat job application as a game, and it starts the moment you type your cover letter.
For your cover letter, be 100% professional and formal about it. Absolutely no wrong grammar, no smileys and no nonsense. If you are not confident with your English, have someone (very credible) check it. I don’t care if you have to pay for it. It’s an investment, after all.
For your resume, highlight the things which really make you stand out. Volunteered at Red Cross? Good at landscape photography? Won medals for chess, debate or volleyball? Sat through boring-but-info-packed seminars? Include it there. A lot of HR managers hire people who have stellar backgrounds in their extra curricular activities because these activities display opportunities to hone the skills which are demanded in the workplace, skills you don’t always get inside the classroom. Skills and traits such as creativity, teamwork, resourcefulness, patience and leadership are gems inside the office.
The language you use for your letter and your resume must be formal and assertive. Sure, adjectives such as “supportive”, “compassionate” and “caring” is nice to hear but if you put that in your paperwork, you sound like you’re describing a homestay mom rather than a career woman. Use strong adjectives such as “competent”, “confident” and “willing” to describe how driven you are as a career person. Most of the time, these little adjustments mean the difference between yes or no.
When you send in your cover letter and your resume, whether electronically or in print, triple check for errors. The moment that it escapes your hand, it is the ONLY package responsible for you landing an interview or not. Make it count.
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week; I’ll be talking about how to behave, speak and dress for your interview. For the mean time, good luck!
