If you think about it

If you think about it, a typical job search is like walking into a cocktail party where you don’t know anyone. You don’t know where to look first, whom to talk to or approach, and in many cases, what to say when you get to the point of starting a conversation. In a job search, such things are entirely avoidable. Let’s see how.

Are you saleable in your present form? You will need an up-to-date CV, even to send to people whom you know, as they may send it to others who don’t know you. Don’t assume that the CV you have had in your document folder forever is going to be adequate for the purposes of an aggressive job search. (As a matter of fact, while engaged in The Job Search, it is best to assume nothing—don’t assume an email was read, don’t assume a message was transmitted, you get the idea.)

I am not necessarily advocating having a CV professionally re-touched, though such services clearly have benefits. If you have the financial wherewithal to send your CV out for alterations, go for it. There are plenty of resources available gratis or with minimal expense which can complement your own common sense and writing abilities to create a CV which will both accurately and favorably represent skills and accomplishments. Just do it…

There is ample disagreement as to a resume format. A 2 page format seems to work well in most situations, though I have had recruiters suggest that it is acceptable to go longer. You are trying to look the best you can, so make sure you list EVERYTHING. I disagree. You need to strike a balance between showing a progressive list of achievements and responsibilities and being a windbag. What will count most to a recruiter or hiring manager (and what they probably won’t read past) will be your most recent positions (within the last 5-7 years)—insure that what you have done is properly described, in a logical order, and typographically and grammatically correct.

You would not believe how little attention is seemingly paid to spelling and grammar in documents as important as CVs and cover letters. Don’t assume that spell-check will catch everything that needs to be caught. Read documents three times—for flow, for spelling and grammar, and then to make sure you have caught everything. If you make any changes, go through the document again—surprising how words you think you have deleted or changed are still on the page. Once you hit ‘Submit’, it’s gone and can’t be recaptured, kind of like trying to grab a dropped piece of paper as it falls to the floor.

There is also a school of thought that you should have different CVs depending on what types of jobs you are seeking. This makes sense, but always keep accuracy in mind, especially if you are applying for positions at a company you just left or for which you previously worked. For example, you may want to highlight certain accomplishments based on pursuit of a sales or relationship management opening, vs. a strategy or consulting opportunity.

Cover letters should ABSOLUTELY be customized. I would write a different one for each job to which you may apply. This will take longer but will serve several purposes—what you write will never sound canned, you will be forced to think about what you have done and how it applies to the intricacies of the specific opportunity (and, please, take the time to go through the job’s duties and requirements and address the ones you find most applicable to you), and you will stand out from other applicants who don’t go through this simple exercise.

As with CVs, the key information you wish to convey in a cover letter should be in the first paragraph or two. I call this the “grab-by-the-lapels” approach. (Others might think this is the ‘elevator speech’ approach.) Say who you are, how you found the opportunity or why you are otherwise writing, and then why (I like bullet points) you are the BEST qualified person. Communicate that you are the BEST qualified person, not just a good, talented person who wants the job. The difference in approach is subtle but huge in its potential effect on your pursuit of the opportunity.

The difficult part is to sound confident and organized without coming across as pompous.  Think of it this way—if you were reading your letter as a hiring manager, would the letter make your skin crawl or would it make you pick up the phone to you? Heck, this is extremely critical if you are applying for any job, but especially a sales job. You have to be credible and be seen to properly represent your company and product (In this case, the product is you!) and not as making claims that simply don’t make sense. (I call this the ‘snicker’ test. If what you say would not cause the reader to snicker, you’re good to go.)

More on networking, opportunity hunting, and keeping track of progress next time. Do reach out if you have any thoughts at all on any of this.