If you are responding to an employment ad on a popular job site, chances are a hundred other people are doing the same. The challenge is to figure out how to make yourself stand out, instead of being a resume that goes to the bottom of a stack.
1. Pick up the phone. Place a call and see if you can speak directly with the person doing the hiring … unless the ad specifically says “no calls.” It shows initiative and that you are willing do more than everyone else to get an opportunity. It will also allow the employer to attach a personality to the resume.
2. Spruce up your cover letter and resume. Now I do not mean you should go at it with a bedazzler, but see if you can toss in information about yourself that isn’t strictly business-related. Let your resume highlight your achievements, while your cover letter points out skills that make you different from the rest. Mention volunteer-work, interesting hobbies or continuing-education classes. It is likely that most of the people applying for the job are just as qualified, so show your potential employer that you are an individual.
3. Do your homework. Take a substantial amount of time before your interview to learn as much as you can about the company. Shake the interview up a bit and come prepared with questions. They will be impressed with your knowledge about the company and it show that you are truly interested in working for them.
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Very inspiring job seeking information! Cover letter is very crucial in getting an interview.
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