When in career transition, there are many things over which we have no control, such as the economy, hiring trends, or industry developments. However, we do have complete control over how we communicate with our résumés and cover letters. With this in mind, here are six best practice reminders:
1. Be accurate. Your career communication documents should be 100% error-free. Before sending any email, résumé, or cover letter, proofread it. And then proofread it again.
2. Be accessible Be sure to include current contact information so hiring authorities can easily get in touch with you. However, never use your current employer’s contact information on your résumé.
3. Be strategic Make sure you understand what the employer or industry is seeking in a candidate before submitting your résumé and cover letter. Do your documents make you look desirable in the eyes of your target employer(s)?
4. Be targeted It is more effective to send five targeted résumés than to apply to 100 jobs with an untargeted résumé. A generic, one-size-fits all résumé rarely excites the interest of employers.
5. Highlight relevant accomplishments Your accomplishments are what set you apart from other job candidates. Most job functions are responsible for the same types of duties. What gives you the competitive edge is how well you perform these responsibilities.
6. Customize your letters Adapt your cover letter (or cover e-mail) to each position you are pursuing. An employer should never have the impression that you could have sent the same letter to another company.
Finally, remember to keep your résumé up to date at all times. You never know when you might need it.
