Sometimes, it can be little things that make a big
difference when you're job searching. A recent CareerBuilder survey showed that even a smiley face or a wink can knock you out of contention for a job. 14% of employers have disregarded a candidate because the candidate sent a message using an emoticon such as a smiley face. Words matter, too. 16% of employers have rejected a candidate for using text language such as GR8 (great) in an e-mail or job application.
Using email addresses like hotchick or risquegirl isn't going to
impress any hiring manager either. Sending email messages without Subject
lines may only get your message to one place - the Trash folder.
Writing messages that are barely readable, because of typos, aren't
going to help you either.
The same holds true for resumes. Your resume needs to be clear,
concise, readable, and needs to provide an accurate summary of your
work history. Both of those are important, really. Trying to fudge
dates cost one young man I spoke to a job at a top Wall Street firm.
Trying to put a positive spin on getting fired for falsifying time
sheets, backfired for the person who tried that, too.
If you follow a few simple rules, it will definitely help. It might
also save you some time wondering why you aren't getting calls for
interviews:
Be Professional - Check everything you send for grammar and
spelling - even if it's "just" a quick email message to a networking
contact. Use a professional sounding email address. A variation of
your name works well - alisondoyle, adoyle, for example.
Be Complete - If you're filling out a job application, complete all the required information If a job posting asks for references, provide them.
Be Polite - If you get rejected for a job, thank the hiring
manager for the time they took to interview you and ask to be
considered for future openings that might be a better fit. It will
help get you consideration in the future.
Apply for Jobs You're Qualified For - Don't waste your time
applying for jobs that you're not qualified for. It's a waste of time,
energy, and effort and all you're going to do is annoy the hiring
manager who spent time reviewing your resume. Instead, take the time
to target your job search, focusing on jobs that match your skills and
interests. Then target your resume and cover letter, so you give the
hiring manager what he needs to know at a glance.