Get Interview; Get Job

Get interview; get job. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? So, let’s break it down.

You have to impress the hiring manager twice, once on paper and once in person in order to successfully compete in the job search process. Write a catchy cover letter and well-structured resume to impress the hiring manager and get the interview. Prepare answers to most common interview questions and fine tune your interpersonal skills to sail through the interview and win the job offer.

Does the thought of writing a cover letter and resume or shining in a job interview make adrenaline pulse through your veins? Are you thinking, “I hate to write anything, never mind a catchy cover letter or well-structured resume! My interpersonal skills consist of a sweaty handshake and a mind that blanks in the face of pressure.”

If yes, fear not. You're not alone, and there are many resources to help you win your job search. This article will outline the top five strategies for writing attention-grabbing cover letters and resumes and for handling job interviews. Yes, you can do all three. Get interview. Get job. Get a new life.

So, here goes. First things first.

Writing Catchy Cover Letters and Well-Structured Resumes to Get the Interview – Top Five Strategies.

1. First of all, spend a bit of time researching the company. Figure out WHY you want to work there and most importantly, why hiring you will help the company attain its goals. Are you a team-player? Did you increase sales at your last company? Tell them, SPECIFICALLY, how you will help their organization and why you think you're a great match.

2. Be personal. Make sure to address your letter to a real, live person. If you can avoid it, DO NOT send your letter and resume to the "Hiring Manager." If you don't have a name or contact, CALL the company and ask who's in charge of reviewing applications for the position you want.

3. Be concise. An ideal cover letter consists of 4-5 short paragraphs. Use one paragraph to tell a story of a past success, but don't ramble. An ideal resume cites specific accomplishments for each work or educational experience.

4. Read the job description, paying particular attention to industry lingo and buzzwords. Use the same language in your letter and resume. Hiring managers take time to write accurate job descriptions because they know what they need. Make sure your cover letter and resume shows them how you'll fill that need.

5. Finally, make sure your resume and cover letter work together. Use your cover letter to highlight the most important elements in your resume...but do so in a personal, this-is-who-I-am-and-how-I-can-help-you manner.

Impress in a Job Interview – Top Five Strategies.

1. Use your company research and prepare answers to the following questions: “What do you know about our company?” and “Why do you want to work here?”

2. Think about past job success, and be prepared to talk about specific experiences in your interview. Emphasize how your experience will benefit the company. If you increased sales by 23%, say how you’ll translate that experience into increasing sales for to help this company attain its goals.

3. Practice the basics. Make sure your handshake is firm, but not crushing. Remember to look the hiring manager in the eye. Dress in a conservative suit, if possible. Make sure your hair is neat. Don’t overdo makeup or cologne. Smile. Act confident even if you’re shaking inside.

4. Figure out how you’ll get to the job interview, and leave yourself plenty of time. Plan to get arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. Don’t rush. Take a moment to compose yourself before the interview. Once inside, pay particular attention to the interviewer’s name. Use it during the interview. Thank her and shake hands before you leave.

5. Send a follow-up thank you letter to the interviewer. Reiterate why you think you’re the best candidate for the position. End on a positive note; say you hope to join her team and look forward to hearing from her.

I wish you the best of luck in your job search. Use these strategies to get interview; get job!