Creating a Strong First Impression

The Components of Your Job Search Package

Copyright 2003-2010 G. A. Puleo

The first impression that you make on a prospective employer can make or break your chances of getting hired -- and it happens before you even step foot in the door. 

The job search package is your marketing kit to an employer:  it introduces you and creates a first impression.  Comprised of a resume and cover letter, it is your response to an existing or potential job opening.  This simple package -- whether delivered electronically or in printed form -- makes a strong statement regarding your professionalism, personality and communication skills. 

Your job search package is your first impression that sets the stage for all recruiting and hiring activities that follow.

The Cover Letter

Too often cover letters are ignored by job candidates as an important marketing device.  Not only does it provide administrative information (e.g., for which job you are applying), but it also tends to be read more closely by recruiters and hiring managers alike. 

Nothing antagonizes a recruiter more than receiving a resume but not knowing why this resume was sent.  This creates a negative impression of the job candidate and may lead to being overlooked when filling the opening. 

Cover letters are read more closely, even though the accompanying resume may only be skimmed.  Cover letters are more personal and show more of the job candidate's personality than a resume.  Because they are tailored to the individual employer, a strong cover letter succinctly explains how you can benefit their organization.

The Resume

Most recruiters or managers will only skim a resume for an average of 30 seconds.  That's not much time.  Dynamic resumes quickly display whether you have the experience and level of expertise necessary to tackle the responsibilities of the targeted job. 

5 Keys to Creating a Strong First Impression

What type of impression is your job search package making?  To find out, ask yourself and others these five fundamental questions: 

1. Does the resume prove that I have the qualifications to do the job? 
   
   Desperate job candidates jump at any job opening regardless of their qualifications.  Continuing to apply for incompatible jobs rarely leads to job interviews -- and these continual rejections create more frustration that can inhibit your job search activities.  By understanding your career history and identifying your career goals, you can be more selective when applying for jobs.  If you're a career changer lacking specific experience, this insight will enable you to highlight the most important transferable skills to your new desired area of employment. 
   
2. Does your cover letter sell your qualifications to the employer? 
   
   Strong cover letters overlay your skills and experience to the duties and responsibilities of the new position.  You can also mention any positive previous connections or contacts that you've had with the employer.  This is a golden opportunity to explain why you are not only well suited for the job, but also why you may be the best suited for the job.  Cover letters represent your marketing pitch. 
   
   
3. Does your resume list impressive qualifications? 
   
   Don't be disheartened when answering this question.  Not everyone can be the star quarterback -- but everyone does have at least one or two unique and highly marketable abilities.  Don't belittle yourself with a resume that boringly recites your previous jobs.  Focus on your positive accomplishments to create the dynamic marketing piece that your resume is meant to be.  Use design and layout to highlight your key selling points, enhance readability and evoke strong imagery through active, connotative verbs. 
   
   
4. Do your cover letter and resume match? 
   
   Professionalism is proven by consistency:  font, design, layout and, if printed, paper should match.  Mismatches in any of these areas can reduce the recruiter's first impression of you.  Don't forget the writing style -- a mismatch here may cause the employer to question whether you wrote these documents yourself.  Your job search package should reflect you at your finest. 
   
   
5. Do you have the right goal for your job search package? 
   
   No matter how professional looking the job search package, this will NOT land you a job.  The purpose of the job search package is to prove that you have the skills so that you will be overed an interview.  Critical hiring decisions are never made solely on a resume and cover letter -- but the offer to interview a job candidate is made based on the job search package. 
   

Click here for 5 Tips to a Dynamic Resume -- our 1-hour webinar for tips to automatically improve the quality of your resume.