What is in it for me , the Jobbers? (Job Seekers)

Job seekers are often at a disadvantage in the job market. When you're competing with other applicants, your resume and cover letter can make the difference between being interviewed or not. And while there is no magic formula to getting that interview, it can't hurt to learn what motivates employers when they're screening candidates.

This article aims to provide job seekers with insights that will enable them to craft better resumes, cover letters and marketing materials to impress a hiring manager and get the interview. It is also intended for employers who want to know about the needs of job seekers.

The information (highlights) and links in this article are based on the results of an online survey of 1,013 adults conducted in February 2005 by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder.com, a national employment Web site. The sample error is plus or minus 3 percent.

Though it's not easy to get a job, it can be done. And getting that job is much easier if you know what the employer wants. For example, do you know what your potential employer is looking for in a candidate? The best way to find out is by asking the company directly (after all, they are listed). Set up an interview with someone in the hiring department and ask them these questions:

What qualities do you look for in candidates?

What skill sets do I need to be hired at this company?

How does the company measure success for its employees?

This won't hurt your chances of being interviewed; rather, it will help you better understand how to market yourself.

After you have this information, go over your resume and cover letter. Make sure they demonstrate the qualities your potential employer wants in an employee. When you write a cover letter and resume, keep in mind that a hiring manager receiving hundreds of applications will skim over the document looking for reasons to toss it aside and move on to the next application. If you know what employers want (and they want candidates who are determined, knowledgeable and enthusiastic) then tailor your marketing materials accordingly.

How important is my resume?

If you're like most job seekers, it's as important to you as money is to a billionaire. However, your resume isn't necessarily getting the same amount of attention from employers as it is from you.

How important is the resume to a hiring manager?

Does not consider it at all: 4% of hiring managers

Thinks that it's somewhat important: 27% of hiring managers

Thinks that it's very important: 69% of hiring managers.

How long should my resume be?

About three-quarters of hiring managers surveyed prefer a one-page resume. When creating your resume, keep in mind that many businesspeople don't have time to go over more than basic information about you (such as your contact information and employment history). A good rule to follow is to keep your resume to one page double-spaced and list the pertinent details.

How much information should I put on my resume?

Jobs are changing. In an age when many employers are using online databases to find and screen candidates, the importance of a good CV or resume is declining. When creating your resume, keep in mind the importance of a short but effective resume that highlights your qualifications and experience.

7% of hiring managers think that it's very important to have references on a resume; 28% think that it's somewhat important (both are important); 50% think that it's not very important; 15% do not consider this at all.

18% of hiring managers think that resumes should be one page, double-spaced; 23% think two pages, double-spaced; 30% think three pages, single-spaced; 21% do not consider this at all.

What is the most important thing I should include on my resume?

For many people, their education is the most important thing on their resume. Other items that are frequently mentioned: education and experience.

How important is it for me to include my education on my resume?

When asked this question for the first time, 57 percent of hiring managers said it was very or somewhat important to have your college information listed in your resume. But when asked again a few weeks later….

How important is it for me to include my education on my resume?

Only 42 percent of hiring managers said it's very or somewhat important to have your college information listed in your resume; 57 percent said it's not at all important. So what do you think? Are you going to leave college out of your resume?

What should I include in my cover letter?

The cover letter matters, but more as a way of introducing yourself than as a way of touting your strengths and accomplishments. Make the letter personal, talk about why you're interested in the company and what specifically about the position appeals to you.

What is the most important thing I should include in my cover letter?

About one-quarter of hiring managers said that your contact information should be at the top of your cover letter. Other suggestions: a thank-you, a brief explanation of why you are interested in the company or position and a brief list of your qualifications.

How long should my cover letter be?

Approximately one-half of hiring managers said that a resume accompanied by a short cover letter (one or two pages) is best. However, about one out of five said that the length doesn't really matter. What's most important is that you personalize it to the company and position you're applying for.

How long should my cover letter be?

1 page – 13%

2 pages – 26%

3 pages – 25%

Don't include one at all – 38%

In what order should I put my resume and cover letter? Do I need to include both?

About one-quarter of hiring managers said that they prefer to receive a resume over a cover letter; 59 percent said you can submit either, but not both. Only 9 percent said that you ought to send both (a combination of "both" and "resume only"). How do you think it's best to submit your resume and cover letter?

What other information should I include in my cover letter?

When asked what they thought was important, hiring managers said that they wanted to know the following: why you're interested in the company, how you found out about the position and what skills you have that are pertinent to the job. These are all good things to include in your cover letter.

How important is it for me to attach a cover letter with my resume?

It's important, but not necessarily for the reason you might think. It's important for people picking up resumes as part of a "stack" of candidates' materials at a career fair.

Conclusion:

Keep in mind the importance of personalizing your letter to the company and position you're applying for. For example, if you were applying for a position as an elementary school teacher, it would be wise to use an essay that shows that you know something about kids and education. It would not be wise to write a letter that focuses on your skills as a middle-management executive, even if those are relevant. Remember: always follow the directions! Putting your resume in "reverse chronological order" or leaving off some of the information asked for could put your application directly into the "no" pile.