Landing the Interview – Getting Noticed!

In today’s job market, it is once again time to get creative in your approach to the job search and e-job applications, in order to receive that all-important phone call requesting an interview.

In previous tough job markets, job seekers would submit resumes on various colours of paper stock and use graphics, hopeful that in doing so, they would have a better chance of standing out and being contacted for an interview. For some firms, this methodology worked, for the majority however, the ‘old school’ way of doing things was the accepted norm.

I believe in today’s job market, we need to find creative ways of getting noticed to capture the opportunity of a face-to-face meeting with the prospective employer. I will reiterate some of the ideas I have previously shared with you with respect to conducting an effective job search.

The Cover Letter

Research the Human Resource Manager or hiring manager’s name if it is not provided in the Ad or on their website. Speaking to the Receptionist at the firm will usually provide you with this information if you state you have a business matter to discuss with the individual in question, or simply state that you are applying for a position and want to ensure your correspondence is directed to the correct hiring individual.

The cover letter should address the skills and personal attributes the firm is looking for from the detail provided in the job posting or advertisement. Researching the firm via the Internet will also provide you with some insight as to what the firm values are, the work atmosphere, goals, financial data, etc.

Be sure your last paragraph requests a meeting to discuss your background and what you feel you can bring to the role and the firm overall. Also, be bold and provide a follow-up date when you will be contacting them to determine where they are at in the interviewing/hiring process.

Make sure to stick to your stated date for follow-up and make the phone call. This way you are maintaining some control in the interviewing/hiring process. In addition, by contacting the hiring manager by telephone you are establishing a ‘vocal’ and ‘personal’ connection with them, regardless of what their response to you is.

The Resume

While I certainly would not support the use of lime green or hot pink paper, I do think that the following options for your resume paper stock would be suitable for our job market today:

• Use an odd size paper (such as A5 or A4) that is just off of normal letter size
• Use a pale coloured paper such as green vs. the standard grey, cream, white, etc.
• Do NOT use graphics or photos on the resume
• If available, attach a personalized Business Card
• If possible and practical, hand deliver your resume
• If mailing your resume, use an unusual envelope size rather than 9×11

Depending on the level and seniority of the role you are pursuing in your niche industry, you may also want to consider using the clear page protectors with the sliding closures on the left side, which were very common back in the 70’s and 80’s. This ‘packaging’ would also make your resume stand out more so than others.

By using an odd size paper stock, your resume will ‘stick out’ from the pile. Selecting a different colour of paper stock will also ensure that your resume is prominent within the stack to be reviewed. Unless it is requested, photos and graphics are generally not considered valuable add-ons for a professional resume.

The use of a personalized business card is impressive, as I have mentioned previously. They are also very cost-effective and will not put a dent in your wallet, but will certainly have a positive impact.

If it is possible and practical for you to hand deliver your resumes, this provides a perfect opportunity for you to get a view of the office, observe the dress code, and also gives you a ‘feel’ of the atmosphere you may be working in.

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