SolveYourProblem eLearning Series: Job Interviews
Help Me Nail My Job Interview!
( 11 pages )

    

There are four general methods of applying for a job. They include the following:

Sending a Resume

Some companies prefer you mail in your resume. With this approach, it is best to include a cover letter with your resume. The cover is a basic letter that lists the position you are interested in with details about your qualifications and skills for it. It is basically a "lead in" to your resume. Before writing your cover letter, you should know whom the letter is to be addressed to. You never want to begin a cover letter with “Dear Sir or Madame” or “To whom it may Concern”. It shows that you have not prepared, and that you are not looking for a specific position with their company, but any job that you can get your hands on. Basically, it is disrespectful to your prospective employer.

Emailing Your Resume

Emailing resumes is becoming a common way for recruiters to get resumes. Most companies offer this method as an alternative to the others. However, there are few tips on how you should go about it.

You should attach your resume as a word document or PDF file. These are the most common formats and what most companies will accept. The subject line should read something like this: Smith, John (clerical position) This makes it easy for the recruiter to know who the email is from, and what it pertains to. It also assures that your email will be read.

Sometimes there are specific methods for addressing an emailed resume. Some companies have certain subject line requirements - so follow them. If a company wants you to paste your resume, don’t send attachments because your email will be deleted right away. Remember, follow directions.

Faxing Your Resume

Again, you will need to include a cover letter when you fax in your resume. If you are not using your own fax machine, be sure to include your proper contact information. The rules for your cover letter are the same as for mailing your resume. More about cover letters will be provided a bit later on in this eLearning guide.

Walk-In Your Resume

For this type of application procedure, you will want to dress appropriately. You want to dress just like you would for an interview. Companies usually ask you to do this if you are going to be working directly with customers. They ask for a walk in because they want to get a look at your grooming habits right away. Sometimes, a walk in will have the employer giving you a brief interview on the spot, to see if they will require a formal interview later. So be on your best behavior.

Also, walk-ins do not require you to bring in a cover letter with your resume. Your appearance is the cover letter. Sometimes, you will be requested to fill out an application form as well. Smile and be polite, no matter who you are talking to. That could be the difference between getting an interview and just taking an extra trip for nothing.

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