subject: Fairy Tales On The Subject Of Html Resumes Unearthed [print this page] Finding employment is dreadful work -- many people will tell you it's the roughest job you may ever have. It takes dedication to go out and find the right kind of job for yourself. In all reality, the very first step is figuring out what kind of job you want and where you should look.
With that said, you will need to do all the networking you can muster because you just never really know where the next potential job lead will come from. Keep your eyes and ears alert at all times and collect as many job leads as you gather. In this terrible economic climate you are going to want each and every edge you can find. A critical chore you should accomplish before a single thing is to write your resume and cover letter. It's basically your calling card and without one, you're dead in the water -- a majority of employers will not even consider a prospect without a resume and cover letter. Contrary to popular belief, both of these documents are intended to get you the interview, not the job. An employer will hire you based on how you do in the interview... And no employer in their right mind will hire you based primarily on your resume and cover letter.
Both of these documents must be as close to perfect as you can make them. A simple spelling error, grammar error, or display of a lack of organization could cost you the interview. You surely don't want that to happen to you, right? Try to keep both your resume and cover letter to one page. Hiring Managers don't want to read numerous pages of information. 1 page is perfect, especially for entry level positions. Be sure to use first-class quality paper and a quality laser printer for both of these pieces. Make these documents visually attractive with lots of spacing, bullets, headers, and paragraphs. You must show talent, organization, and skill when you write and prepare your resume and cover letter for an employer -- both of these documents are an actual reflection of who you are.
Let's not forget, both of these items reflect you personally. Even the slightest spelling mistake, grammar error, or deficiency of organization may cost you the interview. You do not want this to happen. Keep your resume and cover letter to a single page if possible. Hiring Managers and Personnel people don't wish to read several time-consuming pages of information.
Your initial contact with a resume and cover letter must be convincing if you plan to land that interview in the first place. If you set aside the time and correct path of activity to design them correctly, you will lift your chances at being contacted for the main interview. Be sure to have a fresh set of eyes proofread your documents as well. All in all, it is dependant on you to take the first stride towards your dream job -- with a skillful introductory opening -- using an exemplary resume and cover letter.
