A reader asks what is going wrong - resumes and cover letters are sent out, but no interviews.
Note - all letters are reprinted as received (typos and grammatical) but names and other identifying details are deleted.
Q. What am I doing wrong? I've been trying to find work since I lost my job over a year ago. I have literally sent over hundreds of Resumes and Cover Letters, even to friends and acquaintances. But not only do I not have a job, I rarely get an interview. I've send you my Resume and a coupel of cover letters. Please help!
A. Of course your Resume and Cover Letters will not be reprinted here. However, as in your email, there are many typo errors as well as grammatical errors in both your Resume and letters.
So, first of all, start with the basics. Read your Cover Letters OUT LOUD. This may help you to hear or find the grammatical errors, and hopefully any typos. Do the same with your Resume. You may also want to revamp your Resume - give it a fresh look and more information.
While it seems you have a lot to offer a company, you need to show them you DO have the experience. Don't be afraid to give specifics about your work, such as what you actually did. That is not to say to give confidential information, but be more detailed in what you did. For example, saying as Cashier you handled cash is very basic. Did you not also have to open up the cash register, and close it after your shift? Did you use a POS (Point of Sale) system, where credit cards and interac/debit receipts had to tally with the final total? Say that - those are important responsibilities. Are you bondable? Usually someone who works with money has been checked out, and this is an important feature to let prospective employers know.
Once you have your Resume polished, do the same with your Cover Letter. Do not just repeat what the ad says, add to it - how you can do what they say, or how you have the experience. Don't just mimic your Resume; your Cover Letter is a way to expand on your Resume and experience as it applies to the ad or the company.
For more detailed information - check out these articles:
And Good Luck on your next interview - you WILL get one soon if you follow these tips.
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Copyright March 21, 2008. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
