Making A Positive First Impression

Optimizing Your Resume

This is the opportunity to highlight your background, skills, and areas of expertise.

Resumes should be properly formatted. While most employers prefer a chronological resume, a skills based resume may be appropriate in some cases.
Highlight achievements, certifications, and technology expertise. Employers are looking for examples of reducing costs and increasing revenue, improving operational efficiencies and implementing innovative solutions.
For resumes submitted online, use ASCII (plain text) formatting; avoid graphics, underlines, bolding and borders. Include keyword search phrases that link to job responsibilities, such as “project management”, “regulatory reporting”, and “systems conversion.”
Your resume should be accurate and truthful, and free of errors. Be sure to proof-read and show it to someone with strong editing skills who hasn’t seen it before.

Tailoring You Cover Letter

This initial communication is crucial in capturing a hiring managers attention. An effective cover letter focuses on the following elements.

Specific skills and experiences that relate directly to the position for which you are applying. Cover letters are also your chance to provide additional information that isn’t in your resume.
Strengths you have to offer the firm. Do you have the ability to help with additional initiatives the company may be currently focused on? If so, be sure to convey this in you cover letter.
Always tailor the cover letter for each position and company. It’s usually a good idea to mention how you found out about the project or job opportunity.