The Throwaway Game

Hi Everyone!

I hope your summers have gotten off to a good start.  I've noticed that a lot of students have been coming in to the Career Services Center trying hard to get summer jobs.  I think you've all been doing a good job of trying to get employment, especially if you're seeking out our services.  However, I think there are some startling facts the rest of you need to know if you haven't been giving your all in applying for jobs.  In this economy, employers are obviously hiring a lot less, but that doesn't mean that tons of people aren't applying for jobs.  To sort through all those applicants, employers will resort to some unsettling tactics:

• Deadlines: When it comes to deadlines, earlier is ALWAYS better, especially if you're applying by email.  Employers will often check out just the first few resumes that they receive because they're bombarded with so many resumes.  So don't wait longer than it takes to get your resume polished to send it in- try your best to send it in the same day the job was posted!
• Cover letters:  A seasoned professional can tell whether or not you spent 5 minutes copying-and-pasting what you wrote for a past cover letter, as opposed to taking the time to address the specific position at the specific company you're applying for.  Make sure that in your cover letter, you write down at least one reason why you want to work for that company you're applying to (e.g. do you like it's mission statement and/or values?) and how you feel you can contribute to that company.  Be specific and concise.  And ALWAYS include a cover letter with your resume, even if no one asks for one.
• Resume length: If you think it's not that big a deal if your resume is slightly longer than one page, think again.  Employers spend about 15-20 seconds glancing through your resume, which is why resumes need to be organized so specifically: employers want to find specific information super fast, such as whether or not you're a student (e.g. that's why an "Education" section is first for all current students).  Remember to consider that when an employer is sorting through hundreds of applicants, a one-page resume versus a resume that's more than one page will be most likely to avoid being thrown into a shredder.

I hope this helps!  Best of luck!
Seghel