Resource Center
5 Ways To Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired
Bruce Hurwitz stops in to share a few quick thoughts on increasing your chances of getting hired through a good cover letter and stellar interview.
The first thing that makes a candidate stand out is if they can write a professional cover letter.
Second, instead of singing their own praises, their cover letter needs to be short, sweet and to the point, highlighting one of their accomplishments that speaks to the job for which they are applying.
Third, forgo the nonsense of starting a resume with an "Objective" (your Objective is to get the job!), or a "Professional Summary" (which is usually nothing more than meaningless superlatives ) and to begin with three to five bullet points under a section entitled "Selected Accomplishments." Recipients of resumes usually don't spend more than a few seconds scanning them. Having a few bullet points upfront makes life easy for the resume recipient which should be the first goal of any candidate.
Fourth, when preparing for an interview, find out with whom you will be meeting. Research them, not just the employer. If you know something personal about the interviewer(s) you will have a better chance of forming a personal connection. And, in the end, it always comes down to personalities. If the employer likes a less qualified candidate more than a more qualified candidate, they'll go with the less qualified because they realize that they have to hire someone with whom they'll be able to get along with 8 hours a day. They'll always go with the candidate with whom they form a connection and with whom they have something in common.
Fifth, send a hand written thank you note following the interview, in addition to the e-mail. Everyone sends an e-mail; the hand written note is unexpected and sets the candidate apart from everyone else.
