When our parents applied to their first careers out of college, they walked in and handed the employer their credentials, gave a firm hand shake, glistening smile, and lots of (ever-diminishing) eye contact!
It seems that with the increasing “convenience” of technology, we have decreased the ability for recent graduates to come in and introduce themselves in a manner that would certainly set them apart. Millennials are required to upload their Resume and Cover Letter to a careers site along with who knows how many other eligible applicants; and thus become lost in the hopeful-candidate-abyss.
As a recent graduate of only last May, I have done my fair share of applying. I polished off my writing samples, micro-managed my references, made sure all of my social media was virtuous, and updated my LinkedIn incessantly.
I began to research how to build a show-stopper resume and cover letter that was sure to land me my first real-life grown-up job (yikes).
Every “helpful” article that I came across, however, urged me to organize each of my many attributes and qualifications in a fashion that really captures the essence of my personality... oh, and all in a page or less.
I have a minor in English Literature, and in my creative writing courses, I had risen to the occasion for similar assignments -- an entire story in six words, or a description of a house without a single adjective, etc. I can go on and on about anything and everything (just ask anyone who knows me).
I can use hyperbole and semi-colons; I have a vocabulary that would make Webster proud. Being asked to convey myself, and everything I have to offer to a company, in a page or less, though -- now that’s tricky.
Think about it, my characteristics, my work ethic, my energy, how on Earth is one supposed to convey that in black 12-point Times New Roman font, properly? I can just imagine the recruiters sitting there sifting through the digital pile of endless applications; repetition of words like “motivated,” or “enthusiastic” (both of which are in my cover letter, by the way), and their heads starting to pound from the tediousness.
What I ultimately found to be the most beneficial to me was including a click-able link to my Linkedin Profile, and sometimes even my Facebook or Twitter pages in my letterhead. This helps the company to put a face to the name/resume/cover letter, and maybe get a small sense of who you are through your photos or articles you’ve shared.
I found it easier not to cram so much information on my resume (I had gotten to the point of needing size 9 font, and reading glasses...), but to highlight the real accomplishments in my letter to the hiring manager.
Most importantly I followed up on every single Email I got in response to my submission. Even if you’re not entirely interested in the company or position at first glance, following through is a huge sign of professionalism; and it can never hurt to practice your interviewing skills.
Generally, the first step of any hiring process is a phone screening, anyway, which is a great time to ask questions and see how you like it. Never feel pressured to take the in-person interview if you are less than thrilled after the initial conversation.
You may feel uncomfortable declining the meeting, but believe me, they will find another hopeful Millennial like yourself, and thank you for not wasting any more of their time in doing so.
Remember to stay humble, and respectful, but it’s also okay to be funny! In almost every interview I went on, I mentioned being a Manager at McDonalds, and attending "Hamburger University" at the ripe old age of 17. The interviews ate it up, no pun intended.
In the end, we’re all just trying to find our way after college, and it’s not an easy feat. I’m certainly no expert, but it worked for me… More to come on that, soon.
So this is me, lending you some valuable advice.
