Tips from HR Part 1: Resume and Cover-Letter

I'd like to bring back my Work-it Wednesday feature with a 4 part series called "Tips from HR". Anyone who follows me on facebook knows that I like to periodically post these "tips" as things come up in my job. I don't consider myself an HR expert or even a recruitment expert, but I have two years of recruitment experience and I've learned enough from viewing resumes and doing interviews to give some decent advice.

Part One: First Impressions- the Resume and Cover-Letter

Writing a strong resume is the most important part of any job search. It is your first impression on potential employers and your chance to get a foot in the door. Here are 3 tips to bear in mind when writing your resume and cover letter. 

1. Include your contact information, and make sure it is correct.

This seems like a no-brainer, but I can't tell you how many resumes I've received that have no phone number or email on them. 

• Make sure you include your address, phone number and email. 
• Use a professional email that includes your name or initials. The person screening your resume is going to judge you if your email is "bigboi999@yahoo.com". 
• Make sure your phone is ready to take professional calls by getting rid of any ring back tones and setting up your voice mail with a professional recording.
• You don't have to include your whole address if you don't want to, but at least include the city and state. 
• Double and triple check that you spelled everything correctly!

2. Keep the resume to one page. Keep the cover letter to one page. 

Unless you have a considerable amount of experience in the field it is never necessary to include more than one page of information on your resume. Anything you don't cover in that page can be in the cover letter, just don't go over a page on that either!

3. Know your audience.

• Reflect the language and requirements of the job description in your resume and cover letter. 
• Research the company and mention something you like about them in your cover letter or objective.
• Address your cover letter to a specific person if you can. NEVER put "Dear Sir".