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". 

Blog Future, Life Future

Again it's been a long while since I made a post. Shame, shame shame on me! In my defense, I have had a lot going on in the two months since my last entry.

In early March my boss asked me what my last day on staff at my current job would be. I had been planning to leave at the end of the college recruitment season since last summer, but it kind of snuck up on me. Though I felt like she was shoving me out the door, having my boss ask me for a date I was planning to leave really lit a fire under my ass, so I hunkered down and did some serious soul job searching.

I went into my job search with an idea of the kind of position I wanted: an administrative or human resources role with nonprofit organization with a mission I can get behind. After applying to what felt like dozens of positions, I finally landed an interview in late April. That interview lead to two more interviews, and finally a job offer! On Friday I accepted an HR position at a Boston-based nonprofit and I triumphantly gave my two weeks' notice.

This new job means a traditional 40 hour a week work schedule, so that means more time for blogging (or less excuses not to!). Since I'm going to have more time to blog, I'd like to have more fun with it. I want to take some of the things I like from my favorite blogs, and include them. Also, I got a new digital camera for my birthday. courtesy of my beau, so I will be able to do more. Expect recipes, restaurant reviews, and a lot of fashion.

Beyond more money, and more free time the thing I am most excited about is a grown up wardrobe. I'm going shopping this weekend to ad some summer workplace essentials to my closet. I'm a hourglass to pear shap. I usually wear a size 10-14 top (large or extra large), but I tend to run more of a 16W in pants and fitted skirts. This means I have to pull pieces from tradional sizes and plus sizes to find the right fit. Here are a few items on my wish list:

AGB Belted Sheath Dress- Macy's
Cherry Chiffon Top- Torrid
Crochet Trim Tee in Plummy Mummy- Old Navy
Chiffon Trim Cardigan- Old Navy
Butterfly Blouse- Forever 21+
Aztec Flutter Top- Forever 21+
Frilly Chiffon Dress- City Chic
Nude Flat- Payless
Black and White Polka Dot Pencil Skirt- Torrid

I love window shopping on plus size sites, because the models look so healthy compared to the typical  emaciated size two. I chose items with fun prints and bright colors because 1. it's spring! and 2. my current career wear is a lot of black and solid colors.

What clothing items are on your work wear wish list?