As a former employment coordinator for an investment banking company, a health care organization and law firm, there are many skills, qualities and characteristics that I looked for in each candidate. I will share my point of view and some of the recruiting techniques that are used to staff open positions.

Most large corporations and progressive businesses have a recruiting process in place--some more formal than others. Nevertheless, an informed, well-prepared applicant has a greater chance to be called in for a first interview than an uninformed applicant. So, if you’re in the job market or will be searching for a new job in the future, the Career Focus series may be of interest to you. Please keep in mind that most managers are very busy and would like to spend as little time as possible on interviews. They would rather meet with a couple of well qualified candidates, make an offer, then get back to business.

Typically, the human resources department screens all applicants. They meet with several candidates, but will only qualify two or three highly qualified individuals to actually meet with the hiring manager. Therefore, it is important that applicants make a good first impression so that they are not disqualified in the early stages of the process.

The resume should always be accompanied by a Cover Letter. This is where we will begin our Career Focus.

The Cover Letter

When I was recruiting, I came across quite a few resumes containing typos, misspelled words, grammatical errors and poor formatting. These resumes were immediately placed in my “not qualified” pile. Afterall, the quality of the resume is a reflection of the applicants verbal and written skills. Even the most qualified applicant can be rejected if their presentation is unprofessional.

The Cover Letter is where you begin marketing yourself to the employer. Listed below are key areas that employers look for in the cover letter.

1. Highlight your strengths, qualifications and skills. Employers want to know up front, why you believe that you are qualified for the position. Give details on your proficiency with a particular software program, management experience or expertise in a particular area of business; also you may want to list one or two accomplishments in previous positions such as increasing sales or reducing expenses etc.
   
   
2. Explain what makes you different and a better match than the next applicant.
   
   
3. List salary information on your cover letter—not on the resume. The only personal information on the resume should be your name, address and telephone number.
   
   
4. A professionally written resume can create opportunity, so write well and be open and direct.
   
   
5. Be sure to personalize the cover letter. Do not send a generic letter that could be sent to any employer. Include the company name, and full address on each cover letter.
   
   
6. Take some time to do research on the company before mailing your letter and resume, so that you can include in your cover letter why you are interested in working for them. For example, there may be a new project or venture the company is working on…if you express your interest in being on the team for that particular project and discuss your related talents or previous experience, the employer will know that you took the time to learn about the company). This will help you to stand out among the other applicants.
   
   
7. Your cover letter should be positive and upbeat. If the letter is written well, the recruiter will be able to assess whether or not the applicant should be called in for an interview so they can get a closer look.