Make sure you are qualified. Following a survey of recruiters asking what one problem they see the most from job seekers, it was revealed that their most prominent issue is with job seekers applying to jobs that they are not qualified for. Seems simple, right? Don’t apply for a job out of your realm of knowledge or experience! If you don’t meet at least 75% of the requirements for any job you find you should not apply - 99% of the time if you do not meet the qualifications you will not get a response.

Follow directions. Many organizations have set rules for applying. Sometimes it is formatting and sometimes it is timing or any other possible rule. Bottom line: do what they ask. Even if you broke the last rule about being qualified, it will at least show that you can follow directions.

Email vs. fax. If only an email address is given in the posting use it, if only a fax number is given use it, if both an email and fax are given use the email. NEVER call someone and ask if you can fax them a résumé - you might as well go ahead and tell them you are an ace with a typewriter. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!

Your email. There are a number of things needed to make your e-mail right to a recruiter or hiring manager:

• Your email address. Your email address DOES matter, make sure it looks, feels, and sounds professional. sassypants123@aol.com is not going to work, but yourname@somedomain.com is good.

• Subject line of email. Whenever you send an email, particularly for in the job-search, make sure that you have a subject line that effectively describes why you are sending the person an email. This might even be in the directions for applying.
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• Include a signature. It should have your name and the best way to get ahold of you.
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• Attaching your resume. When you create a document you can name it anyway that you choose  – don’t just name your resume, resume – give it a name, YOURS. Make sure you check your spelling, grammar, and capitalization –  IT MATTERS.

1. Cover letters / emails. Cover letters / emails are one of the most overlooked parts of a job-search - if done correctly they can increase your chances of getting called.
2. It is important to remember to always send a cover letter / email to every position that you apply to and to help ensure it is successful see the three tips below. Would you open a file attached to an e-mail with no message? Me neither!
3. Attachment or body of email. Many recruiters and employers would much rather see only one attachment (it makes our lives easier) in an email so make it your resume.
4. What to include in the cover letter / email. The most effective cover letters / emails do two things - reference the specific position to which you are applying and include a comparison of what the company is looking for compared to what you bring to the table.
5. How to format it. Keep the formatting simple. Often resumes go through computerized sorting and formatting is lost along with the flow of the resume.

After applying. Ask your network (on and offline) who they know that works in that particular company and try to get a warm introduction.

Your resume is all about personal branding, and selling yourself. The most important part of this sale is having the employer contact you. Make sure you include several ways for them to contact you: Phone, Email, Mailing Address, or the bowling alley you are using as an office.

This goes right back to my post on having a good email address, phone number, and social media presence.