Cindy R. Warkow, Permanent Search Executive Recruiter

First Impressions are Lasting Impressions You’ve often heard that your first impression is the most important.  That is definitely true if you are looking for a new position.  Companies who are hiring often look at a candidate’s resume as representative of how the candidate will present themselves to customers and internal staff.  Hence, a great resume including a great cover letter is key.  The cover letter should highlight a great resume and shouldn’t serve to replace a resume.  The cover letter is most helpful if it states why you are looking for a new position and why you are interested in this particular position.  It should include a few bullet-points of why you are the best candidate for the position.  Again, the cover letter should not replace a targeted resume but should specifically address the company’s open position. A resume should serve to explain details of your experience in relation to the advertised position.  A resume should always be easy to read.  This can’t be stressed enough regarding the difference between a good first impression and a bad first impression.  A tough to read resume that is not organized presents a candidate as a disorganized person who may possibly be a bad communicator.  A short summary at the top of a resume including personality adjectives, main experience and unique talents helps the reader to understand who you are and what you can bring to a company. A candidate who is serious about responding to a position in which they have relevant experience should tailor their resume to highlight what they have done in past positions that matches with the job description.  For example, if the company wants someone who had managed people, you should list any supervisory experience under each job.  Each company you list should include years worked there and a short description of what the company does.  This helps the reader to understand if you have experience within their industry or related industries, especially if your companies are not well known.  A great description would be : XYZ Company, Xcity, years there. (next line) A privately held, family owned manufacturer of electronic parts for the aviation industry. Another helpful item to add under each company would be reasons you left.  For example: XYZ Company, Xcity, years there (next line) A large public health company. (next line) Left because Company relocated to Texas.  This helps the reader to understand short time spans at companies and answers any concerns they might have about your long- term commitment.  In summary, a resume should answer any questions a reader would have about your communication & organizational skills, your personality & best talents along with whether your background fits with what they want for the their open position.  You can never take back a bad first impression.  So spend some time making sure that your first impression presents you at your best and will lead to further communication with the company hiring for their next position. For further information contact Cindy Warkow at 215-441-4600 or cwarkow@kmco.com