The Importance of First Impressions in Job Applications
Did you know that, on average, an employer or recruiter takes only 8-10 seconds to screen your Resume and Job Application Cover Letter before considering whether to shortlist you for a pre-screen telephone interview? Sometimes it can be even less. That is not enough time to create a first impression on paper. For additional reading, indeed.com does a great job of providing Reasons Why First Impressions Are Important (With Tips).
Just like professionals invest in:
- A mortgage broker when purchasing property
- A real estate agent when selling a home
Why not hire a Cover Letter Writing expert to help you secure the perfect role? Investing in expert help ensures your job application stands out and addresses:
- The key selection criteria of the role
- The company culture
Investing in Your Job Application
You spend the most hours of each week working full-time, sharing your ideas and plans with a group of people at work, so why would it not be important to invest in your job application for that perfect role?
The Balance Between Resume Content and Presentation
Individuals often spend a considerable amount of time focusing on what needs to be in the Resume rather than how it is written. Both are equally important.
The key elements of an effective Resume include:
- Tone of voice – Professional and clear
- Style and layout – Clean and easy to read
- Font choice – Standard and professional (e.g., Arial, Calibri)
- Language use – Concise and engaging
The way a Professional Resume is written can determine whether your application gets shortlisted or not.
Addressing Key Selection Criteria
You must always address the key selection criteria for the role you are applying for. Each Resume should be tweaked for every job application to ensure:
- The key selection criteria and core skills required are highlighted
- Your application aligns with the company culture and team fit
- You have done your research on:
- The role
- The responsibilities
- The business itself
Accuracy and Professionalism in Resume Writing
Your Professional Resume needs to be factually accurate, including:
- Dates of employment
- Education completed
- Job titles
- Skills possessed in each role
Other important factors include:
- Writing should be concise, succinct, and to the point
- Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are essential
- A Resume should reflect who you are and your professional experiences
What NOT to include in your Resume:
❌ Unnecessary graphics
❌ Inappropriate personal information
❌ Colored text or multiple font styles (stick to black text only)
Resumes that use unprofessional formatting often get disregarded.
Visual Appeal and Relevance in Resume Formatting
Your Resume should be:
✅ Neat, organized, and consistent
✅ Visually appealing and easy to read
✅ Tailored to match the position you are applying for
Consider adjusting your Resume when applying for different roles. For example:
- A Resume for an Accountant will look different from one for an IT Project Manager
- Make sure you have the skills required for the role before applying
Failing to tailor your Resume can result in a wasted application and lost opportunities.
The Importance of a Tailored Cover Letter
When you submit your professionally written Resume for a position, you should also include a tailored Cover Letter.
A well-crafted Cover Letter:
✔ Can make the difference between getting an interview or being ignored
✔ Should be thoughtful and customized for each job application
However, note:
- Cover Letters are essential for direct job applications
- Cover Letters sent via Recruitment Agencies are often ignored
