Unless you have a thick resume that you can trim down to focus on specific skills to better highlight them for a specific prospect then I would use the same resume each time. However, I would write a different cover letter for each one.
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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
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Unless you have a thick resume that you can trim down to focus on specific skills to better highlight them for a specific prospect then I would use the same resume each time. However, I would write a different cover letter for each one.
BeforeU
Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.
Depends on the position. If similar position then why not. And btw thats why its food to have a cover letter specific to the company and position. I known its too much work, but trust me they like people who put in the extra effort. Even though they not gonna read your stuff all the way.
I don't even bother with cover letters anymore. I think that they are completely useless. If a company is going to filter me out for not including one, then chances are that it's a company where I'd be nothing more than a number anyway, which is the exact type of company that I don't want to work for. It just seems completely redundant to include a resume that has my LinkedIn and website with summaries on them in addition to a cover letter. I tailor my resume for a company and that's it.
That really doesn't make sense. If they only cared about resumes than you're more likely to be a number.
A cover letter can highlight why this is the job you really are interested in doing, why you are interested in their company, relevant coursework and experiences, how one of the jobs on your resume has relevant experience that is not immediately noticeable, etc.
I don't think you should put a LinkedIn link or website link on your resume, but that can vary by industry.
Escape Goat
Member
A lot of recruiters wont even look at your resume if it doesnt have a cover letter.
Roland_Gunner
Member
This is true. The best advice I've received about cover letters is look for key words in the job description and copy them into your cover letter. Recruiters filter by those words and even great resumes that don't have them can get tossed out.
His has been a non-issue at the smaller places that I've applied to. I've been called in for an interview at just about every small company that I've applied to. It may be an issue at the large corporate places, however. Either way, most of the small places like my resume so much that they call me in anyway and are sold during the interview.
Edit: Also, I believe that between my resume, LinkedIn, and website, there is more than enough information for you to determine whether or not you want to interview me.
Crimson_Fate
Member
Just remember to be there early. Being Tardy or Just making it is one of the worst things you can do. Try to be there at least 30 Minutes early.
Also be honest and remember that there are no wrong answers except for BS ones. If you don't know something its OK to tell them that you don't know but will learn quickly, if they suspect that you are lying to them for even stupid small things it can cost you the Job.
Good luck
Escape Goat
Member
I get to the interview site almost an hour early so I can sit in the lobby and get accustomed to the space. I take my jacket off and cool down so I'm not a hot mess when I get called in to the interviewer's office. By that time I've become accustomed to the energy of the place and I'm a little more relaxed. I've also had time to go over my resume, job description and my answers. I'm not trying to get metaphysical when I say "energy" but its the best way I can explain it.
Okay, but maybe they have a lot of applicants and want to read what is sent to them, instead of having to proactively look for it.
RustyNails
Member
I'm in a position where I got accepted for new job, but I feel really bad leaving my current one. I am leaving because of lack of growth and stagnant pay. There is zero upward or even lateral mobility. I basically have to do the same thing till I die. I feel bad because my bosses were some of the best people I ever met. They looked out for me, were very considerate and even saved my job after we lost a big customer. I feel like a huge a-hole leaving them. What do I do 
ISWThunder
Member
I'm in a position where I got accepted for new job, but I feel really bad leaving my current one. I am leaving because of lack of growth and stagnant pay. There is zero upward or even lateral mobility. I basically have to do the same thing till I die. I feel bad because my bosses were some of the best people I ever met. They looked out for me, were very considerate and even saved my job after we lost a big customer. I feel like a huge a-hole leaving them. What do I do
If your bosses are that great, wouldn't they be happy for you? If you know that it's a dead end job then they definitely know.
Even if you stay now, and pass up on this opportunity, you'll most likely eventually leave. Why put it on hold?
Syphon Filter
Member
I got an offer for freelance but i noticed it is about 2 hours away from where i live. I told them that it was too far so i did not accept. As someone who is hungry for experience was that the right move? Or should i have still accepted it?
EmptySpace
Banned
gah just finished it. i do not know if it went well or not. i prepared some answers but the questions never came up (strengths, weaknesses, why did you apply to this company, etc.).
interview went for over an hour. what did we talk about? well mostly the company and the work, clients, etc. which was a bit awkward because i already know all the things the interviewer talked about from my research on the company. i almost, almost finished the sentence for him. gah.
interview went for over an hour. what did we talk about? well mostly the company and the work, clients, etc. which was a bit awkward because i already know all the things the interviewer talked about from my research on the company. i almost, almost finished the sentence for him. gah.
Escape Goat
Member
I'm in a position where I got accepted for new job, but I feel really bad leaving my current one. I am leaving because of lack of growth and stagnant pay. There is zero upward or even lateral mobility. I basically have to do the same thing till I die. I feel bad because my bosses were some of the best people I ever met. They looked out for me, were very considerate and even saved my job after we lost a big customer. I feel like a huge a-hole leaving them. What do I do
If the company wasnt doing well theyd lay you off without such hand wringing. Sure, your bosses will feel the impact more personally but they do what theyre told to do. You did good work for them and they paid you. Its just business. Same for you. If you arent getting what you need where you are then its time to make a business decision.
Well, heres to another month unemployed... *drinks
My "safety net" is so stretched that I could fall through the holes at any minute. It doesn't help that my last employer is so broke that can't even pay my full indemnization (I sued him of course but that shit also takes time).
I'm pretty sure I do fine at the interviews, the questions are mostly the same than the last time I was unemployed, most of the tests I can complete easily but I still can't find a job... the only thing that's different now is that I'm asking for a bit more money, fucking cheapass employers, they'll force me to go back to my salary of 4 years ago, truly there's no future for me in this industry, I better keep working in my game.
My "safety net" is so stretched that I could fall through the holes at any minute. It doesn't help that my last employer is so broke that can't even pay my full indemnization (I sued him of course but that shit also takes time).
I'm pretty sure I do fine at the interviews, the questions are mostly the same than the last time I was unemployed, most of the tests I can complete easily but I still can't find a job... the only thing that's different now is that I'm asking for a bit more money, fucking cheapass employers, they'll force me to go back to my salary of 4 years ago, truly there's no future for me in this industry, I better keep working in my game.
Maybe your cover letter wasn't well written? Anyone can list jobs/experience/education in a resume. Doing a cover letter tailored to a company is much harder to write than a resume.
I write cover letters for each job I apply for, or try to. I probably haven't been that great at it, but I try to go by guidelines of what to write that I've found online.
ATastyMuffin
Banned
It's pretty awful when you're a first-year BBA student trying to land an internship at marketing. Tons of positions require at least 3-4 years in post-secondary education, and typically with a planned major in Computer Science. The only reasonably assuring approach is by utilizing referrals (which are GREAT, always try to establish connections everywhere you go), but even then, it's not a guarantee.
Lots of people tell me first-years don't manage to land work positions, but it's frustrating working retail instead when you could be doing something to progress your career.
Lots of people tell me first-years don't manage to land work positions, but it's frustrating working retail instead when you could be doing something to progress your career.
Pretty much this. You spend all kinds of time and effort on a cover letter to not get called in for an interview. I have the same stance on any job that requires me to sink an hour or two on one of those pre employment tests during the application process as well. Once I realized that many places would still call me in without including a cover letter, I stopped writing them entirely.
On somewhat of a side note, for those of you in or thinking about going back to school, it pays to go into a field where you can somewhat have say in the terms. Before going into a different field, I had to take what I could get. When I changed fields I was actually able to negotiate pay, my schedule, and where I would work. I even had one employer call me a year later to see if I was available. Of course you can't make absurd demands, but employers treat you a lot differently if you are in a field where they can't find enough employees.
Syphon Filter
Member
What fields are these?
I'm not sure about other cities, but in my city, there is a high demand for those in the medical and IT/computer science fields. And for a lot of those jobs, you only need a two year degree.
Yeah sucks they actually promote people writing CLs. I only send it if it's required in the listing.
Didn't even bother to write one when I applied (on craigslist) for my new job.
It's really easy to just have a standard template (or a couple) and just make minor alterations depending on the company. Say someone applying for paralegal positions. The letter would highlight why they are interested in that particular company. Like its a law firm that does litigation, criminal law, or IP--you can focus on specific classes that you have taken regarding those areas. Or if there is a focus on China or Latin America, you can highlight your language courses or experience in those regions. If it is a position that requires a lot of research, you can talk about that
It really doesn't take much time to write a couple of sentences.
RustyNails
Member
So...i puckered up and talked to the bosses. They were very cordial and cool cucumbers about it and appreciated the 2 week notice. I told them they were awesome and my decision has nothing to do with the office environment or the people. It's just the way I liked my career to advance that I couldn't get to currently, that is all.
They asked me to pen a resignation letter. I have no freaking clue how to lol.
"It was nice working with you all, but g2g bai kthx"
KiwiLannister
Member
Well I landed a great internship in consulting at Deloitte for the '15-'16 summer so I'm pretty happy right now. Now there isn't any stress about finding an internship so I can focus on finding a part time job for some pocket money.
Good luck finding a job for everyone else in this thread, it's a pretty shitty process.
I pretty much landed it off a great interview, probably one of my biggest strengths.
Good luck finding a job for everyone else in this thread, it's a pretty shitty process.
I pretty much landed it off a great interview, probably one of my biggest strengths.
Ultimadrago
Member
I didn't get the position, but thanks much for the support, guys! I'll keep at it.
betweenthewheels
Member
I finally heard back from an interview I had a month ago for a full-time design position, only to find that i've been offered a part-time position. Now i'm going to have to juggle 2 part-time jobs. I'm 31 and was REALLY hoping for something a single full-time career opportunity.
They mentioned hopefully full-time work down the line, but who knows when that will be, if ever. I'm just stressed about having such a hectic schedule and even less time to job hunt for a solid full time job.
I feel bad for complaining, but I was just disappointed in the job going from full time to part time.
They mentioned hopefully full-time work down the line, but who knows when that will be, if ever. I'm just stressed about having such a hectic schedule and even less time to job hunt for a solid full time job.
I feel bad for complaining, but I was just disappointed in the job going from full time to part time.
Need opinion Help!
3/13/2015- Interviewed with hiring manager
3/-20/2015- Told I passed to make it to in person interview. Gave her my availability.
3/23//2015- Asked her if those times were ok. She said she will get back... no word
Its not 4/6 still no word. Should I email her?
3/13/2015- Interviewed with hiring manager
3/-20/2015- Told I passed to make it to in person interview. Gave her my availability.
3/23//2015- Asked her if those times were ok. She said she will get back... no word
Its not 4/6 still no word. Should I email her?
Megalosaro
Banned
You should have emailed her a week or two ago. Never wait more than three days without a follow up.
Escape Goat
Member
Uhh, i would have contacted her again on the 25/26th. Either she wasn't serious about filling the position or shes filled it by now. Why did you wait so long to follow up?
She said she would get back to, didn't want to be too aggressive so I gave her all of last week to get things worked out. She needed all the managers availability.
I just emailed her, she seems unorganized.
Going to finish up at the end of the year with a BS in Computer Information Systems (CIS). I am absolutely terrified trying to break into the job market. I don't know where to start, and I haven't had much luck trying to find anything thus far. I am 32, and currently work as a computer aided drafter. The courseload has been pretty programming heavy, which is probably good since it helped round me out with experience. I just don't know where to go from here. The good news is I have a pretty stable job at a low, but decent rate. Anything I have been able to find is just low level tech support for $10 or less an hour. Anyone in a similar situation?
Escape Goat
Member
I got an email from a corporate recruiter about a job and I replied back immediately. I didn't hear anything for a couple days and was preparing to send another email as follow up. Right before I was about to send it I got the Dear John email. I sent the follow up anyways. It turns out she didn't see my email so I would have missed the opportunity entirely if I hadn't kept close tabs on it.
After a couple days of giving her time to get her stuff together was sufficient. Waiting any longer than a day or two after the deadline they gave and I think you should email. You don't have anything to lose and it shows you're really interested in the position.
IdrisOllie
Neo Member
Shameless advertising here but if anybody lives in Toronto and knows about any internships for a 3rd Year Undergrad studying Economics and Finance don't hesitate to send a PM
Please
ByronicBluez
Neo Member
Get military job with a clearance. Get out -> profit.
Stabby McSter
Member
I would like to take the time to say that I just bombed a phone interview not less than five minutes ago. I'm still shaking from nerves. :<
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cyberheater
PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 Xbone PS4 PS4
Any update?
RustyNails
Member
You should be fine. Look for entry level SQL developer/database assistant type roles and work your way up from there.
Escape Goat
Member
If anyone is wanting to read a happy post I can finally provide one.
I've been a lurker here more than a poster, but my job hunting persistance finally paid off.
A little back story, I do currently have a job at a condo rental/property management company. Needless to say, dealing with upset guests and owners basically everyday for the past two years has been soul draining and very depressing. For about the past 6 months I've been looking for a job, and I was finally offered one a couple of days ago.
I'm finally moving into my dream field of HR with what sounds like a great company in the Florida Panhandle.
All in all, I'm happy I stuck with the job hunting process for as long as I did. It felt like it took forver, but it finally paid off.
I've been a lurker here more than a poster, but my job hunting persistance finally paid off.
A little back story, I do currently have a job at a condo rental/property management company. Needless to say, dealing with upset guests and owners basically everyday for the past two years has been soul draining and very depressing. For about the past 6 months I've been looking for a job, and I was finally offered one a couple of days ago.
I'm finally moving into my dream field of HR with what sounds like a great company in the Florida Panhandle.
All in all, I'm happy I stuck with the job hunting process for as long as I did. It felt like it took forver, but it finally paid off.
BeforeU
Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.
It happens, sooner you get over it. Better it will be for you. Dont let that ruin your self confidence for future interviews.
Congrats man. You will appreciate your job lot more now :