Re: Top Resume and Cover Letter Pet Peeves

[Tracey Moore <temoore -at- MAIL -dot- JAX -dot- BELLSOUTH -dot- NET>]

I am thinking of compiling a help file containing my resume, references,
reference letters, samples of work and help files to send to prospective
employers. You ask that a URL not be sent, but opening an attached help file
would be as easy as opening a word doc, except that the resume would look
the same no matter what printer you've got. Also, you'd have access to other
information to browse before we actually talk, so we've something to talk
about. I really hate saying I can do something without being able to provide
some proof. Makes me feel like a braggart.

What would you think if you received the help file attachment instead of a
word doc? Should I send both?

JGREY wrote:

> Crimony.  My finger fumbled across the Return key, acidentally struck
> who-knows-what, and all of a sudden my message was sent.
>
> Here are the promised resume and cover letter pet peeves.
>
> 1. Cover letters that consist entirely of a few quickly chosen words
> written longhand on the fax cover page or typed into the e-mail body.
> Please, take the time to write a whole cover letter that supplements and
> appropriately amplifies your resume.
>
> 2. E-mailed resumes that use fonts I don't have on my computer, making
> all your careful formatting go haywire as Windows substitutes Times New
> Roman.  (E-mailing Word attachments is always a gamble -- I probably
> have a different printer from you, and Word adjusts pagination based on
> the currently selected printer.  Your carefully crafted, one-page resume
> could end up being one page and one line on a second page because you're
> attached to a Canon BubbleJet and I'm attached to an HP LaserJet 5.)
>
> 3. Instead of sending a printed resume, listing a URL that contains the
> resume.  Please don't make me have to work for it.  My Internet
> connection might be down.
>
> 4. I realize this one's entirely personal preference, but I'm always
> relieved to see someone avoid Times New Roman and Arial in a printed
> resume and letter.  It's stunning how many applicants use these tired
> typefaces.
>
> 5. A cover letter full of stock phrases such as, "I seek a challenging
> position at your company," "I am confident my six years of experience
> would enable me to make a significant contribution at your company."
> Use this opportunity to show me you're sharper than the other tacks in
> the box.  Show me you understood my ad by picking out its most important
> elements and telling me briefly how you fit those qualifications.
>
> Peace,
> jim
>
> jim grey \ Documentation Manager
> Made2Manage Systems, Inc. \ jgrey -at- made2manage -dot- com
>
> ~