What Recruiters Look for in Cover Letters and Resumes - Assignment Example

What recruiters look for in cover letters and resumes Introduction Resumes and cover letters form basic ingredients to application for employment in an organization. There are various guidelines that recruiters look for in a resume or a cover letter and it is necessary for job seekers to pay attention on how they write their resumes and cover letters (Diane, 2006). They explain job seekers’ accomplishments, skills, qualifications and experiences in comparison to the job targeted. What recruiters look for in resumes and cover letters Recruiters nowadays look for specific details in a resume or cover letter.

From the cover letter or the resume, they want to determine whether the applicant is fit for the company and whether they are marketable. In a cover letter, recruiters aim at getting the basic information about the candidate and know whether they are able to market themselves to the organization. Resumes and cover letters should be precise but detailed to give the recruiter an idea of what the candidate is capable of doing. They should portray ones altitude, communication skills, enthusiasm, personality and motivation (Vickie, 2008).

The recruiters also want to know the contact information of the applicant, why they left their former places of work, the position they are applying for as well as the salary history and the future expectations of the candidate in the organization (Robert, 2004). Other recruiters are interested in knowing more about the candidate like what type of company one is interested in, why they are interested in that company, when they re ready for interviews and alternative organization the candidate could be interested in.

While some of the recruiters are looking for basic information, some of them look at the simplicity, organization and preciseness of a cover letter or resume. Resumes and cover letters give a prior introduction of a person before they go for face to face interview and hence it should describe the candidate fully. Recruiters look for a detailed background of a candidate in that they are able to show the different elements of the candidates’ background for example, education level, experience and leadership positions held and responsibilities held (Diane, 2006).

Differences between hard copy and e-mailed resumes and cover letters There are various differences between hard copy and e-mail resumes and cover letters. To start with, the formatting of the signature lock which includes the addressees, name and other contacts are written below the name in email but on hard copy it is written on top of the page. Secondly-mail resumes and cover letters have subject lines which are logical to the receiver while hard copy ones have a subject line too but it is written on the letter; that is, after the receivers address and before the salutation.

The subject line in hard copy letters and resumes is seen after it has been opened while in e-mailed cover letters and resumes, it is possible to view the subject of the email without having to open it. Thirdly and finally the sigh off signature are only included in the hard copy resumes and cover letters but they are not available at e-mails (Robert, 2004). Conclusion Resumes and cover letters play a big role in determining whether one will be employed in an organization. They show a candidates level of skills, achievements and qualifications and hence they should crafted in a very delicate manner.

References Diane, A. (2006). Recruiting, interviewing, selecting & orienting new employees. AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn. Robert, D. (2004). Job search: Career planning guide. Cengage Learning. Vickie, T. (2008).The complete guide to writing web-based advertising copy to get the sale: what you need to know explained simply. Atlantic Publishing Company.