5.02 Getting an Interview

Cover Letter

In your job search it may be necessary to email or mail your résumé. When you do, it is important to send a cover letter with it. Read Writing Cover Letters.

A cover letter, also known as a letter of application, acts as an introduction to the employer. The letter should target a specific job, highlight a few of your experiences or skills, refer to your attached résumé and request an opportunity to meet personally. A cover letter should be addressed to a specific person if possible. You may have to do a little research on the Internet or call the company to find out. Sometimes the contact will include a department name such as Human Resources Director. Always use an acceptable business letter format of a cover letter arranged in block style. You can find a good example of a cover letter format on Full Block Form.

Cover Letters, Thank-You Letters, et al from The University of Alabama Career Center provides some excellent information on Writing a Cover Letter which talks about what the cover letter needs to include and the following list of common mistakes:

• Spelling and grammatical errors
• Not tailoring for specific job
• Failing to show evidence of employer research and knowledge of job
• Repeating information
• Making it too brief or too wordy
• Focusing on what you need or want versus what you can contribute
• Omitting contact information

There are several other good examples found on Writing the Cover Letter from the University of Washington.

After you have completed your letter, be sure to read it aloud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing, incomplete sentences, and common mistakes. Before you send it, get a second opinion by having someone with excellent grammar skills proofread it for you. Employers are looking for excellent communication skills.

Interview Skills

You should come prepared to the job interview. Remember, this is your first chance to make a personal connection.

What you wear will speak volumes. It is a type of non-verbal communication such as how you walk, sit, and make eye contact. Never underestimate the role of appropriate dress in an interview situation. Even if you know the job is in a very casual atmosphere, always dress professionally for the job interview. It shows respect to the employer and shows that you are willing to make an extra effort. It is very important to appear clean, with combed/styled hair, clean hands and fingernails, clothes that are not wrinkled and clean shoes. Tee shirts and jeans are just not acceptable for any interview. Still not sure what to wear? Read Job Interview Clothes: Looks That Kill (Your Chances) from Accountemps, one of the largest employment agencies in the country. Professional Attire from The University of Alabama Career Center provides suggestions on what to wear for business professional and business casual dress.

To be successful in the interview, you must always be very careful how you communicate, both verbally and non-verbally. Think before you speak. Keep in mind that it is not always what you say, but how you say it. Your mannerisms might also tip the interview one-way or the other. Show your confidence with a firm handshake, a friendly smile, and a pleasant greeting.

According to a survey from CareerBuilder, nearly half of employers know within the first five minutes of an interview whether a candidate is a good or bad fit for the position. The most common mistakes made in interviews as reported by employers in this survey included:

• Appearing disinterested
• Failure to make eye contact
• Dressing inappropriately
• Answering a cell phone or text during the interview
• Bad posture
• Fidgeting in the seat
• Weak handshake

Read Interviewing 101 from The University of Alabama Career Center for some excellent instructions on improving your skills.

Follow Up

After the interview it is important to follow up with a letter or email.

This is a professional way of thanking the interviewer for their time while reminding them of your interview. This extra effort gives you an advantage over the other applicants. Taking the time and making the effort to send a follow up shows that you are a serious candidate who is genuinely interested in the job.

As stated in the article How to Stand Out, a follow letter up or email can make you stand out in the right way:

• Email your potential employer no more than a couple of hours after the interview. Simply thank them for their time and attention.
• No matter how much you want the position, do not go over the top with follow-ups; it could hurt you in the long run.

According to a CareerBuilder.com survey of more than 650 employers: Writing a thank-you letter after an interview doesn't just showcase a candidate's manners – it can also make or break their chances of landing a job. Nearly 15% of hiring managers say they would not hire someone who failed to send a thank-you letter after the interview, 32% say they would still consider the candidate, but would think less of him or her.