Maximizing Your Resume | A Student's Guide
Getting your foot in the door
Many employers receive job opportunities through LinkedIn, but there's no harm in cold emailing or DMing them separately. Just make sure you choose a platform where hundreds of people aren't fighting for their attention.
However, I've mostly seen students cold emailing or DMing potential employers for entry-level jobs or internships, and it often works. This is mainly because students are eager to gain experience and learning opportunities from prestigious multinational corporations, regardless of the shit pay and long hours (which is a trend more prevalent in Pakistan).
I myself have worked for some companies as a freelancer for free, solely to gain access to their network, resources, and learning opportunities. However, in this economy, I would advise against working for free unless you absolutely need the experience from that specific company.
So, why does this approach work? Employers or hiring managers often prefer not to go through the tedious process of actively searching for someone who is equally motivated. As long as you possess the right skills and can effectively communicate them, you have a good chance of standing out.
Standing out is relatively easy, depending on the field. For instance, if you're applying for a graphic design position, create a design specifically for the company. Treat it as a trial task, even if they didn't request it. This will not only demonstrate your initiative but also distinguish you from other applicants who didn't put in the same level of effort.
CV Logistics:
An employer or hiring manager doesn't have time to read through numerous resumes, and your 6-page thesis is not worth their time. Instead, curate it: aim for a well-designed 1-2 page resume, which is the ideal scenario.
Just scattering "Experience Vomit" on your CV to see what fits doesn't give the employer any clarity on which role you would be suitable for.
So, how can you reduce the extra pages, especially when you have extensive experience? Ideally, you should tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for. Remove any information that is not relevant to that particular job.
For example, when applying for a graphic designer position, your job application doesn't need to include your 11th-grade science fair medal, as it is not relevant to the job.
The Dos and Don’ts of Cover Letters
Don't lead your cover letter with what YOU will gain from this experience. Avoid saying things like, "This experience will not only bolster my CV but also boost my confidence, setting a clearer course for my career." Such statements are considered selfish, as employers already understand the benefits the job position/internship offers you; they simply don't care about your personal gains. Remember, it's not a university application.
Instead, focus on demonstrating the value you can bring to the employer. Provide them with a list of reasons why they should hire you or how you would excel in the position.
When writing a cover letter, make an effort to match the tone of voice the company uses in its marketing content. There is a distinction between applying for an internship position at a big firm and one at a kindergarten school, as both have different vibes. Big corporations tend to have a more formal tone of voice, while small startups often adopt a more informal or casual approach.
What not to say
Don't bullshit. Stating, "I exhibit a strong focus and diligence in managing workloads and prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion," won't earn you any brownie points for bragging about doing the bare minimum. Moreover, it's somewhat implied that you already possess those skills, so there's no need to mention them. At this point, you're merely using empty buzzwords that lack evidence to support your claims.
“Known for my capacity to spark inspiration and generate original, thought-provoking ideas.” - You might as well send the hiring manager a video of you kissing a mirror. Back it up.
Expressing, "I have a deep passion for utilizing complex problem-solving methodologies to uncover solutions and attain tangible results," essentially means saying, "I love getting things done," which is expected of you.
Stop attempting to be something you're not—simply communicate your experience and why they should hire you. The more you emphasize the value you can bring, the better your prospects.
Kiss-assery/ excessive praise won't get you anywhere. Employers aren't particularly concerned about the opinions of your friends, family, or former colleagues. Additionally, flattering the company won't guarantee you a job offer. Avoid these tactics.
Clear Communicator > Sounding Intelligent
Employers can see through anything. Using big words to sound intelligent just won’t cut it. Thomas Jefferson once said:
The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.
For whatever job you’re applying for, you want to get to the point faster while also being seen as a clear communicator, rather than sounding like a philosopher.
One last, but very important, point that I must address because I have been guilty of this as well is the issue of grammar. It can either make or break your CV if not handled carefully.
Whether it's your resume or your cover letter, it serves as the first impression of who you are. Avoid ruining it by having grammar mistakes, especially when applying for a creative role. Employers will recognize that you lack attention to detail. Just use Grammarly.
