A word of warning about test-out degrees.

[burbuja0512]

I agree about cover letters, but only to a certain extent. I think that back when there were fewer candidates, employers really used them to find the best fit for a position, or even give someone with excellent writing skills (and LOTS of enthusiasm) a shot at a job.

Now, I think that recruiters and hiring managers either
1) don't read them
2) Use them to eliminate candidates.

There are just TOO many darn resumes out there to look at cover letters. Here is the process that has happened over the past year and half or so since the economy has been bad that I've gone through:

First of all, the recruiter does a ton of work to screen resumes. I honestly don't know how he does it or what he does other than looking for the criteria that I've specified. After a week or so, he'll send me literally 10-15 resumes. Sometimes he's also sent the cover letters, sometimes he hasn't. I don't have time in my day to look at 15 resumes much less read cover letters. So, I SCAN through all of the resumes and whatever pops off the page gets my attention, good or bad. I can usually narrow down to the top five that I will ask the recruiter to call and screen for an interview. I am looking for experience in the industry or something else that sets the candidate apart from the crowd.

If the recruiter and I disagree on a particular candidate, then I might go through their cover letter looking for some reason not to call them. Yes I have eliminated people due to typos. Seriously, even if you are the best speller in the world, ask a friend you trust to review your cover letter AND resume.

There was a situation where I had three very good, equally qualified people. They had all gone through several rounds of interviews and passed with flying colors. My boss and I carefully went through the resumes and letters with a fine toothed comb on each of them trying to find something that really set them apart, either to eliminate or to make them stand out above the rest.

I guess what I'm saying is that put a bunch of time into the cover letter, but IMHO don't make it too long. Make it short and readable - no long paragraphs. I would even put a couple of words in bold if they're really important, though I'm sure that someone might disagree with this. Do what you can to stand out because if you're lucky enough to have someone look at your cover letter, you've got about three seconds to make an impression.


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P.S. As I was re-reading this, it sounds very pessimistic and discouraging to the inexperienced job-seeker. I have mentioned several times that a candidate needs to stand out or set themselves apart, but it doesn't have to be because you have the most experience. You may have to work a bit harder, but you can highlight other areas that show your character. I've said it before, but VOLUNTEER!! If you can't get a job in your industry, go and do it unpaid. PUT THAT ON YOUR RESUME. Even if you can't find an internship or volunteer opportunity to do, go to your local nursing home or Boys and Girls club. You don't have to tell your prospective employer that you only volunteer for four hours a month, it's just something extra you can add to show that you're working and caring about the community, even if you're not paid to do so.