Recently Allied Styles has been interviewing candidates to join our team. Upon reviewing numerous resumes I was shocked by the lack of professionalism and proper education on how to contact a potential employer as well as build a strong resume. I felt it was my duty to share how to successfully execute a plan to be considered for a position at any company.
What is probably the most disappointing is that many applicants claimed to have graduated from college with honors or summa/ magna cum laude. Which if that is true perhaps the U.S educational system should focus some of its time helping to prepare our citizens for the real world…but as history tells us the American mentality is that you must do things for yourself. I believe both should happen simultaneously. Additionally one should have the right to be taught and also seek out information independently. When building a resume read books, search online and asks people how to write a proper resume. It is imperative that a resume is done as neatly and as strongly as possible for the sake of being contacted back for the position.
Organize Yourself:
It is not okay to just list and or put bullet points on the page. Utilize the space and make it look neat. Categorize your employment history by date and list your title. When creating a synopsis of your duties make sure to describe your experience and responsibilities with specific situations. “I did things for…” is not acceptable. Also make sure you use proper grammar and submit a resume in the language that is spoken by the majority. Though we find it more then okay to speak several languages, we received several resumes that we did not understand. (Our bad we will have to learn Polish and brush up on our French)
This is another example of what is not a proper description:
Work experience
Abercrombie & Fitch: Sales Associate Nov.07’-Mar.08’Worked in the store
Make a list of special skills and awards:
“My love for fashion” was a response we saw many times under special skills and contrary to what some may believe how much you enjoy fashion absolutely is not an acceptable response.
Tailor your cover letter and resume to be relevant:
There were some applicants who’s employment history was not relevant to the industry at all. Some were just questionable. For example we got a resume where the potential employee worked most of their life on a farm. We wouldn’t mind talking more about that experience but if you yourself cannot think of one reason why you would be an asset to us we cannot either. If you want an employer to take you seriously or just trying to get your foot in the door with an internship it is VERY important that you make the link between yourself and the relevance of the position. Earlier I said that we got resumes from those overseas. One applicant from Europe had experience working in night clubs of a pornographic nature…some positions are better left omitted.
The Cover Letter:
Your cover letter is your chance to explain what an employer will see on your resume. This is your chance to talk more about yourself and make the connection between school, work and internships. This is where you can discuss your time spent working on a farm, as a bartender, receptionist, assistant etc and how it pertains to the position you are applying for. A problem we’ve seen is that the cover letters are either too long or not descriptive/ interesting enough. Make sure to talk about your past as well your goals and point out specific examples on your resume that should be a point of interest.
Sending the Email:
The email you send to a potential employer is just as important as the resume itself. What you put in the subject box, what you say and how you sign the email is very important. Also a proper email account name is essential. There were many email addresses that had “xoxoox” and “!!!” in them. Create an account that says your name (first name)[dot] (last name) at gmail, hot mail etc etc will suffice.
If in the listing the email address has the persons name in it do NOT start your greeting with “Hello Tifini” ( which came up alto) I’ve never personally said an employers first name until I was hired and certainly not when initially contacting them. Also do not say “Dear sir or Madame” or “Hi Ms. Kamara” a simple hello will work.
Do not contact an employer casually writing something odd in the subject line. Here are some examples of what we saw:
“I would love this opportunity”
“Hello allied styles!”
“It would be an honor if i was selected”
When in doubt simply write job or intern inquiry. It is also okay to write the job title in the subject line.
What you say to an employer determines whether or not they will open your resume. Do not write a long message, write something short and to the point that prepares the employer for what they will see on your resume. For example:
Hello,
My name is Tifini Kamara. Attached you will find my resume and cover letter. Upon viewing my resume you will see that I have vast experience in social media. It is through my experiences that I have gained the proper knowledge of sales, public relations, leading teams and much more. I would enjoy the opportunity to review with you why I would be an asset to your company. Please contact me via phone or email with any further questions.
Best,
Tifini Kamara
DO NOT end your email with “yours truly” or something that makes an employer feel as if you are or once were dating. It sounds silly but we received emails that ended that way. We also got emails that started like an infomercial asking “Is your company looking for a motivated, young, intern majoring in marketing and business, who has also received accolades and awards for their writing ability?” That is too much. Do not do that. The most bizarre email I personally read was one that listed top ten reasons why we should hire them to our team. It should go without saying just inappropriate that is.
Now, go forth. And stay classy.
