<p>I feel the need to write this out after reviewing resumes/cover letters for the last several hours. (Some were great but too many left me scratching my head and wondering what on earth people were thinking.) </p>
<p>I’ve been hiring undergrads for a few years now and want to pass on what I (and those I’ve talked about this with) have learned as a hiring manager. This is specifically for research-related positions for undergrads without extensive work backgrounds but I think it’s rather applicable to many fields. </p>
<p>-Read, reread, and have at least two other people read your cover letter if it’s a job you actually want. There are phrases that should never be used and typos stick out like a sore thumb. </p>
<p>-Take your resume to your career center before giving it out. There are things that shouldn’t be on your resume and things that should. </p>
<p>-Related: your birth date and a low GPA should not be on your resume. </p>
<p>-Research the project/company that you want to work on/with. Make your resume/cover letter specific to that job. Do not use a generic cover letter or resume for each new job you apply to. </p>
<p>-For the love of all that is good, make sure you correctly spell the name of who you’re addressing the cover letter to. One of my bosses automatically chucks any candidates that call her “Alexander” instead of “Alex” or “Alexandra” (which happens way more often than one might think). </p>
<p>-Do not send us additional things that we don’t ask for. If we don’t ask for a writing sample or letters of recommendation, please don’t send them. </p>
<p>-If we DO ask for these things, please send them by the deadline. The sooner the better but no later than the deadline.</p>
<p>-Do not put unrelated things in your cover letter that make you think make you “look” better. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires no foreign language skills, don’t tell me about your fluency in French. I don’t care. </p>
<p>-Tell me about both what applicable or potentially applicable skills you bring in and what skills you hope to develop. This is especially for the younger undergrads. I know that you’re not coming into my lab knowing everything, but I want to make sure you’re going to get something out of this job, too. Tell me what that is.
For interviews: </p>
<p>-Please ask questions. There is nothing more boring than when a candidate doesn’t ask questions. If all else fails, ask your interviewer about how they got involved in the project/field. People like to talk about themselves. Or, you could ask what graduates from the program have gone on to do if it’s a multi-year project. </p>
<p>-Make sure you don’t arrive late. If it’s in a place you’re unfamiliar with, consider going a day before and finding the room. Take advantage of phone numbers if you get lost. I’d much rather you call me than make me wait. Come early and wait rather than coming late. </p>
<p>-Don’t wear revealing clothes. Just… please no. You don’t want your interviewer to remember what you’re wearing. I also suggest dressing in layers. My office is COLD. Even though it’s 90 degrees out, you’re going to be mighty uncomfortable in that short skirt and sleeveless shirt. </p>
<p>-Follow-up with your interviewer after the interviewer. Just a quick email goes a long way. Thank them for their time and again express your interest in the position. </p>