Paperwork!

Paperwork!

Ack! We all hate paperwork! It takes ages to do, but there’s no getting away from the fact that you will probably need lots of papers for your job search. You’ll need to write a résumé and a cover letter, and you’ll probably need transcripts for the education you have completed. These documents are summaries of your experience.

The cover letter is a formal letter of interest in the job, explaining why you would be an excellent fit for the company, and how your past accomplishments will help the company.

The résumé shows all the work you’ve done. The transcript shows all the classes you’ve taken. If all your education was received outside the United States, you may want to consider hiring a company that can Americanize your transcript; that is, it will analyze your courses to see how they match up to similar courses in the United States, and they will figure out your GPA.

Although some companies still hire new employees using only a paper or online application form (without requiring a résumé), for many jobs, you will probably need to complete both. We know, we know. It seems like a waste of time, but hey, gotta keep the big wigs happy! No matter what paperwork you need for a new job, it’s a good idea to think through all your previous experience and skills before an interview. You’ll need to be on the ball to really sell yourself. The interview is a very short time to give as much information as you can.

Writing a good cover letter and résumé is an art form! There are hundreds of books and articles about how to do this, and, of course, there’s a ton of free information online. It’s important to choose information that applies to the type of position you are looking for. Although it may take a lot of time, it really is worth doing this well. Make sure you get someone to check it over for you. Employers say that there is nothing worse than looking at a résumé full of errors. (Hoo boy, we know. We’ve seen some beauts!) If an employer thinks that you didn’t put much effort into your paperwork, he may think that you’ll be the type of employee who doesn’t put much effort into his job. Employers often go by first appearances, so it’s a great idea to have an extra pair of eyes to look over your writing.

Before a new employer even meets you, he may make judgments about you based on your résumé and cover letter. And once you’ve prepared a good résumé (and you’ve saved a copy to your computer and backed it up!), all you’ll need to do is tweak it as your skills and work experience grow. This paperwork could mean the difference between getting your dream job or not.

ALAN: Hey, Lia, I could use an extra pair of eyes. Would you mind looking this over for me?

LIA: Sure. What is it?

ALAN: My résumé. Instead of looking for something new, I’ve decided to apply to be a supervisor at the place where I work now, and I really want to make a good impression.

LIA: Wow, and I can see you spent a lot of time preparing this résumé.

ALAN: Yeah, I’ve thought about that supervisor job all weekend, and I decided I just have to give it a shot.

LIA: Good for you! You have some great experience, and you’ll be a perfect fit for that position.

ALAN: That’s what I was thinking, too. Some of the things I’ve already accomplished in my job show that I can really handle the extra responsibilities. I think if I just get an interview with the boss, I’ll be able to sell myself. And if I get the job, I’ll be thrilled. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.

LIA: I’m sure they’ll want a reference. Have you thought about whom you’re going to ask?

ALAN: Yes. My supervisor now has already said he’ll give me a great reference. And just to be sure I get plenty of support, I’ve also called Mrs. Robinson from the James Rinski Company. That’s the company where I used to work when I first arrived in the United States. She was my supervisor.

LIA: Great idea! I remember that she really liked you and thought you were one of the best workers on her team. But I don’t remember why you left that job. What happened?

ALAN: The company had to downsize, and there was a big layoff. I was in the last group that they laid off. They eliminated my position. I know Mrs. Robinson felt really bad when she had to let me go. She said she would be happy to help me any way she could with finding a new job.

LIA: Sounds like she’ll be a perfect reference. I’m sure she’ll be really happy to give you a great recommendation. Good luck!

ALAN: Thanks. I’ll need luck—and a résumé with no mistakes!