I am in a position to review resumes, interview candidates and make hiring decisions for my company. The first step to getting a job offer is getting invited to an interview. There are three things that I see frequently that will kill your chances of getting an interview. These seem simple and straightforward common sense, but I still see the mistakes frequently. Below I’ve listed three things NOT TO DO to secure an interview for the position that you are applying for.

1. Ditch the goofy email addresses. I’m not going to mention any in this article, because if I make up a goofy email address there is a 99% chance that someone has that email address and will be offended. But, I’m talking about the cute, clever, y, provocative, crazy and wild email addresses. My company puts these in the trash can. Use an email address with a variation of your name i.e. janedoe1234@yahoo.com.

2. Include a half page introduction with every resume sent. This is crucial! Sometimes it’s easy to overlook. Perhaps your in a hurry or perhaps you’re responding to 20 positions on Monster. Perhaps your feeling down about the job hunting process and just figure “what the heck” I’m not going to get the job anyway. But, if you don’t include a half page introduction, you are dooming yourself to a self fulfilling prediction. I look at these on a regular basis. For example, if we receive ten responses and seven include a nice introduction note and three don’t, well there is first cut. The three without the introduction are tossed out immediately. Be sure to include an introductory note.

3. Now, that you’re going to send an introductory note with each resume, the note must be job and company specific. Yes, that’s extra work. But, that is what will get your resume noticed and get the all important first interview. Job and company specific doesn’t mean that each one has to be an original essay (although that would be best). An time saving technique is to develop a form letter with blanks to be filled in to make the letter job and company specific. For example, your introductory note may include the sentences below:

I am submitting my resume for the position of ________ . I’ve always been interested in this area and my experience at _________ is related. I’ve always heard good reports about the professionalism at _________ and would be excited for an opportunity to join ____________.

There are many books and online sources with examples of well written letters to use for ideas. Good luck with you job hunt. Follow these three tips and you’ll get more first interviews.

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