How to Get a Job, Part II: The Submission

I know this sounds absurd, but choosing how and where to submit your resume can make a really big difference.

But first, read this public service announcement: only apply to jobs that might actually be a good fit for you. Yes, I'm talking to you, the COBOL architect that applied to a Java position, and you, the manufacturing specialist that applied for a network administrator job. I'm also talking to all those woefully under-qualified individuals, along with those extremely overqualified individuals with no relevant experience on their (nine page) resumes.

These types of submissions are, in no uncertain terms, spam. You know how you hate getting 582 spam emails a month? You know how you complain about getting telemarketing calls during dinner every day from inconsiderate jerks? Yeah - you just did that to me.

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There may be plenty of reasons to apply for a position for which you may not seem entirely right. That's fine - but explain in your cover letter. You live in Burbank? Acknowledge the fact and tell me that you're willing to relocate. You don't list the Microsoft Exchange experience I specifically wanted? Tell me how you can overcome the shortcoming. I read cover letters. Usually, they make a bigger impact than the resume.

And while we're on the subject: don't send your cover letter as an attachment! Your email IS the cover letter. Furthermore, while it is generally unnecessary to tailor a resume for a specific position, it is absolutely necessary to do so for a cover letter. Don't give me generic BS about wanting to find a position that will use your skills and abilities.

And finally: format. Microsoft Word is pretty common, but there are several problems with it. For starters, not everyone has the software. Opening it in different versions or alternative programs (I'm looking at you, Open Office and Google Docs) can royally screw up the formatting. Also, it's possible to wind up with viruses from it. Send me a nice PDF. How to do this is left as an exercise for the individual.

If you can't Google a solution, don't bother applying - at least not to a software company.