Resume and Interview Tips
Are you actually ready for your Job Interview? Derek Jeter is an outstanding example of the remarkable tenacity and commitment required for an individual to achieve success and establish a stellar career. This same dedication and resolve applies to the job-seeker when preparing for their interview. You're not prepared for the big game if you've overlooked a vital component which will bolster your image and improve your chances for success -- Letters of Commendation.
Your Cheering Section
There is significant truth in the statement - 'It's who you know, not what you know'! The fact is, letters of commendation may typically have more influence with a hiring manager than your resume. Letters of commendation are highly persuasive tools in your interview arsenal which underscore your skills and abilities to a prospective employer. It's your personal cheering section which adds power and 'oomph' to your credentials.
In today's fierce and highly competitive job market, letters of commendation are mandatory. It's the document you don't go on an interview without! Ideal candidates for such letters should be absolute advocates and typically include individuals in elevated positions of authority (such as corporate executives or professors). Their letter is a persuasive testimonial based on their first-hand experience of having worked or collaborated with you. Just 2-3 well crafted letters is all that's required to create a 'wave' in your cheering section that's perceived as a 'wow' factor by the employer.
Offer to Help
In today's rather hectic, multi-tasking environment, people are busy and fairly well immersed with their own initiatives. If your targeted individual has a 'full plate', offer to write a letter of commendation for them. Provide them with complete creative liberty to edit the document as required. This is clearly a diplomatic and convenient tool in the job seeker's bag of tricks. Alternatively, if you're not comfortable with your own writing skills, ask a trusted 3rd party to assist.
Letters of Commendation vs. Job References
Letters of Commendation provide insight from notable authorities and experts (preferably within the same industry sector you're pursuing), with convincing statements regarding your superb qualifications and capabilities. Conversely, a job reference candidate is someone who has known you at least one year (preferably 1-4 years), and can confirm details of your resume and provide positive feedback on your work, expertise, and educational background. The list should include at least three of the following: supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, clients, and contacts from work or community organizations. It's possible that a job reference may also be the author of a letter of commendation.
Your Defining Commitment
Job candidates armed with Letters of Commendation differentiate themselves and gain a significant advantage over other candidates who did not pursue the extra step to prepare for the interview. Such tenacity, resolve and ingenuity is your defining commitment to the company and serves to galvanize your credibility with the interviewer.
Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes which inspire and motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal.
