[pgsieve]

As a hiring manager myself, a few pieces:

1. Submit a cover letter with your resume. I don’t put a ton of stock into what the letter says but I automatically throw out any who don’t. If you can’t take the time to write one, that shows a lot more. Also the same thing with LinkedIn auto apps. Take the time and submit one properly.

2. Read what the job is and don’t try and over extend your qualifications. Examples: I’m looking for an Indigenous Relations Specialist and your only direct qualification is a mandatory course you took in high school or university.

3. I read through every single application I receive (I’m always worried I could have missed the perfect candidate). As a result, I get frustrated when people over communicate. Let the standard process work occur. Don’t submit multiple phone calls, Linked In messages, etc.

4. If you are applying to a big company, don’t assume that the hiring Manager will know a specific reference within the company. Understand the structure and do your research.

5. Biggest pet peeve: Don’t try and bypass the interview process with requests for something that doesn’t sound like an interview but really is. My last posting had about 300 applications and I received about 35 “Information Interview” requests. This just turns me away from people who are trying to bypass the process.

The only Information Interviews requests that I think are clever and interesting are those coming from current university students or high school students. The fact that you are asking the questions early in the process shows something for me.

6. Lose the photo attached to the resume unless it is specifically required. In my opinion it does more harm than good and anyone who bases their decision on it likely isn’t someone you want to work for.