Especially with the rise of “ghost postings” so quantity over quality is greater than ever these days

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    199 months ago

    Spray and pray baby. Getting the recruiter or HR department to like you only gets you in the door. You can’t shortcut actual connections with your actual coworkers.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      59 months ago

      Right. When I was interviewing people, I honestly couldn’t care less about the CV. I’m an engineer, words are hard. I want a list of your skills, your software proficiencies, and a run-down of your previous jobs along with your responsibilities. When you get here, I’m going to care about finding out how much you know about designing and cad. Then we’ll take a tour of the shop to see if the machinery we build is in your comfort zone. We’ll have some small talk to get a feel for if you’d fit in with the group, and off you’ll go. All said and done, it should be under 45 minutes.

    • ALQ
      link
      fedilink
      149 months ago

      Oooh, my partner is working on his resume; I’m going to share this with him. Thanks!

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      119 months ago

      This sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?

      Overview

      Reactive Resume is a free and open-source resume builder that simplifies the process of creating, updating, and sharing your resume. With zero user tracking or advertising, your privacy is a top priority. The platform is extremely user-friendly and can be self-hosted in less than 30 seconds if you wish to own your data completely.

      It’s available in multiple languages and comes packed with features such as real-time editing, dozens of templates, drag-and-drop customisation, and integration with OpenAI for enhancing your writing.

      You can share a personalised link of your resume to potential employers, track its views or downloads, and customise your page layout by dragging-and-dropping sections. The platform also supports various font options and provides dozens of templates to choose from. And yes, there’s even a dark mode for a more comfortable viewing experience.

      Start creating your standout resume with Reactive Resume today!

      • curbstickle
        link
        fedilink
        6
        edit-2
        9 months ago

        Easy to customize and have multiples with similar information in different layouts, easily tailor the same experiences to focus on specific types of positions, share your resume as a link, self hosted option with docker, etc.

        Its really quite nice. I host my own.

        Edit: fixed a word

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    249 months ago

    I still don’t know what a cover letter even is. never used one and don’t plan on starting. no one’s reading that crap anyway

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      279 months ago

      It’s the thing that gets fed into an LLM to opaquely grade you before your resume gets looked at by a human

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      29 months ago

      I interpreted it as the resume shows your experience while the cover letter shows you know how to write coherently (plus gives you an opportunity to clarify anything on your resume)

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      29 months ago

      The resume shows experience and the cover letter shows personality. If the job has any kind of soft skills a cover letter is a bonus, if the job is super technical it’s probably not necessary. It also depends on the workplace.

      If it is a job you actually want though I would recommend writing something. I’m on a smaller team and read all the resumes of applicants. I actually read them because I’m going to be the one contacting, interviewing, and working with them. I absolutely read the cover letters and give a small bonus to people who include them.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    39 months ago

    As someone from outside the US, I have no clue wtf is a cover letter, this isn’t a thing in Brazil, you just send your resume.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    59 months ago

    I think cover letters are still absolutely relevant to the job process.

    I liken cover letters to cheat sheets that you prepare for an exam. You may not need to make one to be successful, but can be very helpful.

    Usually with cover letters, I try to make the argument that I’m good for the company, and the company is good for me. This usually allows me to frame the way I look a new job as a business agreement where both parties can benefit, and that I’m not a parasite taking from them and not giving.

    I don’t make cover letters for each and every position I apply to or look into, but for those ones i think I have a good chance of landing and those companies I believe in, I’ll absolutely put in more effort with cover letters.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      39 months ago

      Interesting. I’m a hiring manager, and I’ve seen many cover letters that actually hurt the candidate because they have typographical errors, poor grammar, or are addressed to a different organization entirely. Probably 85% of cover letters I see do no harm; most of the rest hurt the candidate. The way you’re describing a cover letter sounds like it would be beneficial, but I don’t see ones like that very often. I definitely would appreciate that you took the time to tailor it to us.

      My advice for everyone is, if you’re going to write a cover letter, proofread it just like the resume. If you’re short on time, focus on the resume and skip the cover letter (if you can - they might be required for some applications). I definitely notice a sloppy cover letter, so not having a cover letter will hurt far, far less than a sloppy one.

      I wouldn’t toss someone’s application just because their cover letter had a typographical error in it, especially if the candidate is otherwise well qualified. But, if I’m borderline on whether I want to interview someone, and the cover letter is sloppy, I’m probably going to pass. We’re pretty detail-oriented, and a sloppy cover letter makes me worry about the details.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    1
    edit-2
    9 months ago

    if everyone would stop making and sending cover letters unemployment would skyrocket

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    149 months ago

    Plot twist: make a one size fits all resume, but have AI tailor it and transmit it everywhere.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    09 months ago

    Cover latter? Is it the 50ties? If a company wants a cover letter, I ain’t applying. You got my CV. Need more info? Call me, the number is on the CV.

    • Synapse
      link
      fedilink
      09 months ago

      I guess this depends where you live and what professions your are applying for. In my region and field, a cover letter goes with saying. It always has been like that, ever since I was looking for summer jobs, and continues to be the standard.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        English
        19 months ago

        I love being part of the solution and not the problem, so fuck cover letters. If no applicants submit a cover letter, period, then we collectively just improved life for ourselves. Recruiters be ghostin anyway.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    169 months ago

    Maybe it’s the shit market that I’m applying to, but when I apply for a retail job, they want a fully filled out application (that auto fill always Borks, so I have to type everything in manually) as well as a cover sheet and some places want you to take a personality quiz that you have to pass for hr to even see your application. I couldn’t imagine applying to 4 jobs a day, let alone 40.

    I imagine we are talking about corporate postings where you just paste a link to LinkedIn and that does most of the work?

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      19 months ago

      Yeah all of the lower end jobs are like this unfortunately, anything that gets pasted more than 3 times a year on indeed or any job site. Middle/management side it’s like that but with 3-6 interviews instead and no guarantee of a job. Trade jobs seem to be the outlier, but harder to actually find who all is looking and for them to “legitimately” (insurance/taxes) employ you. High end is 80% networking so a lot of the ground work is already done (but still a total time/energy sink that I can’t be bothered for).

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      09 months ago

      Lol holy shit I forgot about those “personality tests.” They are (well, were at least, I imagine its still like this) basically just a way to filter out people too stupid to not know what answers they want to hear. Questions like, “You see a coworker stealing money from the register, do you: a) pretend you didn’t see anything, b) join them and start a gang, or c) tell the manager on duty”

      Shit is so laughably stupid.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        19 months ago

        Yeah, the trick is to pretend you are A mixture of Ned Flanders and a ditzy cheerleader when you answer.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      29 months ago

      Yeah, about that cover sheet. Did you not get the memo? We’re putting new cover sheets on all the applications now, mmmkay? If you could just do that from now, that’d be great.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      29 months ago

      Jesus that sounds so demeaning. I haven’t had to apply for a job in about 15 years now. All networking, and I was poached and offered my current job. Union now, so I’m set. I don’t remember having to jump through so many hoops when I was younger and applying for a job, but recently I passed by a Wendy’s and there must have been 50 people lined up outside with resumes because there was a job posting. That many people for one burger job, that’s hard times.

    • thermal_shock
      link
      fedilink
      English
      59 months ago

      if indeed doesn’t allow me to quick apply, it’s gotta be a dream job to even want to go to their site and do even more work.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    139 months ago

    Unless something really good comes up yeah. Also most of the time I just put my generic CV up and get calls from recruiters. So the actual people hiring don’t even see my CV

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    459 months ago

    Stop putting cover letters on your resume. Recruiters spend 7 seconds or less on 1 resume. A cover page essentially is a skip button because we don’t see any pertinent information and move on.

    Resumes should be 1 page with a layout that attracts attention but isn’t distracting. Sentences should be structured like bullet points, short, sweet, and to the point.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      19 months ago

      Mine is 2 pages, and I think everyone I’ve hired has been 2 pages. Maybe it’s kinda dependent on the field you’re in? Idk, i can’t imagine cramming all my proficiencies, jobs, and responsibilities on one page.

      • Possibly linux
        link
        fedilink
        English
        19 months ago

        It depends on what position you are hiring for. If someone doesn’t have two pages worth of experience then it better not be 2 pages.

        Also the first page needs to have the most relevant so that you aren’t scrolling. Honestly most people are fine with one page. Unless you have tons of qualifications and experience it should fit on one page.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      7
      edit-2
      9 months ago

      I felt the same way until a friend of mine helped me redo my cover letter before COVID. Gotten 2 jobs since then and have tripped my salary in a handful of years. The latest gig (that was a salary doubling jump) was through a recruiter who said the cover letter helped me get the interview.

        • @[email protected]
          link
          fedilink
          English
          1
          edit-2
          9 months ago

          Sure, this is close to what I use (I’ve tried to change it up a bit so I don’t give up too much info), and I’ve included prompts for what to fill in. I’ll admit it is very generic at this level, but you should be able to take these bones and make your own monster out of it 😁

          Just remember to sell yourself to them, even if it feels icky and gross, that’s what job applications are. If you do exaggerate in your cover letter/resume, keep it reasonable and be prepared to support it if/when you get interviewed!


          Name
          Address
          Phone #

          To whom it may concern,

          I discovered your <job title> position <on website, from person etc>, and I would like to know more about this position. I am a <description of yourself as a professional, include something about wanting a challenge>. I think that I would be a good fit for this position because <list qualities related to the field applying for, don’t be afraid to exaggerate (within reason) - sell yourself!>.

          I have <number> years of experience in <your field> and <any professional certifications or relevant education or experience>. I am <list characteristics RELEVANT TO POSITION! Reference interpersonal skills! Sell yourself to the company!>.

          <Comments about your excitement for the position>. <Thank them for considering you for the position>, <statement about wanting to learn more/meeting them to discuss>. I can be reached at the listed phone number or via email at <your professional email>.

          Regards,

          <Your name>

          • @[email protected]
            link
            fedilink
            English
            1
            edit-2
            9 months ago

            Because I’m bored and feeling silly while kiillng time:

            Jason Vorhees
            1313 Crystal Lake Rd
            206-555-0123

            To whom it may concern,

            I discovered your Summer Camp Slasher position on StabbedIn, and I would like to know more about this position. I am a relentless killer who is up for a new challenge in murdering teens at camp. I think that I would be a good fit for this position because I have the ability to teleport, survive being shot/stabbed/set on fire, and am a dedicated problem solver.

            I have 40 years of experience in menacing camp counsellors and have multiple endorsements from various local police departments. I am a dedicated killer who will keep coming back until the job is done or I am relieved of the position.

            I believe this position will be a good fit for me, and I believe I will bring a lot of dread to the camp. Thank you for your consideration for this position, I look forward to meeting to discuss this opportunity and demonstrate my skills. I can be reached at the listed phone number or via email at [email protected].

            Regards,

            Jason Vorhees

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      89 months ago

      I feel like this is very situation dependent.

      That may be the case in your company or industry, but not everywhere.

      In my experience there’s been a big difference between a general resume I’m uploading to a place like a LinkedIn or Indeed (and letting the recruiters come to me), using that uploaded resume to apply to job postings on that site, and sending resume/application to specific companies on their site.

      For the first one, hell no, no cover letter. How would that even work? No cover letter is better than a generic one.

      For applying for specific postings on these sites? For me it depends on just how good the opportunity is. If I feel like there’s some sort of special connection that makes me tailor made for the role, the money is great, it’s doing really interesting work, or a company I really want to work for? Absolutely I’ll include a cover letter. I’m just looking to get out of a shit job, or the role doesn’t really move the needle, but I think it might be a good fit? Nah, just hit that quick apply button and move on.

      But if I’m reaching out to a company directly?

      Cover letter every time (unless they specifically say not to). If they don’t want it, they won’t read it, but I’ve never felt like it hurt my chances, and in a few interviews, they’ve specifically mentioned something about it.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      31
      edit-2
      9 months ago

      I mean you say that, but I got my last amazing job because I mentioned pertinent info in my cover letter that resonated with the recruiter. I wouldn’t have got it if I just sent my resume.

      I know it’s just anecdotal but hey

      • nfh
        link
        fedilink
        129 months ago

        There are definitely different workflows for different recruiters, especially across industries.

        Most of the places I applied to in my most recent job hunt had separate places to upload a cover letter and resume. If they didn’t ask for a cover letter, I didn’t write one, but I do see an argument to append one to your resume anyway.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        99 months ago

        Seriously, the job I have now requried a masters degree. My cover letter and my 10+ years of specfic experience got them to talk to me even though I only have an associates degree.

        Now I am the go-to for search commitees in my department, and the only thing worse then no cover letter is when folks use a form one and forget to change ot or fill in the blanks.

        • @[email protected]
          link
          fedilink
          49 months ago

          I think they’re saying a cover letter is good. But some people’s “resumes” are more than one page with the first page being a cover letter. Almost all job apps have a separate upload for cover letters. If you’re applying in person or over email the rules are completely different.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      19 months ago

      It’s always dependent upon the person looking. The question isn’t “will a cover letter get me the job” it’s “do I care to work for a place where the cover letter is what gets me the job”. For me, no.

    • Anti-Face Weapon
      link
      fedilink
      89 months ago

      This is 100% true. But you should also include a cover letter, just as a second document. I mean obviously not if you’re applying for McDonald’s but you get the idea