I’ve just spent the last hour going over a dozen resumes for a job opening we have at work. Quite often I wonder what these people are thinking.
Sending me a generic cover letter doesn’t inspire me to really look at your cv. Sending a cover letter about the wrong job really doesn’t. Sending one full of typos means I don’t even try. In all cases, your cover letter is there to sell the high points, not tell me your life story.
A cv should be clear, concise and relevant. If you have more than 5 years experience, I don’t give a toss about your school grades. If you have less than 5 years experience, DO NOT PAD YOUR RESUME WITH EVERY TLA KNOWN TO MAN. It makes me think you’re either lying through your teeth or you don’t know what you’re talking about.
I do not need to know what sort of World of Warcraft character you play, nor which level you’re at. Same goes for what sports you play or what sort of music you listen to. I want to hire you, not date you.
Finally. Spell check. USE IT!!!