Friday, June 25, 2010

Your Career Documents Are A Vital Part Of Your Job Search

When you find yourself in search of a job, the only thing as important as your resume is the documentation that backs up what your resume says. This may include diplomas, certificates, letters of recommendation, or any other documentation that may reinforce your abilities or verify your accomplishments.

While it is important to have all of these documents during your job search, you should not submit them with your resume initially. Office managers and human resource agents have potentially hundreds of resumes to sort through; during this time they scan documents at best. Your additional documentation will not be paid any attention at this point. If anything, it may have a negative effect on your chances of getting an interview. At this stage in the recruitment process, people just want to establish your capabilities, not read your life story; this is why it is suggested to keep your resume under 2 pages.

However, once you get called for an interview, you should bring clean copies of your documents to the first meeting. These should be very neat and organized in a file or presentation folder. Be sure to stick with something professional - nothing bright orange or covered with flowers or stars; solid colors, preferably black or navy.

Submitting your documentation at this point will show initiative and confidence. Be sure to hand them to your potential employer at an appropriate time in the conversation and mention that they are "their copies".

In addition to verification documentation, you should also include your references' contact information in this data. It is not suggested to include this information on your resume; however, if you are already providing documentation, this is the perfect opportunity to give your potential employer everything they will need in an organized folder. This will hire both your organization skills and your enthusiasm for the position, putting you in a positive light with your interviewer.


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