5 critical documents and reports you need to work on for a successful job search

The need for a job search often leaves many of you restless and as a result there is always a rush for finding the perfect job. But before you rush for a job search there are some things you need to do. Especially some documents or reports that play a vital role in your job search process.

Learning to search for a job that satisfies you is a skill to learn. At times because of the rush of finding a job, you might land up doing something that you are hardly interested in. Job search is a time taking process and when you have decided to be a part of this process start with the basics first.

Wondering where should you start from?

Begin with managing your documents. Your cover letter, resume or CV, past employer letters (if applicable), etc. all are a critical documents that effects your job search.

Here is a list of 5 critical documents that you need to keep up to the mark always:

#1 Cover Letter

There is a lot of muddle about having a cover letter attached to your resume. Despite of all the confusion, it is always better to attach it and send it with your resume.

But wait!

Do not send a cover letter that is not personalized or tailored according to the job you are applying to. A cover letter is the first document that an employer comes in contact as you. You should not even take the minutest of chances to spoil this. For a cover letter that catches the attention of the employer in a glance, you should:

• Address a someone specific instead of a general salutation
• Build the employer interest from line 1 by writing an introduction that interests the employer
• Relate yourself to the company
• Write about how you can benefit the business
• Make it job and industry specific by including keywords from the job description
• Never bad mouth your past employer
• Request for an interview in the end
• Proofread it more than once to make it completely error free

 

#2 Resume

A resume or a CV, speaks for you before you are even before you are there. A well formatted CV, can do the right thing for you. It is always mandatory to keep your resume updated. Some facts that will want you to emphasize on you resume are:

• An employer receives thousands of resume for a single job opening
• An employer spends hardly six seconds on one resume

So you see there is a lot of competition to handle. Your resume needs constant updates even if you are not looking for a job. This will ease your effort when you are finally out there. Honestly there is no good or bad resume! There is the usual and there is the unique. The unique obviously is an edge over the usual ones.

Add a different flavor to your resume by using the concept of storytelling. Make your resume stand out and be different from the crowd.

#3 Your Credit Report

Nearly 47% of the employers conduct a background credit score search before hiring. The two important reasons that makes the employers do a credit score check is to reduce legal liability and to decrease/prevent theft and misuse of finances.

So if you are looking for a job especially at the mid-level stage, a bad credit report can cost you the job. What should you do so have a secure job search?

You should:

• Keep a check of mistakes on your credit report annually
• Always try and boost your credit score

#4 A Reference List

As a job seeker you should always have your current reference list ready. Although a detailed reference list should only be provided to the recruiter when you have a legitimate offer in hand until asked before. At times reference letter can be included with the resume.

#5 Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters make a great leave behind for the recruiter to review you after the interview process. It helps the hiring manager to assess your qualities, capabilities and characteristics.

On the Closing Note

Remember that being prepared with these reports and documents ready would only make you feel more confident and prepared. It not only eases out the interview process a bit but also helps you with the formalities once you are made the process. Your job search process will be smoother, faster and more effective once you have all the documents in place.

About The Author:

Akansha Arora is a professional writer and blogger who loves to pen down her views on a number of topics that interest a reader. She writes keeping in mind the current scenarios and wishes to keep her readers well informed.

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