CRyder Design

In the modern job market, most employers require potential candidates to provide business documents with their applications. Such documents include a resume, a cover letter, among other things. However, this does not mean that you should stop there. Having a business card and a handwritten thank you card can make you stand out among other candidates, and leave a lasting positive impression on the hiring committee. Simple things like this are often overlooked and will likely push you ahead of your competition.

Resume

A resume is a standard business document that nearly all employers will require. Though it may seem like just a document that outlines your strengths, education, and past experience, it is capable of being so much more. “Think of your resume as your very own 30-second commercial spot. Hopefully, you catch the hiring manager’s attention within the first five seconds so they’ll keep reading. Otherwise, your resume may end up in the no pile” (“Why You Need a Resume”). Most commonly, resumes are simply scanned and put into a yes or no pile. Consider the fact that hiring managers typically have to look through large quantities of them, so you want to make sure that yours stands out from the rest. By having a standout resume, you are more likely to have your resume end up in the yes pile, rather than the no pile.

Cover Letter

Cover letters typically do accompany resumes in an application. In simple terms, a cover letter explains to the hiring committee why you should be picked for the job, and highlight any research that you may have conducted about the company. The committee is looking to understand why you should be the best pick for the position, so it is important to be yourself and outline your strengths that coincide with the job description. “The basics are simple—your cover letter should be well-written, concise, and free of typos. Overly wordy or flowery cover letters are not helpful. Your cover letter should also make it clear why you are interested in the position and why you are a good candidate. The best ones let a bit of personality shine through, without being over-the-top. Avoid mentioning arcane interests. They may give a potential employer a sense of your personality, but you really want to stick with how your experience lends itself to the job you’re applying for” (“Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters: Q&A With Janet Albert”). Keeping it simple is really the way to go when writing a cover letter, the more ‘fluff’ you add to it, the more distracted the person reading it gets. Say what is important, get to the point, and sign your name. 

Business Card

Business cards allow for a snapshot of what your brand identity and style look like, while also containing your contact information and what you do. They allow for a bit of a deeper connection and understanding of who you are and what you do. “When you meet someone that could potentially be a great prospect or connection, don’t you want him or her to walk away with a great first impression? A memorable business card does a lot more than just pass on an email address or phone number.

When I make a connection via my business card, I don’t want my brand associated with the word cheap. A retail store trying to make a great first impression wouldn’t create a storefront sign with a piece of cardboard and a Sharpie. I have that same mentality when it comes to my business cards” (“5 Reasons Business Cards Still Matter”). A business card boosts your first impression with the hiring committee, as they will understand just that little bit more about you than other candidates. All of that in a simple little card!

Thank You Card

After your interview, doing a simple follow-up message or note is significant. Thank your interviewers for their time, comment on a conversation you may have had, provide any additional snippets of information, or let them know that you are looking forward to hearing back. This provides a bit of communication to the company to let them know that you are a reliable candidate. While an email can suffice, a handwritten thank you card can go a lot further. “Sending handwritten thank you notes after an interview can show a hiring manager or team that you are conscientious, courteous and professional. Many hiring managers look for these qualities when hiring for an open position. Sending handwritten thank-you notes can also distinguish you from other candidates, especially when many people are applying and interviewing for the same job. Showing respect for the interviewer’s time in a thank you note can be a strong first step toward a good working relationship with them, and doing so by hand can show your willingness to provide personal attention to the tasks they assign you” (“Handwritten Interview Thank You Notes: Do’s and Don’ts”). You are able to show personality traits from the act of sending a handwritten thank you card. Those who receive it will understand that you took the time to physically write this out specifically for them, and that will set you apart from other candidates.

Today’s job market is extremely competitive. Reasonably so, the hiring process goes a lot further than just an application and an interview. Taking the extra steps in making your business documents stand out can truly help you to go the extra mile in the hiring process. Think outside of the box, and do what you can to stand out from the rest!