Resume Update 2018: Cover Letters, Background Checks, and LinkedIn

The Enduring Resume

• 💡 Despite predictions, resumes are not dying and remain a crucial tool for job applications.
• 🎯 The core guidance for resumes—focusing on responsibilities and accomplishments—has not changed.

Navigating the Job Market

• 🚀 The US unemployment rate in May 2018 was at a 17-year low, indicating a candidate-favorable market with increasing wages.
• ⚠️ While the overall market is good, specific geographic areas or industries may differ, so localized data is important.
• 🌟 If you've been considering a job change, now is a good time to activate your network and explore new opportunities.

Cover Letters: Still Relevant

• 💬 Reports of cover letters being dead are premature; they remain valuable for introducing yourself and highlighting relevant experience.
• 📊 While some surveys question their value, the data suggests they are beneficial for many hiring managers and not detrimental.
• ✅ Submitting a cover letter is a low-risk, high-reward action that can help you stand out and secure an interview.

Understanding Background Checks

• 🔍 Background checks are becoming more common and affordable for companies, serving as a tool to vet candidates.
• ⚖️ Federal laws, like those from the EEOC, mandate that background checks must be applied uniformly and without discrimination based on protected characteristics.
• 🗣️ Candidates concerned about potential inaccuracies should proactively address them with the hiring manager before the check is completed.

LinkedIn on Your Resume

• 🚫 While LinkedIn is a valuable professional tool, including its link on a resume is generally discouraged.
• 📄 Resumes are often printed, rendering the link non-functional, and wasting valuable space.
• 🎯 A LinkedIn profile is not tailored to a specific job, unlike a resume, and its content can change without your control.

The Importance of Error-Free Resumes

• ✨ A resume is a reflection of your best professional self, and errors can undermine your credibility.
• 🔍 Common mistakes include spelling, punctuation, grammar, inconsistent formatting, and spacing issues.
• 🧐 To catch these errors, have a fresh pair of eyes review your resume, ideally someone detail-oriented, focusing specifically on inconsistencies and mistakes.