Candidates ask recruiters if submitting a cover letter with their resume is still something employers are wanting in today’s hiring process. Our recruiters at Professional Alternatives have the top three most asked candidate questions specifically about cover letters answered here!

Do you read the cover letters you receive?

Yes, the cover letter is what presets the entire resume when you are not meeting with a potential candidate in person yet. This shows a side of their personality, unlike a resume does. Cover letters are for the in between on your factual resume. When receiving a cover letter attached with a resume it shows that this candidate applying is more serious about getting hired in the applied position.

What is the most common error you see on cover letters?

When the cover letter exceeds over one pages length. Your cover letter should not be in an essay format, but in an organized insightful letter formatted on to one page with around 3 paragraphs in it. Cover letters always end with your signature and contact information and are placed before your resume as a precursor.

Are applicants without cover letters criticized?

It completely matters on the position the candidate is applying for. If they are applying for a higher level role, a cover letter is expected. More entry level or admin positions can get away with not having a cover letter, they may not have much more to add apart from their resume with being so fresh on the job market and that’s okay.

If you are currently searching for a new career opportunity, contact one of Professional Alternatives recruiters TODAY! If you click here, you will be taken straight to our contact page where one of our recruiters will be reaching out to you. Our website also has a Job Board Page where the most recent positions posted by our recruiters are located. Our award winning staffing firm looks forward to aiding your search in the future.

To any recent college graduates reading this, congratulations on your hard work and dedication that goes in to achieving your diploma. After all of what goes into those 4 years, we know that you want a career that you can be proud of. That is why you should meet with a recruiter at Professional Alternatives upon graduation, this can enhance your career search significantly. So many recent college graduates leave without knowing where to start next on finding a job that suites them. Here are some tips if you proceed on teaming with a recruiter after graduation.

Resumes

Have a resume that includes all of your education, past employment/internships, organizations involved with and volunteer work. It is important to frame all aspects of your activities in your college years if you were not able to work or have an internship. The more information your recruiter has from you, the better they can make your resume to present to a future employer for an interview.

Mindset

Come with an open mind that your first job will most likely be an entry level position. Have realistic expectations with your recruitment professional as no one will find you the perfect job without you doing the necessary work on your side. The recruiter can only do so much; you have to help the recruiter help you.

Availability

Be open and available to all possible positions that your recruiter will present to you that match your skill set and personality. Direct hire or a temp-to-hire position, either or you should not focus on that, but more so focus on the position at hand. Focus on the experience you will receive, that will add to your resume in the future.

Honesty

Be honest with your likes and dislikes to help the recruiter understand what company culture you belong in. As well as your wants and needs from a company! The more open and honest you are with your communication to your recruiter, the better off you will be. This is how you form a relationship with your recruiter and where they can really understand you to find the best fit possible for you.

Listening

Listen to what advice your recruiter has for you. You are fresh out of college diving into the job market. Our recruiters have been doing this for over 20 years, they know what it looks like out there. Here at Professional Alternatives our recruiters truly care about YOU, and want the best possible option for you. You are not just a number to our company, like how most staffing agencies come off as in today’s world.

Do you have more questions about the recruiting process? Please feel free to reach out to Professional Alternatives! Contact us at 713-572-2100 or email us at resumes@proalt.com. Our mission is to provide our candidates and clients with the highest level of expertise to insure a smooth and enjoyable experience when working with our staffing solutions firm.

Our Dallas office location is in Richardson, Texas. Which is right on the outskirts of Downtown Dallas, Texas. The staffing in the Dallas area is currently very rich with candidates and clients. Our team of recruiters there cover the same specific niches as our Houston team. They cater to the credit and risk industry, the mortgage and title industry, financial services industry and also support services roles. They are available to staff roles all around the Dallas area and in other states in the United States as well. Over the last 5 years the metropolitan Dallas area has grown with over a million more people in the population. The growth has really caused the area to have a major impact in the staffing business.

To our candidates:

Our Dallas recruiters are there to help you find where you belong in your career path. Rather you are fresh out of college, and looking to find your career beginning. Or at the other end of the spectrum, you’re recently retired and are looking for a temporary job to fill some of your time up. We are here to help you guide down the path you are searching for.

To our clients:

We are here to provide the best fit for your employee needs rather than be a temp or a direct hire position. We have a variety of ways to work out contracts so that they are specific to you and your company. Our sales teams in each division work strategically to provide solid and strong employees from our recruiters for your business.

Please contact our Dallas Professional Alternatives office at 972-232-2488 with any questions you may have. If you are personally looking for a recruiter to meet with as a client or as a candidate be sure to fill out this form. Our offices are available Monday-Friday between 8AM-5PM each week. We look forward to working together in the future!