How to kill your job application - use one of these

Dodgy cover letter from an ‘Adelaide’ resume mill

Unfortunately we have to do far too many rewrites of resumes and cover letters for people who have gone to ‘cut and paste’ resume mills.

Below is an example of a ‘cut and paste’ cover letter from an ‘Adelaide’ CBD business – which actually operates out of Perth. It’s waffle and contains no facts, no achievements, and doesn’t target the job. The individual paid more than $150.00 for this as part of a package. This cover letter will hit the spike in three seconds. A cover letter must SELL the client. Buyer beware.

“Offering over 21 years of extensive experience in performing high-level business management and development, I possess technical expertise in strategic planning, effective leadership, project and operations management and stakeholder engagement across the sales and construction industries. Throughout my career as a business development professional as well as a sales executive, I have built an impressive management career focused on innovative sales management and business development within a complex and highly competitive environment whilst consistently exceeding targets and driving revenue growth. I have worked in this specific market that I am applying for, for years and I strongly believe that I am an ideal fit for your business. I have demonstrated my hands on knowledge, strong yet democratic leadership style in strategic sales, business development and negotiation. As a hands-on achievement, I have successfully delivered a tactical plan which optimised business coverage, improved client relationships and efficiently managed interstate projects that are were pegged at xxxxxxxxxx.

Moreover, I have mentored and supported the sales team and drove to achieve the overall business goals and objectives by focusing on optimising processes to improve sales productivity and overall efficiency of the business. I excel at establishing goals, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and inspiring teams to exceed personal and corporate objectives. Capitalising on my strong team development and leadership skills, I plan, facilitate and supervise work whilst encouraging an empowered team environment by recognising their strengths and optimising these to their individual advantage. I maintain clear and consistent communication to staff while providing continued support and encouragement to help them develop their sales, technical and behavioural competencies. As an articulate and confident presenter, communicator and motivator, I provided an unparalleled level of knowledge, expertise and authenticity to help customers find the product they are looking for. Finally, equipped with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, I communicated confidently in a broad range of situation with clients ensuring empathy and fully understanding customer circumstances.”

This is meaningless crap. Avoid like the plague. Worth a media release…

Put your best foot forward

Malcolm builds expert resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, which unleash an unbeatable business case to promote you as a ‘must have’ asset to an employer.