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First time trying to apply for a 'real' job

MBrown

MBrown

Diamond Member
This is my first time applying for a job in the industry with my degree. I have to apply online and the company I am trying to apply to wants a cover letter. Only problem is there is no information as to who this cover letter/resume is supposed to go to. Should I just say 'to whom this may concern'? Should I call up and ask?

Edit: Ok I am applying to a different place and they say can hand my resume to them in person. I am wondering if I am going too far for just an Engineering Technician job. My package consists of a Cover Page with my name on it, the company's logo and a qoute. Then I have a cover letter, then I have my resume. I was going to go to staples and get one of those portfolio packaging things. Is this overkill for what I am applying for?

Edit: Another question. How long should I wait for them to call me? Should I call them?

Edit (5/14): OK. I have my first 'real' intervew. With a big time company too. What should I bring? What should I wear? Just a shirt and tie or a full suit?
 
Personally, I would call and ask. Shows that you've gone the extra mile in slightly researching their company, but that's just me!
 
Originally posted by: liluqt
Personally, I would call and ask. Shows that you've gone the extra mile in slightly researching their company, but that's just me!
Click to expand...

Yes. Otherwise I would use "Hiring Manager".
 
The information or instructions provided should specify "send to" or "address to" some title. Use Dear Madam or Sir for the salutation of your cover letter (or introduction letter), use their title for the recipient address or recipient header. e.g.

Personnel or Hiring Manager
Company XYZ
1234 Street Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Madam or Sir:

I rock. Hire me.

Sincerely,

[signature here]

You
Click to expand...
They usually supply all the information they want you to have or use in the initial correspondence or application. Calling to ask for names might be a little irritating to someone or even construed as somewhat unnecessarily intrusive at this stage.
 
Get rid of the kiss up with the Logo.

Unless you personally are going to hand the package to a manager; HR will just remove the resume/CV and pass it onward.
 
Skip that weird cover page w/ the logo and quote (god i hope thats the companies slogan and not some quote you dragged up)
 
So just cover Letter and resume?

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Skip that weird cover page w/ the logo and quote (god i hope thats the companies slogan and not some quote you dragged up)
Click to expand...

LOL My qoute was

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
-Colin Powell"
 
Should I put it in a manila folder or should I have it binded for just two pages? Also should I spend the extra money to get it printed on higher quality paper?
 
Originally posted by: MBrown
So just cover Letter and resume?

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Skip that weird cover page w/ the logo and quote (god i hope thats the companies slogan and not some quote you dragged up)
Click to expand...

LOL My qoute was

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
-Colin Powell"
Click to expand...

mentioning failure is probably a bad idea 😛
 
Originally posted by: MBrown
Should I put it in a manila folder or should I have it binded for just two pages? Also should I spend the extra money to get it printed on higher quality paper?
Click to expand...

This is not a presentation and the output will be photcopied and passed around.
Simple staple in the top left corner will work fine.

Save the fancy stuff for when you are getting into management.

 
Originally posted by: MBrown
So just cover Letter and resume?

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Skip that weird cover page w/ the logo and quote (god i hope thats the companies slogan and not some quote you dragged up)
Click to expand...

LOL My qoute was

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
-Colin Powell"
Click to expand...

That's the corniest thing I've ever heard. I guarantee they would have laughed at your cover sheet as they were throwing your entire resume in the trash.
 
I'm pretty sure it's a legal quagmire for you to put their logo on your cover sheet as it is at the least an infringement on their trademark and possibly an infringement on the intellectual property rights of the artist who created the logo.

As for the quote, it is far too pretentious.
 
I just use "Hiring Comittee" if there's no one's name.

That logo and quote are tacky.

Just print the thing with a laser, high dpi enough that it doesn't look smudgy, staple/paper clip it, and hand it to them non-folded. Unless it's a small company, or you are handing it directly to the manager who decides on hiring, the receptionist/admin assistant will throw it in a folder (I was the former before). A week or 10 later, it may or may not be scanned into a database. I guarantee you that by the time it is reviewed, the quality of paper will not matter because the ink from the other 200 resumes, in addition to wear and tear will make it all blend together.

If you're taking it in-person, try to set up an appointment with one of the managers to "discuss the company", a sort of ass kissing pre-interview. That's what others have been telling me lately.
 
Originally posted by: MBrown
Ok I am applying to a different place and they say can hand my resume to them in person. I am wondering if I am going too far for just an Engineering Technician job. My package consists of a Cover Page with my name on it, the company's logo and a qoute. Then I have a cover letter, then I have my resume. I was going to go to staples and get one of those portfolio packaging things. Is this overkill for what I am applying for?
Click to expand...

That would not impress me. Your cover letter and resume is about you, not about them. It would look like you're kissing up.

A cover letter and a resume are all you need. Don't put it in anything because they'll just pull them out of it and chuck the cover.
 
I have my first 'real' intervew. With a big time company too. What should I bring? What should I wear? Just a shirt and tie or a full suit?
 
Originally posted by: MBrown
I have my first 'real' intervew. With a big time company too. What should I bring? What should I wear? Just a shirt and tie or a full suit?
Click to expand...

a straightjacket and a sleeveless shirt.
 
Originally posted by: MBrown
I have my first 'real' intervew. With a big time company too. What should I bring? What should I wear? Just a shirt and tie or a full suit?
Click to expand...

Suit. Bring your bag - laptop or briefcase. Good luck.
 
Originally posted by: MBrown
I have my first 'real' intervew. With a big time company too. What should I bring? What should I wear? Just a shirt and tie or a full suit?
Click to expand...

Suit.

For future reference, it can never hurt to call the HR department, unless it specifically says no calls. Just getting your name out there can help tremendously.
 
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