Crafting a résumé can be approached scientifically, starting with a formula for success and combining the separate elements (e.g., education, work history, special skills) into a positive representation of you as a candidate. Where the analytically minded applicant runs into trouble is in the additional requirements some employers request.

First Impressions
The cover letter, for example, can be a daunting challenge. However, don't be tempted to skip this step, unless the application specifically states not to include one. Think of the cover letter as your audition in an effort to ensure recruiters seriously consider your résumé, advised Steve Langerud, a workplace consultant and director of professional opportunities, DePauw University (http://www.stevelangerud.com/).

"The cover letter provides a forum to demonstrate professional skills that place the candidate within the context of the employer," Langerud noted. "It must be clear, focused and well crafted." This is your opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, added Bruce A. Hurwitz, PhD, president and chief executive officer, Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, LTD, New York. "Regardless of the position, you want the employer to know that you are articulate and write well."

A common approach to cover letter writing revolves around matching the candidates skills with the job qualifications and experience listed in the job description. This is certainly a good approach to show the employer that the applicant is a good fit for the advertised position, but such a comparison can come off as stiff and mechanical, noted Eric Chen, MBA, JD, associate professor, business administration, Saint Joseph College, West Hartford, Conn. It is therefore important for the job applicant to demonstrate his passion for the job or the career.

Chen suggests relating how you first knew you wanted to enter your field. Perhaps a stint of physical therapy after an injury led you to a career in rehabilitation medicine. Maybe you saw how a nurse's compassion aided an ailing relative and saw a future career. Demonstrate a true passion for the field, and then relate how you have dedicated yourself to supporting this dream, Chen advised, "I majored in biochemistry, with honors, and volunteered at General Hospital working with cancer patients. I believe that these experiences make me a great fit for this position."

A sincere cover letter also individualizes the application, and demonstrates both interest and effort, according to Debra Brittain Davenport, PhD, LCC, (The Davenport Institute, LLC) a licensed career counselor and international career authority with more than 20 years of experience. Note why you are interested in working for this organization in particular (e.g., an award-winning service, a groundbreaking treatment, or a specific patient population you would like to work with).

Make sure to personalize your letter, Dr. Hurwitz advises his clients. Instead of "To Whom it May Concern," begin your letter with "Dear Ms. Smith." "If you know the name of the company, you should be able to get the name of the hiring manager or recruiter by doing a little research," he said. "Your competition won't, so you differentiate yourself from the competition and differentiation is the key to landing the job." Conclude by referencing your attached résumé, then thank the recruiter for her consideration and state that you are looking forward to hearing from her.

Minimum Requirements
Another potential landmine for job applicants comes in the form of salary data. Some employers ask for a salary history (a list of your past two or three salaries, going back about 10 years, listed in reverse chronological order) or salary requirements (i.e., what you need to receive to consider the job), Langerud explained.

When calculating your salary requirements, there are many considerations to factor in, primarily, how badly do you want the position? If you are currently unemployed, you may be willing to take a position at lower salary than you've previously pulled in. However, if you're already working, Dr. Davenport says it's never prudent to take a new position without increasing your salary, unless there are compelling reasons to remain static in favor of making a move.

If you're not sure how much you should be compensated, begin by doing your homework. Considering the following factors:

• geographic location
• education requirements
• licensure requirements
• shift
• schedule
• benefits.

Then look to resources such as salary surveys, professional associations, career sites, headhunters, and competitors to gauge the salary range for the position at hand. "It's also not inappropriate to ask the employer what the posted salary range is for the position for which you're applying," Dr. Davenport noted.

Keep in mind many companies use salary requirements to screen out applicants, so a high range may put you out of the running before you even get a chance to interview for the position. For that reason, many recruitment experts caution against revealing salary requirements until after you've interviewed and have begun the negotiation process.

Dr. Hurwitz's advice is to tell the truth. "Say, 'I'm earning X. For me to make this move, I would need a minimum 10-15 percent increase (if it's lateral) or 15-20 percent if it's a promotion." Being truthful can save you and potential employers time and money, and lead to the best fit. 

Testimonials
While asking job applicants to provide references may be going out of practice, it's a good idea to have three to five professional references lined up--meaning, you've asked them if they are willing to serve as a favorable reference for you, they are aware you are applying for jobs and you have their current contact information.

If references are requested, or if your professional contacts are impressive, you might include a sheet separate from your résumé that is devoted to references, Chen suggested. "This can apply if you possess significant experience. It may also apply if you have worked with some important people. For example, if you're the personal physician for the President of the United States, this would be the place."

If your mentor is a leader in your field, or you worked on a clinical trial with an industry giant, they can make your résumé stand out. In the same token, if a friend or colleague who works at your target facility is referring you for the job and serving as a reference, you want to make this fact known, Chen said. "That way, the employer knows you came from a trusted source."

When The Davenport Institute prepared résumés for clients, they include a "testimonials" page at the end, Dr. Davenport reported. "These are short, one-paragraph recommendations from current and previous employers, key members of the industry, and other heavy-hitters whose cachet can add credibility to the applicant's résumé."

Don't be afraid to use your connections to further your chances. The most impressive résumé package will get you in the door, where you can prove your value to the company.

Contact at Kerri Hatt at khatt@advancweb.com.