rather basic online application question

[HgTX]

Someone asks...

Online job application asks for basic information (name, contact info) and an uploaded resume.

Also enables one, optionally, to upload a couple of other files. What would those be for? Cover letter? Is it expected?

Hg

Eng-Tips policies: faq731-376

 

[casseopeia]

A separate document for personal references perhaps? Lately I've encountered companies requesting recent drug testing and credit history but I would not expect to have to provide either of those as an uploaded file. That's too risky for ID theft

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

 

[MintJulep]

A cover letter is always a good idea.

 

[msquared48]

Cover Letter.
List of references.
Recent projects in last, say, 10 years, demonstrating that you have the type of experience the prospective employer needs.

All I have provided...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Cover letter would be good
Portfolio
Proof of professional certifications
Naked pictures of yourself

you know, usual stuff.

 

[IRstuff]

A cover letter allows you to personalize yourself to the reader. Resumes tend to be a collection of extremely short and dry bullets.


We just had a summer intern interviewing, whose cover letter started off with something like, "If you're looking for an ideal summer intern, look no further, you've found him. ... I've wanted to be an engineer since I was a child." While a bit over the top, it gave a different aspect to his resume that started off with a 4.86 weighted GPA in high school. So, there's something to start talking about.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[Twoballcane]

I typically add my portfolio of work (in power point) so that the hiring manger can see some of my work. To be honest, I never added a cover letter, but in my portfolio I do answer the job descriptions with examples of my work in the intro to show competence and then have the back up info/photos/data/hand calcs in the back up slides. I kind of feel that let’s cut to the chase and show me the skills.

Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."

 

[KENAT]

Well, given the near fundamentalist belief amongst some in the US that all resumes over 1 page are to be sent to the round filing cabinet, I'd suggest the other files could be used to fill in the inevitable gaps that will leave all but new grads.

Cover letter might be good, or samples of work/portfolio etc.

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(probably not aimed specifically at you)
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[SpecialEddie]

As a principal in a mid-sized structural consulting firm, I see hundreds of applications per month from all over the country, especially in these trying economic times. Although we are not actively hiring, I look through every single one that comes in because we can always make room for someone with exceptional qualifications. One thing I insist on seeing is a cover letter. You cannot imagine how many resumes come in without a cover letter. Also, proof of registrations or certificates is not necessary. Just list the numbers on the resume, we can always verify later in the hiring process just as we do with the references. While a portfolio is not necessary, a list of recent projects is good -- it shows if your experience is directly relevant to the type of work we perform. Don't just list the projects, state briefly the exact role and responsibilities you had in the projects. Finally, I prefer that the naked pictures of yourself be embedded within the cover letter, rather than in a separate document.

 

[TDAA]

SpecialEddie

Thanks for the chuckle. I I worked for you, and knew that was you that said that, you would be getting one of those special cover letters, just to see your face.

Note: Content of letter may not be representational of actual equipment use on the job.