The #1 question you should answer on your resume

By MAX MESSMER
Scripps Howard News Service

What's in it for me?

That's the gist of what hiring managers ask themselves when reviewing the resumes they receive. They want to know why they should hire you. For example, do you have a history of helping previous employers cut costs or improve efficiencies?

Whenever possible, quantify your contributions in previous roles -- by citing actual dollars or time saved, for instance -- so hiring managers can quickly and clearly understand the value of bringing you on board.

Give prospective employers a compelling reason to reach out to you rather than demanding that they do, unlike these job seekers:

COVER LETTER: "Act now, before someone else snatches me up!"

In this case, patience is a virtue.

COVER LETTER: "Hello? You, here, reading this? You really want someone like me."

We could argue otherwise.

COVER LETTER: "Here's your chance to call me, meet me, employ me."

We'll take our chances.

COVER LETTER: "Here I am! So e-mail me. PUUULLLEEEZE!"

At least he asked nicely.

The previous example illustrates the importance of remaining professional when communicating with hiring managers.

Remember that your resume and cover letter are business documents, and the language you choose should be more formal than, say, a text message to your best friend. Write as if you were sending a memo to the president of the company or distributing a report to a large group of clients.

COVER LETTER: "If you need help with anything, give me a ring. Shoot ... I might surprise you!"

This candidate shot himself in the foot.

COVER LETTER: "I am awesome and ready to work ASAP. I believe this can happen because this is the city where magic happens."

Forget our job; call the city's Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, it should go without saying, but don't ask a prospective employer to do anything illegal.

"SALARY REQUIREMENTS: Would prefer to get paid under the table."

(For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Keep the Resumania coming. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, CA 94025, or faxed to 650-234-6998.)