First impressions matter a lot. But while we put a great emphasis on our physical presentation when attending a meeting or interview, it is becoming more and more evident that we are all forgetting when the first impression actually occurs; before the interview, before even a phone call.

In today's job market we are all aware that our resume and our LinkedIn profiles are the key tools for initially getting noticed. When preparing these, focus on the following to make the best first impression, one that truly reflects who you are.

1. Write a solid resume. Triple check it to ensure there are no glaring issues that immediately raise concerns for the reviewer. These concerns may be raised by:

1. Spelling mistakes 

2. Inconsistencies in dates

3. Unexplained gaps in employment

4. Incorrect contact details

5. Poor formatting

6. Incorrect grammar or language.

2. Ensure your LinkedIn profile mirrors the dates and core information contained in your resume. Inconsistencies across the 2 documents will raise concerns.

3. Qualify your experience through testimonials. Ask openly in your network for recommendations and testimonials as these will enhance the impact of your first impression.

Get your resume right and then get your LinkedIn profile right. Most importantly, take a structured approach to your job search starting at the beginning; plan your marketing strategy and then prepare the documents needed to get you there.

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Rebecca Fraser is a senior career coach and Director of Rebecca Fraser Consulting​.​​​