To the original question, What are you looking for?
I'm going to repeat or rephrase some of what I've read, but as someone who has reviewed resumes and had to interview candidates here is my opinion:
In general, presentation. Cover letter and resume look "professional". Spelling and grammar are correct.. Use of acronyms is done properly. Don't try to impress me with alphabet soup. I have an acronyms finder linked because there are often multiple definitions for the same one.
The resume should be tailored to the job you are seeking. You want it to "pop" so it highlights those things the perspective employer is searching for.
There are a variety of formats. Some have you put education and awards first, other prefer to see experience from your most recent back.
Another "suggestion" is the length of the resume, some say no more than two pages. But that's going to depend on your age and relevance to the job you are applying for.
Again, be professional. Don't use cute paper or funky fonts. Use a standard type face in a size that is easy to read. Normal margins as well.
Remember, the cover letter and resume are to get you in the door for an in person interview.
IF YOU ARE FORTUNATE to get an interview, again, be professional.
Dress appropriate. Obviously I don't suggest wearing a suit and tie for an interview to be a truck driver. Just remember, there is causal and there is sloppy, I had this pear who would co-interview some of the people coming in with me. She would do all the routine questions, but also was a nit picker on their clothing. She noticed one guys socks. She was willing to hire him only because he was a software engineer and they were considered odd to start. I asked one seemingly stupid question. He didn't flinch and gave me a straight up answer - the wrong answer.
I immediately turned off and had to explain my question later to the other manager. So answer honestly, don't try and BS. If you don't understand the question, ask. Other people did ask or put a question mark on the end of their answer, which led to a brief discussion and further questions. I wasn't looking for a hack. I wanted someone who had a logical mind, that addressed problems using a certain method.
Be clean, neat and on time (early) don't make them wait for you, but wait patiently if they are running behind.
Be prepared to answer questions about not only your experience and education, but about any gaps or really short tenure in a previous position. Also, why are you looking for a job, what attracted you to this employer. Do a little research before you go, know what they do.
Now for my take on job hopping and the reasons people do it. Consider what a good response might be if asked why
Not sure how old you are, but since I started working benefits have gone down and pay raises are just flat COLA.
Most of that is due to changes in the laws and fear of litigation. Employers can't or won't show preference to high performers because of those limitations.
Employers are willing to pay a new recruit more than a current employee because they need that persons talents, or perceive they do, salary is driven by market supply and demand. If you are a current employee there is a certain amount of "taken for granted".
But you also have people who's opinion of their ability far exceeds actual performance. They should probably be in sales because they lie so well.
The often job hop for both the salary increase and because their lack of ability has started to catch up to them.
There are reasons for a short stay. Company folded. One reason to do your homework is know the market and where your employer stands.
Nothing like leaving a job for a seemingly better position only to learn the company is going under and the reason they are hiring is to backfill the positions of people who are running out the door. Bad Fit. Having been around the block I have and friends have experienced taking a position that ends up not being what you were hired for. I was once hired to work on a specific contract, a project which was in my swim lane. The company thought they had won the contract and was staffing up and I was brought on board. After a few weeks they learned they had not won the contract. They kept me on, but in a position that was not challenging and with a supervisor that was out of their league. One friend was hired to replace a departing manager, only to find out after starting that he changed his mind and decided to stay. Where did that leave her?
Sometimes, usually early on in your career, you out grow jobs. There just aren't opportunities there for you to learn and grow.
If you are looking at a contractor support position to support a government activity, well contracts come and go, sometimes your employer will change but your desk does not.
Bottom line, be honest. Again, look the person in the eye and be honest about the reason.
But I will be the first to admit, I get paid damn well and I believe I earned that and continue to earn my salary (and bonuses).
