Job Application Tips
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Getting The Most When Job Hunting

March18

Are you looking for a new job? If you are and if you also have internet access, there is a good chance that you may end up turning to career hunting or job hunting websites. Two examples of these types of websites are CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com. Although these websites are great ways to gain access to hundreds, if not thousands, of up-to-date job listings, if you want to be successful it is advised that you know how to get the most out of these websites. A few helpful tips that you may want to familiarize yourself with are outlined below.

When it comes to using career hunting or job hunting websites, there are some websites that allow you to search through job listings without having to create an account. However, if you find a job listing that you would like to apply to, you will often need to create an account. The good news though is that most of these career hunting or job hunting websites, at least the reputable ones, are free to use. This means that there is absolutely no reason as to why you shouldn’t register for a free account. In fact, registering for an account may also get you extra member benefits.

Speaking of the extra job hunting or career hunting website member benefits, there a number of “perks,” that you may be able to enjoy; perks that may make it easier for you to find a job. Of course, it is important to remember that not all career hunting or job hunting websites are the same. With that in mind though, many career hunting and job hunting websites allow you save a sample job application, with all of your personal information already filled out, as well as a copy of your resume on their website. This can help you save time when it comes to applying for job. Also, many career hunting or job hunting websites also allow their members to make their resumes searchable by employers; employers who are looking for qualified candidates.

Even if you are able to make it is that your resume is searchable by employers you may still want to take the time to find and apply for job listings that you, yourself, are able to come across. Most career hunting or job hunting websites allow you to do this a number of different ways. For instance, you can browse through a large selection of job listings, often for the whole country. If you are unwilling to relocate or if you were looking for something in particular, you could tailor or customize your search. For instance, if you were looking to work within fifty miles of where you live, you could search based on that criteria. You could also perform a search for a certain type of job or a job in a certain industry, like education or construction.

When using a career hunting or job hunting website, many job listings request that you apply for the job through the job hunting or career hunting website in question, but not all do. Before applying for any job, whether you find it online or not, you want to make sure that you thoroughly read through all information given to you. Despite an ‘apply now,” tab at the bottom of a job listing on a career hunting or job hunting website, the employer in question may actually want you to send your resume as an email attachment. You never really know unless you thoroughly read through all of the information given to you. To prevent yourself from looking silly or associated as being “the one who doesn’t follow directions,” you will want to make sure you read and think before you act.

By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should be able to use career hunting or job hunting websites to the best of your ability. In addition to CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com, you can find additional websites by performing a standard internet search.

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Attractive Attachments: A Cover Letter Tip Package

March18

Many people do a lot of research on what goes into an effective cover letter. They find the best formats that are not only easy on the eyes, but are easy to type and print as well. They look for the best words that can give the letter the most positive air, without making it appear too overbearing or trite. They advocate using the best paper, the best ink, and signing the letter with the best signature you can make.

A cover letter, however, is nothing without the elements that turn it into a professional package. It has to be brief, with simple, direct language that attracts attention. It has to be personalized: it must address a specific person, and it should be signed personally, by the person making the job application. It has to be neat, and it has to be accompanied by what the employer desires – and more.

What more can you add to an already well-crafted cover letter? First, do not be afraid to add a post-script, or the P.S. Although this may seem unprofessional, research shows that it is actually attention getting: the P.S. can force prospective employers, already busy with other letters, to take a look at the bottom of your letter even if they have not skimmed or read your letter first.

Because the P.S. calls so much attention to itself, you might want to place all the important information there. Tell the prospective employer that you are available for a job interview; indicate where and when you can be contacted, and provide all your contact information, including a valid email address. Do not crowd so much information into the P.S., however, as this can make your letter appear cluttered, and you can appear more desperate than you really are.

You might also want to add attachments to your cover letter and resume, even if the prospective employer did not ask for them. There are only two things that can happen: either your prospective employer will throw them away, or he or she can examine them in greater detail. Force the latter possibility by printing out important documents on high quality paper, or providing high resolution images of your work, depending on what job you are applying for.

If you are applying to be a writer, add writing samples, and, if possible, show your versatility in both fiction and non-fiction. If you have already published your work, give high-resolution photocopies straight from the magazine, journal, newspaper, or book in which your work appeared. Provide contact information of editors or bosses who helped you in your previous writing gigs.

If you are a web designer or graphic designer, you will need to show the most attractive parts of your portfolio. Provide a hard copy of your works printed out on high quality paper, with high quality ink; and give a CD copy of your works. You can also provide URL information for sites that you designed or contributed designs to. As in the advice for writers, provide contact information of your clients who can attest to your qualifications as a designer.

If you are applying to be a nurse or doctor, attach photocopies of certificates of workshops that you have attended. These can show that you are willing to learn new things, and that you are always seeking to improve your craft.

No matter what position you are applying for, make your cover letter great, and follow the tips in this cover letter tip package. Always show how passionate you are about the job, without looking desperate or childish. Show how well you know the job, and how enthusiastic you are for an interview. If you can convey all your emotions in a brief, powerful letter, you may soon write your own cover tip package for people who need your expertise for their own forays into job seeking!

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on cover letter tip checkout his recommended websites.

Getting A Part-Time Job As A Teenager

March18

When you are a teenager, money is a prominent concern. You need money for the movies, going out with friends, driving a car, and saving for college. It may seem like a simple idea to just go out and get a job, but it typically takes more effort than originally anticipated. For many teenagers facing this predicament, the best course of action is to seek a part time job that can be worked after school and on weekends. Below are some important considerations to bear in mind as a younger person trying to step into a new job.

First, you will likely need to fill out a resume or job application when applying for a position. Even for part time work, it is important to come fully prepared with all your previous work history – if you have any – as well as references from previous employers or co-workers regarding any prior experience, even including babysitting or a paper route. If you don’t yet have any work experience at all, then you can list any school accomplishments or groups to which you have belonged. All your personal strengths should be listed as well as anything that helps you stand out as a student or a reliable worker.

When you are offered an interview, dress appropriately for the position. That simple step demonstrates to the hiring person how important the job is to you, as well as how you can be professional even if you haven’t worked for anyone before. (On the other hand, don’t over-dress for a job that doesn’t call for it. For example, it would be over-kill to wear a suit applying for a construction labor position.)

When heading for the interview, your hair needs to be pulled back, and jewelry kept to a minimum. Boys should wear a polo shirt and khaki pants, while for girls a nice dress or skirt and blouse would be appropriate.

Before coming, practice questions that an interviewer might realistically ask you, such as what benefit you think you can bring to the job and how well you do in school.

Once you initially meet the employer, shake the person’s hand and be polite. Do not use the person’s first name unless invited to do so. Otherwise, Mr. or Ms. LastName would be appropriate. As long as you show you have a good attitude and are willing to work, the hiring person may overlook the fact that you may not have as much experience as someone else.

There will likely be several other applicants interviewed for the same position, so if you do not get your first job, try not to take it personally. Over the years you – like most everyone else – will miss out on some great jobs, but it is important that you continue to try because eventually someone will see your potential and offer you a job.

Part time work is available all around, so it is up to you to pick something that you might enjoy doing and then go for it. The worst that can happen is your request for a position will be denied. However more than likely, if you follow these tips you will be able to land a part time job that you love.

For great job hunting & career information, visit http://www.job-hunting-careers.com, a site discussing practical career options.

Smile, You’re on Videoconference! Overcoming Obstacles When Job Interviewing

March17

Copyright (c) 2009 Karen Friedman

It’s all the rage especially if your company is doing a little belt tightening and you can score some points by saving a few bucks. Instead of paying for travel expenses and spending your free time whining and dining a lot of potential job candidates, what about speeding up the time consuming process by conducting the interview during a videoconference that is inexpensive by comparison? Companies can save time until they’ve narrowed the search and job seekers can try to impress without traveling to all corners of the globe. After all, universities offer videoconference lecture series and companies frequently use the technology to hold global meetings. In fact, a study on web conferencing quoted in HR Magazine shows the market jumping nearly 300 percent between 2005 and 2011, to $2.9 billion. So clearly, the technology is certainly gaining popularity. The question is: to whose advantage?

While there are clearly benefits, from where I sit as a communications coach, there are also a host of barriers that prevent job candidates from feeling at ease and making their best impression. How can you possibly connect with someone and make them feel who you really are if you can’t shake their hand and look them directly in the eye? It’s like buying a car without taking it for a test drive. Given that first impressions are critical, if the job applicant is unfamiliar with the technology, appears nervous or looks off, then decision makers may form incorrect impressions. Then there’s the lighting issue. If the lighting isn’t good, the applicant can look pasty or washed out. Additionally, there are often delays as video and audio are compressed and transmitted between locations. So, that means people unknowingly talk over each other or try to fill the silence without realizing that those on the other end of the connection are still listening to someone’s response. On the other side of the screen, interviewers often forget that they are also visible and need to make a good impression. That means no slouching, checking e-mail; leafing through magazines and making potential employees feel as if they’re boring you.

Like any interview or presentation, the key to success is for both sides to prepare in advance. The first step would be to set up a phone call and talk about videoconferencing etiquette.

PHONE PRIMERS – Before the interview, the company should schedule a phone call with the applicant to explain video protocol. For example, tell them how the room will be set up, who will be there, where to look, how wide the video image will be or what technical issues could arise. Can they interrupt? Who will hear them? Will there be feedback or delay time? What’s the format and how much time will they have? It’s up to the company to send a message that says they want the interview to be successful for the prospect.

THINK TV – Appearing for a video interview is a bit like being on TV. You have to connect with people you can’t see so it’s important to engage your audience quickly. In most cases, you want to look directly into the camera so you seem completely attentive to the people on the other side of the screen. The trick is to appear natural and not over focus on the camera which is very hard for an untrained person to do. Instead, pretend that camera is one person. As a former television reporter, I used to speak to more than one million people every evening. By pretending the camera was my Mom or a friend, it was easier to speak from the heart and focus on the information I wanted to convey. It’s also important to gesture and use your hands so you’re animated, but movements can be magnified on the screen so aim for smaller, smoother movements.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS – What looks good in your mirror doesn’t always translate to the big screen. The number one rule is to wear what makes you feel good as long as it doesn’t distract from your message. For women, that means leaving big earrings, frilly tops and clunky jewelry at home. But putting on some lipstick, eyeliner and a little blush will prevent you from looking washed out. Both sexes should avoid small patterns like checks and tweeds which can “bleed” on screen. As for colors, warm bright colors typically look great, but if that’s not your style, think contrast such as a white shirt with a navy blazer as opposed to just a white shirt. And men, a viewer’s eye will go straight to your tie, so make it a good one! Finally, find out what the background is. If you’re up against a green screen and you wear green, oops, you’ll disappear.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT – Set up a video camera and practice with a pal who can ask you questions and offer feedback. Play it back and check your body language, expressions and pace. Are you talking too fast? Are you speaking loud enough? Do you look friendly and approachable?

While videoconferencing should not replace face to face interviewing, as technology gets easier, so will video interviewing. And the job of tomorrow may very well come down to the person who seems at ease on camera.

Karen Friedman is an international communications coach and award winning television reporter who helps executives, spokespeople and celebrities shine in every interview, appearance and presentation. President, Karen Friedman Enterprises and co-author of Speaking of Success, she is frequently quoted by publications including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Details: http://www.karenfriedman.com

Online College Applications – Pros, Cons and Insider Tips

March17

Applying to colleges or universities is an exciting milestone for many high school graduates; yet far too often, the application process itself becomes frustrating and intimidating.

Faced with a myriad of information via booklets, forms and well-meaning but often misguided parents and peers, things can become a bit overwhelming.

Thankfully, the days of huddling over a typewriter with whiteout in hand have been relegated to the past. The modern-day offices of higher education not only accept electronic applications, but also encourage them for their mutual convenience and ease of use.

Electronic College Applications are becoming increasingly popular with higher learning institutions and students alike because of their contribution to a better level of customer service.

Electronic applications give both student and faculty an easier method of tracking the status of applications and of determining financial aid status. This results in a more time efficient method by providing immediate confirmation of receipt of applications and real-time status of its progress.

By taking advantage of a streamlined electronic entrance application system, institutions are realizing a marked increase in labor savings, which may lead to becoming a determining factor in helping to offset the high cost of post-secondary education.

Although electronic college applications are hitting the main stream at a progressive rate, there is still a modicum of fear by some that electronic filing does not offer the security or personal touch of hard copy applications.

Most institutions are largely allaying these fears by their rollover to more technologically adept software that makes electronic applications safe and secure.

By offering dedicated as well as generic applications online, some institutions provide students with the option of using the same information for various applications.

In addition to paving the way for a more seamless entrance application process, alot of colleges and universities have waived application fees for those students who opt to use the electronic application method.

However, there still remains a bit of grey area regarding the electronic online application process. There have been reports of an increased error ratio on electronic applications when compared to traditional paper submissions.

Once again, many of the higher learning institutions are attempting to address this problem by streamlining their forms while offering how-to advice that students can readily understand and use more efficiently. Careful consideration is being given to utilizing software that reduces the chances of a student’s online application being lost in cyberspace.

The diligent approach to eliminating online application errors, while being of the utmost concern, is not the only drawback to the universal acceptance of the electronic application process. Students’ access to technology, their level of technological expertise and their cultural backgrounds may militate against the successful completion of online applications.

This too is being addressed at the entrance level with more and more institutions offering viable alternatives for students who may not be as familiar or comfortable with the internet as a valuable resource.

University and college Registrar offices always have staff available to offer advice and support to all incoming students. For those who prefer a hands-on approach when completing their college entrance applications, the option of filing their application manually is still encouraged.

If you decide to go the online application route, here are some crucial tips to guide you:

1)The essay that is attached to a college application is vital so don’t rush it. You will more than likely need to write several drafts before submitting it. It is also vital to use proper grammar when writing it.

2)Proofread your work carefully. Minor proofreading errors can make a poor impression on admission officers. Print out online applications and proofread it since it can be hard to spot errors on the computer screen

3)Contact the admissions department if you need to ask questions concerning your application. Don’t assume anything. This is your future we are talking about so there is really no such thing as a silly question.

4)Don’t submit the generic applications to a number of different colleges even though this option is available. Treat it like a job application in the sense that just as every company is different, so is every college. This will have a more positive impression on the admissions officers who want to know that you have taken the time to know their college.

5) Don’t wait until the 11th hour to submit your online application. Put some thought into what you are writing. Furthermore, an unexpected computer crash could derail a last minute application resulting in missing the deadline. It is better to give yourself adequate time to finish and submit the application.

6)Double check to make sure your college application was received. Many colleges will issue you a password so you can check the status of your online application realtime.

David Cassell wants to provide you with solid information that helps you decide which accredited online schools best suits your needs. You can get such information when you visit his site at

http://www.SelectCourses.com

Phone Interview Tips – Five Great Tips for an Excellent Phone Interview

March17

 

There are several different reasons why a company might choose to run phone interviews. While it does not give them the face to face contact that a conventional interview does, it allows them to get through many applicants relatively quickly.

If you find yourself facing a phone interview, you’ll find that you need to distinguish yourself to make sure that you get offered a second, usually traditional, face-to-face interview. Follow the phone interview tips below to make sure that you present yourself well.

5 Phone Interview Tips

1. Double check the day and time.

Simple we know, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t remember it. Even if the phone interview is taking place in your own home, you’ll find that it is still important to be there in plenty of time and be ready. If the interview is early, you don’t want to sound like you are just rolling out of bed. Remember to make sure that you are ready and waiting to pick up whenever they call, so figure out where you are going to be and when.

2. Dress up

It might sound a little silly to put yourself in a suit or other business attire when you are not leaving the house at all, but you will find that if you do this you can remain a good deal more mindful about your situation than if you were simply wearing your sweats or your pajamas. When you dress sharp, there is a good chance that you will feel sharp too, so take the time to make sure you take advantage of this mental trick.

3. Keep things quiet

If you are in a situation where you live with other adults and children, make sure that you have a secure area in which to speak to your prospective new employers. Shut yourself up in a room and make sure that someone is keeping the kids quiet, or request that your roommates keep things quiet on entering and leaving while you are talking on the phone. Remember that the quieter the room is, the better your ability to concentrate is going to be.

4. Gather everything you need

Before the phone interview, get everything ready. You’ll want your resume, CV or job application form and any portfolio samples that you think might be relevant. Remember to keep a pencil and some paper nearby in case you need to make notes, and make sure that you leave yourself some reminders about things that you want to bring up. Keep everything organized so you don’t have to search frantically when you want to refer to something.

5. Thinking about call quality

Whatever you do, don’t eat or chew gun during your phone interview, although you might want to keep some water nearby to make sure that you can wet your throat. Unless you have excellent reception, you may wish to conduct your phone interview on a landline. Similarly, keep in mind the fact that you need to turn off things like call waiting to make sure that you can speak uninterrupted.

Follow these 5 phone interview tips and your phone interview will run more smoothly.

Here’s more phone interview tips including example phone interview questions.

Catherine Jones is a leading authority on recruitment and, with 3 colleagues, has written a how to snag a job website in which she shares her secrets on getting hired.


Catherine works as a senior manager for a large financial services organisation and recruits new employees on a regular basis. Learn from the experts and snag the job you want – your dream job!

Employment Scams – Tips To Spot A Job Scam

March16

Learn to read these top signs so you can spot a job scam miles away and stay atop the situation any day and also be in a position to warn friends and family about these scams!

The most common places for employment scams today are in the local papers, (now you know why some of them are called Rags?) on the internet and even in the fliers that people inadvertently drop into your mail box; much of it is carefully planned and nothing more than a ruse to get you to part with some money in exchange for the promise of a good job.

Many workers are being laid off jobs and many companies are closing shop or down-sizing while still others are asking for industry specialized qualifications, which many candidates looking out for jobs may not always possess; thus, selections for jobs are tougher now and this is what the job scamsters look to work on!

If you have these handy tips on spotting the frequently occurring employment scams, you can safeguard yourself against much of the heartache, pain and even monetary loss, not to mention ensure peace of mind and save time that you can redirect in searching for a real job – so pay attention now.

Most people are of the opinion that employment scams only occur online, but this is far from the truth: while it is a very common scenario to come across websites that offer you a regular pay, much beyond your current income and sometimes even incredible sums of money to simply do clerical work, for example, use your brains! If this were true, why would so many people slog at their regular jobs?

Be especially careful of job scams that ask you for money; shouldn’t it be the other way round i.e. the employer paying you to work instead of you paying them to take you on? You need to be confident of your skills, talent and qualifications and not ‘bribe’ your way into a job, which is what it boils down to eventually when you take a look at the employment scam criterion that asks you to part with a registration fee or other such hidden costs of signing up for job listings etc.

Also, guard against the listings for jobs that appear in your local newspaper: if they seem to be too good to be true, they probably are and that’s why you should beware of acting without thinking about making that ‘deposit’ to apply for a job or ‘refer 3 people and get cash but give a nominal amount for registering with the company first. Always read the small print.

Other red flags for employment scams include those claiming that your signing amount is rather like a personalized job search agent for you and will get you only those jobs that meet all your criterion so you save time and effort; you can well do that on your own with the number of free job sites online today and even free HR companies that get paid by the companies hiring them to find them resources, including staff. Never give out your social security number or other personal details on any job application form besides being cautious about paying a fee for securing a job – stay atop job scams!

Abhishek is an expert at conducting interviews and he has got some great Interview Success Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 82 Pages Ebook, “How To Ace Any Interview” from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/4/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Some Tips For Going To A Career Fair

March16

Are you looking to find a new job or a new career? If you are, you may want to give career fairs a try, as they are a great way to not only find available jobs, but also acquire them.

As you likely already know, career fairs are large events where multiple employers come in search of qualified employees. In most cases, career fairs are held in public places, such as shopping malls or hotel lobbies. They are also often free to attend. While career fairs do vary, most employers are able to set up small booths, where they can display information about their company and the type of employees that they are looking for. Most employer booths have a company representative who is able to discuss their company’s opportunities and accept resumes.

Although career fairs are a great way to find new employment opportunities, most individuals are unprepared for them. What many do not realize is that some employers actually interview and hire candidates right on the spot! For that reasons, you need to do more than just attend a career fair; it is something that you need to prepare for. To make the most out of career fairs, you will want to keep some of the below mentioned tips in mind.

Perhaps, the most important tip to remember is to bring copies of your resume with you; the more the better. Although you may not be interested in apply for every opportunity found at a career fair, you should enter into a career fair thinking that you would. If you are able to get an estimated number of how many employers would be attending the career fair in question, you are advised to bring that number of resume copies. Should you not handout all of your resume copies, you can save them and use them at a later date. Career fairs are not only used to educate you on local employment opportunities, but they are also designed to help you find and get a job.

Another tip that you should keep in mind is your appearance. Since many career fair employer participants give interviews on the spot, you may want to be prepared for one, in the physical sense. Wearing a pair or jeans or sweat pants will not make a good impression, but a simple pants suit or dress will work wonders. Many times, the employer representatives at a career fair are the ones who in charge of the company’s hiring. Taking a few extra minutes to “fix yourself up,” before you walk out the door is a great way to make a good impression at a career fair.

As previously mentioned, many career fair employer participants end up giving interviews on the spot. In fact, some actually hire new employees right on the spot as well. That is why it is extremely important that you prepare for an interview, just in case. In addition to dressing the part, you also want to make sure that you know how an interview works, namely the questions that you should ask or the responses that you should give. If you haven’t had an interview in some time, it may be a good idea to refresh your memory. You can do this by asking a friend or a family member to give you a sample interview. Practice is the best way to make a good impression during an interview, even if it is an unexpected one at a career fair.

Another tip that is worth mentioning is going to career fairs alone. Most career fairs are scheduled during the daytime, often during the week. If you are a parent, you should make other arrangements for your child, as you don’t want to be remembered as the applicant who brought their child along. In terms of friends, you may also want to bring a friend along with you for moral support. You are also advised against doing this. If you have a friend is who also job hunting, you can attend together, but be sure to go your separate ways. Employers are less likely to give you an interview if they see you are accompanied by a guest and a partner may unintentionally effect which employers you stop and see.

By keeping the above mentioned tips in mind, you should be able to make the most out a career fair. These tips may increase your chances of walking away from a career fair with a new job.

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Job Search After College

March16

Are you finally seeing the end of the education train? I bet you are feeling extremely anxious about finding a job. College graduate job searches are time consuming and stressful. You have waited so long and studied so hard to qualify for the career you want, but it does not get easier when you are graduating college. Instead, you have a lot to contend with when finding a job in your field. You are now going out into the real world, you have to go to work every day, there is no more skipping a day cause you partied to hard without having consequences.

Often college does not give you the real life experience that you need to feel comfortable in the job environment you have chosen. Sure, you have the education, but now you do not have someone grading you and telling you just how to do a project. There are many reasons why college graduate job searches can be stressful, but there are also several tools at your disposal.

First off, the Internet is a great way to begin your job search. Places like NoMoreHeadHunters.com, America’s Job Bank, and similar websites exist for the professional searching for their dream job. You can either upload your resume or have the website help you create a resume that should help you get the job. These websites post every job available so knowing the key words to search for is very important.

If you already have a company in mind for your career, you will also want to apply. Make sure you know what they need from you to apply. It might just be going online to their company website and filling in the application or you may need to send them information about yourself. The websites most often make it very clear what they expect to see on a job application. You need to make sure you have everything you need for the job and make it stand out.

You may find during your job search that specific requirements like three years experience is required. Many times, if an employer does not see at least three or more years of experience, they will dismiss your application for lack of experience.

Another tip for college graduate job searches is to keep in mind just because you think you qualify does not mean you will. You need to apply to as many companies as possible and as early as possible. You do not want to wait for the day you graduate, but start several months before you graduate. The hiring process takes a great deal of time and unless the job states you must start by a certain date, it is best to apply beforehand. Some jobs may have a specific start date and if you can work around your last few classes then apply. The company may even work around your schedule at first if you are desirable enough for the position.

Jobs rarely fall into your lap so it is important when you do a college graduate job search to realize it may take a few months after you graduate to find the best job. You may find that you are starting out as low as possible at a company in order to attain your goals a few years down the line. Being smart when you are searching for a job is important. You need to realize the potential of a job before discounting it. Many individuals wait until the last minute to find jobs and end up feeling disappointed. Do not join these ranks; instead be proactive in your job search. It pays to be on top of things rather than waiting until the last minute when your life is just beginning.

For additional information on this Job Article and to find out more about Job Searches, Career Bank and Employment Resources.

Please visit us at: Job Bank

For additional information on this Job Article and to find out more about Job Searches, Career Bank and Employment Resources.

Please visit us at: Job Bank

Do you Want to Write the Best Cover Letter you Can? Here is a Cover Letter Tip you Need to Know!

March15

So you want to write the best cover letter you can to impress your potential employer? Good! Cover letters are an essential part of job seeking and a sub-par letter can doom your efforts to failure. While there are many cover letter tips the main tip you need to know is this:

Do not do a general cover letter!

Cover letters are supposed to be an introduction and promotion of yourself for a specific job with a specific company. To make a cover letter you just slap onto every job application you send out will send a signal to the reader that you do not care enough about this job to write a personalized letter for them and you have not taken the time to learn anything about their company! Your resume is your general letter to companies and though it is a good idea to tweak them as well the cover letter should be different every time.

This does not mean you have to rewrite your cover letter from scratch every time of course. You will usually have a great portion that will not change from job to job and can be cut and pasted into your letter but your introduction in particular has got to be written and targeted towards that particular position. Keeping this in mind lets look at how you should structure your letter.

Introduction

As has been said this should be targeted towards the exact job you are going for. You must introduce yourself and explain who you are and why you are writing along with where you heard about the job offer. Be respectful and confident and vibrant enough the reader will want to read more.

Body

This is where you need to show off your skills and abilities however most people tend to just copy parts of their resume into this section which is not a good idea. IT is better if you use this part of focus on experiences and skills you have that relate to the position you are applying for. Target the specific criteria the company is looking for from their advertisement and give short examples of how your past experience will help you meet these demands and excel beyond them. It is okay to boast of your accomplishments as you are trying to sell yourself as not only the best candidate for the job but one that will contribute much more than what has been asked. Exceed their expectations if you can!

Conclusion

Keep your closing statement short and offer a proactive approach to getting this job such as telling them you will contact them shortly to follow up. You want to end sounding as enthusiastic and confident as you started and again if there is anything specific about this position you can include at the end then do so.

Will this get you to write the best cover letter you can? Well if not I hope you are much closer to it than before with these cover letter tips. Stay focused and good luck!

So you have a good idea on cover letters now?

Do you really want to write the BEST cover letter though?

What about your resume is that up to scratch?

How about interview technique, have you mastered that yet?

Getting a job is a long process and each day you do not have that new job is a setback. If you want to master all aspects of job hunting click here to find out more!

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