|
Cover Letters |
|
![]() Work It! How to Get Ahead, Save Your Ass, and Land a Job in Any Economy by Allison Hemming The work world isn't so friendly anymore. Landing the job you want takes a little more sweat in this tight job market, and keeping that job requires savvy and vigilance. This smart and comprehensive guide, packed with punchy, frank advice, gives you the tools and techniques that will help you get the most out of your job hunt. Allison Hemming, a noted career expert, delivers a needed dose of wisdom from the trenches in a manual that is perfectly updated to suit the modern work environment. More information and prices from: Amazon.com - US dollars SeekBooks.com.au - Aus Dollars Amazon.ca - Canadian dollars Amazon.co.uk - British pounds Amazon.de - Euros Amazon.fr - Euros |
The Not-So-Effective Cover LetterBy Linda MatiasHere's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This is why I'm intrigued by the fact that a) jobseekers rarely submit them and b) hiring managers seldom read them. As a result, I started asking questions. Specifically, "What's your problem with cover letters?" Here's what I found out. Jobseekers claim all the pertinent information is included in the resume. Translation: "I don't know how to write an effective cover letter so I just scrap it." Hiring managers say cover letters serve no purpose. Translation: "Jobseekers don't know how to write an effective cover letter so I'd just as soon not be bothered." Top 3 Reasons Most Cover Letters Don't Work1. The one-size-fits-all method. Hiring managers are extremely jealous. Although they are aware you are courting other companies, they want to know that you at least care enough to hide it. Solution: Avoid form letters. Instead, customize each letter with the hiring organization and the position in mind. Here's an example. "With over nine years of HRIS and human resources experience, I have had the opportunity to contribute strong, sustainable improvements within the HR functions, particularly in areas of systems development, implementation, and maintenance. When I read the job description posted on your corporate website, I was immediately drawn to the similarity between your requirements and my experience. In particular, I meet your prerequisite for an HRIS Specialist who has the ability to train end users effectively in a variety of applications and processes. From my enclosed resume, you will note that I approach end-user training with a patient, diligent manner." 2. I want, I need, I must have. Me, me, me. That is the approach many candidates take when writing their own cover letter. This self-centered approach, without a doubt, backfires every time. Solution: Focus the letter on how you can benefit the hiring organization. Here's an example. "The following are examples from two different employers that illustrate my ability to integrate time- and cost-saving solutions for the HRIS infrastructure: * For XYZ, I implemented an entirely new HRIS system that affected data and records for 25,000 team members, expediting processes by converting our applications to Lawson as the company grew at a breakneck pace. 3. Taking a "pretty please" approach. No one wants to hire a desperate jobseeker. Solution: The tone of the cover letter must be kept on a professional level. Here's an example. "In addition to technology and problem-solving skills, what I also offer is the ability to create and maintain data tables, structures, files, interface requirements, and data integrity protocols for ongoing administration." Cover Letters Can Win Job InterviewsPersuasive, targeted, and commercial-like cover letters fare well. And that is exactly what a cover letter is-a commercial, starring your experience. Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers' Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at linda@careerstrides.com. The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter by Linda Matias, JCTC, CEIP (c) Linda Matias - All rights reserved |
![]() by J. Michael Farr, Louise M. Kursmark This encyclopedic volume covers virtually every kind of job from entry level to executive, from those requiring limited education or work experience to those that require graduate degrees. Provides quick tips on writing and using your resume. Contains 381 top resumes arranged in clusters of related jobs. Includes JIST cards, cover letters, thank-you notes and other job search correspondence. More information and prices from: Amazon.com - US dollars SeekBooks.com.au - Aus Dollars Amazon.ca - Canadian dollars Amazon.co.uk - British pounds Amazon.de - Euros Amazon.fr - Euros |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Copyright © 2000-2007 Alan Price and HRM Guide Network contributors. All rights reserved. |