| Business owners and human resource directors weed | | | | human being and what makes you tick. You can, |
| through hundreds, even thousands of resumes - all | | | | however, use industry-related keywords pertaining to |
| from eager job candidates vying for the same position. | | | | job skills employers look for. Just don't overdo it. |
| All are reasonably qualified with bachelor degrees, with | | | | 4) Do not mention salary history or make unsolicited |
| over half of them possessing multiple degrees and | | | | salary requests (unless you view your career as a |
| MBAs. So how do you stand out among a deep, | | | | flea market). It comes across as being way too |
| talented pool of candidates? It all starts with a good | | | | upfront, and suggests pay is the only thing you care |
| cover letter. Make that a knock-out cover letter! | | | | about. Often times, employers will start new |
| Cover letters are the first impressions job candidates | | | | employees out at a lower rate, providing incentives |
| make when meeting employers. Although brief (it | | | | and bonuses based on performance. So you may |
| should be no more than one page), it serves as an | | | | have to contend with lower pay initially, but it could be |
| introduction to who you are and what you're all about. | | | | worth it in the end as both you and the company will |
| A resume will highlight accolades and education, but | | | | grow. |
| your cover letter needs to highlight YOU. Separate | | | | 5) End your letter memorably with proactive closing, |
| yourself from the pack with these cover letter tips. | | | | such as 'I look forward to meeting with you soon,' or |
| 1) Be personable. Don't just say 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear | | | | 'Please let me know when would be a good time to |
| Madam.' Find out who the director of human resources | | | | meet with you to discuss your company,' (be sure to |
| is or the CEO of the company. It may take some | | | | include the name of the company). |
| phone calls, but this shows that you've done your | | | | After you've finished constructing your letter, don't be |
| homework and are willing to go the extra mile. Still | | | | afraid to ask people for opinions, such as a mentor or |
| keep things formal with 'Dear Mr Jones.' | | | | friend familiar with your industry or even the company |
| 2) You want to be personable in addressing your | | | | you're applying to. Ask them, "Does this sound like me, |
| letter, but also in addressing the qualities that make you | | | | and does this sound like it fits this company?" |
| a good job candidate. There's nothing worse than | | | | It's also a good idea to take both your cover letter and |
| something bland that makes you sound like a robot. | | | | resume to a Professional Resume Writing Service. A |
| What fuels you as a person? Why did you get into this | | | | resume writing service can proof-read your cover |
| profession? Is it because you're passionate about | | | | letter and resume identifying not just spelling errors |
| what you do? Is it your tireless work ethic? Is it an | | | | (that's what spell-check is for!) but possible |
| overwhelming desire to help others and make an | | | | weaknesses in the overall structure. Perhaps a |
| impact? How will these qualities benefit this company? | | | | stronger call to action is needed to convince the |
| 3) Nix the clichés in cover letter writing. How many | | | | employer that you're right for the job, or maybe your |
| times do you think employers hear the word | | | | resume is just too long and you need help eliminating |
| 'detail-oriented?' It's straight-from-the-book of 'Sleep | | | | unnecessary words or even sections. |
| Therapy 101 for CEOs.' Don't put your prospective | | | | However you decide to construct and edit your cover |
| employer to sleep! Wow him or her with words that | | | | letter, remember that ultimately it needs to be about |
| aren't used often in resume cover letters, such as | | | | you and no one else. Be genuine and authentic. |
| 'highly-imaginative' and 'tireless workhorse.' Sure they | | | | Nobody likes a phony. That will wow potential |
| mean the same as 'creative' and 'energetic,' but they | | | | employers more than an embezzled list of accolades |
| convey a much greater sense of you as an individual | | | | any day. |