| Whether it's a job application cover letter, or resume - | | | | For example, "Mr. Richard" always makes me feel |
| one thing to remember is that there is only one "job" | | | | welcome. He comments on my smile, and says things |
| that your actual submission materials have. And that | | | | like, "It's always so good to see you! You always |
| "job" is: Getting Job Interviews. | | | | seem to be smiling!" and in response, after thinking |
| Once you get more interviews, we'll talk about job | | | | about it, I have to say, "Why, I believe it's because |
| interview techniques in other articles, ok? | | | | YOU are smiling and seem so glad to see ME! Thank |
| So, if the entire purpose behind cover letter writing is | | | | you! You've made my day." |
| getting job interviews, then it stands to reason that | | | | And, now, you and I will stroll over to the manager and |
| writing a good cover letter ought to be at the top of | | | | comment about what a terrific employee "Mr. Richard" |
| your "to do" list when you are looking for a job. Right? | | | | is. |
| Welcome to "Cover Letter Writing 101" where I hope | | | | Conversely, why do I avoid certain cashiers in the |
| the next few paragraphs and points and a personal | | | | same way I avoid eggplant? (My apologies to those of |
| experience will bring you up to date with the basics of | | | | you who like eggplant. It's nothing personal!) |
| how today's successful job seekers get more | | | | Perhaps you saw the cashier whose line wasn't quite |
| interviews. | | | | as long as "Mr. Richard's" was. Why, you may ask, |
| Point #1: You must be subtle about tooting your own | | | | didn't I go for "Ms. Whoever's" line? (Of course, you're |
| horn while still letting employers know that YOU are | | | | taking careful notes, because you are learning a lot |
| the best candidate for the job. In other words, | | | | more than just good cover letter writing strategies.) |
| everything you write must be "about them" - about | | | | For me - especially as someone who has done a lot |
| THEIR needs, about how THEY will benefit from | | | | of career coaching - I notice things like sullen attitudes, |
| bringing you in for an interview. And, you must put all | | | | cashiers looking at their watches, etc. When I ask "Ms. |
| this focus on THEM while still talking yourself up! | | | | Whoever," "So, how are you today?" and hear, "Oh, I'll |
| Point #2: You must be able to speak knowledgably not | | | | be a whole lot better in a half hour when my shift |
| only about the position, but also about the company. | | | | ends," it makes my skin crawl. Seriously! |
| You must know what the company's needs are to | | | | I don't like feeling my skin crawl when I'm in a grocery |
| begin with if you are to address them convincingly in | | | | store. There's something just not right about that... |
| your job application cover letter. Besides, if you don't | | | | I've also been known to avoid cashiers who chit-chat |
| know exactly what their needs are, how will you know | | | | with other employees while they are waiting on me. |
| for sure if you are the right one for the job? Hopefully | | | | What really rolls my eyes is when they begin talking |
| this makes sense to you! If it does, then writing a good | | | | about a member of the community behind his or her |
| cover letter and getting job interviews just got a whole | | | | back. |
| lot easier for you! | | | | I have been tempted (notice I say "tempted" - because |
| Let's try the following practice exercise to work on this | | | | I have held my tongue!) to look right at the cashier and |
| little cover letter writing gem. | | | | say something like, "Oh, I wasn't aware you knew my |
| Practice Exercise: Take a job or position that you are | | | | brother/sister/aunt/uncle/mother/father/cousin so well!" |
| interested in, and list the skills and qualifications that you | | | | Ahh... The things we'd like to see. Maybe in a movie |
| believe will be most important to the company. | | | | one day. |
| If you cannot think of a specific job or company off | | | | But I digress. |
| the top of your head, here is an example: Pretend you | | | | So, as we get back to writing a good cover letter, it |
| are going for the job of cashier at a local supermarket, | | | | now becomes evident that the job of the cashier goes |
| "The Local Family Grocer." This is where it gets | | | | even deeper. The Local Family Grocer needs people |
| personal - so the information is very real! | | | | who make customers feel welcome. People who are |
| Now, "The Local Family Grocer" has stated that they | | | | cheerful. People who act as though they enjoy their |
| need a cashier, and they pay $10/hour. The cashier | | | | jobs. |
| needs to be available on weekends and weeknights. | | | | So, as we leave the store, you take out your pencil |
| That's about all you know about the position. For now! | | | | and paper, and write a few sentences about the |
| As you collect your thoughts prior to writing your job | | | | cashier job. |
| application cover letter, sit down with a pencil and | | | | You have now become inspired to write a good job |
| paper and ask yourself: | | | | application cover letter directly to "Ms. Jones" (who |
| What do the cashiers actually do over at The Local | | | | you happen to know is the person who will be |
| Family Grocer? You can brainstorm your answers. | | | | reviewing the job application, because we just found |
| The most obvious ones that will come to mind will | | | | out about it while we were complimenting "Mr. |
| probably be, | | | | Richard.") |
| - "scan items through check out," | | | | Armed with all this information, imagine this cover letter: |
| - "bag groceries," | | | | "Dear Ms. Jones, |
| - "take the payment," | | | | I was so pleased to meet you earlier today when my |
| - "give receipts," | | | | friend and I were telling you what a great job we feel |
| - "run price checks," and things of that nature. | | | | Mr. Richard does for The Local Family Grocer. |
| But now, I need you to dig deeper. | | | | In fact, Ms. Jones - I am so glad that I visited and |
| I need you to come to the store with me. | | | | experienced that customer service, because I had to |
| When you are about to get in line at the store, do you | | | | rush right home and let you know that not only I am |
| go to any old checkout line? Or are there any cashiers | | | | not applying to be your next cashier, Ican prove to you |
| you seek out? Are there any you avoid? As you | | | | that if you are looking for another cashier with that |
| answer these questions, ask "why?" | | | | same positive energy and excellent work ethic, I am |
| I can tell you, as we walk through the store together | | | | that person! Here's why." |
| on our cover letter writing exercise, that there are | | | | And you can go on. Now, this is just one simple |
| several cashiers I just adore. Again. Why? | | | | example of how this works. We have more to share |
| For me, it's the customer service and the big smile I get | | | | on this and related topics, so please watch for more |
| from them. | | | | articles! |