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The cover letter is a valuable tool when you’re out there hunting for a job, but the majority of people who should be using it to its utmost capacity are badly misusing it or not at all! This can work to your advantage though, if you know how to use this powerful job hunting weapon when nobody else does…you just have to avoid the mistakes others make!

There are a lot of things that people often do that weaken or negate the incredible potential of your cover letter, but they’re all easily avoidable if you now what you’re doing. Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make and how to make sure they don’t hurt your campaign.

• Big Mistake #1: Not employing a cover letter at all. It’s too valuable a resource to not even use…a cover letter can break into a relationship with a potential employer with just about any first impression you could ask for, and so many people don’t even know its power or how to use it that they don’t even try with one. The solution to this is easy…write one, even if you’re not sure of exactly what you’re doing!

• Big Mistake #2: Creating numerous printoffs of the same generic cover letter and sending them to multiple companies in the hopes that JUST ONE will respond. A cover letter that doesn’t specifically address the needs of the business it’s sent to is essentially crap, and sending the same crap to dozens of businesses will net dozens of failures. Take the time to write out unique cover letters that apply specifically to each business…it’ll be worth your time.

• Big Mistake #3: Letting your paper look like a grade-school essay. Spelling and grammar errors appear horribly unprofessional, and in such a fiercely competitive field any fallback is a major one that could mean the difference with who gets the job. Make sure you don’t let a single error into the final draft of your letter. Proofread until you’re sick of it, and have a friend help you do it as a fresh pair of eyes can usually catch things you missed.

• Big Mistake #4: Inappropriate content. A cover letter is only supposed to be about a page (2-4 paragraphs), so space is precious…too precious to waste on unnecessary things like excessive personal information or a rehashing of your resume. Your cover letter exists to forge a link between you and the company you want to work for, so make it do that by using every available word to relate your skills, attitude, and experience to the business. You want to appear a valuable asset, not bore them with things they either already know or honestly just don’t care about.

• Big Mistake #5: Thinking that the work ends when you flip up the mailbox flag. Sitting around by the phone waiting for a response isn’t going to get you one. If you want it, you have to reach out and take it. Make the phone call yourself to set up an interview appointment…make sure your cover letter and resume get to the person who needs to see them. Proactivity is vital to nailing any effort, and getting a job is probably the poster-child for this. The more work and motivation you put into this, the better your chances…so don’t let your opportunities slip by because you don’t tighten your grip!

These are really some of the biggest issues that face most people who are trying to get a job using a cover letter in their arsenal. This isn’t everything possible by any means, but if you steer clear of these mistakes you’ll have a clear edge…quite possibly enough of one to bypass your competition and nail the job!

Looking for an idea of where to start? Get into the right frame of mind with free cover letter examples. Free tips and resources at http://www.squidoo.com/coverletterexamples

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erik_Michaels

Author: Erik Michaels

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In my last post, we discussed the first six “best practices” for a winning cover letter. Unfortunately, the cover letter is often an afterthought However, the cover letter is a very important part of the resume, giving the first impression an employer will have of you. Following is a list of the second six “best practices” that your cover letter must and/or in some cases must not reflect.

• Use good grammar with all words spelled correctly. This best practice almost goes without saying. I guarantee that many resume readers will immediately set aside a resume or cover letter that has misspellings or poor word usage. Unfair? No. We live in a time when people at all organizational levels are expected to be able to communicate verbally and in writing. Use spell check and have someone else review your resume and cover letter for you.

• Demonstrate that you are ready for and enjoy a challenge. Many jobs worth doing these days are challenging. Resume readers are not just looking for candidates with solutions to problems (see Part 1) but also candidates who thrive in such conditions. It doesn’t need to be extravagant, but a display of quiet confidence is a good thing.

• Personally sign letters to be posted via U.S. mail. Use pen with contrasting ink with pleasing color. These small personal touches communicate that you value this job opportunity and took some extra time to show it. Use of black ink may get lost in the other black print. A nice shade of blue ink on your signature causes it to stand-out nicely.

• Indicate how and when you will follow-up. Rather than simply “dropping off” your resume and cover letter, when you state a follow-up date, it shows that you are organized and intentional. Whether you intend to call, send an email or regular letter, indicate it accordingly.

• Send unsolicited cover letters and resumes early in the week. Traditionally, resumes flow in greater quantities early in the week because people have time over the weekend to devote to job search activity. People inside hiring organizations budget their time to handle the surge of resumes early in the week. Therefore, time your mailing to effectively take advantage of a resume reader’s time and attention.

• Print each letter individually. Please resist the temptation to mass-print your letters when sending paper copies. Print them on good paper and show care in how they are folded (or not) and placed in an envelope. This extra care will help prevent mistakes in sending letters and once again showcases extra effort and attention to detail.

With these 12 tips you can write an effective cover letter for your next resume.

Gordon Walter is a professional resume maker / resume writer with Reliable Resumes. Reliable Resumes is a Resume Service providing resume writing services for Professional Resumes and Executive Resumes. The original article is available at: http://www.reliableresumes.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gordon_Walter

Author: Gordon Walter

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When looking at cover letter examples in a book or on the internet you should have a cover letter example checklist that you will use in deciding to use an example or not. Your cover letter example checklist will ensure that you do not send out a cover letter that will land your resume in the trash. As a job seeker if your resume lands itself in the trash you are in trouble because you will not land an interview nor the job. So make sure that you check over your example very well before using it. Most job seekers do not realize that prospective employers are actually looking for reasons within your cover letter to throw your resume out. After all they are seeking high quality employees.

For the most part cover letter examples are just that, they are generalized examples that can be used by anyone needing a cover letter. So keep in mind that it is only an example and that you can not just change around a few words and send it out as your cover letter. When you send a cover letter out like this you are taking huge risk that your employer has seen the same old cover letter countless times before. As stated above they are looking for any reasons and that means any reason at all.

When checking your cover letter example over check to see if it address a specific person. More than likely since you found it on the internet or out of a book it does not. You need to change the generalized addressing around so that it addresses a specific person for the company in which you are applying for a position at. If need be then call the company and get the appropriate name in which you should be addressing your cover letter to. This will speak volumes to the prospective employer and set you apart from the competition.

Check your cover letter example over to see if it shows you how to express yourself and your qualifications to the prospective employer. Most cover letters are to generalized to express a specific need for a specific employer. Most job advertisements tell what specific skills and traits they are looking for. Make sure that in your one paragraph you have addressed those skills and traits. This section of your cover letter should be brief and to the point in addressing the needs of the prospective employer. It should be one paragraph long and highlight your qualifications for the position in which you have applied for. So do not allow yourself to be hindered by the example set forth within the cover letter example that you are using.

When using your cover letter example checklist, look and see if the cover letter example that you are thinking of using shows you how and where to point out to the prospective employer what it is about their company that you like. You should place this below the paragraph in which you tell them why you are fit for the job in which you are applying for. This should be about one paragraph long and should briefly tell them what it is about their specific company that you like as the reasons why you wish to work there. If you are unsure about what it is that you like, then do some digging into the company so that you can give them specific reasons. Most cover letter examples when they do show you where to place this paragraph only give you a generalized version of what to write. So make sure to change this to more specific information.

Your cover letter example checklist should also be looking to see if your cover letter example is assertive. Your cover letter needs to be assertive and not passive. Your cover letter should from beginning to end be written so that it grabs the attention of the prospective employer and lands you that job interview. A passive voice is more than likely going to be passed over for a more assertive cover letter that another applicant sent in. So keep the voice of your cover letter to that of assertiveness and end with a request for an interview. Take the initiative to ask for an interview in the end. To do this in an assertive way you need to finalize your cover letter with telling the prospective employer when you will be making a follow up call with them to schedule and interview.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_J._Churchill

Author: Mario J. Churchill

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Well written cover letters are essential at every stage of your job search as they provide another chance to sell yourself positively. I would recommend that a letter be sent to accompany each resume being sent out. Not only does the covering letter introduce your resume, it ought to specifically focus on what you have to offer this particular employer. Great care should be given to researching the organisation and the job specification for the position which you are targeting.

Doing your research will enable you to highlight your particular skills, experience, interests and motivation. The letter should make it clear that you are interested in this position in the company and not just any job. It should be obvious that you are the best candidate for the job and at least worth interviewing.

7 key essentials:

• Use short simple sentences and avoid “flowery” language
• Do not over-use the word “I”, especially at the beginning of the paragraph
• Use the same font and font-size as your resume
• Draft and re-draft the text
• Make sure that grammar and spelling are all correct
• Use good quality paper and envelopes
• Don’t forget to sign and date your letter!

Remember a letter or application is a sales letter. Always consider it in those terms and from the point of view of the person receiving it. Put yourself in their shoes! What impression would it make? What would it make you want to do? Emphasize what you are offering to the employer. If it catches the employer’s eye then you’re are one step nearer to a job.

Gavin Slattery has worked as a manager for several different businesses. He has interviewed and hired many employees over the years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gavin_Slattery

Author: Gavin Slattery

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I sometimes daydream that career and job seeking clients from around the country might write something that sounds a little like the following imaginary correspondence. I hope it helps give YOU ideas about how to strengthen your own job search efforts:

“Dear Resume and Cover Letter Help Center,

Please help me get more interviews! I recently applied for a position as a service technician at a medical equipment center. The job description stated that they needed someone who could assemble and maintain specific mobility products such as wheelchairs, scooters, etc. There was also supposed to be a fair amount of interaction and evaluations with customers at their homes. I have plenty of mechanical experience - I’ve worked with small engines, construction, and can take apart and put together just about anything. I am physically able to do the work. I’m also good with people, and don’t look scary - so I know that I’d be fine around some of the more elderly individuals that would likely be my customers. But, I didn’t even get a call for the interview. In fact, I haven’t had a call for an interview for any of the last five jobs I’ve applied for! Can you help?

Sincerely,

Bob the Job Hunter”

 

Now, as you can imagine, since this is only an example, there is a great deal more to the job than our sample cry for help offers.

 

But let’s see how - given this little bit of information - I might answer. And see if it fits your own resume and cover letter help needs.

 

“Dear Bob,

Yes, I believe I can help you. If you know, with 100% absolute certainty that you have the qualifications for the jobs you are applying for, and haven’t gotten any interviews, then there is something wrong with your initial approach.

 

Let’s start with your resume:

At the very top, right under your name and contact information, did you put a headline - loud and clear - that stated, in no uncertain terms that you are a qualified Medical Equipment Delivery and Service Technician? Even if you have never worked directly with medical equipment, but this is of great interest to you, why not start your “headline” with: “Experienced Service Technician with Great Interest in Medical Equipment.” Then, right under that line, you could put a few of the most important descriptive words about yourself that are required on this particular job. For example, right under your heading, you could have about 3-4 words such as “Excellent People Skills,” “Empathetic,” “Friendly,” etc. This way, right off the bat, the company sees that you are what they are looking for. They are looking for a Medical Equipment Service Technician - and those very keywords are right up front in your own resume!

 

Now, on to cover letter writing:

If you just wrote a basic “To whom it may concern” letter, you probably never even caught their attention. Who, exactly, at the medical equipment center should you have written the letter to? Did you ever even visit the center? Introduce yourself as someone who might be interested in applying once you had an opportunity to see the facility? Hint: This is a GREAT way of getting your foot in the door! Don’t visit with the intention of applying on the spot - just visit to see if the place is of interest to you in the first place!

 

At the start of your cover letter:

I’d like you to write something like this - in very bold letters: “5 Excellent Reasons why (Store Name) should consider me for the Medical Equipment Service Technician:” and then address the person by name (Dear Mr. Jones or Dear Ms. Smith).

 

Finally:

Bob, I don’t see any evidence that you have actually asked the store for an interview! If you ask, you just may receive! And, it’s easy to ask! In your cover letter, why not simply say something like this:

“So, Mr. Jones, as you can see, I am very excited about the potential for this position, and I would like to come in to speak with you directly about this job as soon as we can set up a date and time for an interview. Can we meet within the next week about this?”

 

You see, Bob, when you use techniques like this, you are giving your potential employer the most important information they need right away, in a way that they cannot miss it. You’ve addressed their needs, you’ve stated that you are the solution to their needs, and you have asked for the interview!

 

I believe that if you try these resume and cover letter help strategies, you will start getting job interviews as never before! I hope this has been helpful to you.

 

Sincerely,

The Caring Folks at the Resume and Cover Letter Help Center”

Although the previous example was ima
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ginary, the resume and cover letter writing help illustrations given in the article are extremely realistic. If you find that we have piqued your interest, and you want the tools that will have you creating amazing cover letters and resumes that will actually help you get more interviews then check out the advice at Resume and Cover Letter Help for further reading and resources.

Then, once you’re ready to pull it all together and create your own amazing cover letters, simply visit http://www.CoverLetterWriting.net for the only resume and cover letter help that you’ll ever need again! Within minutes of using our tools, you will see how powerful your own job search efforts will be. We guarantee it! And the interviews you get as a result will prove it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Tremblay

Author: Kathy Tremblay

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Download Amazing Cover Letter Creator Now >>