I recently attended the National Resume Writers' Association annual conference in San Diego and had the pleasure of hearing Paul Forster, Co-Founder and CEO of Indeed.com speak. Paul offered some excellent tips for resume optimization that can help job seekers increase the chances that they will be found on a job board. Here are my favorites:

Use full and abbreviated words in your resume. For example, a CFO should include both CFO and Chief Financial Officer in the body of the document. A candidate in the pharmaceuticals industry should use both pharmaceuticals and pharma to describe their industry.

Stem keywords and vary your word choices. For example, rather than just using the word analyst on your resume, include variants such as analysis or financial analyst as well.

Use a text only version of your resume for online posting. Many companies use parsing technology to locate the information they need on a resume. Heavily formatted Word documents may be compromised or unreadable when uploaded into their databases. Save a copy of your resume as an ASCII, plain text document to maximize the chances of having your document read.

Refresh your resume. Recent, fresh resumes appear higher in the database cue. By changing something on the resume you have uploaded to a job board, you increase your chances of being found online. Be careful not to use this technique too frequently or your resume could be perceived as spam.

Don't compromise the reader. While it is important to optimize the resume, it must be done in a way that it still makes sense to the human reader. Be sure to balance the needs of the human reader with search engine optimization techniques to create the best results. Weave word variations into your document in a logical and natural way.

Article by, Barbara Safani and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 29, 2008 at 8:02 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Career counselors often advise keeping an up-to-date resume because "you never know what might happen." Considering recent events, their advice should be taken seriously. Climber.com are a welcome addition to the Internet because they help job seekers keep their names on employers' minds.

Climber.com is a cross between a social networking site and a job board. It's for passive job seekers, and employers who are looking for talented, experienced professionals. Job seekers can create a profile, complete the Work Value Assessment, then wait for employers to come to them with offers.

It should be stressed that Climber.com is NOT for active job seekers. Anyone who needs a job right away should not rely on Climber.com. It's very much like LinkedIn in that a profile is completed and connections can be made; however, it's also like a job board because once a brief profile has been completed, jobs fitting the job seeker's skill set will appear.

"Keeping your irons in the fire" is not a bad thing to do in today's economy and uncertain job market. In fact, it's the most sensible thing anyone can do to ensure that they are prepared for anything that might happen in their careers.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 29, 2008 at 7:27 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I just finished reading "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume" (Fourth Edition), by Susan Ireland. It's an excellent book for job seekers and college students trying to land the best internships. Ireland describes and offers samples of four different types of resumes:

• Chronological
• Functional
• Chronological hybrid
• Functional hybrid

Although I've always used nothing but a chronological resume, I discovered that a functional resume would serve me better. I also learned that in the United States, a resume and a CV (curriculum vitae) aren't the same thing. Resumes are for ordinary job seekers, but CVs are for people in education, medicine or technical fields.

Besides being packed with resume writing tips and dozens of sample resumes, Ireland also gives detailed instructions for making a resume email and scanner friendly. Of course, cover letters are included. What surprised me was that she also offered instructions for how to write a thank you letter. Again, samples were provided. Ireland's samples are typed, but some career counselors recommend handwritten notes, giving the thank you note more of a personal touch.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume" is a must for any college student looking for an internship or a recent college graduate looking for an entry-level job. I'm glad to have this book in my collection of professional reference material. It's simple, to the point and easy to navigate if there's a particular section or sample that's needed.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 26, 2008 at 3:43 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

You're fresh out of college, or have been a stay-at-home mom for years, and are now ready to take on your first job. You've turned in multiple applications at various employers, and out of that you've secured your first interview.

Nail-biting time, right? Not necessarily. The interview is actually where you get to sell your qualifications to the employer. So before you head in for your first interview, let's look at some ways that you can heighten your chances of turning it into your first job invitation.

Before the Interview: Make Your Preparations

Being notified of your very first interview can be very exciting. But believe it or not, before you ever set foot in the door, there is work you have to do. First, you'll want to anticipate the questions your interviewer will ask - most of which you can locate from career books and websites, and by researching the company and specific position. Once you compile a list of anticipated questions, it's good to have a friend who's been in an interview go over them acting as the interviewer. This rehearsal process can help ease any pre-interview jitters you may have.

In addition to researching and rehearsing, preparing for the interview includes choosing the right outfit. This may seem unnecessary, but under-dressing for an interview can undoubtedly be disastrous. So make sure you have a clean, pressed business suit to wear (that is, unless you've been notified that you can wear something other than business attire). This way, you can make the right first impression when you walk through the door.

During the Interview: Be a Go-Getter

There is nothing more attractive in the work world than an enthusiastic candidate. When an employer is sorting through candidates, they are looking for a person who is just as excited about working for their company as its founders. So how can you showcase such enthusiasm?

Confidence is the key. If you don't naturally have it, you can build it by thinking of all the reasons you are qualified for the position. During the interview, fully express the ways you can enhance the company with your education and background. And don't forget to always maintain eye contact. A few other "during the interview" tips that are good to use include showing up with a few extra resumes and a recommendation list, just in case they need more copies. And showing you are engaged in the conversation by referring to previous comments in your answers is also a good strategy.

After the Interview: Don't Forget to Say Thank You

So now you've finished the interview and you think it went pretty well. What's the next move? You may want to sit back and wait to hear from the employer, but actually it is better to send a thank you letter (or email) the next day. This way, you can show your appreciation for the interview and reiterate why you're a good choice for the position, thus increasing your chances of securing the position.

By taking the steps necessary to strengthen your interviewing skills, you can turn yourself into a strong candidate. So do your research, maintain confidence, and don't forget to say thank you. With hard work and determination, your first interview may just result in your first job.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Posted by Heather Eagar on September 25, 2008 at 1:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The purpose of a resume is to relay your accomplishments and qualifications to an employer. A resume lists in one place everything you have done in your career, so an employer can scan through it quickly to see if you a match for a position.

The perfect resume is focused, clear, and written well. Here are some tips to crafting it successfully:

• Include your full contact information.


• Include your objective and position wanted. This objective will let the employer know what position you are seeking and will keep you on task as you write or update your resume.


• Include all of your past positions. If you do not want prospective employers to know where you are currently working, leave it out, and put down something like, "Top Fortune 500 Company" or "Small boutique firm." If you have more than twenty years experience, you can list positions before that time as bullets or a note that reads, "Additional work history can be provided upon request."


• Include volunteer work. Work is work, whether you have been paid for it or not.


• Include the results you've achieved. Use percentages and dollar amounts. For example, you increased production by 25 percent. You made $500,000 for your company. You reduced turnover by 50 percent. Numbers make your resume stand out and pop for the reader.


• Include education and awards received.


• Be clear and concise. Know what you want to say before you craft a new résumé or update your current one.


• Make a note where gaps exist. If you were let go, make a note of that on the résumé. If you took a break, were out of work for a while, did consulting assignments or temp work, note that on the resume. Anything that seems out of place will be questioned by the reader. Don't expect to be able to explain yourself. You don't want to be passed by because someone had an unanswered question or reservation about you.


• Choose a chronological or functional format and stick with the one chosen.


• Be consistent. If you spell out a month for one position, do the same for all positions.


• If you use periods at the end of bullets, use periods for all.


• Use a font sized 11 or bigger.


• Leave some white space or your resume will look too crowded.


• Proofread your résumé and eliminate typos.


• Don't include personal references or hobbies.


• Don't include your Social Security number.


• Don't exaggerate your experience or lie.


• Don't include your salary.


• Don't be the only one who reviews your resume before you send it out. It's important to have another pair of eyes (or several pairs) to give you feedback. If you get conflicting opinions, go with what feels right for you.


• Don't think you have to get your résumé together on your own. It's OK to hire a professional to write it for you.

Your resume is a promotional piece about you, and is your opportunity to shine and impress employers. If you are a match for a position, an employer will bring you in for an interview. If you have less than what an employer is looking for, you will be seen as underqualified. If you have more than what the employer is looking for, you will be seen overqualified. No one is going to give you a chance to explain yourself. If you want a job, it's up to you to prove that you can do it. Your resume is your proof.

If you would like to know more about any of these tips, I would be happy to elaborate.

Article by Deborah Brown-Volkman, a top professional Certified Coach (PCC), sought-out career coach & expert, best-selling author, and the President of , Surpass Your Dreams, a successful career coaching, life coaching, and mentor coaching company that has been delivering a message of motivation, success, and personal fulfillment since 1998.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 25, 2008 at 8:45 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Job searches nowadays are much more in-depth than they have been in the past. Before, you simply drafted a good resume, printed it on quality paper, and submitted it to the companies you were interested in working for. Now, however, most companies prefer to have their applications completed online.

Recruiters make no exception to this rule as they have also moved the majority of their candidate searches to the Internet. This means in order to be found for a job it's a good idea to post your resume on one or more online job banks. To help you prepare for this adaptation in job seeking let's look at some ways that you can advertise your resume through Internet job search services.

Understand the Process

Before you begin posting your resume with various online job banks, it is a good idea to understand the method behind their madness. So let's look at one of the more popular sites, Careerbuilder.com, to see how they go about having users participate in their process.

To get started, you simply visit their website where you can immediately post your resume using their wizard (after signing up for a free account). Once your resume has been posted, their search engine will scan it to record keywords. Your resume is then sorted categorically allowing employers to locate it based on which keywords they type into the search database. If you don't have a resume to post, you can use their resume builder, which is a wizard offering the ability to create a resume to post.

Choose Applicable Keywords

Since we know that job banks rely heavily on keyword searches, it is a good idea to make certain that you're listing the right ones before you even post your resume. But how can you know which keywords to use?

One good way to find keywords is by thinking of appropriate phrases in your field. For instance, as a nursing professional, keywords like "CRNA" or "registered nurse" are applicable. Also, listing nursing organizations like AAACN or AMSN is great if they apply to your career. You can consider phrases like "self starter" and "fast learning," in addition to action words like "established" and "implemented" to help highlight your strengths as an employee. Whichever keywords you find that apply to you and your career, make sure to use some for the title of your resume as well.

Internalize Being the Most Qualified Employee

When trying to sell yourself for a non-yet-existent position, it can be difficult to know exactly what qualifications to list for yourself. But you can start by simply determining why you feel you're a great candidate overall. Confidence can get you far when writing your resume because it helps you choose words that define how you feel about yourself. That way, even if you don't know what recruiter may look at your resume, you can still rest assured that whoever it is will feel you're the right person for the job.

Joining the 21st century application process doesn't have to be frustrating or unpleasant. If you can understand the process, keep up with key phrases in your field, and let your confidence speak in your resume, you'll find that securing an exciting job is easier than your thought.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Posted by Heather Eagar on September 18, 2008 at 9:45 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

So, you are trying to write your own resume, and you are focusing on trying to highlight all of the things that you've done in the past? STOP!

Your resume isn't ABOUT your past - it's about your future! Of course, you need to rely on what you have done to convince your next employer of what you can do for him or her, but remember: Your resume needs to read as the perfect match for your next job. You don't want to look like the candidate who is qualified to do the job you already have.

Just as you need to target you resume to address your potential employer's problems, you also need to target it to highlight the skills and accomplishments that propel you to where you want to go. Review job descriptions that interest you. What do they want? What skills do they seek? Demonstrate that you are that person by artfully illustrating that you have the skills and accomplishments to get the job done.

You don't have those skills on your resume? The "propel you forward" ones? Take the wheel and get them! Talk to your employer about the skills you'd like to develop. See where there are opportunities to get involved in projects that will give you what you need for your resume. Drive your own career bus, or be stuck hopelessly at the red light.

Article by Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 15, 2008 at 9:01 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

There are so many people applying for jobs these days, it's difficult even to get your resume read, let alone get invited for an interview. Some candidates, however, go overboard in the quest for attention, resorting to boldfaced lies about their education and experience in order to make their resumes stand out. CareerBuilder.com's Rosemary Haefner has these suggestions for ethically getting your resume to the next stage.

• Be the first in line. One in five employers said they are receiving more resumes this year than last year. A good way to break out from the crowd is to be the first one in line. Sign up for e-mail alerts and perform daily searches for jobs in a specific field or industry.
• Use keywords. Many hiring managers and HR departments are using new technology to review job candidates. Applicant tracking systems scan resumes and provide the managers with a ranking based on keywords in the document. Among the terms employers searched for most often: "problem-solving and decision making skills," "oral and written communication," "customer service," "retention," "performance" and "productivity improvement," "leadership," "technology," "team-building," "project management" and "bilingual."
• Focus on tangible results. Most hiring managers spend a minute or less looking at resumes. Think of yours as a written audition and make the most of a limited window of opportunity. Focus on specific accomplishments and positive outcomes that you achieved in previous positions.
• Be transparent. If you have a gap in employment periods, explain why. Mention any volunteer work you did or classes you took at these times to show that your skill set is still current and highlight what you have accomplished. People often forget to include volunteer work, part-time jobs and freelance work in a resume, even though that work is often relevant to your career path. If you did not complete a degree, do not claim that you did; college and university attendance is easy to verify.

Article by Alexandra Levit and courtesy of Water Cooler Wisdom blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 12, 2008 at 12:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you are a college student, you may not yet be accustomed to writing resumes and cover letters. However, the time will soon come where you'll need to learn in order to secure an on- or off-campus job, internship, or job after graduating.

You'll be happy to know that the process is not difficult. It's just a matter of gathering your experiences and organizing them effectively. So to give you a jump start on the writing process, let's look at some ways you can utilize your current skills and talents to create great cover letters and resumes for the jobs you want.

Think of the Purpose of Your Resume

Though you may feel like a novice resume writer, if you set your sites on the purpose behind creating your resume, you'll find that even your first one can be very successful. So what is the purpose? To engage the hiring manager by displaying the many ways you are qualified for the position you want.

Of course, if you are new to the workforce, you may not have a great deal of experience to list on your resume. However, you can list other information, like volunteering efforts or community service projects, technical or computer skills, coursework and GPA (if over 3.0), skills acquired through internships and summer jobs, awards, and any positive personal characteristics that show the employer you are a good fit for their company. Highlighting this information showcases your strengths, and offers insight into your potential as a great employee.

Research, Research, Research before Writing Your Cover Letter

The most important thing you can do when writing your cover is research the job and company you're applying with. This way, you can not only get the inside track on what the company is looking for in an intern or employee, but also tailor your skills and experience to match the position you want.

For instance, let's say you are applying for an internship with a design company because you are pursuing a degree in fashion. First, you'll want to research the company's mission to learn their organizational culture. Then you'll want to make sure the skills you have match that culture, as well as the job you want. If you've tailored outfits for your friends or sewed costumes for your church's play, tell them about it. You can use your experiences to date, alongside an explanation of your passion for the field, to illustrate a great picture of why you're qualified for the position.

Consider the Layout Design

Because you may not have a lot of information to include on your resume, it is that much more important that you consider the layout design. If you don't want yours looking like everyone else's, you may want to avoid MS Word templates. You can look for really creative designs at your career center or on the Internet to help you organize your information. That way, your resume will not only be informative, but eye-catching as well.

While you may not have a lot of work experience, you still have plenty to offer. So gather everything that you've accomplished in your high school and college years for your resume and cover letter. You'll be surprised to find that you're a much stronger candidate than you could have ever imagined.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. If you need a resume service, compare some of the top ones in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Posted by Heather Eagar on September 12, 2008 at 9:57 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Amazing Cover Letter Creator

Here is a little secret ingredient you'll want to add to your cover letter to make it absolutely irresistible to hiring managers and personnel professionals. Like sugar or cinnamon to a cookie recipe, no cover letter will be as appetizing without this bit of spice.

And what is it?

The small but mighty P.S. (postscript).

Add a P.S. to the end of your job-search cover letter and it will yield amazing results.

Most people think a P.S. is an 'after thought'--something to add when you forgot to include it in the letter itself. Example: P.S. I forgot to mention I bought tickets for the concert. Or, P.S. Please return the ice skates I loaned you.

That is one way to use the P.S., but it's not the only way or even the most effective way. A P.S. on a cover letter attracts like a powerful magnet to metal shavings. Many people will skip the contents of the letter and read the P.S. first! Then they pop back to the top of the letter to find out what the writer has to say.

Maybe you've noticed that advertisers and marketers use the P.S. to encourage the reader to take advantage of a special offer and to take action now.

Example:

P.S. Call TODAY for your free handwriting analysis.

OR

P.S. ORDER NOW. Only two cases left at this incredible price!

YOU can use the P.S. in a similar way in each of your resume cover letters.

Following are TWO examples of how the P.S. can make your cover letter the best ever!

P.S. I will get back to you by phone on August 10. I look forward to meeting and speaking with you in person about (insert job title here). Please call me at 555-555-5555. Thank you ahead of time for your consideration.

P.S. I look forward to meeting you in person to discuss how I can contribute to your company as a (insert job title here). Please feel free to contact me directly at 555-555-5555 to set up an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and the opportunity.

You can also promote your qualities and strengths as a job candidate and restate your contact information once again by using the P.S.

Tips for using the P.S. (postscript):

Place the P.S. at the bottom of your cover letter flush left. Type it in bold text or italics. Do not use both.

P.S. Remember that people cannot resist reading a postscript (P.S.). So add one to your next cover letter and let this powerful little secret work its magic for you!

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3 1/2 minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 8, 2008 at 1:43 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Bachelor of Science degree (major in Chemistry, Biology, Molecular, etc.) is not necessary, but it is helpful in medical sales, clinical diagnostics sales, laboratory sales, DNA products sales, sales of medical or surgical supplies, medical device sales, pharmaceutical sales, or any healthcare sales. So don't bury it at the bottom of your resume where I have to search for it. Candidates who don't have a BS try to hide that fact in various ways, but if you have yours, display it proudly. (But don't fake it!)

While we're on the subject of resumes: Recruiters have limited time to sift through the rubble of your resume, so it would be helpful (for you) to use bullet points. Make it easy for me to skim through and discover how fabulous you are. Your college professor wanted to read a well-crafted paragraph, but I don't.

If you have any questions regarding this topic or any other, please do not hesitate to ask....

Article by, Medical Sales Recruiter

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 8, 2008 at 10:54 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Being fired from your job can be extremely difficult. You not only have to think about how you will put meals on the table and pay your bills, but also how your pride and belief in yourself as an employee has been affected.

No matter the reason you were let go, it can be more than a notion trying to start over again. But if treated with the right attitude, the application process can be very similar to before you were fired. So to help you get started, let's look at some ways you can pick yourself up and get back in the workforce.

Focus on the Positives When Writing in Your Resume

You may feel obligated to come right out in your resume and tell a prospective employer why you left your former employer. But in all honesty, the resume is not that place. Your goal in the resume is to spell out where you worked and how your active responsibilities and skills made a difference during the time you were there.

In other words, focus on the positives. You can create a section titled "Attributes and Qualifications" to highlight the ways you were able to make a difference in the company. In that section you can very specifically name projects that showcase the highest points in your career. This way, you can help the employer focus on how you will be an asset to their company - not the opposite.

Let Your Cover Letter Tell a Great Story

The last thing you want to do when opening your cover letter is say the words "The reason I'm applying for this position is because I was fired from my previous one." Instead, you want to focus on the strengths in your area of expertise that have encouraged you to apply for the job. In fact, there is no need to mention being fired at all in the cover letter as it will leave tons of questions in the hiring managers' minds about why you were fired instead of focusing on why they want to hire you.

What can you do instead? Treat your cover letter like you would any other. Explain with passion why you really want this position. Let them know how you can enhance the company's mission with your expertise. And sell yourself as a great asset. You will have your chance to explain why you were fired; but dwelling on it in the cover letter is not the best place to do it.

What about References?

If you can avoid using a reference from your previous employer then it would be a good idea to do so. However, if you must reference the employer from which you were fired, you might want to try a manager with whom you had a good relationship, despite how you departed. That way, they can focus on your personality or work ethic (if it was good) and not so much on why you were fired.

Getting fired does not have to be the end of the world. So keep pushing toward your goal of finding employment. You'll see that with the right attitude - and a solid cover letter and resume - you'll land another job in no time.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Posted by Heather Eagar on September 4, 2008 at 6:49 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I was recently talking with a friend of mine who spent 2 weeks shopping for the perfect interview suit. She was scheduled to interview at a very white shoe investment bank for a senior position so she wound up purchasing a Chanel suit for the big day. And of course she had to find the perfect new shoes (Prada) and bag (Prada) to round out the look. She spent thousands of dollars on her outfit over the course of two weeks in preparation for this huge and lucrative opportunity. She even scheduled her hairdresser and a makeup artist to make sure she looked her best on the day of the interview. Yet she waited until 2 days before the interview to call me to talk about updating her resume.

I should mention that she wasn't actively looking for a job and she got the interview through a partner at the firm who set up the meeting based on knowledge of her past work and reputation. At the moment she walked through the bank's gilded doors to meet some very senior bankers all they knew about her was based upon reputation. She was, of course, asked to bring a resume with her.

Her resume, at a minimum, needed updating but I did a complete overhaul to make sure the resume made her look like the rock star that she is. In fact when she saw the finished product she told me that she was almost as excited to show them her resume as she was to wear her fancy new perfectly-fitting outfit.

And that got me to thinking about my other friends and clients....does your resume make you feel as fabulous at your outfit?

If it doesn't then you need to get that document updated and keep it current. Remember that after the interview, when you leave the office, your resume will be passed around to others who didn't meet you and your candidacy will be discussed. Your resume needs to be able to stand on its own and represent you as well as you could represent yourself if you were present. Does your resume do that?

If not, you had better get busy and update your resume. Even if you aren't presently looking for a job you never know when your hard earned reputation will land you an interview for a fantastic new opportunity. I am sure you will make time to shop for a new interview suit but will you have time to create a resume of the same caliber?

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 3, 2008 at 4:19 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Cover letters can do more than simply introduce you. They can give an employer a more in-depth view of who you are and what you will bring to the table.

If you are planning to write a story about how to write the ideal cover letter, here are some ideas for you:

Does your cover letter convey who you are and what you want quickly, or does it confuse the reader?

A cover letter is a document that introduces you and your resume to potential employers. It is your opportunity to give employers a good look at yourself, your credentials, and your background. In many cases, it is the first thing an employer sees (because it goes in front of your resume), so expect it to make your opening impression.

Cover letters can do more than simply introduce you. They can give an employer a more in-depth view of who you are and what you will bring to the table.

The ideal cover letter is focused, professional, and well-written. While the employer is reading your cover letter, they are deciding if it makes sense to continue onto your resume. If you cannot make your cover letter great, then the employer has no reason to believe you will do great work for them either.

The format of an ideal cover letter is as follows:

1. I am writing to you today because...

In this section, state why you are writing to the employer. Where did you see the ad for the position, or who recommended you?

2. I like your company because...

In this paragraph, compliment the employer on what they have done right and what you admire about them. Sincere flattery goes a long way and shows that you have taken the time to get to know the employer in more detail.

3. Here are relevant examples of what I have done that match with what you are looking for...

In this paragraph, discuss your accomplishments or highlights that you want to showcase or have the employer locate quickly. Bullets work well in making your accomplishments easy to read.

4. Here's why I am a good candidate...

In this paragraph, describe who you are and what makes you stand out. Include your strengths and what you are passionate about in your career.

5. Here's my contact information...

In this paragraph, tell the employer that you are excited and looking forward to the interview. Make note of your contact information and state what next steps will be. If you will wait for their reply, tell them that. If you will be following up, tell them when they can expect to hear from you. Whatever you put down, make sure you do what you say will you do.

Then, it's up to you...

An ideal cover letter can get you the interview. What you do once you get there is in your hands.

If you would like to know more about any of these tips, I would be happy to elaborate.

Article by Deborah Brown-Volkman, a top professional Certified Coach (PCC), sought-out career coach & expert, best-selling author, and the President of , Surpass Your Dreams, a successful career coaching, life coaching, and mentor coaching company that has been delivering a message of motivation, success, and personal fulfillment since 1998.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 3, 2008 at 2:14 PM | Leave a Comment (1)