 WebProWorld Marketing Forum |
Which pronoun -- "I" or "we"?
The internet has been an invaluable opportunity as a level playing field for both large companies and self-starters. Many freelancers and entrepreneurs have taken to the web for their marketing.
The Blog Marketing Explosion
There are literally thousands of blogs by eBusiness insiders. This has changed the landscape of guerrilla marketing. At first it was seen as just something cool to do ...
How to Pitch Into the Long Tail News Curve
In a report (PDF) published last month, Morgan Stanley analysts Mary Meeker and Brian Pitz discussed the impact of the long tail of content on the news cycle. They compared this to a similar phenomenon that occurs on eBay.
|
| Recent Articles |
The 6 Ways To Beat Procrastination At Work
The assignment that your boss gave you several days ago still isn't done. The assignment is a report that your boss needs to take to an important meeting, and you may get a big promotion if the meeting goes OK. You've had plenty of time to get it done, but still just don't do it even though your future career could be in jeopardy. What's wrong with you?
Grab The Reader, Grab Them With Your Opening
I can show you how to make everyone that sees your article stop whatever they're doing and read it from beginning to end. That, my friend, is a hook and that is what you need to use to start every fiction and nonfiction piece you write.
11 Ways To Stop Procrastinating and Get Motivated
Do you spend more time procrastinating than you do accomplishing? The keys to success in overcoming procrastination are to determine the reasons you lack motivation in the first place, to create a plan for success, and follow the plan to the letter.
How to Keep Your Business Healthy
Can you imagine you're ninety years old and still hiking up mountains with your grandchildren, bench pressing more than most twenty year olds, and making milli0ns of dollars?
Now, Do You Have Any Questions?
"Who is that hot babe in the picture?" isn't the type of reply an interviewer expects to hear when he or she invites you to ask questions near the end of an interview. In fact, the way you approach the Q&A session will have a direct impact on the interviewer's perception of you.
|
| |
|
11.30.04
The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter
 By Linda Matias
Here'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 Work
1. 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.
For ABC, I eliminated a slow-moving manual process and developed a system from the ground up that processed commissions for 700 people, leading to a reduction of three processing days per month."
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 Interviews
Persuasive, targeted, and commercial-like cover letters fare well. And that is exactly what a cover letter is-a commercial, starring your experience.
About the Author:
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. |
