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Post by Marnie Winters on Jun 20, 2017 9:38:04 GMT
This spot is a place for cover letter questions and answers, and information. While a cover letter may seem like a part of a resume, it is really its own separate tool. The primary purpose is not to rehash the information on your resume. It is to present information in a manner that makes the Human Resources representative want to go to your resume for more details. A cover letter really is its own unique tool that can--and should---be used to help you get a job.
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Post by Marnie Winters on Jun 24, 2017 13:30:35 GMT
The purpose of a cover letter is to sell yourself to the company. It is the first document the hiring individuals will read. You will need to do a stellar job writing it, in order to have those hiring individuals continue on to your resume and to want to move you forward to the interview process.
Your resume shouldn't be a repeat of your resume. It needs to say different things. The resume will list your education and skills and the cover letter should sell you to the company; to discuss those skills and how they apply to the position you are applying for; to demonstrate how you are the best candidate for the job; to convince the hiring individuals that you are the best person for the job; and, it is an opportunity for you to tell the company what you can do for them. This is your sales tool. And, yes, you will most definitely need to write a different cover letter for each job you apply to, because you will need to completely customize it for that employer and that job.
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Post by Marnie Winters on Jul 6, 2017 10:32:45 GMT
Applying for a job can be a lot of work. You will need to write a new cover letter for each job you apply for. It needs to be written directly to the company and purposefully for the job you are applying for. Write it around the job description, discuss how your skills, education, and background will make you the best candidate for the job, and how you are the best fit for the company. When you get done with the cover letter, reread it to check for errors and to make sure it is correct and a well written letter. Reread it at least twice to check for errors. Then, have at least two other people (with above average reading and English skills) read it to check for the same things. Sometimes, other people catch things we miss, or can find a better way to say something. If these individuals recommend changes, willingly make those corrections. Don't get upset or mad. Be happy they found a way to better express an idea or found a simple mistake that needs corrected. After all, the purpose of having others read your letter is to give you a chance to improve it.
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Post by Marnie Winters on Jul 11, 2017 9:53:58 GMT
I read an article about cover letters I would like to share. I will provide a link so you can go read it. It mentioned that people wondered if a cover letter was needed these days and the answer is yes, yes, yes. Don't think for any reason it is not needed. And, actually, if you submit a resume without a cover letter, you probably won't get the job. Don't sacrifice an excellent job just because you don't want to spend 30 minutes or so to write a quality letter. Write it. This article gives an example of how to properly write a cover letter. It was extremely well done and this is why I am sharing it. In the cover letter, it will be extremely important to have it in the right format, so pay attention to the way it is set up as you are reading it. You need to have the right heading, greeting, body, and closure. Not following the proper cover letter format means your cover letter and resume could potentially end up in the circular file (the trash can). Don't take that risk. ANyway, here is the link--the article is completely worth checking out and can say things better than me. www.monster.com/career-advice/article/sample-cover-letter
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Post by Marnie Winters on Jul 18, 2017 10:40:47 GMT
When you write a cover letter, keep two things in mind: first, emphasize the skills you do have and, second, don't apologize for the skills you don't have. Doing this will keep your cover letter in a positive mode. What skills is the employer looking for? Read the job description. What stands out the most? Often, job ads will list required and preferred qualifications. Emphasize the skills you have that are listed in these two lists. Discuss it. If you don't have some of the qualifications, don't make a statement such as, "Even though I don't posses that skill..", "Even though I lack the experience...", and similar statements, don't focus on what you don't have. Spend your time on focusing on what you do have and really paint a good picture.
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Post by Marnie Winters on Aug 1, 2017 23:52:57 GMT
My name is Marnie Winters and I am the administrator for this particular forum. I would love to field your questions. If you have a question, please feel free to ask. If there is a topic you would like to see discussed, please post it. If you want to remain anonymous or don't want to register with the forum to ask a question or request a topic, please e-mail me at FindingMyPath@hotmail.com. I check this e-mail frequently and would be more than happy to address the question or topic for you. I really am receptive to hearing from you and hope to hear from you soon.
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