The Career Center has all any job seeker and career changer needs. Browse articles covering resume writing, cover letters, interview tips and success coaching. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/letter.html http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Sun, 21 May 2006 11:18:51 -0400 Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 FeedForAll v1.0 (1.0.2.0) unlicensed version Creating a job search cover letter doesn’t need to be a laborious process. Effective cover letters are short, skimmable and easy to read (a good rule of thumb no matter WHERE your cover letter is going) – three to four paragraphs tops. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/generic.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 Using a cover letter template when job hunting is a logical and time saving measure. Your time is limited, so writing one basic one and using it as your template will simplify the application process, making you more efficient and hopefully employed all that much faster. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/template.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 Far too many people underestimate the importance of resume cover letters. In a sense, a well written cover letter works like an agent on your behalf. It tosses a sales pitch for you to the employer, explaining why you should be at the top of the list for interview calls. Taking the time to write a cover letter tells the employer you are willing to go above and beyond; not just simply slap a resume in an envelope and mail it. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/crowd.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 Dear Job-Seeker: Just as Goldilocks was suspicious of the big bad wolf, be wary of the big bad word! You know the kind. Pursuant. Heretofore. Credence and all their contagious cousins! Unless you keep your guard up, these little pests will infest your cover letters like termites in a wood pile! Don't let them. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/warning.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 Here’s a tip for cover letters to get more interviews. Use a bulleted format cover letter rather than a standard letter in paragraphs. The bulleted format is more eye catching, and is more likely to be glanced at by the hiring manager or other person assigned to sort through resumes. This format will help you get your resume seen by more people and as a result get more interviews and more job offers. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/tips.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 Question: How do I market myself online? Answer: With a stellar cover letter and resume. Okay, so let's get into the meat of this. You know that you need to market yourself and do that with a stellar cover letter and resume. But, why is that so important? http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/telecommuting.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 While you’re revamping your resume or cover letter or constructing your proof-by-example stories for interviews, you’ll find you need to watch your word choice. Why? Communication is powerful if the words we use to communicate are powerful. That’s not all it takes, but the right words make for a good beginning. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/powerverbs.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 You can benefit from sample cover letters as they can help you learn about the constructs of a high quality cover letter. However, there are some dangers in doing this ... http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/pitfalls.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 “It is with great interest and enthusiasm that I submit my resume for your review.” Most cover letters are written in this humdrum tone. Cover letters do not need to be so dull, nor so uninteresting. This style of cover letter writing has been around for years; and it’s a trend that has overstayed its welcome. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/personal.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 As a job seeker, you shouldn't overlook the importance of a cover letter. If written strategically, a cover letter increases your chances for consideration, and provides an opportunity to highlight your individuality. A cover letter is much more than just a letter stating, "I read the job announcement in Sunday's classified, please accept this letter as an application of interest". It is a statement that tells the reader what they can expect from you if hired. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/nuts_bolts.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 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.” http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/not_effective.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 You're still reading–so I know my title grabbed your attention. Why? Because it 'packed a punch.' You have three seconds to nab your reader in any written communication. Do it with a smashing title or headline! This secret technique, when used properly, practically guarantees that he or she will stay with you till the last line of your cover letter, article, or report. How does this little secret apply to a resume cover letter? http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/killer_secret.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 Today, I'm going to share with you the awful truth about resumes and cover letters. Here it is: Most of them stink. That's not just my opinion, although I've read nearly 15,000 resumes and cover letters over the years and found glaring mistakes in about 85-90% of them. It's also the opinion of most of the hiring professionals I've spoken to over the years. Where do most resumes and cover letters go wrong? And how can you avoid the typical mistakes that most job seekers make? http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/hate.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 9 BASIC COVER LETTER TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW 1. IT'S EXPECTED. In nearly all cases, a cover letter should accompany every resume that you send out. This is a basic part of business etiquette and failure to do so could make you appear clueless. As a general rule, unless specifically instructed to NOT send a cover letter, it is safe to assume that one is expected. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/basics.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400 Writing a cover letter can be like cleaning your garage -- you don’t know where to start ... and you just want it done. Wouldn’t it be great if you could use a few "underground" techniques to write cover letters that get more job interviews? Faster and easier than you ever thought possible? Well, pay attention. I’m going to share 3 cover letter secrets that should get you more interviews, while a lot of the guesswork out of your letter writing. http://www.writepowerfulresumes.com/center/CL/3secrets.html Sun, 21 May 2006 11:17:47 -0400