Ring in the New Year With More Job Interviews!

Happy New Year! Decide now that this New Year will not be more of the same old, same old. The year is new. You're new. Opportunities are new—and you're going to take advantage of all of them. That means brushing up on your interviewing skills, learning something you didn't know before, and incorporating what you learn into your new job interview.

After a good night's sleep, ask yourself the following questions—questions that require honest answers if you're going to land the job you want and are qualified for.

1.     What job do I really want?

2.     What company do I want to work for?

3.     What are my qualifications based on my training, education, and experience?

4.     What skills and traits can I bring to the company?

5.     What do I expect from the company I work for?

A Great Interview Depends on You

Hiring managers today are interested in your professional accomplishments. But even more so they want to find out what kind of individual you are. Could they count on you to be dependable, trustworthy, honest, kind, and professional in every situation? Will you be a leader when called upon, a person with a vision when asked about the future, and a caring co-worker when a fellow employee is in trouble? This is a tall order but one worth thinking about because it is these subtle traits that will come through during the interview.

Give Up Fear in the New Year

Become your own best friend. Picture yourself in that role day after day. If it feels good and right, then be ready to share specific details with the interviewer on how you handled day-to-day operations, fielded customer service requests, or made important decisions. Weave your stories into the conversation and in response to questions asked.

Finally, check your emotions. If you're feeling excited about this opportunity, then you're ready for the interview. If you're unsure, choose a different position to respond to. You'll be living in this job for a long time, so you want it to be a good fit—one that will make you happy and make a difference in those around you.

Happy New Year and Happy New Job Interview opportunities—that just might lead to the job of your dreams. 

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 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

New Cover Letter 2014

A New Year and a Brand-Spankin' New Cover Letter! 

10 . . . 9 . . . 8 . . .! The hours tick away one by one till they run down and out and a brand new year dawns. What will you do with this bright New Year ahead? Simply count down till it too is over, or make it count for you and your career starting now ?  

This is the hour. This is the day to create a new cover letter that will lead to a new interview for a new job—the one you've wanted for so long. That may take some doing, some thinking and planning, and some wanting—wanting enough to make it happen. 

Following are five key ingredients to insure a new and compelling cover letter—one you can write. 

1.  A smashing headline—a carefully written phrase that will grab the hiring manager's attention and make him or her want to read more. Place the headline right below the greeting in your cover letter. Example: 

Why I believe I'm the most qualified person to fill the position of

[Insert job opening title here]. 

            Just say the words, "You're hired for [Insert job title here]" and you

won't be disappointed. 

2.  Short sentences with simple words. Stay away from long-winded writing that drives the reader away, wondering what you really meant to say. Examples: 

For ten years I led a sales team at ABC Corporation that exceeded all stated goals. 

I will do the job right—right away. 

3. One page--tops. Put it all on a single page—not one and a half or two. Just one! Get right to the point of why you're qualified. Leave the details for your resume. 

4. Appreciation. Regardless of the outcome, say 'thank you' in writing for being considered. Everyone deserves gratitude. Examples: 

Thank you for reading and considering my letter.

May we meet in person to discuss this job in detail? 

I am grateful for the opportunity to contact you with this cover letter.

I'd welcome meeting in person to talk specifics.  

5.   A cheery P.S. below your signature line. Here is a polite and light-hearted way to remind the hiring manager of your next step. Examples: 

P.S. I'll phone you on January 5 when you return to the office. I welcome a chance to meet and speak in person about (insert job title here). If you have any questions, please call me at 333-333-3333. Thank you in advance. 

P.S. I'm eager to assume the position of (insert job title here). Are you free to meet to talk over the details? Please call me at 333-333-3333. Thank you again. 

If you write a cover letter with these outstanding ingredients, you'll be among the very few job seekers that know how to reach a hiring manager in a personal and professional manner. He or she will be motivated to seriously consider you as a candidate for the job opening. What a great new year you could have—all because you took time to create a great new cover letter. Then it will be just a matter of counting down the hours till you're hired.

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 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"