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!"

Avoid These "Big Bad" Words In Your Cover Letter

Avoid These "Big Bad" Words In Your Cover Letter

 

Be aware! The Big Bad Word virus can attack your cover letters when you least expect it, knocking out your message and destroying every sentence. And worst of all, if your letter reaches a hiring manager before you've caught the culprit, you could lose your opportunity for a job interview. So the best thing to do is be on guard ahead of time so this nasty virus never touches any of your cover letters. 

What are the Signs? 

As you write your cover letters, such words as pursuant, heretofore, credence, and others like them will suddenly pop onto the page. That will be your first clue. Delete them without hesitation and vow never again to give them access to your writing. 

Keep in mind that hiring managers are regular people–just like you and me. Most don't have a big fat dictionary at their fingertips in order to wade through what should be a clear and concisely worded job search cover letter. They want to pick up one to two pages that communicate a simple message about why you are interested in the job they want to fill and why you are qualified to do so.  

Everyday conversational language with a light touch and some specific details about what you can do for the company and why you're the one for the job will make the difference between being noticed and being overlooked. Remember your letter is a handshake, a how do you do, a greeting that introduces yourself and your skills and experience for the hiring manager to consider and act upon. 

Try this: 

I was very pleased to see your job post for a position as assistant sales

manager at ABC Publishing Company. I've been in the publishing

industry for seven years and wouldn't trade it for any other. I especially

like presenting products to bookstore buyers, letting them know about

the great books that will enhance the lives of their customers. 

I'd welcome meeting you in person to share a list of ideas that I'd like to

put in place so we can build up the sales force and exceed quarterly goals.

I look forward to hearing from you, and setting a date for an interview. 

Toss this: 

Pursuant to said resume attached, I have compiled a list of my personal and professional characteristics, and carefully analyzed those necessary to extrapolate my purpose and penchant for the kind of work you articulated in your description of the job opening you are hoping to fill with a person of high quality, extreme integrity and willingness to meet expectations. That said, I ask your kind permission to schedule a private meeting with you so I might further explore . . .  

At this point, if the employer even reads that far, he or she will likely shred the letter as well as any thought of calling you for an interview. 

Before printing your letter read it out loud—to another person, if possible. The moment you or your friend or colleague hear a word or phrase that twists your tongue and turns your mind to mush, take it out. Rewrite until the words and sentences flow. If you feel yourself smile, you'll know you are conversing like a real human being. Mention your passion for the job and then ask for an interview.  

Clear concise language is so rare in the business world today, that those who can master it will land the interview of their dreams–and the job that's behind it!

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!"

Less is More Cover Letter

Hot Cover Letter Tip: "Less is MORE!" 

You've probably heard the catchy phrase, "less is more." Less meat, more heart health. Less stress, more peace of mind. Less work, more play. 

But you may not have heard that less is more in a job search cover letter. In fact, just the opposite might make sense. Wouldn't the job hunter want to tell the hiring manager as much as possible so there won't be any room for doubt that he or she is the right person for the job? It would seem that the more information the employer has the easier it would be to determine the best man or woman for the job. 

Avoid Overkill! 

At first glance that might seem like the way to go—but actually there is real wisdom in delivering the wheat and leaving out the chaff. In other words, why clutter a cover letter with information the employer does not need or want? 

Generally there is an avalanche of mail on a hiring manager's desk each morning. Imagine how daunting it is to go through all the cover letters the first time and then perhaps a second or even third round in order to choose the most promising candidates for the jobs that need filling. 

Some job hunters make the mistake of writing three- and four-page letters and also include family photos. Grandma or Aunt Martha might enjoy such hearty content but the busy hiring manager does not. 

Rather, give just the right amount of detail in order to motivate him or her to invite you in for an interview where you can talk in person. At that point the employer might actually want to hear about your family and your pastimes. But you're not there yet. 

Here are the items to include in your initial cover letter: 

1.     Your name and contact information.

   Provide your contact phone or email.

2.     Your interest in the job you're competing for.

Show your passion for the work, your excitement about sales or management or whatever. 

3.     Your qualifications and experience.

Mention your talents and skills and provide an example of a way you resolved a conflict or averted a disaster or increased the bottom line. 

4.     Your knowledge of the company.

Mention the company mission and your desire to help carry it out. 

5.     Your availability for starting the job.

Can you begin immediately or within a certain number of weeks? 

6.     Your request for an in-person interview.

Be sure to ask to meet with the hiring manager so you can speak in more detail about his or her expectations and your willingness to match them. 

Here are the items to leave out of your cover letter: 

1.     Your hobbies.

2.     Your family details.

3.     Your history.

4.     Your vacation plans.

5.     . . . and any other personal information that does not apply to the job. 

If you land an interview you may then have an opportunity to talk informally so you and the employer can get to know one another, but keep in mind that it's not appropriate at the cover letter stage of the relationship.  

At this first stage––less is more! You can count on that. 

 

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!"

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Bring on the New Year—With a Brand New Cover Letter

Here it is—2013––the new year we've been waiting for over the past couple of months. It's the perfect time to put your goals in order with a sizzlin' new cover letter at the top of your list. 

Employers are setting their goals as well. They're in the market for qualified job-hunters, people who are ready and willing to fill responsible and good-paying positions in their companies. You can be one of those individuals. Introduce yourself with a well-written cover letter that catches their eye and compels them to select you for an interview. 

More Job Interviews in the New Year! 

What does it take to create a cover letter that shines with friendly language and practical information? Four simple ingredients: 

1.     A warm greeting.   

Dear Ms. Smith:

Happy New Year! I was excited to see your ad for a qualified person to fill the position of general manager of the ABC Corporation. It seems you were writing directly to me, as I have had managerial experience over the past five years . . . 

2.     A clear point. 

In fact, all of the duties I've performed as assistant manager of XYZ Company have prepared me for the next level. I am ready and eager to assume the full responsibilities of general manager. I'm known for my leadership as well as my ability to handle a crisis with a level head . . .  

     3.   A tangible goal. 

My objective for the next twelve months is to encourage my peers and subordinates and to increase the bottom line of the company I work for. Customer service and satisfying employee relations are my primary goals . . . 

4.      A future plan. 

May we meet in person to discuss this job? I'd welcome the opportunity to hear your objectives for the man or woman you hire and to provide you with examples of why I believe I'm the person to fill the position and to help promote the company's vision and mission. Please call me at 555-555-5555 at your convenience. 

Glad Tidings To You! 

Finish writing your cover letter and then take a long and honest look at it. Does it include the four ingredients listed above? Does it sound friendly yet professional? Does it reflect you at your best? If your answer to any of these questions is 'no' then go back and rework that section until it feels just right. Cut, chop, slice, and dice any words or phrases that don't match your personality. Keep in mind the most important thing you can do on paper and in person is to be yourself.  

Raise Your Glass to A Fruitful New Year! 

Add a splash of kindness, a sprinkling of facts, and a dollop of personality. Mix with an attitude of gratitude. Then raise your glass to the New Year—the year that will lead you to new employment and new opportunities––the result of a great cover letter that presents your unique self. 

Happy New Year and happy job hunting!

 

 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 AmazingCover 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!"

Gift Yourself an AMAZING Cover Letter for the Holidays…

Do you look forward to the holidays––and dread them at the same time? November and December often blur together as we move from Thanksgiving to the December Holidays. And the next thing you know it's time to celebrate the next twelve months on New Year's Eve! 

If this sounds familiar, you, like many people, may be caught in a holi-daze. Cooking, shopping, entertaining, cleaning, and organizing take over. If you're in the market for a new job you may be tempted to put off writing that cover letter till all the celebrations are over.  

Don't Give In 

Tempting as it might be to glide through the next month, avoid it if you can. The holiday season is actually a great time to keep moving along with your job-search goal. You'll get a jump on all the job seekers who are waiting until January. 

While the kids are playing with their holiday toys and games, and visitors are resting or sightseeing, sneak off to another room and spend time drafting a brand new cover letter. Set your sights on what is ahead. Look forward to all the good that will come your way in 2012.  

A well-written job-search cover letter is a gift to give yourself—one that will give back to you all through the new year.  

Such a letter will: 

·       Put you in touch with hiring managers

·       Plant your name in the mind of those who read your cover letter

·       Place you in the running for an interview for a specific job

·       Promote your work experience and skills to decision-makers 

Get Started Now 

Here are four steps you can take immediately to write the kind of cover letter that will capture a hiring manager's attention, one that will compel him or her to contact you for a job interview by phone or in person. 

Step 1. Meet the hiring manager's needs.  Show him or her how you, the job seeker, can benefit his or her company––if you're hired to fill the open position. 

Example:

I'm aware through my friend Rich Lewis, your company CPA,that you're interested in hiring someone to expand your sales territory in the southwest . . . I'd like to accept this challenge. I have a master's degree in Sales and Marketing . . . I opened six new accounts in less than six months while employed by Fenwick and Bolton Textile Company in North Carolina. 

Step 2. Ask for what you want.

Example:

May we get together in person to talk about how your expectations for the person you hire and my job expertise can benefit your company. 

Step 3. State your goal. 

Example:

I'll phone you by the end of the week to schedule an appointment that works for you. If you prefer to speak before then, please call or email me using the contact info above.           

Step 4. Show your appreciation. 

Example:

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I'm enthusiastic about meeting in person to see how I might help fill the opening and enhance the vision of your company.                       

Keep in mind that hiring managers need you to do their job. They must hire people to fill the available positions. Make them look good by showing the benefits you can bring. 

Let your cover letter work for you, not against you. Focus on the hiring manager's needs and in turn, he or she will give you what you want—an interview for 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."