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!"

Free Cover Letter Video (very unusual)

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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."

Celebrate the Holidays With a Job-Winning Interview!

Celebrate the Holidays With a Job-Winning Interview!

Whether you light a pine tree for Christmas, a Menorah for Hanukkah, or kinara candles for Kwanzaa, the holiday season for each of us can be a bit overwhelming. Shopping, decorating, gift-wrapping, cooking, baking, and entertaining consume our time and thoughts. 

This year, however, you may want to consider taking the following three steps to achieve a happy and restful season: 

Slow down. You don't have to do it all yourself. Enlist the help of family and friends with cooking, gift-wrapping, and mailing. 

Simplify. Let go of some of the time-consuming rituals so you can relax and enjoy the celebrations. Order gifts online. Set up a potluck. Pay a teen to clean up. 

Stop! Take a breather—and while you're resting, make a list (and check it twice!) of where you are now and where you want to be a year from now. 

If being employed in a new position is on that list, remember that every great job starts with a terrific interview. Start thinking about what you'll bring to this meeting: your appearance, your ability to speak with confidence, and your skills and work experience that will grab a hiring manager's attention. Use some of the spare time you have during the holidays to make a plan so that when you're called for an interview you'll be ready. 

Take Charge

Keep in mind that today's hiring manager is more interested in who you are as a person than who you are as a professional. Behavior-based interviewing is now the norm. Employers are looking at a candidate's previous performance as an indicator of future behavior. They're not only interested in your resume, but also in the way you interact with others and how you respond when part of a team. They want to know what they can expect if they hire you and how you'll handle tricky situations that call for calm and confident leadership. It will be up to you to convince them that you're the one for this job.

Tell the Truth

Following are some of the hard-edged questions and directives you could face in a behavior-based interview. Answer each one honestly to the best of your ability.

1.     Tell me about a time you took charge of a situation that was out of control.

2.     Give an example of a goal you set at work and how you achieved it.

3.     Have you performed beyond the requirement of the job you held? If so, how?

4.     If you made a mistake in judgment how would you handle it with management?

5.     How have you dealt with difficult co-workers or customers?

Be prepared to provide details, dialogue, and a description of what occurred and how you resolved it.

Trust in Yourself—A Three-Point Review

1.     Recognize your good qualities and review them often in your mind. 

2.     Jot down a few experiences that illustrate situations and times when you successfully resolved conflict, stood up for the truth despite criticism, or used your creativity to negotiate a challenging relationship.  

3.     Take your emotional pulse. If you're smiling and feeling comfortable and well suited to the job in question, go for it. If you feel stressful, confused, or overwhelmed, consider setting this opportunity aside and looking for a job more appropriate to your skills and experience. 

Once you're clear in your mind that this is the job you want, you'll be able to walk into any interview and establish a good rapport with the hiring manager. Following that,

all that's left is the question only you can ask and answer for yourself. "Is this the job for me?" 

Happy holidays! May you land the interview that will lead to the job you really want.

 

© Written By Jimmy Sweeney

President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,

Job Interview "Secret"

How To Use A "Thanksgiving" Cover Letter

© Written By Jimmy Sweeney

President of CareerJimmy.com

Author of the brand new, AmazingCover Letter Creator    

 

Hungry job seekers focus their cover letters on what they want, what they expect, and what they can do. Then they wait for the phone to ring to book an interview. That's one way to approach the job search market.  

Essential as these points are, however, they're not nearly as effective as opening and closing a cover letter with two simple words—THANK YOU.  

Why say thank you when you don't know the hiring manager and you don't have the job yet? Here's why. Behind every desk in every company sits a human being just like you, a person with hopes and dreams, plans and challenges, and a desire to be acknowledged and appreciated. 

One day your cover letter will land on his or her desk. Will you jump off the page as a person ideal for the job, a team player, someone who'll be a great addition to the staff? I hope so, but more important, will you come across as someone who has a humble and grateful attitude, an individual who recognizes the value of an opportunity, the privilege of holding a job and working with others toward a common goal? That profile is what every hiring manager is looking for.

 

Giving Thanks Could Land You a Job!

 

Thank you. These two simple words seem to be in hiding because they so rarely appear in public! But they are golden, even more so than your resume, skills, and qualifications—because they set the stage for what is to come. What man or woman wouldn't respond to someone who is polite, personal, and professional? 

Following are examples of how to express your thanks at the beginning of your cover letter and at the end. 

Example #1: 

Dear Mr. Hiring Manager: 

(beginning) 

Thank you for taking a moment to read my cover letter. I'm pleased to meet you here and hope to do so in person. I was happy to see on careerjimmy.com your listing for an administrative assistant—a position for which I feel qualified and eager to fill.   

(ending) 

Thank you again for reading my letter and resume and for considering me for the job. May I come in for an interview so I can hear your perspective on this position and the qualities you're looking for in the person you hire? I can be available any time that works for you. I appreciate this opportunity very much. 

Example #2:

Dear Mr. Hiring Manager: 

(beginning) 

Thank you for posting on careerjimmy.com such a clear description of the opening for an administrative assistant now available at your company. I was able to tell at a glance that this job is just what I've been looking for and feel qualified to fill. 

(ending) 

You must receive hundreds of cover letters every week––all the more reason for me to thank you again for taking time to read mine and for considering me for the position of executive secretary on your administrative staff. I'd welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person for an interview so we can discuss what I can bring to the job and what you expect from the person you hire. 

After sending off your cover letter, take a moment to expand your thanks silently.  

·       For the job that is waiting for you, even if you haven't landed it yet

·       For the person who will hire you when the time comes 

·       For the experience, talent, and skill you have to earn a living 

·       For the people in your life who love and support you 

Thanksgiving Day is not the only time to give thanks. Move gratitude to the top of your list at home, at work, and in the community and you will find what you're looking for in the job market and in your relationships. 

 

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!"

 

Job Interview Questions To Ask And Avoid

No job interview is easy. You need to be smart in answering as well as asking questions.  Knowing what questions to ask and avoid is one of your keys to success.  Although asking intelligent questions won’t guarantee an offer, but asking bad or inappropriate questions will definitely kill.  I’ve recently read an article from Jimmy Sweeny which contains valuable tips about what to ask and avoid over a job interview.  Here’s the article.

Questions to ASK and AVOID during your next job interview…

The phone call you've waited for has finally come! You've been invited in for a job interview. Now your nerves are on edge. You know what to wear but you may not know what questions to ask or avoid, or if you'll even have an opportunity to speak up other than to answer questions fired at you.

Don't worry. There will be time for you to voice your concerns and inquiries. The important thing is to know what questions to ask and which ones to set aside—for now. Keep in mind that interviewers want to speak with job seekers who are sharp, confident, and professional. This is no time to be passive and overly polite, though courtesy is always appropriate. Remember, you're vying for the job you want. Take an active role in asking questions by being prepared ahead of time.

Consider These:

·       What factors about this company are attractive to you?

·       What makes this firm a great place to build a career?

·       How do you see the future of this company?

·       What is the most challenging aspect of working for this organization?

·       In your opinion, what would be the biggest adjustment for someone new?

Answers to these questions can help you decide whether or not this is the place you want to work. They will also help you respond to the questions you're asked. You'll be ready to answer in a way that will show you were listening, paying attention, and taking note of management's vision and objectives for the company.

Questions to Avoid

Steer clear of questions that you can answer yourself by doing a bit of basic research online—such as the kind of work you'd be doing, or the level of leadership that would be expected of you or the focus of the company. Walk into the interview armed with as much information as possible and then ask only those questions that will help you decide whether to accept or decline the job offer if it is presented.

Also avoid asking questions related to salary, benefits, vacation, sick days and so on. At this point you have not yet been offered the position. You are being 'screened.'

There will come a time and place to discuss pay and benefits, but the interview is not that place.

Use What You Learn

The most important thing you can do during an interview is to show yourself as someone the hiring manager wants. Focus on displaying your skills and experience and how you can fit the profile of the person the interviewer is looking for. This gives you leverage for negotiating salary and benefits when the job offer comes through.

Be aware of the impression you'd make if you ask questions that have nothing to do with the job opportunity. An interview is not a social visit or a time to talk about sports and hobbies. It's a business meeting that has one purpose: to determine if you are the right person to fill the opening. If the interviewer asks a few questions about your interests, it's fine to answer them honestly. He or she wants to get to know you—but avoid getting off-track with long-winded responses that take the focus off the job.

Common sense is your best ally. Be yourself. Do your homework. Show up neatly dressed. Arrive on time. Know the right questions to ask, and the ones to avoid. And bring enthusiasm, a smile, and a firm handshake.

© Written By Jimmy Sweeney

President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Amazing Cover Letter and Secret Career Document