Do you just disclose or do you titilate?

     No, we are not going to plan a hot night out!  We are discussing your cover letter.  Surprised?    Shocked?  Confused?  A cover letter is a personalized statement to a recruiter about your abilities that is designed to get an interview.   In a way, it is like flirting.  Your stationary and resume could be compared to your attire but your cover letter is like making eye contact.
     You make eye contact and smile before approaching someone.  Your cover letter needs to convey this.  It needs to indicate that you are desirable and  approachable. So, what should you put in your cover letter?  Start with the posting.  Read it several times and check for the name of the person to contact, buzz words and job requirements.  You may want to dissect the posting in order to answer the questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

• Who 
• who posted the job
• who are their clients
• who are they hiring (ie., job title)
• What
• what are the job duties
• what are the hours 
• what the characteristics of the person they want
• what are educational requirements
• what type of work experience are they seeking
• When
• when do they want the person to start working
• when are they going to interview
• when will they stop accepting applications
• Where
• where is the job
• where do you submit your application 
• Why
• why do they need to fill this position (ie.,relocating, expansion) 
• How
• are you to respond to the posting (ie., physically bring it, mail it or fax it)
• are you going to perform the job (ie., computer skills, language skills)  

     The answers to these questions are in the advertisement.  If you are not certain, then investigate the company.  Note, if the ad does not provide the name of the company, you may want reconsider the validity of this posting.  Companies have been know to advertise positions to find out who is looking for another job and/or to establish an applicant pool.  Use their buzz words and clearly indicate that you have the desired skills.  Your closing should be either a call to action or let them know that you will be contacting them.  Remember to thank them for their time and consideration.  Keep the cover letter to one page.

Take a Break!

     Take a break before you proofread it.  Compare what you wrote and with the advertisement.   Check your spelling, grammar and the reading level.  Now, do print preview.  Remember, how I compared the letter to making the initial eye contact and smile.  You would never want a piece of broccoli stuck in your teeth so you check yourself.  The same principle applies here. How does the letter line up on the paper?  Do you need to adjust the margins?  Is it in block format?  Did you use abbreviations?  Now print.  The envelop should be printed also. 

Take a Break!

     Take one last look.  Perhaps, you should have someone else read it.  Does the letter give the impression that you are the right person for the job?  Does the employer know how to reach you? 

     Keep a copy of your records.  Be certain to make the follow-up call, if you stated that you would be calling.

     Still not certain how to write a cover letter or would like someone to review your letters, please call me for a free consultation.  My number is 402.965.1496.

Staying Positive While Changing Careers

       A very useful tool, to stay motivated while changing careers is to read biographies of successful people.  “Miracles Happen” by Mary Kay Ash describes her life and the issues she had to address in order to launch Mary Kay Cosmetics.  She faced discrimination and her share of family drama.  However, rather than becoming complacent or despondent, she made a decision to be somebody.  “Miracles Happen” is full of vignettes that stress the importance of faith in you, a kind word, networking and servant leadership.  Mary Kay Ash is a terrific example on how to reinvent youself. 

      So how did, Mary Kay Ash reinvent herself?  First, she had to be honest with herself.  This means she had to critically assess her situation and recognize both the good and bad.  She had to identify what works and what was a waste of resources.  Secondly, she set priorities and developed a plan.  Third, she worked long and hard on her plan while being enthusiastic.  Does this sound overwhelming?  Complicated?    Exhausting?  You are absolutely right! 

       Mary Kay Ash lived by simple rules that anyone can adopt.  Her priorities were clear – first God, then family and then career.  She lived her motto which is the Golden Rule, or treat others as you would like to be treated.  She surrounded herself with positive, supportive people that shared her values and work ethic.  She was not afraid to ask for help.  She kept her word.  She had a vision and broke into smaller achievable steps and she celebrated these achievements.   None of these concepts are novel but they are very easy to break when things get difficult. 

     One of the primary reasons, she established Mary Kay Ash Cosmetics was to empower women while they balanced work, family and civic obligations.   Yes, she recognized the need to make sacrifices at times however, it was imperative to maintain balance in your life.   This takes insight and discipline.  Is your life in balance?  Do you know what your values and priorities are?  Do you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish?  If you answered no to any of these questions, then you should consider obtaining life or career transition coaching.  Call me at 402.965.1496 for a complimentary session.