Baffled, you double-check the job description, but the name of the hiring manager isn’t listed. So, what do you do?

Below, we go over a few steps you can take to address your cover letter when you don’t have a name.

Search for the Hiring Manager’s Name

Conduct an online search to find the name of the hiring manager. Tools like LinkedIn can be great for this. You can search a company’s LinkedIn profile to find the name of the person in that position.

For example, if you know the job ad says you’d report to the senior software engineer, you could use the company’s LinkedIn page to search for employees that hold that title. Then, once you find the name, address that person in the cover letter (make sure to double-check the spelling!).

Focus on Their Position

If you absolutely can’t find their name, focus instead on the position the person holds. For example, if you’re reporting to the content manager, you might try “Dear Content Manager” or “Dear Content Team” when addressing your cover letter.

A Last Resort

If you’ve tried the first three steps with absolutely no luck, it’s OK to use “Dear Hiring Manager.” If you have a name or title, that is preferable to something more generic. But using “Dear Hiring Manager” in your cover letter will suffice when all else fails. 

Avoid These Common Mistakes

There are some common cover letter mistakes that can be costly for job seekers. Even if you don’t know who the hiring manager is, avoid using “To Whom It May Concern,” as this is too vague. At the same time, “Dear sir or madam” is too formal (in addition, some people may not identify with these personal pronouns). 

Also, avoid time-specific greetings. “Good morning” or “Good evening” aren’t considered a best practice for cover letters, since you have no idea when the hiring manager will be reading them. 

Address Your Cover Letter to the Right Person

Cover letters are still a necessary part of the job search process. However, it can be challenging to craft a compelling cover letter when you don’t know who to address it to. If a name isn’t provided, do your research to find out who your recipient is. And if all else fails, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice in a pinch.

The post How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Recipient Name appeared first on Job-Hunt.

If you’re unsure how to create an answer, it’ll be a challenge to genuinely communicate that to prospective employers. This is especially true if you are naturally more introverted and tend to be uncomfortable promoting yourself, downplaying your accomplishments and believing that your work speaks for itself.

Unfortunately, failing to communicate the value you bring to your employer will allow them to form their own opinions, which are often off the mark. So, how do you step out of your comfort zone and own your unique message?

One of the best ways to get more comfortable tooting your own horn is to take ownership of your unique value proposition (UVP).

Understanding Your Unique Value Proposition as a Job Seeker

Your unique value proposition is what makes you the best candidate for a particular role.

When employers are looking to fill a position, they want to know what you can bring to the table that other candidates can’t. Your unique value proposition is your chance to sell yourself and show why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Creating Your Own Unique Value Proposition

When crafting your UVP, think about what you have to offer that no one else does.

What are your unique skills and experiences? What makes you passionate about the work you do? Answering these questions will help you hone in on what makes you the ideal candidate for the job you’re pursuing.

Examples of Unique Selling Points for Job Seekers

Remember, your UVP should be unique to you. But to get your creative juices flowing, consider any comments, awards, or recognition you’ve received throughout your career.

Perhaps you’ve received awards for streamlining operations or innovative cost reductions. Maybe you’ve been recognized by a previous employer for improving employee morale and boosting customer engagement. Whatever accolades you’ve received, use those as inspiration for explaining your value.

Using Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Job Search

Once you have a few ideas, you can start working them into your application materials.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition on Your Resume

Your resume is one of the first places employers will look to learn more about you, so ensure your unique value proposition is front and center. One way to do this is by fully utilizing the power of your resume summary. This brief statement outlines your qualifications and emphasizes why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

If you have a lot of experience, you might want to focus on your accomplishments and the critical skills most relevant to the position. For example:

Accomplished sales professional with 10+ years of experience exceeding quotas and generating new business. Proven ability to establish relationships with clients and close deals.

If you don’t have as much experience, highlight what makes you stand out from other candidates. For example:

Recent graduate with a degree in marketing and experience managing social media accounts for small businesses and national nonprofit organizations. Skilled at creating content, analyzing data, and developing strategies to grow an audience.

In both cases, the unique value proposition is clear and concise, telling employers precisely what the job seeker can offer.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. And it’s often easier to write what makes you unique, so start here and share what the employer will gain if they hire you.

Use specific examples to support your claims and show employers what you could bring to the team. For example:

In the job posting, you noted that you’re looking for a candidate with experience in copywriting and social media. In my previous role as a marketing assistant, I was responsible for creating both digital and print content. I also managed the social media accounts for my company, which allowed me to increase our customer engagement by 18%.

As you can see, my skills and experiences perfectly align with what you’re looking for in a candidate. I would love to put my talents to work for your company and help contribute to your success.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Online Profiles

A healthy professional presence online is vital during your job search. Most employers will look you up online before deciding whether to interview you, so it’s critical to ensure your online profiles are up to date and professional.

Your unique value proposition can also come in handy here. Use your UVP to update your profile descriptions and create a tagline that sums up who you are and what you do. For example:

Marketing professional with 10 years of experience developing and executing campaigns that drive results. Skilled in copywriting, social media, and project management. Passionate about helping businesses achieve their goals.

This short description tells employers everything they need to know about you and what you can do for them. It’s the perfect way to make an excellent first impression and get them interested in learning more about you.

Sharing Your Unique Message

While it can be uncomfortable, it’s essential that you own your accomplishments and manage the message that your job search sends. Just remember, you’re helping the hiring manager understand why you’re the best fit for their needs. They won’t know unless you tell them.

The post How to Convey Your Unique Value to Employers appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Relocating and job searching at the same time seem daunting enough that you may just skip the job search until the last box is unpacked. But you can connect with an employer willing to hire you from afar if you mention your relocation in your cover letter the right way.

How to Mention Relocating in Your Cover Letter

Most cover letters are “standard.” You talk about your skills and experience and give concrete examples of how you’ll put those to work for the employer. But when you’re relocating, you need to reassure the employer that you won’t leave the area (and job!) in a few months or even a year. Here’s how.

Talk About the Town

Explain where you’re relocating by naming a specific town or the general area. Why? Consider California. It’s one thing to say you’re relocating to the state for the sunshine. But it’s another to say you’re relocating to San Diego, California, when you’re applying to jobs in San Francisco, California!

Make your intended location clear so the hiring manager has a better understanding of why you’re applying for the role when you don’t live there yet.

Mention Your Ties

In addition to mentioning where you’re moving to, mention any ties you have to the area.

It could be that you have family in the area or that you’ve bought a house or signed a lease. Whatever it is, use that information to demonstrate you’ve got a reason to stay put for the long haul.

Give a Time Frame

Explain when you’ll be moving or how open your schedule is prior to relocating. This can help the employer understand when you’ll be available to interview and start the job. If you have specific dates, throw those in. And if you don’t, that’s OK. You can give a range, like “end of May” or “mid-October.”

If it’s in your budget, mention that you’re willing to travel to in-person interviews at your own expense. Or, mention that you’ll be in the area over the next few weeks or months attending to other business and could arrange your schedule to be available for an interview.

That said, if you can’t afford the travel, do not worry! You can interview online before you relocate or in person once you get there.

Do You Include an Address?

In general, it’s OK to omit your address from your resume. However, if you think mentioning you signed a lease or bought a home isn’t enough to sway the employer, you can include your local address in the contact information.

More: Should You Put Your Address on Your Resume?

Where to Mention Your Relocation

So, that’s the “how” part of the equation. Now, for the where. Should you mention your relocation at the top or bottom of your cover letter?

Near the Top

Mentioning your relocation at or near the beginning of your cover letter puts that information front and center. If that’s your preference, include the details in the second or third paragraph.

Start with the introduction to your cover letter and explain why you’re applying to this role. Then, bring up your move and that this job fits into your career and relocation plans.

Toward the Bottom

It’s also acceptable to include the information at the bottom of the cover letter, usually between your final paragraph and before the closing.

The advantage of this placement is that it puts the focus on your skills and experience before the topic of relocating ever comes up. This helps reinforce that you’re a fantastic candidate for the role and could calm any fears about hiring you.

Movin’ On

Knowing you have a job waiting for you after you move can make everything before the move a little less stressful. Use these tips to craft a cover letter that helps the hiring manager understand not only why you’re applying but also why they should hire you!

The post How to Mention Relocating in Your Job Search and Cover Letter appeared first on Job-Hunt.

You may be wondering if cover letters are necessary these days. After all, your resume explains most if not all of your work history. What else could an employer need?

Well, like many things, it depends! Sometimes cover letters are necessary, and sometimes they’re not. Here’s how to figure things out!

Are Cover Letters Really Necessary?

In general, yes! While there are a few times you won’t include a cover letter with your resume, more often than not, the hiring manager expects one—even if they never read it. Because it’s still expected, including a cover letter demonstrates that you’re a true professional that’s serious about the job.

Why Cover Letters Still Matter

Tailoring your cover letter to the job and role you’re applying for takes time but is well worth the effort. Here’s why cover letters still matter!

Expands Your Resume

Your resume is a one to two-page summary of your skills and experience. And because your resume is a summary, you probably can’t include everything you want to share with the employer.

Think of the cover letter as a bonus resume page. It’s an excellent opportunity to sell yourself by highlighting accomplishments that didn’t fit on your resume. You can also include additional keywords from the job posting that could help your resume rank higher in the applicant tracking system (ATS).

Gives Your Resume Context

While your resume is a brief, concise, and clear summary of your professional history, sometimes you need to explain certain aspects of it. For example, if you have gaps in your employment history or are changing careers, your resume may not make sense to the hiring manager.

That’s where your cover letter comes in! It can give your application context when your resume alone can’t—like when your work history is in accounting, and now you’re applying for a social worker role. Your resume can’t explain what motivated your change and what you’ve done to prepare for it, but your cover letter can.

Showcases Soft Skills

Hard skills are often required for some jobs, but employers are always looking for applicants with soft skills. And while you can include a bullet point on your resume about your communication skills, your cover letter is the perfect place to demonstrate your written communication skills!

You can also use the STAR method to describe how you’ve used your other soft skills in past roles. This can help the employer understand how your soft skills will help you excel in the role.

When You Shouldn’t Include a Cover Letter

Cover letters aren’t necessary for every application, though. Here’s when you should skip it.

When the Posting Says So

Some job postings specifically say “no cover letter.” If that’s the case, don’t include it. If nothing else, not adding a cover letter demonstrates that you read the entire job posting and can follow instructions. 

Including one could make it appear that you’re “sneaking” something in or are trying to stand out by not following the instructions. While this could work in rare cases, it’s unlikely, so you’re better off spending your time customizing your resume to the role.

When There’s No Place for It

Many employers rely on an ATS to gather, sort, and rank applications. Employers can customize the settings, so some include a separate field for your cover letter, but some do not.

When you see a field for a cover letter, you should include one, especially when it says cover letters are optional! But what happens if there’s no field for a cover letter and the job posting doesn’t specify that you shouldn’t include one?

Start by double-checking the job posting to see if cover letters are optional or required and how to submit one. Sometimes that information is buried in the posting. Then, double-check the entire page to see if the cover letter field is at the very bottom of the page or on a sidebar.

If you cannot find a cover letter field and the job posting doesn’t give specifics about a cover letter, think about whether or not it’s worth the time and effort to create one.

Consider how large the company is. If it’s the kind of place that likely gets hundreds or even thousands of applications for a single role, you can probably skip the cover letter. It’s possible hiring managers don’t bother reading cover letters, and you’d be wasting your time creating one—the thought being that if the hiring manager truly wanted one, there’d be a cover letter field.

However, if you feel it’s necessary to include a cover letter for whatever reason and the posting doesn’t say not to include one, make the cover letter the last page of your resume file. This ensures that the ATS parses (as in, reads) your resume correctly and ranks your application accordingly. 

Mostly Necessary

More often than not, you should include a cover letter with your application. It can demonstrate that you’re serious about the role and is a fantastic way to sell your skills and abilities outside your resume.

The post Are Cover Letters Necessary? appeared first on Job-Hunt.

While you have a whole page to talk about why you’re the perfect fit for the role, coming up with something other than “please accept my application for…” can be kind of tough! But we’re here to help you out with some creative solutions for writing your cover letter introduction.

How to Start a Cover Letter 

1. Kick Off With Passion

One great way to start your cover letter is by talking about your passion for the job. This helps the hiring manager see you as someone who cares deeply about the role and is more likely to be engaged with the position and the company for a long time.

Example: I wrote my first short story when I was six and branched out into chapter books by the time I was 10. The following year, I used the family printer to self-publish and distribute my biography to everyone I knew. Though my early years of publishing did not lead to a six-figure book deal, I’ve always enjoyed writing fantastic content and sharing it with the world.

2. Mention Your Enthusiasm

The job may not be the only reason why you’re applying. You may strongly identify with the company’s mission, or perhaps you used its products and services in the past. If that’s the case, call it out in your cover letter introduction, as the company is more likely to hire someone who “gets” what they’re doing.

Example: I’m a long-time user of [product name]. It’s helped me create powerful presentations that clients connect with. Thankfully, creating these stellar presentations does not require a lot of technical skills, and I’ve come to rely on the simplicity of the product to make my job easier. It’s not often I get to work for a company that’s created a product I use almost every day, so when I saw the opening for the [name of position], I had to apply!

3. Describe Your Accomplishments

Talking about what you’ve achieved in past roles helps the hiring manager picture you in the role achieving similar goals at their company! Use the start of your cover letter to highlight one accomplishment that demonstrates you’re a fantastic candidate for the job.

Example: I’ve spent the last seven years optimizing my company’s website. My hard work and attention to detail have resulted in a 78% increase in year-over-year traffic (not to mention a 45% increase in sign-ups). I’m looking for my next challenge, and I believe I’ll find it at [company name] as your [name of position].

4. Drop a Name

This isn’t like name-dropping during an interview. In your cover letter introduction, mention a company contact if you have one. Hiring managers are much more likely to consider you for a position if someone who works there drops your name! Just make sure you and your contact are on the same page before you proceed!

Example: [Contact name] and I worked together at [X] company. It was the first job for both of us right out of college! We learned a lot, and even though we’ve both moved on, we’ve kept in touch. [Name] recently reached out to me about the opening for [name of position]. Hearing them describe the job and talk about the company, I knew I had to apply.

5. Tell a Story

Telling a story about yourself is a great way to bring a bit of your personality into the cover letter. You can even consider adding some humorous elements. But since not every company has the same definition of “funny,” do a deep dive into the company’s culture as part of your research before you take the humor route!

Example: I started college majoring in undecided with a minor in partying. After several tries, I finally settled on communications and ended up in a career writing press releases for a small pharmaceutical company. The job was stable and paid the bills, but after a few years, I realized I missed the party aspect of my old minor. That’s why I’m very interested in the event planning role with [company name]. It’s the perfect mix of everything I learned in college.

6. Short and Sweet

Sometimes, none of the above suggestions work. For example, if you’re applying for a role as a lawyer or at a bank, you may want to go with a straightforward opening and use the rest of your cover letter to discuss why you’re qualified for the role.

Example: I’m applying for the position of [name of role with company name]. I’m confident that my [X] years of experience in [name of career field] will be an asset to your team.

Get the Ball Rolling

Here’s one more tip: save the introduction for last! Instead of worrying about how you’ll start, jump right into the “meat” of your cover letter. You might be surprised to find that the introduction writes itself after that.

The post How to Write a Cover Letter Introduction (Examples) appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Why do we say that? Well, you already know that a tailored resume and cover letter are critical. So, you’re most likely struggling to create a unique one for each job that catches the recruiter’s eye, right? And ideally, you don’t want to spend all day doing it.

Have no fear! With a few simple tips, you can make your cover letter stand out from the crowd. When you take a step back and realize the potential that a cover letter gives you to really express your enthusiasm for the role, you might start to actually enjoy the process.

Cover Letter Basics

Why do you need a cover letter to begin with? After creating a tailored resume, what more is there to share?

A cover letter helps the hiring manager better understand who you are and why you want to work for their company. It’s more than just a piece of paper; it’s your opportunity to tell your story. You get the chance to infuse your personality and energy into a cover letter with far greater impact than you can in a resume. You’ll tell the recruiter what makes you the perfect person for the job by sharing your thoughts on aspects unique to the company and signifying your focus on this position.

Do You Always Need a Cover Letter?

While some resumes can get away without one, most recruiters expect to see a cover letter. After all, if you’re passionate about working for a specific company, then it should be easy for you to explain why! Plus, using a cover letter gives you a chance to introduce yourself.

More: Are Cover Letters Necessary?

Basics of Writing a Great Cover Letter

Writing a good cover letter is like writing an essay. You need to make your piece interesting and exciting! You’ll want to follow some basic instructions, and start with a clear introduction, but after that, it’s all about your tone of voice and finding inspiration in the company’s mission statement or job requirements. It might not be easy at first, but with practice, you’ll find it’s easy to express your enthusiasm.

What Should You Include in Your Cover Letter?

Essentially, your cover letter should include four key elements:

• Who you are
• What position you’re applying for
• How you got interested in the job/company/industry
• What skills and experiences make you a terrific fit for the role

Here’s an example of how you can put these elements together:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the open accountant position at ABC Inc. As I was researching your company, I found myself impressed by your mission statement and the strides you’ve made as a corporation over the past decade. You care deeply about your customers and their experience with your products. It’s displayed in the volunteer events that your team participates in, such as the Habitat for Humanity build last December and your veteran support initiatives.

I was delighted to see an accounting position open up, as that is a perfect match for my skills and experience. Ever since I was little, I have loved numbers—they’re so precise! So, taking an interest in finance seemed like a no-brainer when I went to college. While working for three years at XYZ Corporation as part of their accounting department, I managed the community giving fund. I realized that accounting roles do much more than just record numbers. They ensure that the company can continue to thrive and support its mission and goals.

I’d love to help you take the next step with ABC Inc. and grow your company even further! I look forward to meeting with you in person, and I hope that this letter shows you how truly invested I am in working for your team.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Phone number]

[Email]

As you can see, the first paragraph shares what position the applicant is interested in and expresses interest in the company. The second explains why the applicant is passionate about the role and how their skills are a perfect fit.

Essential Cover Letter Guidelines

To make sure that your piece stands out, follow these guidelines:

1. Keep it under one page
2. Leave some white space
3. Use paragraphs, rather than bullets or blocks of text
4. Make it easy to read by using clear fonts and keeping the reader in mind
5. Use action verbs, present-tense, and active language throughout
6. Make sure that you reference specific job requirements. Don’t just summarize your resume or say that you meet all their qualifications!
7. Proofread constantly for typos/grammar mistakes!

This last one is essential. Typos and spelling errors are the first things that employers will notice. If they think you aren’t detail-oriented and can’t communicate effectively through writing, they will generally send your submission to the “pass” file.

Writing a Cover Letter Without Experience

Can you write an effective cover letter when you don’t have any experience in the field? Yes! Consider any volunteer experience that you’ve had. You can also use student internships, coursework from your major, or an alternative spring/summer program, like AmeriCorps.

If you’re still having trouble thinking of experience that directly relates, focus on the skills that you have developed. Can you speak another language? Are you great at accounting for your budget every month? Do you know how to build a strong network of professionals in your field? Express your enthusiasm for the role and share how your transferable skills would be a great fit.

A Cover Letter Allows You to Share Your Story

Remember, the employer already has your resume. Your cover letter is meant to communicate why you think the company is incredible and why you’d love to work for them. This is an ideal place to show some of the research you’ve done. They’ll see that you’re not simply submitting applications en masse but genuinely think they are a great culture fit.

The post How to Write a Cover Letter: Essential Tips & Examples appeared first on Job-Hunt.

The cover letter in particular can be a tricky thing to write because it’s often less structured than the resume—and there are fewer “hard rules” about the do’s and don’ts. But we’re here to help! Below are some common cover letter missteps you won’t want to make.

Avoid cover letter missteps by noting these five things you should never do:

1. Never Settle for Generic

Don’t send a cover letter just for the sake of including one—make your words count! Consider the cover letter a prime opportunity to sell yourself. The last thing you want to come off as is uninspired or lazy. Use keywords from the job posting to paint a vivid picture of why you’re the perfect candidate for this position, not just any old job. Yes, such individualization takes time, but remember your goal is to land a great new role, not to see how many applications you can complete.

2. Never Start Your Cover Letter With “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir”

On a similar note, realize that the lack of a proper salutation can get your interaction with a prospective employer off on the wrong foot. The best alternative to “To Whom It May Concern,” is to research the name of the hiring manager.

“The biggest misstep I find people make is not addressing the cover letter to a real person,” says Marcelle Yeager, president of Career Valet. “It is almost always possible to find the name of a person who works in HR or who would be your potential boss by using LinkedIn or the company website. Personalization is so important in all of your communications, including in a cover letter.”

3. Never Turn a Cover Letter Into Your Life Story

The preciousness of a hiring manager’s time cannot be stressed enough. Your letter needs to grab attention and provide information relevant to your candidacy, not read like a biography. Craft a one-page cover letter that presents standout accomplishments or tells an interesting (and relevant) story. Make the employer want to know you better!

4. Never Send a Cover Letter Without Checking It Over

Before other eyes see the letter, make certain the document gives the best impression possible. Demonstrate your communication skills and attention to detail by ensuring the following:

• Consistency of font (a danger when you cut-and-paste)
• Pleasing appearance (such as sufficient margins and a professional-looking font)
• All proper names are correct (don’t doom your application by putting in the wrong company name or recipient)
• Flawless spelling and grammar throughout (use spell-check, but also do a read-through)

5. Never Include a Cover Letter When Instructed Not To

Finally, remember that the prospective employer’s instructions take precedence. If a job posting specifically states not to include a cover letter, don’t submit one. Some companies simply do not possess the manpower to read this extra material, while others feel they can adequately judge who to bring in for an interview based on the resume alone. Including an unwanted cover letter gives the impression that you either didn’t read carefully or feel that you’re above following directions.

To learn more, read How to Write a Cover Letter: Essential Tips & Examples.

Written by: Beth Braccio Hering

The post Cover Letter Mistakes: 5 Things You Should Never Do appeared first on Job-Hunt.

When I recently interviewed recruiter, Audrey Chenoff of Starpoint Solutions, my intention was to not only investigate what recruiters look for when screening job candidates, but, also to bring that information to you with actionable steps.

Therefore, you will find my recommendations after each question and answer.

Q: How is recruiting for a Fortune 500 corporation different?

A: When I recruit for a Fortune 500 company, I scan to see if the job seeker has worked for a recognizable company. Another Fortune 500 company would be ideal. It is important that the job seeker have that type of experience in order for me to present them for a position.

Recommendation:

There is not much you can do about sidestepping lack of experience with a Fortune 500 corporation.

Yet, perhaps counteracting this lack of Fortune 500 exposure in a cover letter would be a great tactic. More importantly, ask yourself, why do you want to work for a Fortune 500 company? What are your goals with your personal job search? Pay? Work/life balance? Location? (Sometimes what we desire is closer than we think or packaged differently.)

If you have worked for a Fortune 500 company then you need to make the companies prominent on the resume. While most Fortune 500 corporations are recognizable, it cannot hurt to add a snippet about the company’s profile (especially if they are not Fortune 500 but a reputable organization).

Also, don’t bury those company names on the second page of a resume. You should always begin employment on the first page, especially if listing Fortune 500 corporations will give you an advantage in your job hunt.

If you worked for a Fortune 500 company a long time ago but it’s not your latest employment, refer to that Fortune 500 employment in the resume’s summary or in a cover letter.

Q: What other important aspects are you scanning for on a resume?

A: Stability in employment: no gaps, technical skills, similar job titles.

Recommendation:

First, create a resume that immediately displays your career chronology (after a brief Profile or Summary). Second, if technical skills are important for you to perform your job, place technical skills on the first page of the resume.

Q: What do you dislike seeing on resumes?

A: Personal information (hobbies, marital status, religion, etc.), and a resume that obviously conveys the job seeker has placed very little effort in preparing it. The resume is still an important document. You would not believe how many job hunters leave off vital information that I gather once I call them.

Recommendation:

Leave personal information off your resume. Period.

Next, stand out from those who spend little effort in resume preparation by taking care with your resume. Have others, preferably including a career professional (one from your college, even if you graduated 30 years ago), review it for you to eliminate typos and evaluate the formatting. [See Job-Hunt’s Guide to Resumes for more help.]

If you can, hire a professional resume writer to help you, or write your resume with the goal of outdistancing other job seekers who may be qualified, too.

The goal when preparing a modern resume is not only to prove that you are qualified, but to show why you are better qualified than the next candidate.

Q: Where do you source job candidates? Where should job seekers be?

A: LinkedIn is definitely a social networking tool job seekers should be using in their job search.

Recommendation:

If you have not set up a LinkedIn account, do so immediately! No need to sign up for any special job seeker program on LinkedIn right away.

First, complete your profile, include keyword-rich content, make the LinkedIn profile public, and launch your networking efforts. According to this comment, most of the recruiting is done on LinkedIn. Social media is not a fad—it is the new way to communicate and market businesses online—job seeker marketing is no different!  [See Job-Hunt’s Guide to Using LinkedIn for Job Search and Guide to Social Media and Job Search for more information.]

Q: Once you have interviewed a candidate, should they follow up with you?

A: I don’t mind if a job seeker follows up with me. I know some recruiters don’t like it.

Recommendation:

Since some recruiters don’t like job seekers to follow up, don’t “burn your bridges.” Ask the recruiter at the end of the interview if you may follow up with them before you “harass” them on your own volition. [See How to Follow Up after a Job Interview for more ideas.]

Q: What advice do you want to give job seekers who want to enter the Fortune 500 market?

A: Because to Fortune 500 companies experience at that level is important, young job seekers need to invest in internships, attend great schools, and network. Older job seekers need to play up their job stability, and ensure that their achievements are easily detectable on their resume.

Recommendation:

Career marketing begins before graduation. Any new graduate who will soar above the rest would have most likely begun to strategize networking opportunities, personal branding, and internship possibilities before graduation.

For the mature job seeker, I say that there is no other way to outshine a flaw than by overshadowing weaknesses with strengths. Don’t lie on the resume. Don’t exaggerate. Don’t talk gibberish. Do, however, promise that you will execute the job well above the others and earn credibility by highlighting relevant accomplishments.

About the author…

Rosa Elizabeth Vargas, Job-Hunt’s Fortune 500 Job Search Expert, is owner of and principle writer for CareerSteering.com. Rosa is also quadruple-certified writer, holding the Master Resume Writer certification (a certification held by only 26 other resume writers, world-wide), Certified Expert Resume Writer, Academy Certified Resume Writer, and Nationally Certified Resume Writer. You can follow Rosa on Twitter at @ResumeService and connect with her on LinkedIn and Facebook/CareerMarketing.

The post Straight Advice from a Fortune 500 “Gatekeeper” appeared first on Job-Hunt.

In this section, find articles and sample resumes to help you improve your resume.

You will also find great tips for creating effective cover letters so your resume is read and you receive those job interview invitations.

Over 90% of recruiters and employers will look for your LinkedIn Profile to compare it with your resume. To ensure they find it, include your LinkedIn Profile’s URL in your resume.

Your LinkedIn Profile must support the facts in your resume. For more information, read the articles in Job-Hunt’s free Guide to LinkedIn for Job Search.

Does Your Resume Work for You?

Here’s a quick quiz to identify if your resume needs to be improved to produce results:

1. Is your resume a generic, one-size-fits-all document that focuses on your past?
2. Does it make more sense for you to use a CV than a resume? Read What Is a CV? Writing Tips and How to Format Your CV, to learn more.
3. Are you receiving callbacks from people or places you are sending your resume to?
4. Are you using a resume format from the 1990’s? A Microsoft Word template? Advanced formatting is essential these days.
5. Does your resume convey your value, your ROI, and your brand?
6. Is it accomplishment focused, keyword-driven, content-rich, and ready to take on any ATS out there?
7. Are there any red flags (such as age discrimination, gaps, too many transitions) in your resume that would make an employer think twice about inviting you to an interview?

If you are scratching your head at these questions, your resume could be your problem.

A bad resume can negatively impact your job search, sometimes eliminating you from consideration for your perfect job. It may be hindering you more than helping you.

Resumes are viewed by many, on both sides of the hiring process, as a necessary evil.

For the executive job seeker, they are your opportunity to “make your case” for why you should be hired. Think of it as your marketing tool, a blueprint for what you’ve accomplished.

A resume should summarize your achievements, skills, and education appropriate to the position you are seeking without being inaccurate or misleading.

People often reject the idea that a resume is a “selling” document, but, if it is effective, that’s exactly what it does.

You are marketing your services to employers. It’s your job to show the employer that you are the right person for the job, and your resume is the starting point for that show. You are your product, sell yourself!

The Purpose of Your Resume

Basic truth about resumes: The purpose for your resume is to get you invited to interview for a job.

People are seldom hired based only on their resume alone.

Your resume should open the door to a new job for you by:

1. Surviving the initial resume screening process (Do you meet the qualifications? Does your resume make a good impression? Does your resume contain the appropriate key words? etc. ).
2. Keeping the hiring manager’s attention long enough to see that you are (or are not) qualified for the job opening.
3. Presenting the best picture of you (your skills, accomplishments, and education most relevant for the job you want).
4. Presenting that targeted picture of you in a way that entices the hiring manager to learn more about you.
5. Providing appropriate, accurate contact information so that the employer may reach you.

This section of Job-Hunt will try to help you put together an effective resume that will help you get to that job interview.

Cover Letters Create Connections

Fortunately, not every resume is submitted to a job board or captured by an automated system.

[If job boards are the only way you make your resume visible, you need to change your approach to your job search!]

We still send resumes to people, like hiring managers and network connections, outside of the automated recruiting systems. And, both email and “snail mail” are used for the transmittal.

Effective cover letters create interest in the attached resume so that the resume is referred and, depending on the purpose of the communication, passed on to someone who can make a decision that may result in a job interview or a job offer.

More: Are Cover Letters Necessary?

The Bottom Line

Your resume and cover letter are often your introduction to an employer. Make it clear that you deserve the employer’s attention and that you understand what the employer needs for someone to do this job successfully.

More About Effective Resumes

• How Top ATS Systems Analyze Resumes
• 3 Smart Tips to Beat the ATS Systems
• Why a General Work-History Resume Doesn’t Work Now
• How to Create an Achievement Resume
• What Recruiters and Hiring Managers Want in a Resume
• Why 95% of Resumes Don’t Get Read and What You Can Do About It
• 4 Killer Tactics to Get Your Resume Read
• 147 Action Verbs for Your Resume (Examples)
• Sample Resumes

More About Effective Cover Letters

• Are Cover Letters a Waste of Time in a Job Search?
• What Should Your Cover Letter Contain?
• Cover Letters that Grab Recruiters’ Attention
• Executive Briefing Cover Letters

About the author…

Erin Kennedy is a Master Career Director (MCD), Certified Master Resume Writer (MCRW), Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and Certified Empowerment & Motivational Coach (CEMC). She has been helping clients since 1999. Erin is also the President of Professional Resume Services, Inc.. Visit her website and connect with Erin on LinkedIn and Twitter.
More about this author…

The post Guide to Effective Resumes and Cover Letters appeared first on Job-Hunt.

These six transferable skills are important to understand: Communication skills, multitasking skills, works closely with others, creativity, critical thinking skills, and leadership. They are so commonly used they are often dismissed as meaningless.

[To learn more about transferable skills and why they’re important to hiring managers, read What Are Transferable Skills?]

Far from being meaningless, they represent a secret language that many job hunters never really grasp. The ones who do “get it” are also the ones who get the job offers.

The Foundations of Success: Transferable Skills

These six key phrases represent the skills that enable you to do your job well, whatever your job may be.

Consequently, they are known as transferable skills because no matter the job, the profession, or the rank, these skills make the difference between success and failure.

For example, when “critical thinking” or “problem-solving skills” are mentioned, it means the employer is looking for someone who knows his or her area of responsibility well enough to identify, prevent, and solve the problems the work naturally generates every day.

While “works closely with others” refers to being a team player and all that that involves, it also embraces the communication skills you employ to work effectively with others in your area of expertise.

Talk of “communication skills” always means verbal, written, and listening skills, but to an employer, it also refers to the supporting communication skills of:

• Technological literacy
• Dress
• Body language
• Social graces
• Emotional maturity.

Together, these components of effective communication impact the power and persuasiveness of all your interactions with others.

When you possess these transferable skills, and when you can express in your resume and cover letters that you possess them, you can dramatically increase the number of interviews you get.

Moreover, when you understand how these skills affect your daily work, and can tell interviewers about your work in a way that highlights your application of these skills, you will be one big step closer to turning interviews into offers and succeeding on the job.

Listing Transferable Skills in Your Resume

In a resume, you might decide to highlight such highly relevant achievements with a Performance Highlights or a Career Highlights section right after your Professional Competencies section.

A Performance Highlights or Career Highlights section will comprise a short sequence of bulleted statements, each addressing one of the company’s stated requirements in the job description and, thereby, emphasizing the fit between employer needs and your capabilities.

Illustrate with an example if you can do so succinctly:

Performance Highlights

35% increase in on-time delivery + 20% reduction in client complaints.

Effective Operations Management demands understanding of every department’s critical functions and time lines. Building these considerations into daily activities helped:

• Finance & Supply Chain save $55,000 in last three quarters.
• Increase productivity with a 35% increase in on-time delivery.

These on-time delivery increases were achieved with improved stakeholder communications, connecting Purchasing, Supply Chain, Customer and Customer Service

• Delivered 20% reduction in client complaints.

Describing Transferable Skills in Your Cover Letter

In a cover letter, where there is more space, these words and phrases might appear with a company’s job-posting requirement noted in quotation marks followed by an achievement in that area:

“Analytical Skills/Critical thinking/Problem-solving skills”

• Thorough knowledge of the issues that impact productivity in Operations; have enabled a 35% increase in on-time delivery.

“Work closely with” and “Communication skills”

• Improvements in on-time delivery also made possible by improved communications with stakeholders: Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Customer Service. This delivered a 20% reduction in client complaints.

“Multitasking”

• Effective Operations Management demands understanding of every department’s critical functions and time lines. Building these considerations into daily activities helped Finance & Supply Chain save $55,000 in last three quarters.

Every time you see a job posting use the six transferable skills/key words and phrases, think how that skill is applied in each aspect of your work. Then, recall examples that illustrate how you used that skill in the identification, prevention, and solution of the daily problems that are the meat and potatoes of your average day.

Using Transferable Skills to Get the Job

Understanding the secret language of job postings can supercharge your resume, your cover letter, change the way you think about your work and how you prepare answers to interview questions. Subsequently, when you apply the transferable skills to the challenges of your work every day, they can change the trajectory of your professional life.

Looking for more skills to make your resume stand out? Read Best Skills to Put On Your Resume (Examples).

More Resume and Cover Letter Tips:

• Why 95% of Resumes Don’t Get Read and What You Can Do About It
• 4 Killer Tactics to Get Your Resume Read
• Resumes for the Unemployed and Overqualified
• Keyword Secrets to Get Your Resume Noticed
• To Change Industries, Make These 5 Tweaks to Your Resume

About the author…

Successful careers don’t happen by accident. Professional resume writing expert Martin Yate CPC is a New York Times best-seller and the author of 17 Knock Em Dead career management books. As Dun & Bradstreet says, “He’s about the best in the business.” For FREE resume-building advice and to view Martin’s resume samples, visit the Knock Em Dead website. Join Martin on Twitter at @KnockEmDead.
More about this author…

The post 6 Transferable Skills for Your Resume and Cover Letter appeared first on Job-Hunt.