Do soul-searching before job search
Q: I am having a hard time writing my cover letter. I'm stumped before I even start typing. Do you have any ideas that might make this process a little easier for me? J.N., Montreal
A: Your problem might be that you are putting the cart before the horse. Before you can write that cover letter, you have to get ready. Answer the following questions and you will be in a better position to write a great letter.
1. Why are you writing the cover letter -- are you hoping for an interview? When you understand why you are writing your cover letter, you can begin to shape your ideas accordingly.
2. What does the company or potential hiring manager need? Make a short list of the things that the potential employer is looking for. The list will help you tailor your cover letter so that it is applicable to that company.
3. What skills or experience do you have that the hiring manager or organization needs? Spell it out for them. Let them know specifically what skills you bring. Look at the list you made while answering the question above. Write out your corresponding skills and abilities that address these points directly.
4. Do you have any achievements they should hear about? Write down at least three achievements from your past that relate to the position. These achievements back up the claims that you made about your skills and demonstrate that you're a suitable applicant.
A: Your problem might be that you are putting the cart before the horse. Before you can write that cover letter, you have to get ready. Answer the following questions and you will be in a better position to write a great letter.
1. Why are you writing the cover letter -- are you hoping for an interview? When you understand why you are writing your cover letter, you can begin to shape your ideas accordingly.
2. What does the company or potential hiring manager need? Make a short list of the things that the potential employer is looking for. The list will help you tailor your cover letter so that it is applicable to that company.
3. What skills or experience do you have that the hiring manager or organization needs? Spell it out for them. Let them know specifically what skills you bring. Look at the list you made while answering the question above. Write out your corresponding skills and abilities that address these points directly.
4. Do you have any achievements they should hear about? Write down at least three achievements from your past that relate to the position. These achievements back up the claims that you made about your skills and demonstrate that you're a suitable applicant.
posted by Alan Kearns at 12:56 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home