The Reason Why Your Cover Letter Has To Change

Cover Letters

the reason why your cover letter has to change
Your cover letter should change every time you submit your resume to a new position. This is because your cover letter is an introduction to you, the first thing the reader of that resume sees, and a generic form letter will not give a good impression. It may even cause them to pass over the resume because they did not see you put any effort into the cover letter.
Think of it like this: what would you think of someone who introduced themselves to you using the same script they used on everybody else? Some things are worth repeating, like your name, but other things may not apply, and if that new acquaintance seems more into rattling off their accomplishments than starting a conversation about mutual interests, then you might smile politely and move on as quickly as possible.
In the same way, when you need an introduction, it should be personalized to the setting. Your cover letter can be tweaked if you have invested in one that has been professionally written, but it should always reflect the job you are applying for and the company who is seeking to fill the position. If you can have the name of the person reading the resumes, even better!
This reality is one reason a cover letter is offered in our A La Carte Services. You don’t necessarily need to rewrite your resume for every application, but it really is a good idea to put as much individualization into your cover letter as is appropriate. Just like a friendly introduction that makes you want to talk, a good cover letter makes them want to read your resume and bring you in for an interview.

Is A DIY Resume A Good Idea?

Resume Writing

is a diy resume a good idea?
We live in a time when you can find all kinds of Do-It-Yourself advice for pretty much anything you could pay someone to do for you. Sometimes, it actually is a good idea to do something yourself, but the trick is to be honest about it. If you are thinking of writing your own resume, here are some points to consider:

  • Are you confident that your writing skills are professional level?
  • Do you have the word processing software and the ability to utilize it for a professional resume?
  • Do you have specific jobs you are applying for so your resume and cover letter will show your suitability for the position?
  • Do you have a good grasp of what employers are looking for in a resume?

If you can say “yes” to those questions, then of course I would say, “yes, it is a good idea to write your own resume.” But if you can’t, you may want to do some more thinking about it. The Job Search Resources page and blog posts on writing resumes are two places to start expanding your frame of reference.
For example, if you do not have a specific job you are applying for, the distribution and networking of a professional resume service will be beyond your capability unless you have done extensive networking already. You may decide it is worth investing in the service even if you are a professional writer because you aren’t sure what employers are looking for. It’s really your call.
People write their own resumes all the time, and some of those resumes are good enough to get them the job.  If you want to be one of the DIY resume writers, take advantage of the free resources here and do the best job you can on your resume. Good luck!
 

Beat The Competition With The Job Search Success System

Success Strategies

beat the competition with the job search success system
Competition is unfortunately part of the  picture in searching for a job. It’s also part of the picture in keeping your job and being promoted. The Job Search Success System has more to offer than getting your foot in the door; the skills you learn will help you be successful throughout your career as you struggle to keep up with the market.
In addition to finding that job, there is coaching on:

  • how to figure out what you really want out of your career
  • how to become the acknowledged expert in your field, boosting your income and potential
  • how to negotiate for salary increases of 10% and more — up to 50%
  • communication tips
  • efficiency tips
  • project work, consultation work, and adding income streams

The more skills you have, the more options you have. When you are actively seeking to improve your skills, it benefits you now and in the future. It also benefits those around you because you are setting a standard of professionalism that will enhance your workplace. Even if you would decide that you are not ready to invest in a tool like The Job Search Success System, pay attention to the things offered in the package. Those are skills you need to develop somehow in order to keep up in the marathon that is a career.
I did say “marathon” instead of “race”. That is because the goal isn’t really to be the first one past the finish line: the goal is to get across that line, getting and keeping a job until promotion to a better job. You might not be as fast as some of the other runners, but if you keep at it, you will get there!