It’s hard to ignore the steady stream of reports on the job market, economy, recession. Don’t let the headlines scare you.
Right this minute, as you read this, numerous companies in Seattle, Everett and our neighboring cities are busy seeking out candidates for current and future job openings. It hardly matters if the economy is on an upward or downward trend. There is work to be done, which means there are countless jobs to be filled.
Want to land a new job? Here’s one surefire way to get the new boss’ attention. Perform a little research. Create a solid resume. Then, send a persuasive letter through the mail.
You read that right. Good old-fashioned U.S. mail.
You may think that letter writing is old school. It isn’t. Most job hunters overflow employers’ e-mail accounts with electronic files, meaning that letters and resumes that arrive through the postal service automatically stand out from the rest. Savvy professionals send their materials both ways — online and through the mail.
In your letter, be professional, but allow a little bit of personality to shine through. Remember, letter writing is not an art. It is a skill that can be practiced and improved. Also, there is no right way to write a letter. Jot down a few words that express your interest in a company (or position), and while you’re at it, include a few key facts about your experience.
The following are recent cover letter questions and my answers:
Question: I left the workplace for several years to deal with some major family transitions — illness, death and divorce — and I want to somehow address the time off in my cover letter. Any ideas?
J.M. San Francisco, Calif.
Answer: A great cover letter will find the balance between offering an explanation and saying too much. Once you say something to an employer, you can’t take it back, so choose your words wisely. I suggest that you briefly acknowledge your time off, and save the lengthy conversation for the interview.
You might prepare a statement such as: “After a short time away, I am excited to return to my career in marketing.” If you held a part-time job during your hiatus, it’s OK to dig a little bit deeper: “Over the past few years, I succeeded in a small-business setting while caring for my family. After this short time out of the marketing industry, I am even more ambitious than I was when I started out 10 years ago.”
Question: What’s the right way to end my cover letter? Should I say “I’ll call you next week,” or “I look forward to hearing from you?”
B.R. San Antonio, Texas
Answer: In your introductory letter, there are literally hundreds of options for signing off, and as I mentioned earlier, there is no “right way.” If you work in an hard-hitting industry, such as advertising, you may need to step up the assertiveness factor with a phone call. Otherwise, listen to your instincts. Be yourself. With great skills and an excellent letter, you’re bound to get noticed.
Here is one final question that I receive quite often: What kind of paper should I use to print my resume and cover letter? Stick with something simple and professional, white or off-white, recycled if possible.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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