Your network is wider than you think.   You know more than 9 people! When I sit down to begin work with a new client, one of the things we always discuss right up front is networking.  This critical skill is at the core of finding new positions, since the majority of jobs come through networking.  I ask clients to create a networking plan, which begins with them identifying

Below is a template showing how to write a cover letter in 8 steps.  This format shows an alternative to the traditional paragraph style for a cover letter.  It uses a 2-column style of presenting qualifications in Step 5.   This alternative style cover letter is preferred by some recruiters and human resource professionals because it makes their job easier!  It makes

Below is a template showing how to write a cover letter in 8 steps.  A cover letter is a formal letter and should be written as such, with attention to correct format, spelling, and grammar. The template illustrates the 8 Steps that are described in my article:  "How to Write a Cover Letter - 8 Steps to Writing an Effective Letter that Moves the Action Forward."** Just follow the steps

Resumes may be the marketing tool that open the door, but cover letters get you invited in.  While a resume shows what you've done, a cover letter allows you to specifically tell what you could do, and how, for a future employer.   Format of a cover letter First, note that your cover letter is not a dissertation.   It should be fairly short, rarely over one page or 1 ½ pages

I’ve written my resume and I think it’s pretty good.  It tells everything I’ve done – and even shows some accomplishments.  So why do I need a cover letter?  Isn’t a resume enough?      Unfortunately, the answer is No.  It is not enough. A well-crafted cover letter gives you another opportunity to make the sale for you as a potential employee and

Writing letters is an integral part of a successful job search - more than you might think. Job seekers find themselves producing lots of letters.  Those who run a really active search find themselves writing . . . .    -  letters to accompany their resumes,      -  letters to request assistance,        -   letters

Writing letters is part and parcel of the process of finding a job.  While composing letters may seem uncomfortable if you're not much of a letter-writer, keep in mind that letters provide you with another opportunity:        (1) to show what you can do, and        (2) sell a prospective employer on the benefits of hiring you! While

Identifying a few folks who will speak on your behalf, and then listing their names on a sheet of paper seems like a simple enough task.  When your list is complete, voila', you have a reference list to be given out to prospective employers.      Right? . . . . .  Wrong! Compiling your reference list, called an Annotated Reference List, is anything but simple.  Just

Referrals open doors.  References get you invited in! References are golden.  Treat then like the gold they are!  In an article entitled Referrals are Golden – Handle with Care I noted that referrals can open doors that might not be opened any other way.  Once opened, references can get you invited in! References should be handled with care.  Names and phone numbers

When asked for references, most job seekers just plunk down a list with a few names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers on it. It meets the request, but it's nothing special.   It certainly doesn't make a job seeker stand out from the crowd.  Stand out from the Crowd! But, you can stand out from the crowd by supplying an Annotated Reference List whenever you're asked for references.