Writer’s block can occur especially when sitting down to write a resume or cover letter. It is hard enough to sit there at the computer screen not knowing the best way to market yourself and then you look over at your stack of bills to be paid.. The pressure can be overwhelming. This article will give you step by step instructions on what to say and how to market yourself. There are five key things you must ask yourself before you write your resume or cover letter.
These are some things that have helped me during the way.
1. What does the prospective employer need? What skills, knowledge or experience can you bring to the job you are trying to obtain?
2. What objectives do you have? The goal is to get someone to respond to you and get them interested enough to call you or bring you in for an interview.
3. What are three qualities that you can bring to the employer? Think of qualities like skills and experience that would be valued in the line of work you are wanting to do. If you are responding to a wanted listing, you must have at least the job requirements covered.
4. What are at least two accomplishments you have achieved and how can those apply in this new job? Think of past experience. For example if you are in sales you might mention that you were in the top 5 of your sales team for two years running, or something like that.
5. Why do you want to work for this person or organization? Yes they are going to ask you that, so you better know. The key here is to do your homework about the company. Make sure you know their history, and about their products or services. Focus on knowing what the company stands for like their philosophy, mission and organization.
Once you have answered these five questions you are ready to start typing.
What is a cover letter?
“Simply put it is a way to introduce yourself and to get someone interested about reading what you can do – your resume.” – Jittery Monks
The opening: This is where you tell them who you are, what you are sending them, and how you know about them.
The sales pitch: Get to the point in this section! This is where you tell them why they should consider you and a brief overview of what you can offer them. Its all about what you can do for them and why they need you. – “The Careeer Experts”
The Kiss up: This is where you candy coat things and use flattery. Its all about them and how they are highly desired to work for. Its why them so to speak. Tell them why you want to work there. It may be that the product they offer is of the highest quality and you would be proud to represent their brand.
The request for action: This is not the closing, but where do we go from here? If they are interested they should set up an interview. The goal is to get them interested enough to do that. Give plenty of information, but make sure you engage them. Leave them wanting to know a little more.
Here are 10 things to keep in mind:
1. Each letter should be unique to each prospective employer.
2. Talk about what you can do for them.
3. Give them focused career goals you have.
4. Don’t say anything negative about your life or your current or past employment.
5. Don’t ramble and get to your point
6. Don’t make claims of what you can do without being able to back them up.
7. Keep it at no more than one page.
8. Always triple check for typos
9. Get other peoples opinions before you send it.
10. Keep all your stuff organized so you can follow up with the right companies and keep records of what you send and contacts.