4 Steps to Writing a Kick-Ass Cover Letter

4 Steps to Writing a Kick-Ass Cover LetterThe cover letter is a hiring managers first line of defense. Some of the more seasoned professionals look at your letter first because it can be the most accurate gauge of how much effort youve put into trying to land that job. A good recruiter can tell whether youve taken the time to pay attention to details, polish a coherent narrative, and give a glimpse of who you are as a part and an employee. Almost any recruiter can tell when youve cut corners or made (and missed) careless mistakes. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Even if youve written a cover letterfor the ages, there are still subtle pitfalls and hidden opportunities for finesse you may be blind to.1. Get the personenname rightThis may seem like an insultingly obvious point. But so many letters open with generic Dear Sir or Madam or To whom it may concern, rather than being addressed to a particular person.Step one figure out the person who will actually be doing the hiring and screening for your position. Step two make doublythen triplysure youve spelled their name 100% correctly. Its leid hard to get that detail right and it will save the hiring manager the wince when they see a letter or two out of place. You never know what makes the difference in whether or not you make it out of resume pile limbo.2. Strike a balance between style and substanceSo many cover letters open with snooze-worthy first lines. I write to express my keen interest in the X position. You can do better than this. Try something that will hold any readers interest, but be carefultoo interesting and you run the risk of it not transitioning well into the rest of your cover letter. Try to find a dazzling opening sentence that seamlessly segues into discussion of your professional qualifications and manages to add insight and context to your application. Its a tough note to strike, but can really help you knock it out of the park.3. Strike a bal ance between flattering them and selling yourselfIts important to convey your genuine interest in the company, and to hit home just how much you want to be a part of the team there. Flattery, when done correctly, can get you everywhere. Dont forget, however, to include some insight into yourself. That is, after all, what theyre looking for. Playing only to their egos will often backfire.4. Be humble, but also bragTheres a difference between bragging, humblebragging, and being overly humble. And theres a sweet spot where they overlap. If you have holes in your application, or there are certain qualifications you lack, its important to mention these things and be proactive. But dont give too much space on the page to what you dont have. Move on quickly and focus on what you can offer to the company, and why youre uniquely qualified and perfect for the jobeven without that one specific skill you dont quite have yet.If youre at this stage, you already have a good letter. Dont be scared to take it that extra mile. And, when in doubt, ask. Generous, smarter-than-you friends and paid professionals are out there to help.

Ask the Experts Best Resume Formats, Worst Advice, and How to Stand Out

Ask the Experts Best Resume Formats, Worst Advice, and How to Stand OutPosted on September 5, 2018November 11, 2019 by Jobscan Whether youre selecting a resume schablone or gestaltatting your own, the way you structure your pastwork experience could make or break your your job search. So we asked 7 experts job search strategists, resume writers, and recruiters to weigh in on the best resume formats, worst formatting advice, and a few novel ways to stand out.Jobscans resume match report has added new resume checks that overlap with the advice below, including date formatting, headings, web presence, sentence length, and more. Additional information at the bottom of the article.What is the most important thing to keep in mind for your resume format?Sarah Johnston, Job Search StrategistThe most important thing to keep in mind when formatting a resume is to be consistent. If you are going to use Month-Year for the employment time range on one punkt, keep that format throughout. A common mistake is swapping to just year half-way through the resume. Inconsistencies can cause recruiters and hiring managers to question whether you are trying to hide something.Jessica H. Hernandez, Executive Resume WriterChoose a resume format thats easy for the employer to scan quickly. Hiring managers are bedrngnis reading the entire resume on the first pass. Theyre going to scan over it for position titles, employment dates, keywords and metrics that stand out before deciding to read it thoroughly. The resume format you choose should make those areas of information simple to locate and read. Consider bolding or italicizing position titles, employment dates, important keywords and numbers so they stand out as the eyes scan across the page.Tabitha Trent Cavanagh, IT and Gaming RecruiterThere is some debate around this, but I say ditch adding your complete physical address to your resume. Include your personalized LinkedIn URL instead. This will save the hiring manager valuable time as they inevitably search for you on LinkedIn. No more, Wait are you this Derek Smith or that Derek Smith? You may, however, want to indicate your current location somewhere in the header in case the employer is looking for candidates in a specific geographic area.What piece of resume formatting advice makes you cringe every time?Jenny Foss, Job Search Strategist and Recruiter1. Photos (when you dont work in an industry for which your physical appearance is critical).2. Over-stylized formatting with little meat in the actual words (especially if youre sending that baby through an ATS).3. Listing References Available Upon Request. After 15 years of recruiting, I can assure you that if/when theyre ready to check your references, they will ask you for them even if you dont list that on the resume.4. leid listing dates (because youre trying to draw the readers eyes away from gaps, etc.). If I see no dates, I immediately think something is up.Virginia Franco, Executive Resume WriterWhen I see dense blocks of text (4+ lines with little space in between paragraphs/bullets), it makes me cringe every time.While this formatting poses no problems when reading in print, our eyes have a tough time digesting it on screens, particularly when the screen is small and we are reading in a rush.I recommend keeping bullets short and sweet (2-3 lines max). Add at least half an inch of white space in between to facilitate online, skim reading.What is one of your favorite pieces of unconventional resume formatting advice?Adrienne Tom, Executive Resume WriterEmploy design components that help key content pop without being too over the top.Design features dont have to be flashy to have a big impact in a resume. Consider adding simple break-out box, chart, graph, or other visuals to capture the readers attention and draw the eye to major career wins.Visuals are likely to capture a readers eye faster than simple text. In the executive resumes that I create, I frequently include a design co mponent as a way to highlight big selling features like business development, revenue growth, sales improvement, market share expansion, or specialized skills. These visual aids add interest and promote value while keeping the resume from looking like all the rest.Truly, most marketing materials use some form of visual aid to guide a readers eye to key points. Tactics include larger text, color, bolded text, boxes, or graphs. Utilizing a similar approach in a resume (in a tasteful way) is an excellent strategy to make the file more appealing.A caveat, content in some design components may not be ATS-friendly meaning the content within these features may not be read by a computer screener so ensure you repeat details in the actual resume content.Kerri Twigg, Certified Resume StrategistSome unconventional formatting advice that has worked well, especially for people who are in marketing, web development, or web designers, is doing the combo of a creative resume as your first page th en doing it a little more conventionally on the second. That way you can have that visual element that really matters to you while still having the content and space to add a couple of stories on the second page. Its not too creative but it has that creative edge.I also look at the font the company is using on their website or their job ad.Try to match that font (and in some cases even the color scheme) on your resume so it looks like youre already part of that company. Even if its not a font traditionally used on a resume, like something outdated like a Times New Roman, use it because thats what the company has chosen and youre speaking their language.Its not just keyword matching.Jobscans optimization toolis checking your resume formatting.New intelligent checks make even the best resume formats more ATS compatible and recruiter-friendly than ever.ATS ChecksHard skills, soft skills, and keyword matchingJob title and education matchingATS-friendly section headingsNEWATS-friendly da te formattingNEWATS-friendly file typeNEWATS-friendly resume templatesNEWRecruiter ChecksMeasurable results, word count, and words to avoidSentence lengthNEWPredicted skills missing from the job descriptionNEWIndustry-specific insightsNEWKeep an eye out for additional new features. Jobscan is updated every two weeks and even more formatting checks are on the wayFacebook Commentswpdevar_comment_1 span,wpdevar_comment_1 iframewidth100% important

Adopt a School Program

Adopt a School Program Adopt a School ProgramPosted October 13, 2011, by Helen Isbister Australian schools are being adopted by an unlikely parent. Not by Madonna or Brangelina, but by the Transport and Logistics industry. It might sound like an unusual arrangement, but its definitely proving to be a beneficial one. The Adopt a School Program gives employers (in a skills-short industry) access to an energetic group of talent while also giving the next generation of workers a practical opportunity to learn more about the sector. Local businesses join forces with schools, so students can obtain real experience, learn about career opportunities, find out about the types of skills employees are looking for and build networks to ease the transition between school and the big wide world of work. Lessons for life The program works in two ways. One sees a student spending one day a week onsite with an industry employer while obtaining a TL qualification. The other stream involves students doing an apprentice by spending two days a week as an employee of a company while completing Year 12. Students can work across warehousing, waste management, marine, freight forwarding, aviation, road transport and furniture removals. Adopt a School provides the industry with a strategy to meet future skill needs, gives employers access to a diverse talent pool and allows young people to gain hands-on experience, Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said at the launch of the program this week. It also showcases how effective partnerships between government, industry and the education sector can produce skilled young workers and trainees. Great results It seems schools and businesses alike are jumping on board, with the number of schools with Transport and Logistics trainees growing from just two in 2006 to 200 today. When we first started this program, we would present to schools and students, and they would have little understanding of the industry and what it has to offer , says Sky Collings, the Acting Director of Industry Capability, Department of Transport and Main Roads. Now, schools are knocking our doors down to be involved. They have seen the success of the program and what dynamic career opportunities are available. Get moving with transport and logistics careers The $63 billion transport and logistics industry employs five per cent of Australias workforce and with that number set to ersatzdarsteller by 2020 there are plenty of job opportunities on offer. We still have the retirement of the baby boomers and the economic recovery ahead of us, says Collings. This is not the time to wind up, it is the time to ramp up. We need to increase the profile and professionalism of our industry. A career in transport and logistics can rival the traditional professions. With the help of the government, the Adopt a School Program has also been adopted by the agricultural, food and broadcast industries.Logistics ResourcesWarehouse manager resumeWarehouse manager cover letterCareer Insider StoriesBashir Mourad - Supply Chain Manager at Johnson & JohnsonInterested in becoming a?Supply Chain ManagerLogistics ManagerContract AdministratorProcurement OfficerSupply Chain Customer Service ManagerPopular Career Searcheshow to become a procurement officer in australiagovernment funded logistics courses onlinewhere to study logistics in australiaprocurement and contract management online coursesgovernment funded logistics courses qldLogistics CoursesDiploma of LogisticsEnquire Online Enquire OnlineGraduate Certificate of Supply Chain and Logistics Managemen...Enquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of LogisticsEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of Facilities ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineHelen IsbisterRelated ArticlesBrowse moreWORKFORCE TRENDSSkilling Solutions for Queensland T&L workersA new program has been launched to help transport and logistics workers in Queensland gain vocational advice and recognition of their skills and exp erience to boost their careers.LogisticsTradesTransport and logistics careers on the moveTransport and logistics may not have a reputation as a glamorous industry, but dont be fooled. The sector has plenty to offer when it comes to job prospects and wages.CAREER ADVICEMaternity leaveParents returning to workIf your life for the past months or years has been nothing but changing nappies, feeding hungry mouths or ferrying the kids to school, then the thought of getting into a suit and hitting the job trail may seem hugely daunting.

What Not To Do on Twitter if You Want to Stay Employed

What Not To Do on Twitter if You Want to Stay EmployedWhat Not To Do on Twitter if You Want to Stay EmployedAh, technology. Whether its staying in touch with family and friends, checking out the latest trending news story or just catching up on ridiculously cute cat memes, social media sites have certainly had a big impact on the way that we communicate as a society. In many ways, the ability to stay instantaneously informed can be beneficial on both a social and professional level. But with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to the world of Twitter and your job stability.Well admit that when it comes to role models for what you should and should not say via Twitter, you may not have the best modern examples. From political leaders and knee-jerk reactions to celebs making cringe-worthy social faux pas, its hard to know just where to draw the line with your personal tweet-storms. If this sounds familiar, youre in luck. Weve compiled some common sense advi ce for what elend to do on twitter if you like your job and want to stay employedTalking Politics (or anything controversial for that matter)We all remember the sage wisdom regarding politics and religion. In short, you just dont talk about these kinds of hot-button topics if you want to keep conversations congenial. When it comes to the Twitter-sphere, much the same can be said, or not said. If youre employed with a large company, are in a high-level position or would have concerns about your employer learning your political views its best to keep political leanings to less public, in person surrounds.Posting to the Wrong AccountThis one goes out to the social media managers out there. If you are in charge of posting to your employers Twitter profile, pay special attention to ensure which voice youre using before hitting the tweet button. Posting a personal message, especially if its off-color, to your companys profile, can cause brand and client confusion, looks unprofessional and can ultimately cost you your job. Keep personal tweets to personal time and be sure to practice good anmeldevorgang and logout hygiene to keep things copasetic. Complaining About Your Job/Boss/ClientWeve all had those tough days at the office. Maybe you were called into your boss office for a formal dressing down or had to deal with a less-than-amazing client call. While venting to a trusted friend or family member over a glass of wine is one way to release some stress, tweeting about the experience probably isnt going to get you high marks with your employer. To avoid word getting back to your company that youre a negative nancy, or less than a team player, keep your opinions on work to verbal communications only. Dont take the risk that an equally frustrated co-worker, HR rep or direct report can see and use your tweets against you. The Mom RuleWere all guilty from time to time of saying something we later regret. When it comes to Twitter, however, these mistaken postings can hau nt your virtual reputation for years to come. When in doubt, before posting insightful, rude or otherwise less than politically correct, ask yourself one simple question what would mom do?The mom test is a great pre-screening tool for just about anything youd say in public but is especially helpful for protecting your job from the prying eyes of your employer. If you wouldnt make a statement or claim in front of your mother, chances are your employer wont appreciate it either. Avoid saying anything distasteful or cringe-worthy in general, even if you think your account security is on lockdown. Remember mother knows best and youll never end up on the wrong side of a PC tweetstorm.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Stock Photography Model

The Pros and Cons of Being a Stock Photography ModelThe Pros and Cons of Being a Stock Photography ModelAt first thought, becoming a stock photography model seems like a terrific idea. After one little photo session, your image could appear in magazine ads, in digital ads, on billboards, on posters, and even on book covers- basically any type of marketing that requires a person with your specific look. It all seems so easy. But is stock photography modeling as great as it seems? Pro No Experience Required The stock photography industry is relatively easy to break into. You dont need years of experience or a stellar portfolio to land a job. If you have a look that appeals to the masses and can fit a general physical description, you can probably get yourself on a stock photography website. It helps, too, that stock photos are in high demand and always will be. That means that stock photo agencies are always searching for models- and plenty of them. Pro the Pay Is Pretty Good S tock photography wont make you rich, but its an easy way to make a few bucks. Generally speaking, you can expect to earn anywhere from $75 to $200 for a couple hours work. Not bad, considering its not too challenging and can be loads of fun. Just dont forget that even though stock photography modeling isnt one of the more commonly recognized types of modeling (like commercial, plus size, fashion, etc.), its still modeling To ensure your safety, you must be sure youre only working with legitimate modeling agencies and photographers. Con the Photos Are Generic If youre looking to bulk up your portfolio with unique photos that show off your versatility and personality, then stock photography is not for you. Stock photos are always generic photos of people, places, and things. No exceptions. And theres a reason for this In order for a stock photographer and a stock photo website to license the photo as many times as possible (in other words make as much money as possible), the photo s need to work with all types of content and all types of needs. Hence the not-so-interesting nature of stock photography. Having said that, you may still be able to get a few shots for your book to impress future agents and clients. Con Flat Fees Stock photography models are paid a one-time flat fee. You show up for the shoot, you get paid, you get sent on your way. Thats the belastung youll hear of it. So even though whoever buys the photo has to pay more for certain usage rights, sizes, distributions, duration, etc., the model wont get any extra money for it. This is especially painful when your photo appears on the cover of a magazine or pops up as a brand-name ad on a popular website. Con You Never Know Whos Using Your Photos Even though you can see your photos sell, you have no idea who bought them or where theyll appear. Sometimes the element of surprise is fun, as in, Hey, so-and-so just said they saw me in an ad for cheese But its not always this amusing. When you sign a stock photo release form, chances are your photo can be used for any purpose, in any form, to sell any product, with any modification, in perpetuity. That means you might not always like where your photo ends up, especially if the ad is for something that conflicts with a higher paying jobs you book later or violates your ethical or moral beliefs. Con It Can Interfere With Future Bookings If you go on to pursue other types of modeling (commercial modeling, for example), potential clients may ask you if youve ever done an ad for a competing company or product. The problem is, if youve done stock photography, you wont have a clue and you wont have any way of finding out. So you either have to turn down the job (the smart decision) or accept it and be prepared to face some nasty legal ramifications down the road (never a good idea). At the end of the day, its important to weigh all the pros and cons to determine if doing stock photography modeling will be of benefit to you. For some, generally those in smaller markets, it can be a fantastic way to earn extra income for others in larger markets who are already signed to a major agency, it may not be.

Office Manager Top Needed Skills

Office Manager Top Needed SkillsOffice Manager Top Needed SkillsOffice Manager Top Needed SkillsWriting your resume with a target job in mind requires having a clear understanding of the jobs skills and proficiencies.A well-crafted resume skills section, highlighting your relevant skills for an office manager position, will help your resume beat the Applicant Tracking ordnungsprinzip (ATS), which is the first step to getting your application noticed. Use the office manager top skills and proficiencies below to help you effectively write your resume.Office Manager top skills proficienciesCommunicationAnalysis and AssessmentJudgmentProblem SolvingDecision MakingPlanning and OrganizationTime ManagementAttention to DetailAccuracyDelegationCoachingInitiativeIntegrityAdaptabilityTeamworkBudgetingStaffingSupervisingDeveloping StandardsProcess ImprovementInventory ControlSupply Management

Customize this Outstanding Entry Level Detectives and Criminal Investigators Resume Template

Customize this Outstanding Entry Level Detectives and Criminal Investigators Resume TemplateCustomize this Outstanding Entry Level Detectives and Criminal Investigators Resume TemplateDetectives and criminal investigators are needed in every city, even those with low crime rates. If youre already in the force and want to grow your career, or you have an education in criminology, begin with a detective or criminal investigator entry-level resume.The most important thing to include on this type of resume is experience with versicherungsschein or criminal specialists such as attorneys. As its an entry-level position, internships are more than applicable here. Experience outside of the criminal justice system, such as administration and clerical work, is an advantage too. Make sure to note skills that apply to critical thinking, analytics, IT, and attention to detail.Take a look at this entry-level detectives and criminal investigators resume template to learn more. Create ResumeLandon M atthews100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019(555) 322-7337 example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryEnthusiastic, resourceful recent graduate with academic and professional background. A highly motivated, career driven individual who is detail orientated.Demonstrated and practiced leadership ability, by leading by example and striving to meet high expectations.Adept at working under pressure and problem solving, demonstrated through work and educational experience.SkillsDetailed report writingCritical thinkingAttention to detailQuick learnerManagerial backgroundEmergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificationMicrosoft Office proficiencyEfficient multi-taskerWork HistoryPark Ranger, 04/2013 to CurrentBoston Park Rangers Boston, MALearned the basics of law enforcement and communication techniques from the Boston Police Academy.Watched for suspicious activity, respond to radio calls, investigates complaints, disturbances, and administers first aid in emergencies.Conduct foot and veh icle patrols throughout parks.Intern, 09/2012 to 12/2012Salem Police DepartmentObserved a group of investigators on their daily tasks.General clerical work.Inputting fingerprints into system.Dining Service Manager, 01/2010 to 01/2013Brightview Senior LivingManage a staff of forty in a dining room setting.Scheduling and staffing.Monitor a variety of employees to ensure excellent service, food quality, and consistent sanitation.EducationBachelor of Science Criminal Justice, 2013Salem State University Salem, MARelated Coursework Administration of Criminal Justice, Victimology, Community Corrections, Police Analysis and Research, White Collar Crime, Comparative Legal Systems, Criminal Law, , etc.Extracurricular Activities Member of Criminal Justice Academy, Pre-law Society, and member of 2011 Salem State University leadership workshop. Customize ResumeMore Law Enforcement and Security ResumesExperienced Protective Services Resume Templates