Cover Letters: A Lost Art?
In the age of the fast and highly impersonal on-line application process, it seems the art of writing a cover letter has gone by the wayside for many. But, like so many other things in this challenging economy, now more than ever is the time to perfect the cover letter – not neglect it. Here are a few reasons to consider:
- · Reflection of Your Interest – the ease with which you can apply to jobs on-line is the exact reason that a cover letter is paramount. It is a strong indicator that you are serious about your candidacy, not just slinging your resume out there to see where it sticks.
- · Template versus Boilerplate – Having a standard cover letter is a starting point, not something to arbitrarily cut-and-paste each time you apply. Make sure the document reads like it is written for the reader and only the reader. Ask yourself this – aren’t you more apt to take the time to read a letter you can tell was written just for you versus one that is clearly generic? I know I am.
- · It’s All About Standing Apart from the Crowd – as unemployment continues to increase, so does your pool of competition. Differentiating is the name of the game now more than ever. Your cover letter is the perfect platform to do just that.
- · The Interview Before the Interview – Every C level executive I work with says the same thing. They use the cover letter as a barometer to gauge a candidate’s ability to effectively communicate. This is an ideal time to showcase your written communication skills.
- · Recruiters Don’t Read Them – Yes and no. The good ones do and the others should. For all the reasons listed here plus it gives them pre-packaged selling points for their clients, should they consider you a candidate. They, after all, are another example of an interview before the interview.
Are cover letters sometimes overlooked? Yes. On the other hand, they are quite often a deciding factor as to whether or not you will get an interview. So, take the time to put together a document that reflects you and why you should be considered over the other hundreds of applicants. This attention to detail could be the first step towards getting you the interview you want and the job you deserve.
______________
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Thursday, July 23 – 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search (Free Webinar)
Free Webinar – 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search
Thursday, July 23rd – 3:00pmEST
Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
My call last month had 1497 registered and the lines maxed out at 1000, so I am holding one more on Thursday. On this call I will share about the “hidden job market” and also cover:
· the biggest block that’s likely keeping you and your search in low-gear right now and wasting precious time (and how to bust out of your rut)
· 5 things recruiters have begged me not to share with you that can keep you from having your job search sabotaged without you even knowing it.
· why your resume is not as critical a factor in getting the interviews (or the job) as you think
· 3 immediate ways you can make your job search lean-and-mean right now! (These are so simple and yet so effective.)
· how you can start working a new plan immediately to find the job you want and cut your job search time in as much as half.
Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
We have some great information focused on getting your job search on track. But, don’t take my word for it. Here is what some previous listeners had to say about the webinar:
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
“Kevin Kermes offers a straightforward and comprehensive approach to develop new networks and expand career or business horizons. I was impressed with his expertise and believe you will be too.”– Katherine Eago
“I recently listened to Kevin’s “Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes” webinar and was most impressed. The content of the presentation and the insight he provided was very helpful. Because of Kevin’s professional background, he was able to provide me with a better understanding of how the recruitment business works from an insider’s perspective. In addition, I found the topic of job boards to be very informative. Overall, I think it is great information for the current job seeker or anyone who wants to be better prepared for their next job search.”– Brian Heckler
“I recently had the pleasure to attend Kevin’s webinar “Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes.” I am usually a little suspicious of free webinars, but Kevin’s discussion provided a lot of valuable information for the job seeker and prompted me to purchase his additional materials which also look worthwhile. I am going to recommend to everyone in our WIND group (Boston networking group) that they should also attend Kevin’s webinars.”– Ted Powell
“I listened in on Kevin’s Webinar today on the “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search” and found it a very worthwhile use of my time. His insight into what to focus on to be most productive was very helpful. Some points were new and others a timely reinforcement. If you get the opportunity to tune in for one of Kevin’s webinars, I highly recommend you do so.” – Becky Vogt
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
“Last Thursday, I participated in Kevin Kermes webinar on how to avoid the 10 biggest job search mistakes. I am a busy communications consultant who enjoys my work, but given this economy and its impact on freelancers, would (not surprisingly) like to find full-time steady employment. I signed up for his webinar, even though I wasn’t sure it could offer much in the way of good information. After all, I’d never heard of Kevin–and how many different ways can you scour the job boards? Boy oh boy, was I busted! I learned, among other things, that not all job boards are created equal–or even worth the time it takes to sign up–and why I needed to shift the way I was searching for engaging and sustaining work. I was riveted to his presentation–just short enough to keep my attention and just long enough to be interesting. Like so many other smart, savvy, and well-intentioned people in today’s workforce, I’ve been looking in the wrong places and, as a result, missing out on some right opportunities. With Kevin’s insights, I have changed my approach. Thanks for the hour, Kevin. Really appreciate it! Good stuff!”– Jill Murray
“Kevin’s webinar on “Avoiding the 10 biggest Job Search Mistakes” was completely on the mark. He clearly communicated the most important job search tasks and mistakes to avoid in order for one to stand out from the crowd to potential employers. Get an “Exceptional Performance Review” even before you’re hired. Follow Kevin’s rules.” – Carl Sutter
“I had the opportunity to listen to Kevin’s webinar the last week in January. The information he provided was insightful and timely. I was able to identify several areas where my search was lacking and feel more focused towards my goal.”– Susan Kneeshaw
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
____________________________________________________________________________
Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine (read by over 21,000 professionals worldwide) – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that
5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search – Free Webinar – Thursday, 7/23 – 3pmEST
Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
Whether you just started your job search or have been at it for awhile now, this call is what you have been waiting for. You owe it to yourself to learn the secrets to cutting significant time off your job search now. I also have some special gifts for joining me on the call, but you must be signed up (if can’t make the call, I will send you the recording afterwards – but you must be signed up).
On this webinar, you’ll learn:
* the biggest block that’s likely keeping you and your search in low-gear right now and wasting precious time (and how to bust out of your rut)
* 5 things recruiters have begged me not to share with you that can keep you from having your job search sabotaged without you even knowing it.
* why your resume is not as critical a factor in getting the interviews (or the job) as you think
* 3 immediate ways you can make your job search lean-and-mean right now! (These are so simple and yet so effective.)
* how you can start working a new plan immediately to find the job you want and cut your job search time in as much as half.
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
____________________________________________________________________________
Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine (read by over 21,000 professionals worldwide) – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that
Finding the “Open Door” in the Job Market – from the Build the Career You Deserve ezine
In an article earlier this year, we talked about turning rejection into opportunity. Given the current economic climate – unemployment numbers at just over 9.4% and 13.7 million Americans looking for jobs – I thought discussing how the current job market looks opportunity-wise might be timely. My answer is likely going to surprise you. I see a lot of opportunity out there.
· It’s All About ROI – If you have a track record of success and can quantify and qualify those accomplishments (saving money, making money, creating efficiencies), wayward companies who realize they are in bad shape will invest in your expertise and ability to deliver results.
* * * * * * * * *
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search (7/1/09)
Missed this webinar? Watch the July 23rd webinar with the special announcement at the end!
Job Boards: The Broken System – from the Build the Career You Deserve ezine
Wake up, scour the job boards, reply to ads, repeat. This is the grind for many job seekers these days. It’s a system that is promoted heavily, but it is a massively broken system. The statistics say it all: studies report 3% of jobs are found through job boards. Yet, this is where some 95% of the 13.7 million jobless in the U.S. focus and spend the bulk of their time searching for a new opportunity. And, I understand why at first glance: they offer a plan. They have a “system (a term I use very loosely).” But, before you invest too much more time on these boards, here are some things to consider:
· Job Boards are Big Business, but not Your Business – A billion dollars industry with the big backed by the bigger (Careerbuilder is tied with CNN, Monster with CNN and HotJobs is owned by Yahoo). And, they are after you because they really need you. Without high unique visitor counts daily and fresh resumes being dumped into their databases, they cannot charge the prices they want for ads and resume access. They need an overcrowded system because it benefits them – not you.
· But, it’s So Easy – No doubt, the ease with which you can apply to a job is one of the attractive qualities of the boards. But, that is only because there is a lack of any barrier to entry – or application. That lack of a barrier floods the market with a deluge of resume. This high resume count means applicant tracking systems (ATS – the name and acronym sound so clinical) are necessary to search and sort through information. This gets the interview process started on the wrong foot – a process that is all about a highly personal touch. Quality is sacrificed for quantity. Sounds like the healthcare system – you become a number, not a name.
· You are More Important than Your Resume – some of the best job search techniques out there rely very little on resumes. Job boards focus on your resume because it is key to them building their database. They are even offering resume writing services which guarantee “satisfaction,” but not interviews. I have had several clients that used these services before working with me. Not only did their resume re-writes not result in interviews, the job boards often came back and re-pitched their services to my clients…just adding insult to injury.
· The Statistic They Don’t Want You to Know – You won’t ever hear the job boards talk about how many people are hired using their “system (again, I cringe calling it that).” Another number they never promote is the “hidden job market.” 80-85% of hires every year are made here. The kicker is that only about 5% of job seekers aggressively targets this market…and uncovering it is easier than you think. You just need a real “system.” One that works for you – and you alone.
This past week, I spent a little over 30 minutes talking about these points plus a few more. Most important, I shared some free tips and remedies on how you can get a system that works for you. If you weren’t one of the 1000 participants on the webinar, you can listen here to the “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search.”
* * * * * * * * * *
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
* * * * * * * * *
Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
**NEW Job Search Q&A Mastermind Program**
For the past few months, my ezine readers have been asking about more Q&A sessions like I have hosted in my webinar series. Today, I have some exciting news – I am announcing my new Job Search Q&A Mastermind Program.
This not only includes two (2) live calls with me each month where I will answer all your job search questions, but it is packed with much more. You can read all about it by clicking here…
Cover Letters: A Dying Art Form? – from the Build the Career You Deserve ezine
In the age of the fast and highly impersonal on-line application process, it seems the art of writing a cover letter has gone by the wayside for many. But, like so many other things in this challenging economy, now more than ever is the time to perfect the cover letter – not neglect it. Here are a few reasons to consider:
· Reflection of Your Interest – the ease with which you can apply to jobs on-line is the exact reason that a cover letter is paramount. It is a strong indicator that you are serious about your candidacy, not just slinging your resume out there to see where it sticks.
· Template versus Boilerplate – Having a standard cover letter is a starting point, not something to arbitrarily cut-and-paste each time you apply. Make sure the document reads like it is written for the reader and only the reader. Ask yourself this – aren’t you more apt to take the time to read a letter you can tell was written just for you versus one that is clearly generic? I know I am.
· It’s All About Standing Apart from the Crowd – as unemployment continues to increase, so does your pool of competition. Differentiating is the name of the game now more than ever. Your cover letter is the perfect platform to do just that.
· The Interview Before the Interview – Every C level executive I work with says the same thing. They use the cover letter as a barometer to gauge a candidate’s ability to effectively communicate. This is an ideal time to showcase your written communication skills.
· Recruiters Don’t Read Them – Yes and no. The good ones do and the others should. For all the reasons listed here plus it gives them pre-packaged selling points for their clients, should they consider you a candidate. They, after all, are another example of an interview before the interview.
Are cover letters sometimes overlooked? Yes. On the other hand, they are quite often a deciding factor as to whether or not you will get an interview. So, take the time to put together a document that reflects you and why you should be considered over the other hundreds of applicants. This attention to detail could be the first step towards getting you the interview you want and the job you deserve.
This past week, I spent a little over 30 minutes talking about this point plus a few more. Most important, I shared some free tips and remedies on how you can get a system that works for you. If you weren’t one of the 1000 participants on the webinar, you can listen here to the “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search.”
______________
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes Webinar
**Not able to get into this webinar Use the sign-up form below to be alerted FIRST when the next one opens**
The Reference Check – It’s Not Time to Celebrate Yet – from the Build the Career You Deserve ezine
Two years ago, if a client told me that the company they were interviewing with was getting ready to check references, I would have thought, “Great! It sounds like an offer is not far behind.” But now, with unemployment at 8.9%, the job search landscape is far different and more competitive than ever. As a result, many companies are checking the references of multiple candidates in order to help make their final decision. So, getting it right with your references is extremely important. Here are a few tips:
· Be Proactive: Don’t assume the reference and reference checker will connect. Find out who will be calling your reference and let your reference know. I would suggest taking the steps to help schedule it. Not only will this help make certain it happens, but your reference will be in a better state of mind and more prepared for the call. You want them focused on selling you, not multitasking by driving, checking emails, etc..
· Prepare Your Reference: Schedule a call with your reference to review your background and the position you are interviewing for. Send them a copy of your resume. You want them understanding why this is a great job for you. They need to both think and speak in terms of why your past accomplishments are an indicator of what you are going to do for your future employer. It is all about being specific, quantifying and qualifying why you are the best hire – period.
· You are Only Good at What You Check: Follow up with your reference afterwards to find to how the call went. Were there any stumbling points? Any red flags they think you might need to address or be aware of? This way you know if there are any points you need to go back and re-address or affirm with your future employer.
There reference check is so much more than verifying employment. By taking these steps, you will not only properly prepare your reference, but you might discover you need to replace one of the people on your list. Remember, knowing they are checking references doesn’t mean you have the job, but it does mean you are a finalist. This is the last leg of your journey, so it’s time to pull out all the stops. Make sure your references tip the scales in your favor!
* * * * * * * * *
This past week, I spent a little over 30 minutes talking about this point plus a few more. Most important, I shared some free tips and remedies on how you can get a system that works for you. If you weren’t one of the 1000 participants on the webinar, you can listen here to the “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search.”
* * * * * * * * *
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved