The Importance of Cover Letters Experts Weigh In - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

The Importance of Cover Letters Experts Weigh In The importance of cover letters continues to be debated among job search experts and job seekers alike. We question whether they have any impact at all . . . or whether they are even read. First a little history. According to Stephen Lurie in an article in The Atlantic: Leonardo da Vinci is said to have created the first CV when applying for a job from the Duke of Milan. Starting in the 1930s, the idea of a “cover letter” became popularly used for a descriptive document that would precede some form of previously unaccompanied data.In its original incarnation, the “cover letter” provides an explanation for what can’t be found in the raw substance. Dotted throughout the 30’s and 40’s are other examples of the “cover letter” as in introduction to business, economic, or political mattersâ€"particularly between associates. Much like today’s cover letters, the original intent was to paint a picture that might not easily emerge from the denser material that was, well, under cover.The first use of “cover letter” in the context of employment is on September 23, 1956. It’s in a New York Times classified ad for Dutch Boy Paints for an opening to be an industrial paint chemist. Cover letters always seem to generate discussion Ever since cover letters mainstreamed in the 1950s, they have generated discussion. Anytime I post anything about cover letters, pretty much anywhere, conversation ensues. Not surprisingly, I received a number of comments on a post of mine on , referring to my blog article, Do I Really Need a Cover Letter for My Executive Resume? My update with that article received more than 5,500 views as of this writing. The Importance of Cover Letters from Several Experts Here are some of the comments my update received: Job Search Strategist Virginia Franco There’s literally no downside to having them and a great letter can make all the difference. Social Media Strategist Isabella Krieg If you can say that it wont hurt your chances, you should totally dive in! Whats to say it wont help your chances when there is someone with the exact same resume as you, but no cover letter? I think a cover letter also shows youre willing to take that extra step. Regardless of if you know itll benefit you or not. Something employers should look for. Job Search Strategist Madeline Mann Ive seen not having one ruin someones chances. More than anything, its an opportunity for an executive to explain why they are passionate about the company they are pursuing. Recruiter Angela Watts While there are certain positions where I don’t read them, I always do if writing or presenting will be involved in the role. Cover letters also give insights into personality and organization skills. Like you said, “not having a cover letter may ruin your chances”. So why not write one? Career Coach Shelley Piedmont The cover letter can add specifics to your case for being hired at a particular company that the resume can only cover in a bullet point. That being said, please take the time and care with a cover letter. I have seen beautiful resumes that are not matched with well-written cover letters (typos, grammatical errors, etc.). It becomes pretty obvious which is the true gauge of the writing skills of the individual. Career Coach Tami Campbell I often hear from job seekers that no one sends cover letters anymore. Exactly why you want to send one. The goal is not to do what everyone else is doing but to stand out. A well written, customized, addressed-to-an-actual-person cover letter can do just that for you. Career Consultant Juliana Rabbi I always tell my clients its better to have one, than to NOT have one. You stop the recruitment process at some point because you have to send one and you dont have it done. Its a typical case of better safe than sorry, right? Executive coach Phillip Wong The cover letter is just like a handshake. It helps to introduce yourself with a firm introduction and with a smile. Written well the cover letter can provide a concise headline and a great lead-in to the CV. Both need to be congruent and consistent in language, tone and layout. Be professional, it will get you noticed. 00 0

Moving Beyond Anger When People Ask For Free Help - Kathy Caprino

Moving Beyond Anger When People Ask For Free Help This week, my colleague Ashley Milne-Tyte, who publishes a fascinating blog and podcast series The Broad Experience, reached out to ask me my thoughts about women who are beleaguered by people asking for free help, and how to best handle it.   The question got me thinking more deeply about the situation, and when I did, I realized that over the past few years, Ive evolved beyond my initial anger and resentment over people reaching out with their hand out, asking for help. I remember when it first started to happen in a bigger way to me that strangers by the hundreds would ask for free help. Two years ago, a Forbes post of mine about LinkedIn and busting the 8 damaging myths about what it can do for you, went a bit viral, and that week, I heard from over 900 people asking for help to review their LinkedIn profiles, resumes and career directions. I was stunned, and frankly, really pissed off.   I thought, Dont they understand that this is how I make my living, as a career coach and consultant? And I also scratched my head at the audacity of people to reach out to a stranger asking for help, hoping for it quickly, without offering anything in return. Now, I feel quite differently.   After speaking with Adam Grant and reading his amazing book Give and Take, I was struck by the shame and sadness I felt at not being willing and happy to help more people in deep need.   I realized that I didnt just want to be of service to the affluent; I long to help people of all socioeconomic levels and all walks of life.   So I got going building free and low-cost programs and resources that anyone and everyone can take advantage of, and be supported.   And I feel so much better because of it. Many of us who run service-related businesses (and many who dont), want to be of help in the world.   Yes, we run businesses and need to earn money through these ventures, and we have to learn how to charge fairly and appropriately for what we offer, but we also want to use our talents and abilities to move the needle in some important way. Ive found that creating free and low-cost programs (that cost me very little to produce) as well as offering my top-level services is the way I can move the needle. Below are 5 key lessons Ive learned these past few years about how to view, experience, and handle being asked to give free help: Stop being mad its a waste of energy. Its best to simply get over being mad and resentful that people reach out for free help.   We need to realize that people dont necessarily understand our business model, and arent trying to be disrespectful when they ask for help.   We need to educate them on what we offer and what we dont, and be clear, without apology. We actually can be of great help in just a few seconds or minutes of time. Judy Robinett (author of the great book How To Be a Power Connector) demonstrated to me that you dont need to spend hours with someone to be of help.   Just a few minutes, an email intro, a powerful connection, an opened door   thats all it takes.   Finding ways to help people without exhausting yourself to the bone is the way to go. No, I no longer let people pick my brain for free, but where I can, I offer quick tidbits, insights and ideas. Developing free or low-cost programs that help people who cant afford your services is a WIN/WIN. Ive now created an array of great free and lower-cost resources that I point everyone to, when theyre asking for free help. Im excited about these resources because Ive seen that they move people forward. The free materials include Career Path Self-Assessment, Career Success Readiness Quiz, Resume Guide, LinkedIn Primer, Study Guide for my book, etc.). I also have more affordable training programs that a larger number of professionals can take advantage of. Ive found that having these resources to point people to allows me to be of service at the level I wish to for folks who cant pay my coaching fees.   It also allows me to protect my private time and my private coaching work, which comes at a premium. I recommend this step developing great, free materials that youre happy to give away a teleclass, newsletter, an audio, a video, downloadable guide, etc.   to all folks in the service business who want to help people in the largest way possible. And the kicker is that the free materials always generate a great return of some kind for me as well. Craft an authentic, personal response that works. Because I hear from hundreds of folks a month, I cant respond personally to each one. But Ive developed communications that Im able to customize and send out to folks who reach out to me wanting free help, explaining that due to the high volume of requests I receive for free help each week, Im unable to offer tailored recommendations to folks who arent my clients, because to provide effective help Id have to know much more, and that requires time and commitment. But Im happy to point them to my free and low-cost resources that will be of service. I value connecting with my community and with most everyone who writes me, but Im not developing each response from scratch. Helping people who need it doesnt make you a doormat. Read Adam Grants book Give and Take and youll see that many of the most successful people in the world are the most outrageously generous givers.   Giving something for free doesnt make you a loser, it makes you a giver. The key, however, is to give in ways that nourish, enrich, and support you, not break you down.   That requires clarity, commitment, systems that work for you, a well-defined vision of what you want to achieve in the world, and powerful boundaries to support that. In the end, Id ask this: What would you rather feel resentful and angry or happy to be of service in bigger ways than you ever imagined? Whats your biggest challenge in addressing requests for free help?

Why Technical Jobs are the Wave of the Future

Why Technical Jobs are the Wave of the Future Whether you are a recent high school graduate looking for a career path or simply considering a career change, determining which of the many fields to enter is overwhelming. The sheer number of factors makes it incredibly difficult to determine which fields are the best to choose. From earning potential to longevity, picking the correct field is critical for future success. Many advisors are pointing to the technical field as the best field for future growth. Why technical jobs are the wave of the future is simple:   the jobs offer the greatest opportunity for job growth and income potential. Technical jobs encompass a wide variety of skill sets. Leading professionals utilize these skills and their expertise to deal with a large range of specialized business areas. These include not only computer programmers, but also engineers, financial analysts, scientists and more. Technical jobs utilize advanced knowledge of computer systems, languages and project management experience to perform tasks and skills aimed at keeping a company ahead of the technological curve. The truth is: technology is rapidly expanding. Each day new techniques, programs and processes are developed. Implementing these changes, taking advantage of new technology and understanding how various advances can impact a business is critical for ongoing success. The great thing about technical jobs is the wide variety of positions available. Examples include the following: Sales Engineer: Identifies customer needs, improves business processes through engineering and adaptation of equipment, products and services PC Technician: Maintains computer environments by analyzing systems and needs, plans, implements and “rolls out” projects and installs the latest in hardware and software. Technical Support Specialist: Maximizes system abilities by implementing applications and recommending technologies to improve performance. Technical Writer: Employs both writing skills and an underlying understanding of technology by producing and editing product descriptions and instructions. Project Manager: Utilizes technology to smoothly integrate all aspect of project management. This may include scheduling software, tracing capabilities and other technological skills. Today, almost every aspect of a business has a technological component. Accounting systems that integrate with procurement and online outlets, productions lines that rely on automation, human resources, sales, administration… in short, businesses need trained technology professionals in order to function. At their most basic level, technical jobs are the wave of the future because technology is the future. Until such time, if ever, that technology evens out, businesses will need more trained professionals to implement the latest in advances. Anyone considering a career change should carefully consider technical options. Training and retraining is readily available and in the current job market, many of the jobs that are available are in the field of technology. Technical jobs may be the best way to ensure continued earning potential and job growth. Consider retraining in a technical field today to improve your marketability and earning potential.

A Formula to Write a Strong Resume Objective

A Formula to Write a Strong Resume ObjectiveIf you want to make sure that your resume is properly focused and something that your potential employer will really value, it is crucial that you decide on the format that you are going to use when it comes to writing a strong resume objective. There are many ways that you can go about this but I believe that the best way to get the best results out of the information you input is to use a formula that you can stick to.Writing a strong resume objective is not something that you have to be an expert in writing. What you need to do is make sure that you follow a formula that will ensure that you are as specific as possible with your information while still giving yourself a good chunk of information that your potential employer will be able to easily digest. If you remember to use a formula that can help you, you should be able to quickly see if your resume objectives are heading in the right direction.Your resume objectives should be no mor e than two paragraphs long. Make sure that you can cram in as much relevant information as possible without overloading your reader with information. Using a formula can help you here since you can rest assured that you can more easily stay within this stipulated space that will help you write a stronger resume objective.One of the best ways to make sure that you have a strong resume objective is to make sure that you have one that you feel really stands out. Your resume objective is usually the first thing that is going to come across to the eyes of the reader so it is important that you make sure that you are able to make a good first impression. Try and make sure that the information that you include in your resume objective is something that really makes you stand out from the crowd. You don't have to spend a lot of time on the whole thing but make sure that it is something that your prospective employer will be able to really be impressed by.Using a formula to help you out here is very simple but I suggest that you work with a professional resume writer so that you will know that you are getting a professional resume writer and not some random individual who might just be providing you a template. With a professional you can be sure that you are getting results that will really benefit you over and above just hiring someone who can tell you how to put a page together. Now, if you are not sure if you want to invest in a professional, you could always take some time and check out some of the free resume writing guides out there to see what others have said about it.I personally feel that using a formula for writing a strong resume objective is something that will be extremely beneficial to you. If you look at the best of the best in the industry and you are starting to see some results, you can be sure that it is definitely worth taking the time to look into what they have to say. You should also remember that it is up to you whether or not you want to use a professional resume writer, but it would be wise to do so at least once.Writing a strong resume objective is something that you will want to make sure that you incorporate into your resume. It is one of the most important parts of your resume and one that will help you stand out above the rest of the crowd.

My Boss Hate My Facial Expressions in Meetings

My Boss Hate My Facial Expressions in Meetings Q: My boss frequently tells me I “have a face on” while he is conversing with me about issues that have arisen in meetings. Obviously I’m not doing this on purpose, and I keep my face as neutral as I can. How should I respond? I’m young, I’m extremely busy/stressed at work, and he is often incredibly unhelpful. There is also a small part of me that feels like he says it to belittle me. Because I honestly have no idea what my response should be, and I don’t know what it achieves to point out that my face is showing frustration (or whatever it is he’s seeing). I’m often stressed during the meetings, so it’s entirely possible I’m pulling a face. But definitely not on purpose. Read More: My department is making us give each other “group feedback” A: Okay. So, if in fact your face is showing frustration, your boss is making a reasonable point (although using rather juvenilizing language to do it). If he’s giving you feedback or delegating work or having any of the other routine conversations that a manager will have with you, it is a problem if you regularly look frustrated. With most professional jobs, you’re expected to manage your emotions so that you’re not injecting negativity into these sorts of interactions. Regularly looking pissed off while talking with your manager isn’t good; you’ve just got to have more of a poker face than that. Obviously that’s easier said than done, but a lot of it stems from mindset. Ideally in these conversations your mindset would be open/collaborative/problem-solving. You want to come across as if you’re seeking to understand your boss’s point of view more than feeling resistant to it. It’s not that you can’t disagree, but you’re going to get the best results if you listen to him with an open mind, even if after mulling it over later, you decide you totally disagree. It also might help to simply practice keeping your face in a reasonably neutral position. You don’t need to have a rah-rah expression, but there’s a difference between “I’m calmly taking in what you’re saying” and “I hate what you’re saying.” There’s more advice on developing a poker face here. Meanwhile, assuming that you’re not going to master this overnight, if he says something about it again, I’d say something like, “Hmmm, I don’t mean to. I’m focusing on listening to what you’re saying/trying to figure out X/working with you to address Y.” If relevant, you can add, “I’ll admit that I am pretty stressed because of X” or “I’m having trouble understanding Y â€" can we talk more about that?” or whatever makes sense in the context. But all that said, it sounds like the bigger issue is: What’s going on that has you so frequently stressed and unhappy in your conversations with your boss? Are the two of you regularly out of sync on how work should be done? Is he just a jerk? Not good at his job? Giving you lots of critical feedback? Giving you an unrealistic workload? Ideally, with whatever’s at the root of it, you’d either discuss it head-on, or decide that he’s not going to change and that you need to decide if you can work there reasonably happily knowing that this is part of the package. But continuing to work there while looking obviously upset a lot isn’t a good option. That’s going to impact how others perceive you and over time will impact your reputation. Read More: I get embarrassingly emotional when criticized Q: I gave notice and my employer told me to leave immediately â€" do they still need to pay me for the notice period? If I gave two weeks notice and was released on the spot but am not able to start my new job for two weeks, does my former job have to pay me for the two weeks? A: They do not. Some employers have legitimate or semi-legitimate reasons for wanting people to leave as soon as they give notice, but it’s good form to pay you for those remaining weeks regardless. But good form doesn’t mean legally required, and they can stop your pay on the last day you actually work, even if that day is not the one you chose. Read More: My manager says I’m too abrupt with coworkers In most states, you could probably collect unemployment for those two weeks since you were unemployed during them through no fault of your own. These questions are adapted from ones that originally appeared on Ask a Manager. Some have been edited for length.

The Downside Risk of Techincal Writing Resume That No One Is Talking About

The Downside Risk of Techincal Writing Resume That No One Is Talking About 1 issue in particular that job seekers should keep an eye out for is accidentally name-dropping the incorrect business. Your cover letter should give the employer a good introduction on who you are, but in addition on what you know more about the company, its values and the way you may be a very good fit for the provider's vision. Writers can look at offering marketing services to their customers in an attempt to bring highly technical work to a greater audience. Technical writers should put money into an internet presence, but they don't necessarily must shell out money on online advertising. While commonly connected with online assistance and user manuals, technical writing covers a wide array of genres and technologies. It has always been an integral part of the product lifecycle. A Clear comprehension of the item under development is the most crucial skill you have to possess. Analyzed GUI proce dure flows to boost navigability and usability. Another form of technical writing is found in internet articles. Our resume builder gives you tips and examples about how to compose your resume summary. You merely picked the incorrect tech resume format. If one of these categories is a space in which you excel, visit its particular page to learn how resume skills may be used to your benefit. You might also wish to consider detailing exactly how familiar you're with the several tools and skills you mention. There are plenty of steps that you can take to enhance your technical skills. Finally, you should have excellent writing skills. Key Pieces of Techincal Writing Resume Since you're on the lookout for a technical writer position, make sure that you include your preceding title of Technical Writer'' as part of your prior job description. To read more on the subject of tech resumes (in addition to cover letters and the way to locate a job in the tech industry), have a loo k at the Vault Career Guide to the world wide web and Social Media. To learn more on what it requires to be a Technical Writer, take a look at our complete Technical Writer Job Description. The Technical Writer will help to prepare instructional manuals and other important supporting documents which are technically complicated for most readers and communicates them in a much simpler to understand language. As you may possess many different abilities, concentrate on the technical skills that the employer is searching for that make you a competitive candidate. If you don't have certain technical skills an employer desires, make it known that you're eager to learn whatever skills are essential to effectively do the job. If you're searching for a job for a writer, for instance, you might be required to get some simple understanding of HTML. For example, if you submit an application for a Chinese-English interpreting job, you ought to be fluent in both languages otherwise you would not really qualify for the position. There are several different kinds of technical skills. Make your resume universally understood by employing industry-recognized terminology and explaining whatever recruiters might come across confusing. Put simply, technical writing doesn't need to be Shakespeare, but nevertheless, it shouldn't bore a man or woman to tears either. It is significantly different than other types of writing such as narrative, because technical writing is intended to impart to the reader some specific skill or ability. Techincal Writing Resume at a Glance You should target each resume to the particular job listing and business. You will also wish to include relevant technical keyword phrases that recruiters and HR professionals might be searching for. If you're trying hard to think of any, you can attempt utilizing the job descriptions of ads in your industry, in addition to looking at LinkedIn profiles of folks working in similar roles. Some people belie ve listing outdated skills makes them look seasoned, but nonetheless, it typically makes the work seeker appear they don't understand the job and they're not relevant.

To Anyone Whos Said, Youre a Pretty Girl, Youll Do Fine Stop

To Anyone Whos Said, Youre a Pretty Girl, Youll Do Fine Stop Like, you wouldnt have your job if you werent beautiful thats what I hear when Im told not to worry about a thing, that Im a pretty girl so Ill do just fine. Thats, verbatim, what Donald Trump told a female reporter when shed asked him about Miss Universe pageants a while back, except Ive been told from the people who care most about me thats how pervasive a problem telling women their looks will earn them success has become.We could say, politically correct, that look doesnt matter, he said. But the look obviously matters.Certainly, pageant contestants are judged on their appearances (and poise, intelligence, talent and character). Journalists, like the aforementioned reporter and myself, are not. Rather, the success of my career as a journalist sits solely on my keen curiosity and the ability to build rapport with my sources, to articulate their stories with authenticity and devoid of bias which is no easy feat and e xhume truths about this world that, frankly, too often fall on deaf ears in a world that doesnt always want to hear it. My job is to persist in the effort to shape culture by disseminating underreported stories and to echo stories that have been told but deserve to be reiterated a million times over. My job is sometimes to expound opinions and always to offer clarity, divulge answers and summon even more questions from readers.In fact, much of my writing has a lot to do with why you dont need to be a pretty girl, and how to dismantle preconceived beauty standards that perpetuate the objectification, sexualization and gendered stereotyping of 54 percent of media consumers in this country.But Ive learned that its not easy to be both a journalist and a woman. Let me throw a million reasons why at you According to The Status of Women in the U.S. Media 2017 Report by the Womens Media Center (WMC), women receive just 38 percent of bylines and other credits in print, web, television and wi re news. They cover just 32 percent of stories on crime and justice 33 percent on religion 34 percent on U.S. politics 37 percent on tech, domestic issues and world politics, 38 percent on culture 40 percent on business and economics 44 percent on social issues and 49 percent on science. Even with regards to topics pertaining to women such as reproductive issues and campus sexual assault female journalists claim just 37 percent and 31 percent of stories, respectively.The lack of female journalists and sources in both legacy media outlets and modern curators creates an inevitable absence of the female voice on key issues in national dialogue. And, for those of us in the field, were too often relegated to only topics of style and dating thats all well and good, but that doesnt fit into all womens agendas.For me, I became a journalist because the stories I want to read have yet to be written. Thats been my agenda since day one. Journalism has had a particular allure to me since I st arted jotting down questions and notes to myself in glitter milk pens in the 90s. I kept ballet slipper-adorned sticky notes and scrap printer paper in a shoebox at the foot of my lofted bed, just beside a small porcelain boot in which I collected gold toothfairy dust. That box contained everything I believed in the power of the written definitiv and the toothfairy.In my work, it doesnt matter how pretty I am or am not. It matters how loud I am. It matters how tenacious I am. It matters how vehement I am. It matters how inspired, compelled, driven and unwavering I am. And the company for which my looks matter is a company Id never write for but, rather, write about.So, despite the fact that loved ones and friends are only trying to encourage and assure me that my career path will lead to success, I wish theyd say just about anything else.--AnnaMarie Houlis is a multimedia journalist and an adventure aficionado with a keen cultural curiosity and an affinity for solotravel. Shes an e ditor by day and a travel blogger at HerReport.org by night.