What Is a Cover Letter for a Job Definition, Purpose, Meaning

What Is a Cover Letter for a Job Definition, Purpose, Meaning A cover letter (covering letter, motivation letter, motivational letter or a letter of motivation) is a document attached to your job application that shows why youre the best candidate. It introduces you in a more personal way and compliments the info on your resume or curriculum vitae, expanding on the skills and achievements, and highlighting a selection of your greatest career successes.Though it is personalized, a cover letter for a resume should also be clean and visually organized.Here is a cover letter sample created with our cover letter builder.Sample cover letter created with our builder:See more templates and create your cover letter now.Create your cover letter nowSee that? This resume cover letter presents the candidate in a memorable way telling stories that show his skills and experience match what the employer seeks. Its also well-organized and long enough.The difference between a resume and a cover letter is clear: a resume is a list of specs and a cover letter is a full-blown marketing campaign. Yes, it still mentions facts and figures, but it puts them out the in the form of a story.You can find more in-depth information on how to write cover letters in our dedicated guides:How to Write a Cover LetterHow to Start a Cover LetterHow to End a Cover LetterHow Long Should a Cover Letter BeWhat Should a Cover Letter SayCover Letter StructureResume Cover Page ExampleCold Call/ Unsolicited Cover LetterCover Letter Samples for All ProfessionsNow, lets discover why cover letters are still a thing in 2019.Whats the Purpose of a Cover Letter for a Job in Todays Hiring?Ever wondered why its called a cover letter? Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, people submitted job applications on paper. The cover letter served as the actual cover page for the resume.It doesnt work like that today of course. Now its just a smart way to provide context to your application, convey motivation, show your personality, etc.Regardless, you still need a cover letter and it s still important. Heres why:53% of employers say a resume alone is not enough.49% of recruiters see a cover letter as a factor thatll make them pay more attention to your application. Thats the second-best way to boost your chances after a properly targeted resume.45% of recruiters say not having a cover letter will get your resume rejected, according to our hr statistics piece.Resume cover letters need to be a quick introduction to your skills and achievements. Nearly 70% of employers are looking for a half-page or less and 70% of employers spend less than five minutes reviewing a job application.26% of recruiters still list cover letters for a resume as being of high importance. So no cover letter means youve ruined your chances with a quarter of employers.Theyre crucial in explaining any parts of your resume that are less attractive to recruiters, like employment gaps.You can easily tweak it to create a letter of interest to tap the hidden job market. Around 15% of hires are mad e from sources other than standard job ads or referrals.What is the Point of a Cover Letter?The purpose of a cover letter is to provide additional background information about your application. The goal of the cover letter is to highlight your best qualifications, explain what's missing from your resume, and show a bit of your personal story. In 2020, it shows your commitment to the potential job, as it requires extra time on your part to write one.Pro Tip:Do you always need a cover letter? It is important in four cases: if the job ad requires it, if the recruiter requests it, if you're applying directly to a person and know their name, or if someone has referred you for the position.Key TakeawayHeres a brief roundup of what a cover letter for a job is:A cover letter is a document attached to your job application that shows why youre the best candidate.Not everyone expects cover letters, but a significant proportion of employers still do.If you dont include one, youre significantly reducing your chances of finding a job.Is there anything we didnt cover? Still not convinced you need a resume cover letter? Hit us up in the comments section. Wed love to help.

What Really Affects Your Ability to Make MoneyÂ

What Really Affects Your Ability to Make Money   This quarter, our recruiting firm received upwards of 33,000 resumes from all levels of sales and marketing job seekers from around the U.S. Nearly every income bracket, education level and age is represented. I’ve spent time wondering why is Sally making 35% more than Bob, even though Bob is just as good an employee.   As a matter of fact, with the right management, Bob could outperform Sally several times over. However, what about the CEO of Bob and Sally’s company, Mary, who makes over a million a year with stock options that could assist in a more comfortable retirement. I don’t claim to have all the answers in life, but when it comes to the Bob, Sally and Mary riddle, I believe I can provide useful insight. Our recruitment team has separated fact from myth in the hopes of assisting job seekers who truly wish to earn more, but who seem to continually hit disappointing brick wall after brick wall. What it’s not: Myth 1: People who make more money want to be more successful than those who do not earn.   Reality: As a matter of fact, some of the less monetarily successful people whom I meet have great intentions and ambition, but they lack in crucial areas which we’ll discuss. So, in this case, Mary may or may not have wanted to be CEO more, but that’s not what propelled her to another level when compared with her employees, Bob and Sally. Myth 2: People who make more money are more intelligent than those who earn less throughout their career. Reality: If you factor out the huge outliers such as that 23-year-old tech genius who created the next big app that Facebook buys, natural born IQ is a big equalizer instead of a differentiator. Myth 3: People who make higher incomes got a better education in college or are successful because of their network. Reality: While network is a factor in one’s ability to succeed, it does not work like most think it does.   You can’t network your way to the top. Rather, when you are successful, optimistic and productive, you naturally attract those similar in nature.   Thus, a network comes in handy after a certain level of success is achieved and confidence is gained.   It does not work the other way around. One can attempt to manipulate their way there, but it’s very difficult (not to mention morally bankrupt) because smart, successful people are not easily manipulated so this route almost never works in the beginning and nearly 100% fails in the end. Myth 4: An oppressive or supportive boss can hold you back long-term.   Reality: If you are the type that allows others to determine their ability to achieve and earn, from the onset you are not on the right path. Myth 5: You need to start with a chosen profession known to be high-earning.   Reality: While some jobs naturally pay more than others, people who gravitate towards a specific career for the money often find themselves earning at the bottom percentage in that vertical. For instance, young people who want to go into banking for the payoff almost never find themselves obtaining true wealth.   In order to make money, a person must be productive; in order to be productive, one must be happy, as optimism has a direct impact on a person’s will power to achieve. The Big Differentiators Between… The main difference between manager Sally, Marketing Employee Bob, and CEO Mary is more emotional than anything.   One’s ability to succeed is highly contingent upon ones belief that success is possible. Here are the big differentiators: 1. Attitude: While it may not appear so on the surface, in most instances, CEO Mary will possess a “let’s go get ‘em” mentality where manager Sally rarely can conjure up that enthusiasm alone and Bob tends to see reasons why things are not possible.   This prompts the quitting response. Thus, Mary is worth money to the company because her endurance and ambition are strong enough to get Sally to sign on.   Sally can then in turn relay the tasks that need to be achieved by Bob in order for the plan to come to fruition. In a meeting, the three may be analyzing the same business prospect, but often their views are different from one another’s. For those who wish to make more money, it’s imperative to understand that your habits must change before your mind can have the ability to.   New Years Resolutions often fail because people try to manipulate their habits with their conscious mind first. 2. Coping Mechanisms: Everybody is confronted with peril in their lives.   Hurdles are all relative, too.   What seems like a major setback and reason for quitting by Bob is seen entirely different in Mary’s eyes. Really efficient executives meet hardship with hard work.   Middle managers can often handle the stress, but tight deadlines and situations frequently erode manager Sally’s ability to perform at 100%.   At this point, Bob is more in-tune to his after-work nap and the Italian delivery he is getting later in the evening. Discipline and resiliency are two immense differentiators, and I would argue that they themselves are coping mechanisms. 3. Physical Health: While this is not always true, there is a correlation between earnings potential and physical conditioning.   Companies tend to favor applicants who are fit because they are often (though not always and not exclusively) the ones who come into the meeting seeming energized, engaged and focused. Additionally, the less experienced hiring managers tend to weigh looks much more heavily than they ought to.   Therefore, the gym rats will get a smoother start to their career. In the end: It can be argued that it is more one’s heart (gained will power) than it is ones head that builds earning power.   Here’s the good news:  If you have the concentration ability, inquisitiveness, and intelligence to make it to the end of this article, you have the foundation and propensity for wealth.

How to Maximize Video Interviews

How to Maximize Video Interviews A job interview can be a nerve wracking experience. At interviews you are not only being appraised for what you say or for what you can do, but also you are being examined on the way you present yourself, on whether you will fit within the companys corporate philosophy, and on your general demeanour. In recent years the format of job interviews has begun to reflect the increasingly technological world we live in. Video conferencing is now a popular choice when it comes to personnel selection. There are dedicated software programs, specialist interview techniques, and a wealth of advice on how to do well in a video interview. Key advantages of video interviews for employers The advantages of using video conferencing to interview job candidates can be classified into employer benefits and candidate benefits. Among employer benefits, the following can be highlighted: Video interviews allow for greater consistency. By using a pre-determined script and format, all candidates are asked the same set of questions Video conferencing captures the moment, and it does so permanently. Therefore, employers have the opportunity to replay, review, and rate the interviews online. Interviewers can also make use of videotaped material to compare candidates answers and performance during the interview Having visual material associated to the interview can help employers better remember outstanding candidates. This is especially true when video interviews are compared to audio interviews (for example, Skype-based interviews). By using video, employers can associate a candidates name to a face, so in fact, video interviews can help provide a more personal touch Time is at a premium for most human resources departments. Video conferencing allows employers to carry out a large number of interviews in a short space of time. This interview format is particularly useful when it comes to interviewing candidates who live in a different city or country. Video interviewing can cut recruitment costs by 50% What are some of the benefits that job seekers can draw from video interviews? Here is a (non-exhaustive) list: Video interviews are also advantageous to candidates in terms of time and money. There is no need to stress about being late to the interview because of traffic, and similarly, there is no need to travel to another city (with the associated expenses that come with it). The only investment you need to make is a computer with Internet access and a webcam, and almost everyone has that kind of equipment these days There are psychological benefits associated to video interviews. A job interview can be a lot less stressful if you can go through it from your own home You can practise for a video interview by recording yourself answering typical interview questions. You can then assess your performance and make the necessary changes, so that you feel confident and prepared on the day of the interview Video interviews are ideal if you already have a job but are looking to move elsewhere. Online interviews do not require you to take days off, something that could arouse your boss suspicions. Can a video interview improve my chances of getting the Job? The good news is that if you approach it correctly, a video interview can help you be successful in your job search. If you can perform well using video conferencing software, you’ll show that you’re at ease with modern technology. You’ll also have the opportunity to practise with the software until you’re comfortable with it. If you have picture-in-picture during the interview, you’ll be able to observe the appearance you’re projecting to your interviewers and adjust if necessary, which is something you don’t get the chance to do in a traditional interview format. By preparing thoroughly for your video interview and taking care to give the best impression possible you may be able to secure the job without even entering the office! Essential Video Interview Tips Prepare yourself ahead of time: As you are not meeting your employer face to face, you should think about emailing the interviewer your CV and any other applicable documents before the day of the interview. Two days before is the best time to send all the relevant papers. Practise: If you are not comfortable being in front of a camera then a good way to feel at ease with it is to practise the video interview with a friend over Skype. Get your friend to ask you the questions you expect to be asked and then ask for feedback. This way, you will also hopefully gain more confidence which can be used to your advantage when you’ve got the real video interview. Background and light: If you have the video interview in your own home then make sure you test the software and also check your background and lighting. If the sun is shining, the light often blocks out the screen so make sure that that doesn’t happen by checking everything first. Look in the camera: You may be tempted to look at yourself when you have the video interview but it is extremely important that you look throughout the interview at the webcam and not the screen. This will ensure you are keeping good eye contact with your interviewer and also gives the impression that you are very confident. Written by Amy Henderson, a career advice writer who is currently specialising in video conferencing interviews by LifeSize. Related:  How To Recruit for Niche Positions [5 Smart Ways].

How to present yourself with more confidence

How to present yourself with more confidence Does it frustrate you that others do not see you as you would really like them to? Sometimes we inadvertently present ourselves to others in ways that do not reflect our best  self. We may talk ourselves and our achievements down, avoid drawing attention to ourselves  or not take part in things that would be good for our personal and professional  development. We can change the perception that others have and the assumptions they make about us however. Re-framing is about exploring what you can do to create a positive and confident presence. Image We all have an image whether we like it or not. Our behaviours, actions and body language reflect whats going on in our heads and betray what we think and feel to those around us.  No matter what you do or don’t do, you are creating an impression on others and you will  be judged.  We do however, have the ability to reflect on the image we want to convey and do something  about it. Consider what people may think about you right now. Ask yourself: What do people say about me when I am not in the room? Is that what I want them to be saying? What do I hope to achieve when I communicate with people? What do I want to be known for? Does my online presence support this? If the image you convey isn’t something you’re comfortable with, you may find it helpful to  consider the following: Ask others: Seek feedback from those who are willing to give you an honest and constructive opinion. You might like to do this as a sharing exercise with 2 or  3 others so you all take a turn. Questions you might usefully ask could include: ‘If you were to use three words to describe me, which would you choose and why?’  What kinds of thing would you come to me for? (e.g. a good listener, problem solver, expertise, encouragement) What do you think I could do better at? What one thing could I do that would improve my image? (e.g. behaviour, approach, attitude). Remember â€" this isn’t about changing the essence of who you are, just developing your self-awareness through feedback so you can work on being the best version of you. Addressing your negative inner voice Sometimes the negative voice in your head can reinforce your lack of confidence. This is likely to be reflected in your behaviours and actions. For example: All  the others seem so much more capable than me. Ill just keep quiet in the seminar so I dont look like an idiot.  I really messed up that last assignment so I wont volunteer for that other piece of work. No one will vote for me so Im not going to risk it. The negative voice can have a significant impact on your feelings and emotions. But it can be challenged with a different, more constructive interpretation: All the others? Perhaps not all of them. How do I know Im less capable than them? This week I am going to express my views. I didnt completely mess up the assignment; my tutor gave me feedback on areas where I could improve so I can do better next time. If I dont put myself forward  for the  exe position Ill  never know. Re-framing can help you to consider an alternative perspective. Things are rarely as black or white as we assume. Challenge yourself, particularly if you find yourself using terms such as everyone,  all or no-one. Generalisations and assumptions are hard to  qualify with supporting evidence. Develop the habit of challenging your negatives. This will help to build confidence and resilience. Your contributions will be recognized and the image you present will more accurately begin to reflect the version of you that you want others to see. Networking Networking can be critical to future career success in specific industries. To some, the very suggestion of the word can induce nausea! The key is to find a way to do this that makes it more comfortable so you can reap the benefits. Re-framing your perception of networking makes it more accessible. In his book ‘The Success Code’ the career coach John Lees suggests that networking can be made  less daunting by considering the following approaches: If you prefer deeper relationships, aim for quality conversations with 2 or 3 people Take small steps initially to build your confidence Be clear about why you are asking them for help Mix online and face to face activity to keep generating contacts At careers and employer events I have a very simple strategy, who looks friendly? I approach friendly people and  by developing a more organic approach rather than a ‘tactical’ one Ive found I have developed some great contacts who coincidentally turn out to be very helpful.  See  our Networking for Introverts and Networking for Beginners  posts In summary You have the ability to manage yourself, your image and how you come across. By growing the confidence to take action to develop yourself and your career, you will be seen and noticed in the way you want to.

Resume Objectives

Resume ObjectivesThe resume objective is your first impression. That's how your prospective employer will come to see you and determine whether you're right for the job or not. It's your resume-you're going to tell them about yourself. It's your chance to sell yourself and to land that dream job.You know that you have to follow this 'rules' when it comes to writing a resume objective. But do you know why it is such an important part of your resume? Why doesn't a summary of experience and education do it? And why does your resume need to tell someone who you are first?There's one very good reason why your resume objective should be written in as much detail as possible. In addition to setting you apart from other applicants, a good resume objective tells your employer everything he needs to know. It gives him a very brief description of you so that he can see exactly what he's getting. And it gives him a general idea of what kind of person you are and how you can make an impact on his business.But why do you need an objective when your resume only gives you a very general idea of what you do and where you're from? A resume should only have one thing in common with a call sheet. That's your objective. You can't expect a recruiter to skim over this paragraph because you wrote it and left it blank.It's companies that want to find out more about you that place a cap on what they call your 'offer letter.' If they're looking for somebody who can teach them something new, they'll expect to see a well-structured resume that summarizes all your education and experience in a way that shows them what they're missing without ever saying it outright.Why is a resume objective the most important part of your resume? Because your employer is reading it for precisely that reason. He'll read your resume, note your experience and education, and then decide whether he should give you an interview. If he does, that's going to be based on your resume objective, because it gives him e verything he needs to decide that.By following the 'rules' when it comes to writing a resume objective, you're ensuring that you land that interview and landing the job. If you don't stand out from the crowd, it won't matter if you went to college and earned a Master's degree in human resources management. You might have a great resume, but if it lacks a job objective, your resume is worthless.Your resume and your objective should be written carefully. If they're missing some information or have an 'Oops' in them, that's going to make your future employer think that he might want to call you back.

How to prepare for difficult interview questions - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

How to prepare for difficult interview questions Let’s face it, preparing for a job interview could be daunting. A lot of my  interview coaching clients struggle with interview performance and are unsure of what the interviewers are really looking for. You should always answer questions directly and try to use the appropriate  examples from your past experience to demonstrate your skills and personal characteristics. Keep your answers concise and relevant. If you cite an example, keep it brief and don’t lapse into telling a long-winded story. Most interviewers will know that it is difficult to remember every area of your past quickly. They will also appreciate your wanting to provide a suitable response by taking the time to consider your answer. So don’t be afraid to say something along lines of “Let me think about that for a moment.” Find out how to prepare for difficult interview questions in my article for Careeralism here:   http://www.careerealism.com/difficult-interview-questions-prepare/

Top CEOs Gurus Give Surprising Leadership Advice - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

Top CEOs Gurus Give Surprising Leadership Advice Those multi-billion dollar CEOs you read about don’t make it on their own. They are advised in both work and life on how to succeed at such high levels. Rest-assured that they are receiving advice that is more unique than ‘work hard’, ‘be a good communicator’, or ‘stick to your path’. This is the kind of advice that will lead people to middle management, not C level positions at powerful corporations. Here are several examples of leadership advice that CEOs often receive from their to gurus. Much of this may not be at all what you would expect major leaders to be taught. Guide and Motivate Rather Than Issuing Orders If you see a boss who gets things done via barking orders and shouting out directives, chances are that person knows very little about the people who work underneath them. After all, how could they. Has anyone ever thrived in that kind of work environment? Has anyone ever gone above and beyond to creatively solve a problem or made an extra effort to ensure a customer was happy because they were so motivated by their boss’s screaming? Of course not. In spite of this, the stereotypical image of the boss as alpha type dominating employees is still quite popular. Many in leadership positions feel the need to emulate out of fear of appearing to be weak or indecisive. In reality, leaders who take the time to get to know their employees and learn what motivates them will always be better able to get the best performance out of their team members. Good Leaders Feel Doubt and Fear The trait of vulnerability is more valuable to leaders than many people may think. Workers don’t associate this emotion with a lack of competence or leadership. Instead, they see leaders who are willing to display doubt and fear as being trustworthy. Showing these emotions is also a great indicator of empathy. Imagine being a part of a company in the midst of a stressful international expansion. You need things translated into a foreign language to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, the company translating documents, localizing web pages, and ensuring that your translation needs are met fall through. Things are thrown into a last minute panic. While people would rightly expect leadership to step in and hire an experienced translation service provider like The Word Point, they don’t expect them to remain emotionless in such a stressful time. Leaders earn respect while being honest about their vulnerabilities while still remaining strong enough to counted upon for solutions. There is no Prize for Overworking Recently a few CEOs have been rightfully dragged on social media for expressing that new hires should give up any hope of a work life balance. There is even a CEO who questions interviewees over whether or not they would disrupt a vacation to Disney with their families to return to work on demand. He’s not just testing the waters with this question. In fact, he fully expects them to answer in the affirmative. The truth is, this just isn’t necessary. These displays of company loyalty or working insanely long hours don’t lead to more success. They don’t lead to a better bottom line. Not only should good leaders discourage these unhealthy work patterns, they should be vigilant in encouraging workers to achieve a healthy work life balance. Leaders should be an example in physical and mental self-care. They should take breaks and vacations, and encourage others to be the same. Encourage Service The best leaders understand the privilege that is the foundation for all of their hard work. While remaining very proud of their accomplishments, they also seek out opportunities to give back to the community where they launched or house their empires. This is why you see famous CEOs ranging from Bill Gates to Richard Branson being involved in charitable initiatives. It’s also why they encourage their employees to do the same. Great leaders find causes that they are passionate about. Then, they encourage their teams to work under them towards these causes. They also will encourage employees by matching both savings and donations. Finally, leaders can motivate and set an example of prioritizing service by giving their own time to support charitable causes. Always Have a Vision and Always Share It Leaders always have a plan for growth and change. They don’t keep this under wraps either. They become infected with enthusiasm and want to share that enthusiasm with the people who work under them. Good leaders know that their excitement and positivity keeps their team motivated and ready to move forward. Imagine if Elon Musk had waited until SpaceX had its first successful launch before he began to create buzz around it.   The Smartest People You Know Should Work Under You   Phil Libin, former CEO of Evernote once wrote an article that discussed his realization that if he only had the time, he could take on most every job in his company and do it better than his employees. The realization wasn’t confidence boosting. Libin didn’t want to be better at these jobs than his employees. That as a clear formula for micromanagement. That doesn’t benefit anyone. At that point, he made the commitment that he would always hire people who could more than do their jobs better than he could. Leaders Prioritize Listening   Some leaders may schedule department walkthroughs where they meet with team members to discuss concerns. They may even have an ‘open door policy’ or be eager for suggestions. Unfortunately, these gestures are more symbolic than anything else. Good CEOs don’t need to take this kind of action. Instead, listening to their staff is simply part of what they do. They know some of the best advice comes from the team members who make the products, interact with the customers, and are otherwise part of daily operations. Conclusion The best advice for leaders isn’t always what one would expect. Employees want to be confident in leadership. However, they don’t necessarily admire leadership that is overly harsh or who expect an unfair level of loyalty. Instead, empathy, vulnerability, and an ability to express a vision for the future is what employees most respect. Author bio: Margaret Reid is a freelance writer who is seeking to discover new ways for personal and professional growth. Currently she`s working in the company The Word Point and trying to improve herself in the blogging career. Margaret is an experienced and self-driven specialist who cannot imagine her life without writing.