To Cover Letter or Not Cover Letter, That Is The Question

To Cover Letter or Not Cover Letter, That Is The Question To Cover Letter or Not Cover Letter, That Is The Question || Are Cover Letters Still Relevant? Job search March 9, 2018 13 CommentsIf I had a dime every time I hear the question “should I create a cover letter”, I would be a happy person with a great passive income (a very specific example, I know.) In my personal experience, I have not done a cover letter in the last 3 years and I have definitely managed to get not only interviews but job offers. However, this has been my personal experience, and a part of me still wonders if I simply got lucky. So, I consulted with a talent acquisition professional who is an industry expert experienced in evaluating talent and extending interviews…I present you Virginia Lloyd and her perspectives on whether or not we should still do a cover letter in 2018.Skip the Cover LetterApplying for jobs has become increasingly easy, in most scenarios involving a single click to submit your resume. Although this makes the job applicant’s life much easier, it makes the recruiters’ jobs much harder. Countless hours are spent scanning through re sumes with very little return on the investment. For this reason, recruiters spend more and more time actively looking for and engaging with passive talent rather than sitting in an applicant tracking system waiting for the right person to apply.We all have incredibly short attention spans nowadays, and recruiters are no exception. Recruiters usually don’t spend more than 10 seconds skimming through a resume. When applying for a job, the application’s first and most important function is to catch the recruiter’s attention. So, focus on your resume and forget the cover letter. Cover letters tend to be a distraction or in most cases are not even looked at. They’re too often obviously templatized mass produced (e.g.  Dear Hiring Manager  or  To Whom It May Concern) or have clearly not been updated with the correct job title or company name or include spelling and grammatical errors. You probably hate creating a cover letter as much as the recruiter dreads reading it. Ultimatel y, a cover letter is more of a liability than an asset.A Resume Is Your Most Valuable Real EstateRather than spending time on a cover letter, put the extra effort into perfecting your resume. Resumes should convey your elevator pitch at the top and showcase the impact you’ve made.  For example, if you work in marketing, describe the value you added in different roles. Perhaps you created a plan that increased the company’s web traffic by X number of unique visits. Or you developed a campaign that improved inbound sales numbers by X amount. These are important data points that tie into the company’s bottom line and give a better indication of the value you will add to your next role.Putting an objective at the top of your resume with what you are looking for is almost as bad as including a cover letter. It tells the recruiter nothing about your experience and what you have to offer. Consider instead adding an impact summary. List relevant projects and the business impact you’ ve made in past positions. Ultimately, driving impact is what matters.Listing side projects can also be valuable to include. They demonstrate passion and allude to the fact that you enjoy learning and take ownership of your own growth. These points can greatly increase the chances that you’ll grab the attention of the recruiter and  they’ll continue reading into the details of your resume. Even if they decide you’re not the right fit for the role, the odds are better that they will spend time reviewing your qualifications background.Network, Network, NetworkTo really set yourself apart, take the time to find a recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn and send them a connection request with a personalized message. Personalized and intentional networking offers the highest  chances of getting a response to your job application. Once you’re connected, send a quick note and express how excited you are about the role and company and let them know you’ve applied. This approach w ill greatly increase the chances that someone will review your resume.As recruiters focus more time on hunting for talent, they spend less and less time on reviewing applications.  Unfortunately, it’s common for resumes to sit in an applicant tracking system and never be looked at. This is especially true for large companies with high volumes of applicants. More often than not, the right candidates come through employee referrals, networking events, company-hosted events, and customized outreach.  In other words, you have to set yourself apart as a job applicant. Any good recruiter will respond to a candidate and  personally sends them a message expressing interest. If they don’t respond within a week, consider sending a follow-up message to reiterate how interested you are in the role, or try contacting someone else at the company instead. Although it can get frustrating when you don’t hear back, try not to be discouraged. This approach takes more time, but your success rate and the odds of talking to a hiring manager are much higher.So, if you are actively job searching, forego the cover letter unless the job application specifically asks for it! Let me know what your experience is in trying this method if you decide to adopt it today. Or, if you’ve gotten interviews without cover letters, let us know too!One exception (edited 3/14/18):  Wisely noted by my good friend Sergio Sanchez, PhD  (see his comment by scrolling to the bottom of the blog post):Networking is the way to differentiate yourself and get ahead of the bot because the hiring manager knows s/he wants you before they even post the job. A cover letter (or a modified, less formal version of one) is a helpful way to introduce yourself to individuals that don’t yet know you but you want to network with. Whether it is a cold contact or an introduction through a mutual acquaintance, folks at the receiving end of networking requests want to know a little bit about you before they decide to sh are 20-30 mins of their busy time with you. They are going to have to stop doing something to talk to you! So that brings us back to the original question … Are cover letter still required? For the one-click applications … definitely not. For networking and introducing yourself … I think the answer is yes.  Funny thing is, this is exactly why cover letters were first created: to introduce yourself to a PERSON and create demand for you as a candidate. It all comes back to the beginning, doesn’t it! : )Virginia specializes in talent acquisition ranging from hands-on recruiting to building out best practices and processes, as well as leading small teams at high tech companies. She is an alumnus of Google, SONOS, Red Hat, and Spotify, and is currently the Director of Talent at  White Ops, an  NYC-based cybersecurity startup.

Far And Wide The Lowdown On Resume Distribution

Far And Wide The Lowdown On Resume Distribution It can seem overwhelming to distribute your resume and get your name out there, but it doesnt have to be. If you can slow down, think things through, and be confident in your search and distribution, then it will be much easier. Here are some things you should remember and be aware of when choosing where and how to distribute your resume. Send your resume to more than one place: You will have a better chance at actually getting a job if you have your eggs in more than one basket. Dont give your resume to places you wouldnt commute to: This seems like common sense, but it is something you should keep in mind the whole time you are distributing your resume. If you are not willing to commute daily to a company, then dont bother wasting your time or theirs by giving them your resume. Follow up: After spending hours giving your resume to dozens of companies, you want to be able to know what is happening and if your hard work is paying off. But be careful not to become annoying. Follow up after a week or two and be very polite and to the point. Dont become discouraged: Know right now that it will take a lot of time for you to get called in for an interview or get the job. You cannot let the long amount of time discourage you from distributing and re-distributing. You need to keep going and you will eventually get the job that you are looking for.

Student Resume Template Help!

Student Resume Template Help! Resume examples and templates are very helpful, especially when you're writing one of your initial resumes. Resume comes with appropriate format or structure, and it's important to follow along with the structure carefully. Our huge range of downloadable resume templates is totally free for all to use and a good resource to kick off the writing process. Utilizing a resume template is getting an acceptable and smart practice for quite a few factors. Using Student Resume Template Resume objectives can help you in writing objectives in your resumes while applying for numerous posts. Working a remote job differs. Instead of simply stating your duties and responsibilities, you should center on the skills you used to accomplish goals and total projects. A number of students decide to put minimal effort in their resumes, but that's their decision they have sufficient feedback to estimate how their resumes will fare facing the panel. New Step by Step Roadmap for Student Resume Template Student resume is critical, and therefore you shouldn't show unnecessary rush in the practice of writing your resume. Student resume is only the exact same. A College Student resume should showcase superior multitasking abilities and the ability to stay organized and on-task during the day. Most high school students have a tendency to submit an application for a food services position. The New Angle On Student Resume Template Just Released You should first pick a sample resume which best suits you. Above all, following a superb sample can help you to maintain expert structure of a resume with perfection. Our sample law student resume and step-by-step guidelines will allow you to win your very first case and find that interview. Think of what you are going to be putting on your resume, and select your template accordingly. Want to Know More About Student Resume Template? Most employers aren't expecting you to get extensive experience be cause an internship is generally the very first experience students have in their area. Nursing students will need to create their professional resume to submit an application for internship jobs or training under a trusted healthcare center. In addition, you can look for student jobs on Monster. Furthermore, you can look for nursing student jobs on Monster. Student Resume Template for Dummies You may also have a skills section in which you list soft skills along with any programs, languages, or certifications you've got. One of the greatest approaches to be certain your resume gets noticed is to get eye-catching, appropriate section headers. Your resume will be broken into sections. Students with minimum work experience may also add a section discussing their involvements. Employers can learn all they will need to understand about a candidate from their school performance, which means that your Education section should reflect well on you. A comprehensive education sect ion is the meat of a university student resume, so make sure that you don't brush over it. High School Resume templates are a valuable resource for such students.

Hidden Answers to Can You Put Writing a Blog Post on Your Resume for Software Engineer Identified

Hidden Answers to Can You Put Writing a Blog Post on Your Resume for Software Engineer Identified The Can You Put Writing a Blog Post on Your Resume for Software Engineer Stories In the pre-screen, you may use an on-line code editor like Etherpad or just Google Docs to find the candidate code a remedy to Fizz Buzz. Listing skills needed for the position is a no-brainer. Essentially, you've nailed work at a unicorn business. Resumes should demonstrate what you could do and not what you can't do, states Harrison. A History of Can You Put Writing a Blog Post on Your Resume for Software Engineer Refuted When clients screen for freelance developers, there's a certain set of criteria they'll be searching for. Be specific to the work position you're applying for. Let's say you're applying for employment at Airbnb. While technical pros' resumes do not will need to be pretty, formatting can earn a tremendous difference in a resume's readability. The Pain of Can You Put Writing a B log Post on Your Resume for Software Engineer You don't need to cut out the personal stuff completely since it will show you're an actual individual. For instance, if you take up an on-line training course in say, metaphysics. On the flip side, a resume that attempts to adhere to the 1 page rule isn't likely to cut it for a technical person unless they are a newcomer to the area. If you get a legitimate reason behind the short-term jobs, make sure the reason is clear. There's something named Resume paper that's manufactured especially for CVs. All it requires to get it's a single click. You'll receive several websites with all the info you will need. Networking resumes should demonstrate that you find it possible to summarize the info. The Start of Can You Put Writing a Blog Post on Your Resume for Software Engineer You will also want to include things like all your work and education info. Your resume structure will also permit you to incorporate some achievements. Rath er than listing your skills gained, attempt to come up with bullet points that convey the way your communication skills improved, and the way you demonstrated leadership abilities. The truly amazing thing about an internet portfolio page is that you're able to customize it to reflect your distinctive talents and interests. Rumors, Lies and Can You Put Writing a Blog Post on Your Resume for Software Engineer Also, it's a good idea to review and compare notes whenever possible with different interviewers or hiring managers as the interview will be fresh in your thoughts. One other important issue isn't just to tell a story, yet to tell a fantastic story. You always need to continue to keep your resume and exactly what you speak about in an interview very, very professional. If at all possible, speak to an experienced software engineer who may give you more insight into necessary skills. When you've landed the job, you can get new abilities and take extra courses. Instead, rev iew the job posting for the essential skills and be certain to list the vital skills you do possess. Be sure to show that you've got the vital skills for the job.

How to Use the New Facebook Jobs Feature

How to Use the New facebook inc Jobs FeatureFacebook has finally launched a job search feature and its about time The Job Seeker Nation surveys by JobVite have been stating for years that 67% of job seekers find jobs on Facebook. Given this information, it was good timing for Facebook to cater to the job-seeking market. If youre not familiar with the Facebook jobs feature, heres your tutorial so you can find your next great career.START BY IMPROVING YOUR facebook inc PAGEBe aware that employers will be able to review your profile and see what youve posted, so its time to clear out anything negative and create a polished presence. Well-written posts, positive thought leadership, and industry-specific content are all great ways to impress employers.FIND JOBSOn the left side of your profile there is a see more tab that you can click. Select the Jobs tab it will take you to a page that looks like thisFrom there you can narrow down your search by location, industry, or job type.SEARCH, S UBSCRIBE, AND APPLYSearch In the top-left corner is a search bar where you can enter a search through the different positions using terms you want to find.Subscribe On the right-hand side you can subscribe to be notified of new job openings.Apply Unlike Google for Jobs, one of the best features is that you can apply directly from the Facebook page.The application auto-fills job history and other profile data so you dont have to start over with each application. You can also edit your information before you submit.After submitting your application, a Facebook Messenger conversation opens up between you and the company Facebook page. Heres a tip Follow the pages of companies that youre interested in, read their news and announcements and do your research. Its a major benefit during an interview to know the company, what they do, and why youre a great fit.

Micromanage 4 Ways to Deal With a Boss Who Does This

Micromanage 4 Ways to Deal With a Boss Who Does This Your babo heard that delegating was important so that she could focus on priorities. Good for you If you get an important task, you can showcase your creativity and earn respect from your kollektiv members.But it doesnt turn out quite how you had hoped Your boss becomes a control freak.Hey, I just stopped by to landsee how you were doing. Are you working? Oh...I see you found the time to go shopping, huh? Love your outfit But tell me, how is it going? Did you do everything I said? Dont you miss that deadline Give me the updates Did you collect enough data? Are you making any progress?The boss rolls out all these questions and comments in a single breath. You dont know what to do. Can you just tell zu sich to give you a break and leave you alone? No. This is your boss. Youre playing byher rules. When she asks, you answer. When she wants updates, you deliver.Still, there are some ways of dealing with a micromanager boss without overs tepping or losing your cool. You have to be subtle in your approach and play this game right, though. Here are four tips on how to stay in control of a difficult situation with a micromanaging boss1. Eliminate Any Reason for Doubt.When managers micromanage, they want to make sure they are in control of every aspect of the project. If you notice youre dealing with a control freak, try to nip it in the bud before she goes overboard.Show your boss that youre on top of the project. Shes going to ask for updates and remind you about the deadlines. You dont want her to do that. So what do you do? Simple you just send her updates before she asks.While many managers dont need frequent updates on your day-to-day operations, if youre sure your boss has a mora hands-on leadership style, its a good idea to start sending frequent emails about your progress. Anticipate her needs ahead of time, and keep her updated before she asks.For instance, if you know that your boss will ask for the first dra ft of a business report today, you should get one step ahead and say, I just left the draft on your desk as soon as you see her.Your boss will appreciate your anticipating her needs, and it may be a step towards getting her off your back.2. Build Trust.Michelle Davis, career advisor from Resumes Planet, has this to say on the issue of micromanagement Lets be honest fruchtwein people feel like they are being micromanaged by their bosses. They would like to get initial instructions and be left alone. But thats not always possible. Managers are there to manage. If you feel like the manager is on your back for something, you should wonder have you done something to provoke that?When youre trying to find a solution, start by looking at yourself. If you missed deadlines or failed to deliver the expected results, youll have to work your way toward regaining trust. If youre new at the company, youll have to start from scratch and make this boss believe in you.So deliver the updates, and do your job in the best way possible. Make a commitment to keep the boss informed on the progress. Collaborate with the team members, and get help whenever you need it. Ask if theres anything else you can do. If youre not dealing with a true control freak, chances are the boss will stop micromanaging you with time.3. If Youre Encouraged to Bring Up Issues, Bring Them UpManagers dont want to micromanage. Most of them are not even aware they are doing it. They can still be good bosses they just need some time to grow, like we all do.If your boss encourages the employees to bring up issues, you can certainly talk to her. Its best to make this a one-on-one conversation. Remember youre not Try this I believe a tad more flexibility would allow me to do my job better. Im concerned that you might not trust me. I absolutely need guidelines and want to follow them, but I feel like I need some space for creativity.This is a risky step. It wont work in every situation. If you feel like you could t alk to your boss this way, do it. It may help you earn the flexibility you crave.4. Learn the Lessons.Even bosses who micromanage offer important lessons. They teach you to be detail-oriented. They will remind you to pay attention to the smaller pieces while keeping the big picture in mind at the same time.This kind of manager holds you to a higher standard, which you can most certainly meet if you try hard enough. So bear with the pressure for a while. Youre learning the most valuable lesson of all theres always room to grow.Instead of focusing on your boss and being frustrated about her management style, consider Do you still want this job? Do you feel youre good enough for it?If you answered yes to both questions, then you should just keep going. Gaining the trust of this schrift of boss is not easy, but its a big step toward career development.So how do you deal with a micromanaging boss? You try to point out the issue, and get more flexibility if possible. If you dont see any c hances for that, you just work with the boss. When you gain her trust, the micromanaging may let up. Eventually. If it goes on for years, and you see zero chances of improvement on her end, it may be time for drastic measures like considering other career opportunities.--Eva Wislow is a career coach and HR Executive from Pittsburgh. Eva has a degree in psychology and is focusing on helping people break down their limits, find their dream job, and achieve life and career success. She finds her inspiration in writing and peace of mind through yoga. Connect with Eva on Twitter.

4 Reasons You Aren#8217;t Advancing Professionally

4 Reasons You Aren8217t Advancing Professionally There are costs and risks to a program of action, but they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction, John F. Kennedy Allow me to preface this article by saying that when I talk about advancing professionally, Im not referring exclusively to getting a promotion or starting your own company.Climbing the corporate ladder is, of course, a form of professional advancement, but there are other forms as well. Growth can mean mastering (and applying) new skills, introducing new systems that benefit the company, increasing your contribution to the bottom line, and so much more.If you feel that youve stopped growing (or never started), then you might fall into one or more of these categories.You do the bare minimumYou know your job description by heart and will not lift a finger beyond what you were hired to do. Perhaps you see it as unnecessary to go above and beyond, perhaps you dont know you should, or perhaps youre just inspired in your current role. Whatever the reason, this approach will jeopardize your learning and prevent your from establishing yourself as the go-getter/leader type. The result? Youll stay exactly where you are professionally.Youre surrounded by mediocrityQuotes and studies abound about how we are who we surround ourselves with. This is true on both personal and professional levels. If youre part of a company or department or gruppe that is characterized by mediocrity, not by excellence, then it will be all too easy to fall into a complacent mindset, keeping you exactly where you are.Youre afraid of failureMany people who dream of starting their own business dont because theyre afraid of failure, and many people who dream of advancing professionally dont for the exact same reason. You might be afraid to ask for more responsibilities, afraid to shake things up, or afraid of stepping on someone elses toes. Forgive me for this, but lets take a moment and step back into high school lit. In the wise words of William Shakespeare, Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose to the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt. Unless youre in an environment that will unjustly punish you for trying and failing, push past your doubts and attempt new things.You Wont Switch Jobs, Even When Its TimeThere usually comes a time when changing jobs is necessary to advance your career. As with any major life decision, it can be intimidating. First you have to get a job you want, then you have to leave behind your colleagues, job security, and day-to-day comfort to which youve grown accustomed. At your new job, you start all over again, trusting from your interviews that youll enjoy the work, get along with your new coworkers, and be moving up in the professional world. Even with all of this in mind, there comes a time when its necessary to push beyond your resistance to change.Th e stimmung of this story? If youre uninspired, surrounded by mediocrity, in a job that punishes you for trying, or have maxed out your potential in your current position, then its time to search for a new job.